Community Health & Wellness | Montefiore in the Community | How You Can Help

Community Relations | Community Development | School Health Program

 

Montefiore provides healthcare services to more than two million people in the Bronx and Westchester. Dedicated to advancing the health of the entire community, we offer a number of resources and sponsor numerous innovative programs that address critical health issues on behalf of our residents.

The Montefiore Office of Community Health manages a number of different initiatives, including:

• Supporting and coordinating Montefiore’s diverse portfolio of community health improvement programs and activities.
• Enhancing Montefiore’s capacity to assess and measure the health needs of the communities it serves.
• Identifying and selecting a limited number of top-priority health needs in the communities Montefiore serves for specific focus.
• Leading and coordinating Montefiore-wide efforts and working with community partners to measurably improve the health of the communities we serve.
• The To Your Health! Community and Worksite Wellness Initiative seeks to reduce the growing burden of chronic diseases in our community through a number of public health programs to educate patients, visitors, staff and local residents on how to live healthier lives. Learn more about the To Your Health! Initiative.

View Montefiore’s Community Service Program Inventory to see our full range of community programs.

Community Relations

Montefiore’s Office of Community Relations collaborates with local government, elected officials and community organizations, serves on boards and planning committees, and sponsors a variety of activities and events that promote health and wellness. Our knowledge and influence allow us to be a strong and positive force in advocating for our community.

We partner with national and community-based organizations to foster the growth of innovative programs that impact health and wellness among area residents, and participate in large-scale community events including Tour de Bronx, an annual cycling event promoting healthy living, and Run for the Wild, a 5k Run/Walk in partnership with the Bronx Zoo and the Wildlife Conservation Society.

The Office of Community Relations oversees the Dennis Gardner Community Relations team?a group of associates from throughout our large organization committed to a common mission of providing essential health services and education to our community. This team listens and responds to the needs of the community, comes together to share information and resources, and facilitates communication between area residents and Montefiore.

Community Development

As the largest employer in the Bronx, Montefiore contributes significantly to the economic stability of the community. In fact, thousands of our own associates live in the Bronx, compelling us to take part in ensuring the development of the community.

We have promoted the safety and vitality of local neighborhoods for nearly 30 years through the establishment of the Mosholu Preservation Corporation (MPC). Prior to MPC’s establishment, widespread housing abandonment and deterioration had resulted due to aging residents’ inability to afford rising maintenance costs.

Today, well-kept streets, attractive buildings and busy shops are the result of this dedicated and successful effort. An award-winning newspaper, the Norwood News, was established by MPC as an honest, reliable outlet for neighborhood communications and community action.

In addition, the Jerome-Gun Hill Business Improvement District is managed by the MPC and provides support to more than 200 local businesses, promoting tourism, safety and economic stability.

School Health Program

Montefiore’s School Health Program (MSHP) provides comprehensive primary, preventative and continuing health care to a population of elementary, middle and high school students throughout the Bronx. 

Founded in 1983, MSHP is the largest and most comprehensive school-based health program in the country and a major community outreach program for children living in the Bronx. Currently, MSHP provides a range of medical, mental health, reproductive and health promotion services to 27,000 students, who access these services more than 70,000 times per year.

MSHP has its own, well-developed mechanism to assure local input and community relevance for the programs reaching 54 schools at 19 locations: active school-based Advisory Committees and Wellness Councils whose members include principals, teachers, administrators, parents, students and representatives from community agencies.

Primary Care

Included in MSHP’s wide range of comprehensive primary care services are health maintenance examinations, immunizations, screening tests, first aid for injuries and emergencies, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic medical problems, as well as secondary and tertiary care referrals.

Preventive Care

MSHP’s preventive care measures include mental health services such as screening and risk assessment and referral services, as well as dental services. Physical education and nutrition initiatives combat childhood obesity.

Continuing Health Care

We are dedicated to establishing healthy habits among children enrolled in schools served by MSHP. Some key initiatives adopted by MSHP include:

Fighting Childhood Obesity

In 2004, Montefiore Medical Center was awarded a grant from the J.E. & Z.B. Butler Foundation to develop a Healthy Kidsinitiative. Healthy Kids is a partnership between MSHP and five Bronx elementary schools to operate a multifaceted program of physical activity, nutritional education and hands-on experience.

The focus of the program is on reducing childhood obesity by establishing an effective, sustainable and reproducible school and community based program that promotes exercise and healthy eating.

Over the next three years, the Healthy Kids program will be expanded to 11 other schools served by Montefiore’s school-based health service.