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Nov 18
Fishing Trip Brings A New Experience To Alpha School Students
Students from the Brightpoint Health Alpha School had a special treat this past Veteran’s Day. They enjoyed a fishing trip in the waters of the Great South Bay of Long Island Sound, along with Brightpoint President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Vitale, Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Barbara Zeller and Board Member Marjorie Elliott.
Students from the Brightpoint Health Alpha School had a special treat this past Veteran’s Day. They enjoyed a fishing trip in the waters of the Great South Bay of Long Island Sound, along with Brightpoint President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Vitale, Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Barbara Zeller and Board Member Marjorie Elliott.
The 15 students, 13 from The Alpha School and two from August Martin High School in Queens, live primarily in East New York and Brownsville, two of the most economically challenged areas of New York City. For most of them, this trip was their first experience with fishing and their first time on a boat. “They loved it,” Vitale said. “On the way out to the location they were so excited. Everyone was eating, talking, and just enjoying the experience.”
The boat that hosted the Brightpoint team, the 85’ Laura Lee Express, is part of a fleet of boats that has been fishing in the Great South Bay and nearby waters since 1974.
While many of the Brightpoint trip participants were successful at catching striped bass and other local fish, no one enjoyed dinner from their catch. Regulations require that striped bass under 28 inches be returned, “catch and release” in fisher parlance. The largest fish hooked by the Brightpoint team was 26 inches.
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Nov 17
A Day in the Park With Assemblywoman Joyner
Brightpoint Health brought health information and our “Welcome to Wellness” message to Bronx residents at Assemblywoman Latoya Joyner’s first annual Health Expo which was held on October 24th at Joyce Kilmer Park.
Brightpoint Health brought health information and our “Welcome to Wellness” message to Bronx residents at Assemblywoman Latoya Joyner’s first annual Health Expo which was held on October 24th at Joyce Kilmer Park.
The event attracted hundreds of people and was covered by both the Bronx Times and Bronxnet TV. Brightpoint Intake Coordinators answered questions and provided information for the Health Expo attendees. They also received a proclamation for Assemblywoman Joyner that saluted “the good works and extraordinary leadership provided by Brightpoint Health, its management team and staff."
Other participants in the Health Expo included Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and Metro Optics Eyewear.
“We are delighted that Assemblywoman Joyner invited us to be part of what we hope will be an annual event in the Bronx,” said Brightpoint President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Vitale. “Bringing health information directly to people on a Saturday afternoon is a very effective means of making sure these vital messages are received in communities that have historically suffered from health care disparities. Assemblywoman Joyner has a been terrific partner for Brightpoint since she was elected.”
Assemblywoman Joyner represents the 77th Assembly District which includes Brightpoint’s Inwood Health Center. She was elected in 2014, replacing now City Councilmember Vanessa Gibson, another long-time supporter of Brightpoint Health.
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Nov 09
Paul Vitale Inducted as New York Academy of Medicine Fellow
Paul Vitale, President and Chief Executive Officer of Brightpoint Health, was inducted as a Fellow of The New York Academy of Medicine on Thursday, November 5.
Paul Vitale, President and Chief Executive Officer of Brightpoint Health, was inducted as a Fellow of The New York Academy of Medicine on Thursday, November 5. The Academy, which was founded in 1847, describes itself as “a vital source for effective and, often, radical thought and action regarding the health care and public health problems that affect New York City, in particular, and cities in general.” Much of the Academy’s work is centered on The Institute for Urban Health, dedicated to making cities healthier through research, policy and practice.
“Being inducted into this prestigious group is an honor for me and an honor for Brightpoint Health,” Vitale said. “Our organization shares much with the Academy, especially a commitment to eliminating health care disparities. Although I am the one inducted as a Fellow, this affiliation will benefit everyone at Brightpoint Health and importantly, the New Yorkers for whom we provide quality health care.”
The prestigious Fellows program includes more than 2,000 individuals whose role, according to the Academy, is to “lead the conversation in medicine and health.” The Fellows embody the highest levels of achievement and leadership in the fields of medicine, health and allied professions. Fellowship candidates follow a rigorous selection process; they must be nominated by multiple current fellows and show evidence of distinguished achievement in their field.
