HHC Receives “Builders of the New New York” Award from NYIC
Jun 03, 2009
The New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) received the 2009 “Builders of the New New York” award presented by the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), an umbrella policy and advocacy organization of more than 200 groups in New York State that promotes fairness and opportunity for immigrants and refugees.
The award, granted to individuals and organizations who share the NYIC’s vision for justice, fairness and inclusiveness, was presented to HHC Board Chair Michael A. Stocker, M.D., HHC President Alan D. Aviles, and HHC Sr. V.P. for Corporate Planning LaRay Brown, at the Prince George Ballroom in Manhattan on June 1.
“At a moment of unprecedented economic challenge, we also have reason for gratitude and hope. Gratitude that we live in a city where the public hospital system is truly devoted to the public, and has made groundbreaking efforts to expand access to care for all New Yorkers,” noted a joint letter from NYIC Executive Director Chung-Wha Hong and Board Chair Graciela Heyman. “Because of the vision and commitment of HHC, it’s possible for all of us to receive world-class medical care no matter what our situation is.”
HHC was specifically recognized for significant innovations in expanding access to care for immigrants, which include:
- Groundbreaking financial assistance policies that provide access to hospital care, health centers, diagnostic tests and treatment for uninsured people who otherwise could not afford health care;
- Comprehensive communication assistance that serves limited-English proficient patients in the top 12 languages most commonly spoken by HHC patients;
- Effective confidentiality policies that protect the immigration status of patients and reassures newcomers that the city’s public hospitals and health centers have an open door to all New Yorkers, including immigrants.
“Immigrant New Yorkers can get quality health care in New York City with no fear. We want immigrant families to know that our number one commitment is to their health,” said HHC President Alan D. Aviles. “I’m proud of HHC’s long history of caring for everyone regardless of ability to pay or immigration status. I’m also proud of our staff who live up to this commitment every day. They are the caring individuals who heal our patients and can make them feel welcome and protected.”
Contact: Ian Michaels (HHC) (212) 788-3339.
About HHC
The New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) is a $6.7 billion integrated healthcare delivery system with its own 420,000 member health plan, MetroPlusHealth, and is the largest municipal healthcare organization in the country. HHC serves 1.4 million New Yorkers every year and more than 475,000 are uninsured. HHC provides medical, mental health and substance abuse services through its 11 acute care hospitals, five skilled nursing facilities, six large diagnostic and treatment centers and more than 70 community based clinics. HHC Health and Home Care also provides in-home services for New Yorkers. HHC was the 2008 recipient of the National Quality Forum and The Joint Commission’s John M. Eisenberg Award for Innovation in Patient Safety and Quality. For more information, visit www.nychhc.org/hhc or find us on facebook.com/NYCHealthSystem or twitter.com/NYCHealthSystem.