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New Paltz, NY – HRHCare (Hudson River HealthCare), a nonprofit system of Federally Qualified Health Centers offering a range of medical services for underserved communities throughout the Hudson Valley and Long Island, is pleased to announce that Erika Agustin, an outreach worker at the HRHCare Health Center at New Paltz, will be presented with a Planetree Spirit Award for excellence in patient care. HRHCare’s Planetree Institute presents these awards to employees who go above and beyond to make health care more personalized and create a warm and welcoming environment for all.
Erika Agustin is truly committed to the mission of HRHCare. Before becoming an outreach worker a little more than a year ago, she spent several years packing apples as one of the many local farmworkers for which HRHCare is so dedicated to providing care. Known to treat HRHCare patients like family, she never hesitates to change her own schedule or work later hours to accommodate the needs of those she serves. Her consistently positive attitude and calm demeanor in the face of a demanding schedule have been an incredible inspiration to her fellow staff. From providing transportation for farmworkers with no other way to get to the Health Center to helping them navigate the sometimes daunting health care process, Erika has an undeniable passion for helping these patients access the care they need. “HRHCare is the only health center in the area that focuses on outreach to farmworkers,” said Erika. “My vision for the future is to continue to work at HRHCare and be of service to our farmworker patients.” Erika recently completed her GED and is the coach of an all-women’s soccer team. She is also an active volunteer with her children’s schools and for local cultural events.
“Not only does Erika treat our patients with dignity and respect, she also treats her fellow staff the same,” said Elba Bizoni, Operations Manager at HRHCare. “Erika is a true carrier of the Planetree spirit and an asset to the New Paltz team.”
Planetree is the global leader in advancing patient-centered care solutions, integrating the technology of modern medicine with the healing dimensions of compassion, comfortable surroundings, shared knowledge and freedom to make educated choices. HRHCare has been an affiliate since 1996 and remains the only Federally Qualified Health Center to be a part of this alliance. The HRHCare Planetree Institute was established in 2012 and provides state-of-the-art training to prepare staff in delivering passionate and personalized care. The HRHCare Planetree Spirit Award honors employees who have been nominated by their colleagues for going above and beyond to provide individualized patient care and enhance health care services in their respective facility.
About HRHCare
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 26 health centers provides affordable, accessible care to more than 135,000 patients through 500,000 visits annually. Our more than 350 primary care practitioners and 700 specialists and support staff have made HRHCare a destination for high-quality and compassionate care for all.
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 full information:
Jeffrey Palmer
Public Relations Specialist
914.425.0890
jpalmer@hrhcare.org
