St. Joseph’s Health Receives $750,000 to Address Social Determinants of Health

SYRACUSE, N.Y.— St. Joseph’s Health is excited to announce the continuation and expansion of the Food Farmacy program through Mother Cabrini Health Foundation funding. The funds will expand activities related to food Insecurities, chronic conditions, and social determinants of health throughout Syracuse. 

In 2021, St. Joseph’s Health launched the Food Farmacy program to support patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes who were also experiencing food insecurity. Utilizing lessons learned from the Food Farmacy’s pilot, St. Joseph’s Health expanded the program’s scope in 2023 by increasing from one to three Food Farmacy sites found at Primary Care Centers Main and West, and Outpatient Behavioral Health.

“We are honored by the generosity of the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, for their continued support to addresses the pressing social and health needs of our communities,” said Meredith Price, Senior Vice President of Hospital Operations at St. Joseph’s Health. “With aligned missions to serve at- risk or underserved populations, the new Food Farmacy structure is key to address unique obstacles faced by our patients and will work to optimize care, increase community benefit, and program access through collaboration.” 

The program now accepts patients with at least one chronic health condition who are also experiencing food insecurity. Program participants work directly with a Registered Dietitian and a Community Health Worker to receive Medical Nutrition Therapy and other nutrition education. Meals are also provided, helping to improve the availability of healthy food options. Also, the Community Health Worker assists program participants with identifying and accessing social care resources. 

Another feature of the enhanced Food Farmacy program is occurring outside the brick-and-mortar walls of St. Joseph’s Health, where a network of community-based organizations serves the residents of Syracuse. St. Joseph’s Health is partnering with Brady Market, Dunbar Association, Syracuse Northeast Community Center, and Westcott Community Center to identify at-risk individuals and support those with chronic health conditions by screening for food insecurity, providing social support, and assisting with transportation needs, unemployment, and other social determinants of health. Network partners will place Community Health Workers at strategic sites for improved access for residents who live in pockets of poverty.

“St. Joseph’s Health understands the need to address health inequities and social determinants of health, as they are root causes of many chronic diseases,” said Brian Fay, Executive Director, Syracuse Northeast Community Center. “The enhanced Farmacy program and our partners are working together to address the largest factors that impact health including social and economic factors, physical environment, and healthy behaviors, such as job status, physical activity, and nutrition.”

“We are excited to be a part of this important community program,” said Joan Royle, Executive Director from Westcott Community Center. “The proven link between a poor diet and poor health outcomes is often made worse by fast foods and less-nutritious corner store options that are common in food deserts where it is difficult to access affordable, healthy foods. This program will not only help address food insecurity, but it will also offer education for participants who might benefit from more nutritious meals that impact chronic conditions sensitive to the quality of foods they consume.”

To learn more about the Food Farmacy at St. Joseph’s Health, call 315.448.6470.

 

About St. Joseph’s Health

St. Joseph’s Health is non-profit health care system based in Syracuse, NY. St. Joseph’s has been an innovative leader in health care since our founding in 1869 as the first hospital open to the public in the city of Syracuse. Offering primary, specialty and home care, a Magnet-recognized hospital, and collaboration with community partners, St. Joseph's Health advances the well-being of the communities we serve through an expanding range of services to ensure our patients achieve optimum long-term health. St. Joseph’s is one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Surgery and one of America’s 100 Best for Spine Surgery and Coronary Intervention according to Healthgrades. It is ranked by Consumer Reports among the top 15 heart surgery centers in the country, a designated Stroke Center and a U.S. News “Best Regional Hospital.” St. Joseph’s Health is affiliated with St. Joseph’s Physicians, and is a member of Trinity Health. For more information, visit www.sjhsyr.org/legacy.

About Trinity Health

Trinity Health is one of the largest not-for-profit, Catholic health care systems in the nation. It is a family of 115,000 colleagues and nearly 26,000 physicians and clinicians caring for diverse communities across 25 states. Nationally recognized for care and experience, the Trinity Health system includes 88 hospitals, 131 continuing care locations, the second largest PACE program in the country, 125 urgent care locations and many other health and well-being services. Based in Livonia, Michigan, its annual operating revenue is $20.2 billion with $1.2 billion returned to its communities in the form of charity care and other community benefit programs.

About The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation 

The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization with the mission to improve the health and well-being of the vulnerable New Yorkers, bolster the health outcomes of diverse communities, eliminate barriers to care, and bridge gaps in health services. The Foundation – which is named in memory of a tireless advocate for immigrants, children, and the poor – provides flexible support for new and innovative approaches that enhance health and wellness across New York State. More information may be found at https://cabrinihealth.org. 

 

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