Downstate’s Health Promotion Center Highlights 2023 Milestones in Annual Report

By Office of the President | May 23, 2024

The 2023 Annual Report of the SUNY Downstate Center for Community Health Promotion and Wellness (the Center) highlights its substantial influence on community health, delivering educational, and screening services to over 7,000 Brooklyn residents through its outreach programs. The Center partners with Downstate entities, including the School of Public Health, the School of Health Professions, the College of Medicine, and the College of Nursing, to implement diverse health initiatives that benefit the community and meet hospital certification and academic accreditation standards.

The Center addresses prevalent health disparities in Brooklyn, where many residents face chronic illnesses. Data from health fair screenings in Central and Eastern Brooklyn revealed concerning statistics: 71 percent overweight or obese, 52 percent hypertension, with ongoing risks for diabetes and other conditions. High rates of infant mortality and predominant illnesses like cardiovascular disease and cancer compound these challenges. In response, The Center develops tailored health education programs focusing on cardiovascular risk and diabetes prevention for the diverse immigrant population.

Offering free health and cancer screenings, vaccinations, prenatal education, and breastfeeding, the Center support includes collaborations with faith-based and community organizations. In 2023, CCHPW, which received funding from the New York State Department of Health Cancer Services Program, provided critical cancer screenings and timely medical interventions and reached more than 4,900 individuals through health fairs that help to encourage healthier lifestyles.

The Center will expand its outreach and leadership in community health education tailored to urban and immigrant populations. By bridging health equity gaps and fostering informed community participation, the Center demonstrates the vital role played by Downstate in community well-being. The Center also collaborates with faith and community-based organizations, inviting guest speakers and coordinating clinical services to address various health needs. Monthly events like the Brooklyn Kidney Club, funded by LiveOnNY, offer additional support.

Under the leadership of Betty Jung, RN and Sarah Marshall, DNP, RN, and supported by a dedicated team of faculty and students, these programs are offered free of charge daily, including evenings and weekends, to overcome language and cultural barriers that often hinder access to healthcare.

Special thanks are also extended to Alishia Goodridge, Government & Community Relations assistant vice president; Karen Broomes-James, DNP, RN, Nursing Education director, and Cheryl Rolston, DNP, RN, Chief Nursing Officer, for their contributions to the Center’s endeavors.