2025 UHF Gala Journal - Flipbook - Page 21
IMPROVING QUALITY AND EQUITY
Since 2009, our Clinical Quality Fellowship Program has trained more than 350 mid-career doctors,
nurses, and physician assistants to become quality improvement and patient safety leaders in their
institutions — spanning more than 50 area hospitals and health care organizations. A new class of
clinicians is trained annually, and their work is saving lives and improving care. This in turn has helped
thousands of people across the region access higher-quality health care.
Last year we launched our Health Equity Fellowship, an 18-month program that is cultivating the
next generation of innovators and changemakers. These highly motivated clinicians are applying
a collaborative leadership lens and partnering with nonprofit organizations to address underlying
drivers of gaps in health outcomes across their communities.
We are also partnering with nursing homes to improve care. An estimated 50 percent of nursing
home residents receive nine or more medications, putting them at risk of “medication overload,”
which can lead to dangerous drug interactions, falls, cognitive impairment, and hospitalization.
To address this issue, UHF is spreading best practices and safe “deprescribing” measures.
EXPANDING INSURANCE COVERAGE AND ACCESS TO CARE
Federal cuts threaten New York’s Medicaid program that covers 7 million low-income New Yorkers,
including mothers and children, those with disabilities, and older adults. UHF is providing trusted
research and analysis at this critical time to strengthen this vital safety-net program and respond
to new pressures and policies.
Approximately 1 million New Yorkers remain uninsured, and that number is projected to more
than double. UHF’s Health Insurance Project is tackling the complex issues that stand between
New Yorkers and the affordable, quality health care coverage they need.
BUILDING A MORE COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM OF CARE
Optimal health cannot be achieved without going beyond the health care system itself. UHF is
playing a crucial role in an innovative statewide initiative to improve the health of low-income New
Yorkers by addressing their social needs like inadequate housing, poor nutrition, and transportation
to social services, which can have lasting, lifelong effects on physical and emotional well-being.
Relatedly, social factors can be exacerbated by poor mental health. So, UHF is developing
prevention-focused strategies to improve mental health that begin in childhood and prioritize
community initiatives. We’re also addressing high rates of undiagnosed and untreated postpartum
depression, which contribute to high rates of maternal morbidity and mortality.
By fostering these essential collaborations between clinicians, social service agencies, and community
partners, UHF is helping New Yorkers live long, healthy, and productive lives.
