Nonprofit Talk: Fighting for public health, during a pandemic

Lisa David is CEO of Public Health Solutions. Photo courtesy of Public Health Solutions

 By Lisa David, special to the Eagle

Since 1957, organization Public Health Solutions has worked to support vulnerable New York City families in the effort to improve their health and pursue opportunities. Public Health Solutions President and CEO Lisa David discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed that work while exposing the public health inequities in New York.

How has your organization navigated the pandemic?

Our mission at Public Health Solutions has always been to ensure health equity for low-income and vulnerable New Yorkers. In the midst of a pandemic that has proven to disproportionately affect those communities, we are laser-focused on how we can best serve our clients when they need us most. We have also expanded our focus to those who are newly vulnerable as a result of the economic fallout from the shutdown, such as people who recently lost their jobs. During a recession like the one we’re facing, the health insurance and SNAP enrollment services we provide are more important than ever.

To gain a clearer understanding of the economic impact of the pandemic on our communities, we conducted a survey of 1,000 New Yorkers in late April. More than one-third (34%) of Queens respondents said their top concern was getting enough food for themselves and their families. About two-thirds (67%) of Queens respondents were worried about running out of money in the next month. This data informed our strategy for reaching the most at-risk communities with services. 

How are you now serving businesses in Queens?

From the early days of the pandemic, we moved quickly to transition nearly all of our in-person services to virtual. New and existing clients in Queens and across New York City can enroll in health insurance and SNAP benefits with us over the phone. Our Queens Healthy Start program – which screens, refers, and provides quality services to pregnant women, parents, and families – has transitioned to telephone and video-based sessions. Nearly all of our WIC centers are open for in-person visits on a modified schedule, including in Astoria, Corona, Ridgewood, Jamaica, and Flushing. It has never been more important for vulnerable New Yorkers to remain connected to services that help them stay healthy.  PHS is also a member of the Queens Chamber of Commerce and has conducted a partnership with a Queens based real estate company to ensure that residents in their housing units are aware of social services that PHS offers. 

How are you balancing the needs of your members with the level of risk to your employees?

We take the health of our clients and our employees very seriously. By offering our services virtually, clients and staff can connect from the safety of their own homes. Clients can still receive the support they need, and staff can continue to perform their critical work.

We also began offering the COVID-19 Medical Brain to help our team members monitor and manage their health. It provides real-time guidance for employees to help address any symptoms and seek care if needed. All employees who are working at our facilities receive PPE including masks and gloves. Plus, we are installing protective plexiglass screens at our WIC Centers to ensure the safety of both our staff and clients.

What types of support do you most need now?

New Yorkers will feel the economic pain and health consequences of this pandemic for months, if not years. Financial support makes it possible for us to help keep communities afloat for as long as needed. Instead of turning to a food bank for a week’s worth of food, families can use SNAP to afford groceries for months. Those that have lost their jobs don’t need to shell out for COBRA as a temporary solution for health insurance, but can instead work with PHS to find an affordable health care plan. 

What programs/services have you had to cut or scale back on?

We are continuing to offer services and operate programs at full capacity, with necessary modifications to accommodate social distancing. This means we had to stop in-person meetings and home visits to protect the health of our employees and participants. However, we have been able to replace all these services with phone consultations or televisits.

 What do you think the future holds for your sector as a result of the pandemic?

The pandemic has made it abundantly and sometimes painfully clear that public health underpins nearly everything in New York City and across the country. When public health collapses, our economy follows. Years of erosion to the safety net – from cuts to SNAP and Medicaid to the enactment of the public charge rule – further compounded the issue. The road to recovery will be a long one; we are in it for the long haul, helping our clients and their families get back on their feet not just today, but for the long-term. Just as the Great Depression led to the New Deal, I hope this pandemic and recession will inspire policymakers to strengthen the safety net and invest in public health.

To learn more, visit healthsolutions.org