The Institute for Family Health is a mission-driven health organization with a rich history and expert leadership. Since 1983 we have grown from a small non-profit with four staff members to one of the largest community health centers in New York State, serving over 115,000 patients annually at 30 locations.
The Institute is committed to high-quality, affordable health care for all. We strive for excellence at each of our31 practices, while accepting all patients regardless of their ability to pay. We offer primary care, mental health, dental care, social work and many other services to patients of all ages.
As a federally-qualified community health center (FQHC) network, we meet national standards for affordable, accessible, comprehensive health care services. We also participate in the federal medical professional liability program known as the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). We are accredited by the Joint Commission and recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance as a Level 3 patient-centered medical home, the highest recognition available.
In addition to operating health centers, we use our expertise and resources to address racial and ethnic disparities in health, advance the use of health information technology, and find innovative ways to improve care for diabetes, depression, womens health, HIV and other priorities in the communities we serve. We also train health students and professionals at all levels.
The Institute is committed to improving the health care system, particularly for individuals and communities who historically have had limited access to care. We engage in research to improve health care services, and participate in policy development at the local, state and national levels.
The Institute establishes seven of its health centers as COVID-19 vaccine distribution sites. Vaccines are offered at no out-of-pocket cost to all eligible individuals at two locations in the Bronx, one in Manhattan, and four in the Mid-Hudson Valley. In the first half of the year, over 14,000 people accessed the life-saving COVID-19 vaccine at an Institute site.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Institute rapidly launched a new telehealth program, thereby safely sustaining access to care for underserved New York communities. By the end of 2020, patients accessed nearly 300,000 virtual primary care, mental health and social services visits.
This year, the Institute was fortunate to receive funding to address critical population health issues in the communities we serve: funds from the Centers for Disease Control permitted us to expand our Bronx Health REACH project to the entire county; and a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency (SAMHSA) is supporting efforts to curb opioid overdose through out our service area.
Dr. Neil Calman, president and CEO, was appointed to the prestigious National Academy of Medicine (NAM), one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine, recognizing individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and commitment to service. Membership in NAM will afford him the opportunity to participate in national discussions of policy and to apply his experience to our nations critical health problems.
The Institute opens a new school based health center in collaboration with Harlem Childrens Zone. The health center is located at the Promise Academy II on 125th Street and Madison Avenue, and serves children in grades K-12.
As a federally qualified community health center, the Institutes Board of Directors includes several patients from the communities we serve, as well as local public health and health care leaders and experts.