Vitale, who is also a fellow of the American College of Health Care Executives, has over 30 years of leadership experience in all types of health care organizations including acute care, primary care, long-term care, home care and healthcare consulting. Prior to joining Brightpoint, he was the executive director of business development for Visiting Nurse Service of New York.
Since Vitale assumed the CEO position at Brightpoint in 2009, the organization has experienced a three-fold growth in revenues and over 1,500% increase in clinical services. He propelled the opening of a dental clinic, transition of the health clinics to FQHC status, and development of the health home program. Vitale also oversaw Brightpoint’s highly successful merger with Community Health Action of Staten Island (CHASI) and other acquisitions that resulted in organizational growth.
Vitale intends to play an active role at the Academy, attending conferences, participating in committees, especially those dealing with population health and eliminating health disparities, one of the Academy’s current priorities along with healthy aging and disease prevention.
Brightpoint and the Academy are similar in their missions and goals, although the Academy’s interests extend to cities throughout the globe while Brightpoint is New York City focused. The Academy recently launched a new web site and visual design featuring a cityscape, a photographic rendering rather than Brightpoint’s distinctive drawings. The new look was described as “reaffirming our dedication to urban health, addressing the broader determinants of health, and the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to care.” Integrated care is at the core of Brightpoint’s programs and services.
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Oct 26
Brightpoint Health's Own Clothesline Project Honors Domestic Violence Awareness Month
In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Brightpoint Health’s Queens Adult Day Health Care Center facilitated their own Clothesline Project (CLP) that encouraged our clients, who have been victims of domestic violence or have witnessed domestic violence first hand, to participate.
In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Brightpoint Health’s Queens Adult Day Health Care Center facilitated their own Clothesline Project (CLP) that encouraged our clients, who have been victims of domestic violence or have witnessed domestic violence first hand, to participate. A special appreciation to our staff members: Marie Ragona, Licensed Creative Arts Therapist; Marlenny Espinal, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and Beth Chapnick, Creative Arts Therapist Intern, for bringing this initiative to life for our community. The CLP was first started in the summer of 1990 by a coalition of women’s groups in Cape Cod, MA as a vehicle for victims of domestic abuse to express their stories through words and/or artwork decorated on their shirts. They would then hang these shirts on a clothesline to raise awareness about this issue. Since then, this concept has spread worldwide bringing together people who are still suffering in silence to understand that they are not alone.
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Oct 22
Brightpoint Celebrates 25th Anniversary and Inaugural Brightpoint Awards
Plaza Event Draws Over 450 Guests
Brightpoint Health, a leading nonprofit provider of integrated health care and social support services throughout New York City, celebrated 25 years of serving New Yorkers in need on Monday, October 19th, 2015.
Plaza Event Draws Over 450 Guests
Brightpoint Health, a leading nonprofit provider of integrated health care and social support services throughout New York City, celebrated 25 years of serving New Yorkers in need on Monday, October 19th, 2015.
The event, which took place at New York’s historic Plaza Hotel, was also the setting for the inaugural Brightpoint Awards. Over 450 guests shared in an evening filled with joy and inspiration in a magical setting. The Plaza’s Grand Ballroom was transformed into a ‘Brightpoint City” with the stage lit up as the New York cityscape, the ceiling covered with images of the ‘Brightpoint Sun’, and the audience representing diverse elements of positive change and progress in society. Each table’s centerpiece included copies of books authored by the 25 Brightpoint Award honorees and event co-chairs, New York Senators, Chuck Schumer and Kristen Gillibrand, along with a miniature version of one honoree, the Statue of Liberty.
The festivities began with Brightpoint unveiling a new, 45’ long mobile health care unit that will soon be providing primary health care, preventative screenings and health education in communities most affected by health disparities throughout the city. The unit was open for guests to take a tour and get a feel for Brightpoint’s mobile health services. A similar mobile center will provide dental services.
