Catholic Health Enhances Long Islanders’ Health

Catholic Health is strengthening its mission of service and healing to those in need with the arrival of a community health and outreach screening bus. The vehicle, which can accommodate multiple people, was made possible through a Mother Cabrini Health Foundation grant.  

“We’re committed to making Catholic Health the most patient-centered health care system on Long Island,” said Catholic Health President and CEO Patrick O’Shaughnessy, DO, MBA. “We’re helping people where they are, in their homes and in their communities. Thanks to the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, we are able to extend our mission of delivering compassionate, high-quality services to more Long Islanders.” 

In 2019, Catholic Health received $577,000 from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation to expand its Healthy Sundays community outreach program. The new 38-foot vehicle primarily will serve the residents of Suffolk County, focusing on those who are low-income, uninsured, publicly insured and those who may be ineligible for insurance due to their immigration status.

The Catholic Health bus will complement a similar outreach service vehicle run by St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center®, which primarily serves Nassau County. 

“Our goal with community outreach is to remove the barriers that may prevent people from receiving the health care they need,” said Catholic Health Community Outreach and Community Benefit Reporting Manager Patricia Gilroy. “Whether there are issues with transportation, income, communication or just a fear of discussing health issues, we reach those in the community who need essential health care.” 

An outreach nurse is on each bus and provides blood pressure and body mass index screenings, cholesterol and glucose screenings along with patient education and referrals to care as needed. The site visits are held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and no appointments are necessary. Catholic Health Outreach staff will not ask for immigration status, nor is insurance required. There are no fees for service. 

If you or someone you know would like more information on the community health outreach efforts provided by Catholic Health, please call 516-705-2595.

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