Albany, NY-based health insurer providers affordable housing for at-risk members
Albany, NY, Dec. 21, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CDPHP is pleased to announce a partnership with St. Catherine’s Center for Children in Albany, N.Y., to offer housing support and critical services to some of its most vulnerable members.
Social determinants of health have received a lot of attention in recent months as the government, health plans, and hospitals, among others, attempt to mitigate the health risks associated with unstable housing, food insecurity, unsafe neighborhoods, education inequities, and more.
“It’s no secret that health care and housing are inextricably linked,” said president and CEO of CDPHP, Dr. John D. Bennett. “This partnership with St. Catherine’s Center for Children is just the beginning of our commitment to ensuring our members no longer have to visit the emergency department for shelter or a hot meal. We can do better than that.”
“We’re proud to partner with CDPHP on this important housing and health care initiative,” said Frank Pindiak, Executive Director of St. Catherine’s Center for Children. “St. Catherine’s has been working with vulnerable populations throughout our history, and we’ve long understood the link between stable affordable housing and good health. Programs such as this can have a significant and lasting impact on so many lives, and we are happy to be a part of it.”
“The work that St. Catherine’s Center for Children does in our community is truly remarkable, and has changed lives for the better. This new partnership with CDPHP will further St. Catherine’s mission, and keep it a viable option for Capital Region families in need.” said New York State Senator Neil Breslin.
“I commend CDPHP and St. Catherine’s for taking an out-of-the-box approach to health care with this truly innovative partnership,” said New York State Assemblymember Patricia Fahy. “At a time when health care has become increasingly complex and difficult to navigate, our community will be well-served by the new supportive housing services both organizations are now offering.”
“The partnership between CDPHP and St. Catherine’s Center for Children in Albany will be incredibly beneficial to the area,” said New York State Assemblymember John T. McDonald III. “By working together, they will be able to provide housing support and critical services to those in the community who need it most.”
“Access to quality housing is a basic human necessity that allows our children to focus on education, gives parents the peace of mind they deserve and can prevent health problems in the future,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. “This comprehensive initiative is another important step in our efforts to tackle these issues for those who need it most and I am so thrilled to have partners like CDPHP and St. Catharine’s Center for Children here in Albany County.”
“This partnership is another example of how organizations can work together directly within our communities to positively address the social determinants of health,” said Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan. “Thank you to CDPHP and St. Catherine’s Center for Children for once again committing themselves to assisting our most vulnerable neighbors.”
The program will serve adults with multiple chronic conditions, who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless in Albany, Columbia, and Greene counties. Members will be referred to the program by the CDPHP Care Team, area doctors, and social workers. Participants will receive intensive support from St. Catherine’s to obtain safe, affordable housing, with the addition of rental subsidies when needed.
Working within a “housing first” model, the dedicated team at St. Catherine’s will coordinate the support services needed to keep participants stably housed and out of the emergency room or hospital.
Success will be measured through housing placement and retention milestones, as well as pre- and post- social determinants of health screenings. CDPHP will closely monitor other metrics, including primary care visits, gaps in care, ER utilization, inpatient admissions and readmissions, medication adherence, and more.
About CDPHP®
Established in 1984, CDPHP is a physician-founded, member-focused and community-based not-for-profit health plan that offers high-quality affordable health insurance plans to members in 26 counties throughout New York. CDPHP is also on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
About St. Catherine’s Center for Children
St. Catherine’s Center for Children was founded by the Daughters of Charity in Albany in 1886 as a home for sick orphans. Today, St. Catherine’s is a haven for hope, offering a comprehensive range of human services for Capital Region children and families coping with issues of abuse, neglect, mental illness, homelessness, and trauma.
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CONTACT: Ali Skinner CDPHP 518-605-4497 ali.skinner@cdphp.com