Brightpoint’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Paul Vitale addressed the audience with the powerful story of Brightpoint’s birth, growth and impact. Vitale spoke about the grave health challenges facing New York City, back in 1990 when the organization started as well as today, and how Brightpoint has worked for the past 25 years to develop and implement its integrated model of care to bring quality health care and support services to the sickest and poorest New Yorkers. His remarks left the audience excited about Brightpoint’s future and upcoming milestones – including the 2016 openings of an additional health center in Brooklyn and one at The Hub in the Bronx.
Master of ceremonies Richard Wolffe, Vice President and Executive Editor of MSNBC.com, led the guests through the program and introduced the Brightpoint honorees and their diverse accomplishments. Twenty-five celebrated individuals and institutions were recognized with Brightpoint Awards in five categories: Advocacy, Arts, Iconic New York, Business, and Health and Human Services.
The highlight of the evening was the premiere of Brightpoint’s new video “The Path To Wellness.” It stars two Brightpoint patients, Gary and Milagros, New Yorkers who, after battling health and societal challenges, turned to Brightpoint Health for assistance. They graciously shared their stories of how Brightpoint’s health and social support services impacted them; helping them turn their lives around and make positive changes. Both Gary and Milagros were present at the Anniversary celebration and they received a prolonged standing ovation when introduced on the stage by Brightpoint’s Board Chair John Russell
The event also featured a performance by folk artist and activist, Peter Yarrow, one of Brightpoint Award honorees, followed by another honoree, actor and activist Alan Cumming who read from his best-selling memoir “Not My Father’s Son.” The program closed with Linda Grier, Bronx songstress and retired Brightpoint Employee, singing “I Am Changing”.
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March 09 2018
Brightpoint Health remains committed to New York’s neediest after more than 25 years
Oracle NetSuite, one of the world’s leading providers of cloud-based financials / ERP, HR, Professional Services Automation (PSA) and omnichannel commerce software suites, today announced that Brightpoint Health, a New York-based nonprofit is using NetSuite OneWorld to expand and further its mission to bring compassionate health care and services to New YorkOracle NetSuite, one of the world’s leading providers of cloud-based financials / ERP, HR, Professional Services Automation (PSA) and omnichannel commerce software suites, today announced that Brightpoint Health, a New York-based nonprofit is using NetSuite OneWorld to expand and further its mission to bring compassionate health care and services to New York’s underserved, coordinating behavioral health, primary care and social services. Founded in 1990 during the AIDS epidemic, Brightpoint Health began as a 66-bed residential facility in the Bronx, serving people living with AIDS who were also struggling with substance abuse. The organization was able to provide comfort and support to thousands of patients, many of whom had been rejected by their families and communities. As AIDS became a treatable condition, Brightpoint expanded its program to provide medical and dental care, behavioral health care, substance abuse treatment and referrals, even as it continues to offer Adult Day Health Care services for its HIVpositive clients. Today, Brightpoint serves more than 30,000 New Yorkers annually across all five boroughs. Among the clients it serves, over 80 percent are recipients of Medicaid and about 70 percent are homeless. For many clients, in addition to instability due to poverty and inadequate housing, their health challenges often include multiple chronic medical and behavioral problems. As a Federally-Qualified Health Center, no one is turned away, regardless of whether or not they have insurance. “We’re serving the population that needs us the most and putting the patient at the center,” said Dr. Barbara Zeller, chief clinical officer, Brightpoint Health. To achieve that goal, Brightpoint strives to maintain continuous engagement with clients so they can develop the tools to care for themselves, manage their medical and behavioral challenges, and transform their health and their lives for the better. “Just to be able to come here and see the doctor, it lightens my load a lot,” said Ebony Towns, a Brightpoint patient. “It helps to know that people actually care still. They care.” In 2013, Brightpoint began a concentrated expansion effort, opening 11 new sites in a five-year period. As part of that expansion, it invested significantly in its Quality Management Department, seeking to become a data-driven organization with an electronic health record for primary care, behavioral health