Support NIDC's Health Hub

While mental & physical health needs are on the rise across NYC, The Bronx has some uniquely acute needs. For example, according to the data, nearly 40% of Bronx residents have 1 or more chronic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma. Despite this, many Bronx residents do not have a regular doctor, leading to 229.2 ER visits/10,000 residents for asthma alone, nearly 2x the NYC rate. The Bronx also has 2x the NYC rate for psychiatric hospitalizations; a recent DOH report states that 71% of NYers have a diagnosed mental illness. Historical distrust of the healthcare system, along with long-held stigmas around mental health, suggest that the number of adults/youth with unmet mental health needs is much higher.

Our Health Hub seeks to bring mental/physical health education and resources to the communities we serve. The Social Determinants of Health paradigm shows that “lived experiences” represent 70% of the causative factors impacting health, many of which changes in lifestyle or regular screenings may negate. Education and access to resources and healthy experiences will help ease the stigmas and distrust around the health fields in our communities, as well as encourage lifestyle changes that could substantially affect health outcomes. This initiative aims to do that through culturally relevant educational workshops, free screenings, meet-and-greets with local healthcare workers, health fairs, and access to free physical activities such as Zumba and yoga.

Help us meet our $5,000 goal to bring these needed resources to The Bronx for a whole year!