The Institute for Family Health Receives National Award for Innovation in Diabetes Care

New York, NY (August 31, 2016) – The Institute for Family Health was one of 10 community health centers honored by BD, Direct Relief and the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) with an Innovations in Care Award at the 2016 Community Health Institute and EXPO in Chicago. Part of the BD Helping Build Healthy Communities™ initiative, this $100,000 award acknowledged the Institute and other community health centers for their innovative approaches to the prevention and treatment of diseases that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.

The Institute for Family Health was recognized for its innovative approach to diabetes care at its network of health centers in New York State. In response to high demand for nutrition education and counseling services, the Institute developed the Improve Health Outcomes and Eliminate Disparities diabetes program, which combines a bilingual Certified Diabetes Educator and Health Coach with primary and behavioral health care services. Using a custom registry of patients with diabetes, the care team provides enhanced services to about 4,000 patients. With the Innovations in Care Award, the Institute will further expand this program at its Family Health Center of Harlem, where the need is particularly high.

“Harlem has some of the highest rates of diabetes and obesity in the state. This award will allow us to develop a menu of healthy lifestyle programs that meet the needs of our diverse patient population,” said Christina McGeough, the Institute’s Clinical Director of Diabetes, Nutrition and Wellness.

A total of 10 community health centers were recognized this year with an Innovation in Care Award for programs that address diabetes prevention and management. Decisions on innovation award winners were guided by a panel of reviewers with expertise in clinical and community healthcare.

“A strong network of community health centers is critical to improve access to our health system, and this year’s winners represent what’s possible for community health in the U.S.,” said Vincent A. Forlenza, Chairman, CEO and President of BD. “The wellness, prevention and care community health centers provide help avoid unnecessary hospital visits and sometimes represent the only care for some of our country’s most vulnerable populations.”

“The Innovations in Care Award recognizes the critical role of clinics and community health centers as America’s healthcare safety net,” said Thomas Tighe, President and CEO of Direct Relief. “Direct Relief is delighted to work once again with BD and NACHC to highlight and elevate deserving health centers such as The Institute for Family Health for their amazing commitment, insight and effectiveness in serving their patients and communities.”

For more information about the 2016 Innovations in Care Award winners, including project information and photos, please visit https://www.directrelief.org/2016/08/innovations-care-awards-winners-announced/. To learn more about the Institute’s diabetes program, visit: https://institute.org/health-care/services/diabetes-care/