and dental services. That year, Brightpoint served 4,735 patients, including 2,510 new patients, for a total of 23,357 visits. Amidst that expansion, Brightpoint quickly determined that its existing DOS-based financial system could no longer meet its needs. After surveying other health care practices and evaluating Microsoft Dynamics GP, Brightpoint selected NetSuite OneWorld for its breadth of functionality, reporting, real-time view of operations and multi-subsidiary management to help manage the organization’s four subsidiaries. Month-end close, which once took 90 days, can now be done in 15 days. The comprehensive view of the organization also allows management to make informed decisions, whether that’s merging an outside physician’s practice into the organization or devoting additional resources to specific locations. In the first two years after implementing NetSuite OneWorld, revenue went up 33 percent and visits went up 77 percent, while the organization continued to open new locations. Now with 13 health centers and multiple service locations, Brightpoint served close to 34,000 patients in 2017 with 188,790 visits. As a nonprofit, Brightpoint qualified for a donation from Oracle NetSuite Social Impact, which makes available free and discounted software to qualified nonprofits and social enterprises. It has also taken advantage of Suite Pro Bono, where NetSuite employees provided their time and expertise to help Brightpoint Health with NetSuite training and customizations. Brightpoint was also the nonprofit that received technical expertise from NetSuite customers, partners and employees during the Hackathon 4Good at SuiteWorld17. That’s allowed Brightpoint to funnel more of its resources toward helping those in need. “We’re very mission focused,” said Zeller. “NetSuite gives us the support and visibility into operations to continue to serve the neediest New Yorkers.” Contact Info: Michael Robinson, Oracle NetSuite, 781-974-9401, michael.s.robinson@oracle.com
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September 22 2017
Queens Community Celebrates Expanded Matilda Raffa Cuomo Health Center
Brightpoint Health’s Successful Queens Facility Will Be Renovated and Renamed the Matilda Raffa Cuomo Health CenterBrightpoint Health’s Successful Queens Facility Will Be Renovated and Renamed the Matilda Raffa Cuomo Health CenterBrightpoint Health, a leading nonprofit provider of healthcare services to New Yorkers in need, is renovating their successful clinic in Jamaica, Queens to better serve the community. The new facility is being renamed the Matilda Raffa Cuomo Health Center in honor of New York’s former first lady’s long history of charitable and humanitarian efforts and the Cuomo family’s commitment to the founding and sustainability of Brightpoint Health.
The renovated Matilda Raffa Cuomo Health Center will offer co-located, integrated behavioral health and primary care services to better address the disproportionate rates of mental health and substance use problems and high rates of avoidable hospitalization in the area. The existing center has a high success rate with patients and surveys show that an impressive 96% of patients say Brightpoint Health gives them good medical care. Brightpoint Health currently serves over 60,000 patients and clients with primary health care and behavioral health and support services. With almost 800 employees and locations throughout the five boroughs, Brightpoint is a leader in the provision of integrated health care in New York City.
“My mother has dedicated her life to helping the less fortunate and uplifting New Yorkers in need, and I applaud the renaming of this facility to honor her long career of service,” said Governor Andrew M. Cuomo . “The new Matilda Raffa Cuomo Health Center will provide much-needed services to the Queens community and support our efforts to make a stronger, healthier New York for all.”
“Matilda Raffa Cuomo and the entire Cuomo family have done so much to help the people of New York State, including their founding of this organization,” said Paul D. Vitale, CEO of Brightpoint Health . “We are so thankful to the entire Cuomo family, and proud and honored to name this clinic the Matilda Raffa Cuomo Health Center.”
"The naming of the Brightpoint clinic is a fitting honor for my mother, who has dedicated her life to the welfare and health of vulnerable children and families,” said Maria Cuomo Cole, Brightpoint Care Board Member.
“Former First Lady Matilda Raffa Cuomo continues to this day to be a fierce, unwavering and effective advocate for health, children and families. She is a global inspiration of what it means to embody service,” said Queens Borough President Melinda Katz . “The Matilda Raffa Cuomo Health Center here in Queens named in her honor, as well as the first-class, integrated healthcare now available to so many in underserved communities, are fitting tributes to the legacy of a true, lifelong humanitarian.”
