New York City-based NYC Health + Hospitals received a grant totaling $3.9 million from the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, according to a July 26 press release.
The grant will be used to launch and integrate a new tele-behavioral health service to supplement its virtual urgent care platform and to test new strategies for engaging high-needs patients in behavioral healthcare. The grant also supports the organization's work with the NYC Department of Homeless Services to create tailored programs benefiting an underserved community.
New York City Program Officer of the Hemsley Trust Tracy Perrizo said the improvements will increase health stability and improve patient outcomes.
"The expansion … will reduce avoidable, costly trips to the emergency room and go a long way in improving preventive healthcare for this vulnerable population. We appreciate the vision and partnership of NYC Health + Hospitals and look forward to expanding behavioral health services for this important patient population," Ms. Perrizo said.
NYC Health + Hospitals' virtual urgent care program launched in 2020 with support from Helmsley.