$2M Grant to Peekskill-based Health Center for Regional Coalition

HRHCare has received a $2.05 million grant from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to launch the Hudson Community Health Alliance, a coalition including the Rockland and Westchester County Departments of Health to help prevent and control chronic health issues such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

Founded 40 years ago to provide care to the medically underserved population of Peekskill, 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, accessiblecare to more than 135,000 patients.

It is one of the largest federally qualified health center systems in the country,

The funding will allow for the implementation of strategies that promote health, support and reinforce healthful behaviors, encourage lifestyle change program participation, and link community programs to clinical services, HRHCare officials said.

The funds were distributed to HRHCare as part of a $7 million statewide grant administered through New York State Department of Health’s Local Initiatives for Multi Sector Public Health Action, or Local IMPACT, program.

“HRHCare is honored to accept this grant, signifying our commitment to ensuring that primary care services are well organized to address the prevention and treatment of chronic health issues. We look forward to using the funds to promote healthy living along with our partners in Rockland and Westchester Counties through the Hudson Community Health Alliance,” said Anne Kauffman Nolon, MPH, President and CEO of HRHCare. “Community health plays a vital role in protecting our most vulnerable populations, and HRHCare is grateful to be leading this critically important program.”

HRHCare operates five facilities in Rockland and Westchester Counties, where residents suffer from some of the highest rates of chronic disease in the state. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s office has identified diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer and asthma as leading causes of death, disability and rising health care costs in New York.