“With the renaming of the Matilda Raffa Cuomo Health Center, we honor a true champion for the people of New York,” said Congressman Gregory W. Meeks . “Throughout her career, Matilda Raffa Cuomo has fought to create opportunities for all, and I can think of no one more deserving of this honor. The newly renovated Health Center will be able to provide the essential services that our community deserves, including primary care, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment, to even more New Yorkers. I commend Brightpoint Health for their innovation and leadership in the healthcare field.”
“The new Matilda Raffa Cuomo Health Center in Jamaica, Queens will embody the spirit of a woman who worked tirelessly to uplift our most vulnerable New Yorkers,” said Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx) . “The renaming of this new facility is a fitting tribute to our former First Lady and the work she has done to promote wellness throughout our communities. The center’s renovation and expansion will now allow the clinic to deliver comprehensive health care services for the people of Queens, and I thank Brightpoint Health for making this critical investment.”
“Matilda Raffa Cuomo was a wonderful and dedicated First Lady of New York and renaming this facility in her honor is a great tribute to the many charitable and humanitarian causes that she led” said Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) . “I congratulate our state’s former first lady for receiving this honor, and look forward to the clinic’s expansion better serving the health needs of our borough.”
“Mrs. Cuomo is a very special person who has worked tirelessly to support the community through her years of work, advocacy and mentoring programs. I applaud her being honored today—and I am very pleased that our community is getting increased health care services with the expanded Matilda Raffa Cuomo Health Center,” said Assemblywoman Vivian Cook.
The new center will include the addition of 3,000 square feet that will allow the facility to become a “one-stop shop” for residents. Currently, a key healthcare challenge is the area’s severe lack of primary health care and behavioral healthcare services, particularly considering the overlapping health issues that the area’s low-income residents experience. The shortage of primary care providers in Jamaica contributes to residents’ poor health outcomes, high rates of preventable hospital admissions due to chronic illnesses and behavioral health conditions, and limited access to care.
A dedicated advocate for women, children and families, Matilda Raffa Cuomo has lead state, national and international initiatives that heightened visibility to such causes as children’s rights, volunteerism, and mentoring. As First Lady of New York State from 1983 to 1995, Mrs. Cuomo co-chaired the Governor’s Commission on Child Care and chaired the NY Citizens’ Task Force on the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect. Mrs. Cuomo also led New York’s role in the UN’s World Summit for Children and the USA’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. She established in 1984 the nation’s first school-based one-to-one mentoring program, connecting over 10,000 students to trained mentors, and helping them to succeed in school, graduate, advance in the workplace and become productive citizens. Under Mrs. Cuomo’s leadership, the program has continued as Mentoring USA and its reach expanded internationally. Mrs. Cuomo published an edited volume in 1999, revised in 2011, and entitled The Person Who Changed My Life: Prominent Americans Recall Their Mentors. She currently chairs the New York State Mentoring Program, recently reinstated by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo.
About the Matilda Raffa Cuomo Health Center (Federally Qualified Health Center):Patient population of clinic● 2,122 patients seen in 2016, with over 13,000 visits● 72% of these patients were homeless or unstably housed● All of the patients were poor or working poor.● 89% of patients were people of color – 55% Black/African American and 25% HispanicServices rendered● Over 13,000 visits to the clinic● 52% were for primary medical care● Close to 1/3 of visits were for behavioral health services – mental health and substance use treatment● Other visits included case management, nursing and nutritional services Patient outcomes & success● HIV positive patients at this site had a viral load suppression rate of 77% viral load suppression – higher than the average rate among the general population of HIV+ people in New York● 34% of patients who received their primary care here also received co-located mental health services – the gold standard for excellent care AIDS Adult Day Healthcare Center● Serves HIV+ people needing intensive health and social services Provides medical monitoring, health groups, individual counseling, care coordination and meals● 211 unique clients used this service in 2016, with over 16,000 visitsAbout Brightpoint Health
Brightpoint Health is a leading nonprofit provider of integrated health care and social support services to New Yorkers, especially those challenged by poverty, discrimination and lack of access to health care. Brightpoint Health currently serves over 60,000 patients and clients with primary health care and behavioral health and support services. With almost 800 employees and locations throughout the five boroughs, Brightpoint is a leader in the provision of integrated health care in New York City. Brightpoint is known for providing the highest quality care and improved outcomes while treating each and every patient with the kindness and respect they deserve—like family.
