The Institute for Family Health Receives Emergency Grant Award from Direct Relief

New York, NY (June 4, 2020) – The Institute for Family Health was awarded $500,000 in COVID-19 response funds from Direct Relief, a not-for-profit humanitarian aid organization. The generous award provides emergency operating support for the Institute’s COVID-19 pandemic response, which includes ongoing efforts to sustain essential primary health services through telehealth, provide safe in-person health care, and ensure that all New Yorkers – especially those most at-risk for COVID-19 – have access to affordable, community-based health services for the duration of the pandemic and beyond.

Since the onset of the pandemic, the Institute worked to rapidly scale its telehealth offerings, and has delivered over 90,000 remote primary care, mental health and care navigation visits since March 16, 2020. By enabling patients to access care from home, the Institute aimed to assure that patients could safely access life-saving preventive care for chronic conditions, critical treatment for mental health and substance use needs, and at-home management for non-life-threatening COVID-19 illness. These services enabled thousands of New Yorkers to remain safely at home during the pandemic, and reduced the burden on overcrowded emergency rooms and hospitals in New York City and nearby areas.

“Direct Relief has been an invaluable partner in times of crisis, beginning with Superstorm Sandy,” said Dr. Neil Calman, the Institute’s co-founder, president and CEO. “The Institute’s commitment to our communities is unwavering, but our COVID-related financial losses presented a real challenge. This incredible award means we can keep doing what we do best: providing the very best essential health services to people of all ages, regardless of their ability to pay – no one is turned away.”

The Institute’s grant is part of $27.9 million in funds awarded by Direct Relief to federally qualified health centers across the country: 513 centers received grants of $50,000 or less, while six health centers in COVID-19 hotspots were awarded up to $500,000. The funds were collected from thousands of Direct Relief supporters, including individuals, corporate leaders, and a cross-section of leading artists and professional athletes. According to Direct Relief, a lead contribution of $10 million from 3M anchored the COVID-19 fund, with other significant support coming Jack Dorsey and Sean “Diddy” Combs, among others.

In a statement, Thomas Tighe, Direct Relief President and CEO, said, “A pandemic puts everyone at risk, but some more so than others. The financial support here is so urgently needed to address critical health needs for people and communities most at risk, but the fact that the money came from so many people and reflects their concern and simple desire to help is a very powerful message and boost, too.”

The Institute provides health care to people of all ages throughout New York City and the Mid-Hudson Valley region of New York State. If you or a loved one need health care, call 844-434-2778 to schedule a telehealth visit by video or phone.

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The Institute for Family Health (www.institute.org) is a federally qualified health center network that operates 32 practices in New York State serving more than 115,000 patients annually.  Services are available to people of all ages, regardless of ability to pay.