Improving Health Equity in the Bronx
Published July 9, 2024
An individual’s health is determined as much by their genetics as it is by the environmental factors and social determinants of the communities in which they live. Residents of the Bronx face the most formidable health outcomes compared to any other borough of New York as a byproduct of factors ranging from poor air quality to high rates of food insecurity and poverty, exacerbated by decades of disinvestment in the community.
Nearly 40% of the population has been diagnosed with one or more chronic conditions, including asthma, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Additionally, one in four Bronx residents live in overcrowded conditions, which not only increases the transmission of diseases and viruses but can also negatively impact an individual’s mental health.
In an effort to improve health equity and reduce hospital admissions in the Bronx, St. Barnabas Hospital extends their value-based approach to care through a mixed-use development that integrates healthcare services, educational programming, community engagement, and affordable housing into one single 50,000 square foot building.
Supported by grants from the New York State Department of Health, the SBH Health and Wellness Center represents a crucial investment in the Bronx community. Having worked with SBH Health System for over 15 years and being a native of the Bronx himself, Paul Drago, AIA, and Principal at NK Architects expresses an equal sense of professional and personal investment in this project, stating, “I was born in SBH, and this is my childhood neighborhood, so the opportunity to give back to this community means a lot to me!”
Comprehensive Approach to Care
While the first floor of the SBH Health and Wellness Center provides healthcare services, including women’s health, pediatrics, and urgent care, the second floor is dedicated to community wellness, containing a gym, outdoor terrace, and commercial teaching kitchen.
The Healthplex Fitness Center provides customized exercise programs for patients with the aim of improving their physical strength and cardiovascular health. Recent assessments show significant improvements among participants, with an average 15% improvement in cardiorespiratory health, 30% increase in upper body strength, 35% increase in lower body strength, and a 100% improvement in core stability.
In addition to promoting physical fitness, SBH emphasizes the critical role diet plays in health through its Center for Culinary Medicine and Teaching Kitchen. The program connects registered dietitians and chefs with patients and the local community, offering classes that cover essential skills like knife techniques and meal planning. Specialized classes are also available, catering to health needs such as gestational diabetes and diabetes management, integrating cooking lessons with essential nutrition education. Additionally, the program celebrates the community’s cultural diversity with classes that features cuisines like Soul Food and Caribbean Cooking. Medical residents at St. Barnabas Hospital also benefit from tailored training sessions, reinforcing SBH’s commitment to holistic health education.
Innovative Programs for Lasting Impact
During a recent visit to the center, our team joined students from the Bronx High School for Law and Community Service for a farm-to-table experience without leaving their neighborhood. The day began at the center’s Rooftop Farm, where students learned about the types of food that can be grown locally, tended garden beds, and, for more than half of the students, tried radishes they had cultivated for the first time!
Then, inside The Teaching Kitchen, the students prepared healthier versions of common recipes and participated in a demonstration where they read nutrition facts charts to assess portion sizes and gauge nutritional content in different foods and beverages. This hands-on approach to learning is part of SBH's broader initiative to educate and empower the community. It equips young individuals with the knowledge to make informed dietary choices that can promote long-term health and have a generational impact on the dietary choices of their families, all while having fun in the kitchen.
To evaluate the outcomes of the center’s nutrition education, SBH hosted a Healthy Living Initiative for a group of adolescents referred to the program by their primary care physician. Following a five-week cooking and education series, participant surveys indicated that 52% often selected healthy ingredients at the supermarket, 60% frequently prepared meals with vegetables, and 48% regularly included fruits or vegetables in their diet.
Community Collaboration & Impact
Collaboration with local organizations such as ProjectEATS enhances the center's impact on health equity in the Bronx. The non-profit organization manages the center’s rooftop farm and organizes a weekly farmer’s market during the growing season where patients and community residents can access fresh, healthy foods at a discounted rate. This initiative serves as a vital resource for those living in a borough that is designated as a food desert and one in four people face food insecurity.
Looking Forward
As the SBH Health and Wellness Center continues to expand its reach and impact, it stands as a dynamic healthcare facility that uplifts its community. By addressing social determinants of health and promoting a value-based care model, SBH Health System not only improves health outcomes but also fosters a healthier, more resilient Bronx community. The center's comprehensive approach to healthcare—integrating nutrition education, fitness programs, and community partnerships—sets a precedent for comprehensive healthcare delivery in underserved urban communities, ensuring every resident has the opportunity to thrive.
For more information:
SBH Wellness Center – Find The Healthier One In You
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