Contact: Emilie Tippins, 917-971-5293, Emilie.Tippins@chasiny.org
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February 01 2016
East New York Students Dramatize Dangers of Drugs and Alcohol at Alpha School Event
National Drug and Alcohol Facts Assembly SHATTER THE MYTHSSMNational Drug and Alcohol Facts Assembly SHATTER THE MYTHSSM
On Thursday, January 28th, students from Brightpoint Health’s Alpha School in East New York participated in National Drug & Alcohol Facts WeekSM (NDAFW), a week-long observance, organized by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) that brings together teens and scientists to counteract the myths about drugs and alcohol that teens are exposed to from the internet, TV, movies, music and their peers.
As part of the NDAFW celebration, students wrote, directed and acted in a play illustrating how choices they make lead to different outcomes – teens taking drugs under peer influence vs. teens making the right choice and keeping their peers out of harm’s way. The message culminated with a recital of the Alpha School’s philosophy of strength, unity and love. Over 25 students took part in the event.
“It is so powerful to see young people tell other young people, ‘Don’t do drugs. Don’t get involved in this. You can graduate and you can have a better life.’ You all did a great job and we are all proud of you,” said Chief Jeffery Maddrey, NYPD Brooklyn North Task Force, praising the students for their dramatic endeavor and the message it was communicating.
The students and teachers held an interactive session and dialogue based on the National Drug & Alcohol IQ Challenge prepared by NIDA. To further support the message, the students filled out “I want to SHATTER THE MYTHSSM because…” pledge cards with their own phrases on why they want to be a part of this national cause.
About The Alpha School
The Alpha School, which serves the economically challenged areas of East New York and Brownsville, is a GED program, taught by New York City Department of Education teachers. Through the Alpha School program, students are encouraged to become productive members of the community and be prepared for college or vocational training. Services are also available for young people struggling with substance abuse or with substance abuse in their families. The Alpha School became part of Brightpoint Health in 2014.
About Brightpoint Health
Brightpoint Health is a leading nonprofit provider of integrated health care and social support services to New Yorkers, especially those challenged by poverty, discrimination and lack of access to health care. With almost 800 employees and locations throughout the five boroughs, Brightpoint serves 40,000 people with over 130,000 health care visits annually. Brightpoint is known for providing the highest quality care and improved outcomes while treating each and every patient with the kindness and respect they deserve—like family.
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January 27 2016
Alpha School Students Participate In National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week
East New York teens join national effort to SHATTER THE MYTHSTM,SM on drugs and alcoholEast New York teens join national effort to SHATTER THE MYTHSTM,SM on drugs and alcohol
Students from Brightpoint Health’s Alpha School in Brooklyn are joining forces with other teens and experts from across the United States as part of “National Drug & Alcohol Facts WeekSM” (NDAFW). The week-long observance, organized by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), both part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), takes place Monday, January 25th through Sunday, January 31st. NDAFW links students with scientists and other experts to counteract the myths about drugs and alcohol that teens are exposed to from the internet, TV, movies, music and their peers.
On January 28th, as part of the NDAFW celebration, Alpha School students will learn about the harmful effects of substance abuse and show their support for the program’s objectives by filling out the “I want to shatter the myths because…” pledge cards provided by NIDA. They will also receive education and awareness booklets prepared by NIDA and NIAAA. The school is also planning a special lunch assembly with Chief Jeffrey Maddrey from NYPD Brooklyn North Task Force and Digna Layne, Director of Dawn of Hope, MCI and Community Development and Outreach Coordinator at Good Shepherd Services.
National Drug and Alcohol Facts Event at The Alpha School
· Date and Time: January 28, 2016 | 12pm – 2pm
· Venue: 2400 Linden Boulevard, Brooklyn, NY 11208
· Special student assembly with:
- Chief Jeffrey Maddrey, NYPD Brooklyn North Task Force
- Digna Layne, Director of Dawn of Hope, MCI and Community Development and Outreach Coordinator at Good Shepherd Services
The Alpha School, which serves the economically challenged areas of East New York and Brownsville, is a GED program, taught by New York City Department of Education teachers. Through The Alpha School program, students are encouraged to become productive members of the community and be prepared for college or vocational training. Services are also available for young people struggling with substance abuse or with substance abuse in their families. The Alpha School became part of Brightpoint Health in 2014.
