COVID-19 SUPPORT

We leveraged strong community collaborations developed through the DSRIP program to mobilize and respond quickly and effectively to the COVID-19 crisis. Numerous efforts took place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and many are still underway.

Supporting Tele-connectivity in the Community

As the COVID-19 pandemic swept the country, organizations both large and small had to quickly adjust to remote workers and the decentralization of their IT infrastructure. Workers were often asked to work out of their homes without adequate computers and internet connectivity. Organizations throughout the Finger Lakes Region urgently needed laptop computers for their staff that were suddenly working from home. We rapidly responded to the needs of the community, asking for and receiving more than 160 laptop computers and distributing them to partner and other local organizations within two months of the request.

Leveraging Population Health Analytics

We leveraged our data analytic capabilities to identify high-risk patients for time-sensitive outreach on the onset of the pandemic. We coordinated with several Federally Qualified Health Centers and Community Based Organizations to mobilize their staff to contact over 10,000 patients. The staff provided COVID-19 education and connected patients to healthcare and needed services.

Mobilizing and Supporting COVID-19 Rapid Testing in Underserved Areas

We helped in bringing free COVID-19 rapid testing to underserved communities by planning, organizing, and staffing testing events throughout the City of Rochester in the fall of 2020. Over 900 individuals were screened for COVID-19 of which approximately 750 individuals were tested for COVID-19. Additionally, nearly 500 individuals received the flu vaccine. These community events informed the Monroe County COVID-19 testing that started in late 2020/early 2021 and we continued to provide support in planning, organizing, and operating county-wide free testing sites.

Mobilizing and Supporting the COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Distribution Efforts

We are currently supporting the COVID-19 vaccine distribution in underserved urban and rural areas. As a member of the Finger Lakes Vaccine Hub, and in coordination with numerous partners in the region, we are helping to inform and guide targeted approaches to ensure equity in access. The various workgroups utilize data to identify gaps and set priorities in collaboration with the Finger Lakes Vaccine Hub, Common Ground Health, and other stakeholders.

“The Finger Lakes IPA, a partnership of the region’s community health centers, six behavioral health organizations, and the S2AY Rural Health Network, is very excited to be a part of this important initiative by FLPPS to support the critical need for access to developmental screenings for young children in our rural communities. This program will give us the ability to provide access to services that are often not available due to geographic and other barriers to care experienced by our patients.”

Mary Zelazny, Chair of Finger Lakes IPA and CEO of Finger Lakes Community Health

“For decades Regional Health Reach has been a leader in the community in providing healthcare and support services to those experiencing homelessness. Through our traditional clinic, mobile medical unit, and presence at shelters, our Healthcare for the Homeless program has touched thousands of lives. Health Reach is excited to partner with Finger Lakes Performing Provider System and MC Collaborative to expand our reach to unsheltered individuals, meeting them where they are, to provide the care they need.”

William E. Belecz, Executive Director of Regional Health Reach

“The key to the success of this menu of services is our ability to have a two-way dialogue with doctors and other medical professionals about both health and social support needs at home. We’ve proven this model can improve patient outcomes and reduce unnecessary ED visits and hospitalizations, and that’s a win for everyone. It also reduces both physician and patient/family caregiver frustrations.”

Ann Marie Cook, President and CEO of Lifespan

“By expanding our Person In Crisis teams to include certified peer specialists, we will be able to assist even more of our residents in need in a humane and compassionate manner. In addition, by assisting residents in this new way, we are expecting that there will be a reduced number of people calling the PIC team because they are getting connected to the services they need.”

Former City of Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren

“I am excited to see ‘equity in action’ through this partnership with FLPPS, who recognizes the importance of lived experience and elevating the parent and patient voice to bring change across our health and behavioral health systems.”

Sara Taylor, Founder of BIPOC PEEEEEEK