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Bilingual Team of HRHCare Physicians Extends Critical Health Care Access for New York’s Underserved Populations.
Peconic, NY – HRHCare, one of the largest federally qualified health center (FQHC) systems in the country with more than a 40-year history of providing high-quality health care to underserved populations, hosted a Day of Health for agricultural workers on the North Fork. Reaching one of the state’s most typically underserved populations, last Thursday’s Day of Health at Pindar Vineyards in Peconic, was the second such event in less than six months. The two events combined have served more than 100 workers.
“The HRHCare Day of Health creates the opportunity for all New Yorkers to get access to the quality health care services they deserve,” said Anne Kauffman Nolon, MPH, President and CEO of HRHCare. “We know that Long Island’s agricultural workers are one of our state’s most chronically underserved populations, and HRHCare is proud to partner with local winegrowers, namely Shinn Estate Vineyards and Pindar Vineyards of the Long Island Sustainable Winegrowers, to make a real difference in the lives of those who do so much for the local economy.”
Agriculture is the largest industry on Long Island, contributing nearly $260 million to the local economy, yet farmworkers and their families often struggle to gain access to quality health care. Many of these families suffer from poor nutrition, asthma, musculoskeletal conditions, and a lack of preventive care and dental services.
The HRHCare Day of Health brings health care directly to the vineyards where a bilingual team of physicians and health care professionals provided health assessments and other primary care services free of charge, to local agricultural workers representing more than two dozen farms throughout the North Fork. Services provided included:
Consultation with a bilingual medical provider;
Blood pressure screening;
Nutrition consultation;
Vaccinations;
Farmworker Voucher enrollment;
Health insurance information and enrollment;
Referrals for specialty care;
Oraquick (HIV) screening;
Family health history assessment;
Medical Transportation scheduling;
Assistance with scheduling a follow-up appointment at one of the nine HRHCare Health Centers in Suffolk County for comprehensive medical, behavioral health, and dental appointments.
“I was very happy to support this effort and the work of HRHCare, said Pindar Damianos, Owner and Director of Vineyard Management for Pindar Vineyards. “They have a great team and the day was a success once again!”
Antonio G., an agricultural worker who arrived at the Day of Health with his brother, thanked HRHCare for its support, adding “It’s very important for us, and to know how [primary care service] works with the doctor and to care for one’s life.”
The Day of Health is the product of funds raised by the HRHCare Foundation, supported by the Long Island Sustainable Winegrowers, at its Honoring the Hands benefit at Martha Clara Vineyards in July 2015. The HRHCare Foundation supports the workers behind the scenes of Long Island’s wine industry and other underserved populations in its 10-county service area. Last November, HRHCare hosted its first Day of Health, which also provided agricultural workers and their families with health care services and education they would not otherwise receive.
About HRHCare
Hudson River HealthCare (HRHCare) is a nonprofit, New York State licensed, Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). Founded 40 years ago to provide care to the medically underserved population of Peekskill, New York, HRHCare is now one of the nation’s largest community health providers. From the Capitol Region to the East-end of Long Island, HRHCare’s network of over 26 health centers provides affordable, accessible care to more than 135,000 patients. Our more than 200 primary care practitioners and 700 specialists and support staff have made HRHCare a destination for high-quality and compassionate care for all. In 2014, HRHCare saw a total of 480,000 patient visits across its facilities throughout New York State.
As HRHCare has grown it has retained its core values of community and compassion. Excelling in patient care, HRHCare provides comprehensive services to anyone who walks through our doors. HRHCare’s health centers provide primary and preventative treatment including adult and pediatric care; obstetrical and gynecological care; family planning; HIV counseling, testing, and referral; dental services; mental health counseling; nutrition counseling; podiatry; WIC services; health education; and a full complement of outreach, translation, transportation, benefits counseling and health insurance enrollment assistance.
HRHCare has a profound commitment to the communities it serves and works to improve community health through partnerships and collaborations with local community leaders, businesses, social service agencies, housing organizations, food banks, agricultural worker alliances and other local stakeholders. HRHCare believes if it wants to ensure quality care for its patients, it should ensure quality pay for its staff, which is why it provides a minimum living wage of $15 an hour for all employees.
For more information contact:
Elizabeth Kenigsberg
646.930.0222
ekenigsberg@skdknick.com