According to NIDA sponsored study on teen drug use, Monitoring the Future 2015, about a third of American high school seniors report using an illicit drug sometime in the past year, and more than ten percent report non-medical use of a narcotic painkiller. Many teens are not aware of the risks associated with substance use and abuse. Their participation in National Drug and Alcohol Facts WeekSM will encourage Alpha School students, and teenagers across the country, to have open conversations and share accurate information with their peers that will lead to informed choices about drug and alcohol use.
About Brightpoint Health
Brightpoint Health is a leading nonprofit provider of integrated health care and social support services to New Yorkers, especially those challenged by poverty, discrimination and lack of access to health care. With almost 800 employees and locations throughout the five boroughs, Brightpoint serves 40,000 people with over 130,000 health care visits annually. Brightpoint is known for providing the highest quality care and improved outcomes while treating each and every patient with the kindness and respect they deserve—like family.
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October 27 2015
Brightpoint Health Promotes Jessica Diamond To Chief Population Health Officer
Brightpoint Health, a leading nonprofit provider of integrated health care and social support services in New York City, announced today that Jessica Diamond had been promoted to newly created position of Chief Population Health Officer. Diamond was previously Senior Vice President, Organizational Culture and Quality.Brightpoint Health, a leading nonprofit provider of integrated health care and social support services in New York City, announced today that Jessica Diamond had been promoted to newly created position of Chief Population Health Officer. Diamond was previously Senior Vice President, Organizational Culture and Quality.
In her expanded role, Diamond will assume strategic and operational responsibility for Brightpoint’s Health Home care management program, the largest program of its kind in New York State. She will also continue to oversee the Organizational Culture and Quality departments. Diamond will be providing leadership, in an era of health care delivery system reform, for Brightpoint’s transition, to a value-based mode and furthering implementation of the Triple Aim (Better Care, Better Health and Lower Costs).
Diamond sees her greatest opportunity as creating a model of care, including staff support, training and tools to deliver the goals of the Health Home concept and have a positive impact on Brightpoint’s mission to drive dramatic improvement in the health of New Yorkers. She is also acutely aware of the critical role of quality metrics and informatics in advancing the care model. The greatest challenge, according to Diamond, is designing effective models within the current reimbursement rate structure.
“We have confidence that Jessica’s promotion will provide Brightpoint Health with an even more effective and robust Executive Leadership Team,” said Dr. Barbara Zeller, Brightpoint’s Chief Clinical Officer to whom Diamond will continue to report. “She has shown fine leadership qualities and has assisted Brightpoint with the ability to develop systems and knowledge to be successful in this ever changing healthcare environment.”
Since joining Brightpoint Health in 2012, Diamond has developed numerous metrics and indicators to assess the organization’s effectiveness and ultimately improve patient outcomes. She has worked with populations challenged by health care disparities throughout her career, starting as an AmeriCorps volunteer, where she designed a substance abuse prevention program for at-risk youth. From there, she joined NYC DOHMH subcontractor Public Health Solutions, where she managed federal, city and state HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention funding awarded to hospitals and non-profits. Following this role, Diamond worked at Gay Men’s Health Crisis spearheading a quality improvement program and creating a process to track and report clinical metrics relevant to clients’ HIV/AIDS status.
Diamond has a Bachelor of Arts in Public and Community Service from Providence College and a Masters of Public Administration in Health Policy and Analysis from New York University’s Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service. She also holds a Certification in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ).
ABOUT BRIGHTPOINT HEALTH
Brightpoint Health is a leading nonprofit provider of integrated primary care, behavioral health, dental care, substance abuse, care management and social support services to New Yorkers in need. With almost 800 employees and locations throughout the five boroughs, Brightpoint serves 40,000 people with over 130,000 health care visits annually. Brightpoint is known for providing the highest quality care and improved outcomes while treating each and every patient with the kindness and respect they deserve—like family.