Despite Long Island’s reputation as a wealthy suburb with excellent health care systems, major health disparities still exist between communities. Long Island’s segregated neighborhoods fuel these disparities, as the social determinants of health, such as services, safety, decent housing, good schools, and adequate transportation are often lacking in low-income neighborhoods. The intentions of our grantmaking in this area are to improve the effectiveness, responsiveness, and equity of healthcare for marginalized and underserved communities and populations.
We fund projects that:
- We fund projects that:
- Address existing health disparities and improve access to quality healthcare.
- Provide access to comprehensive and coordinated care for those who remain uninsured or underinsured; and
- Provide screening and early intervention for effective treatment of disease.
- Support maternal and child health care – including services, prevention and education.
**Eligible applicants in Nassau County include hospitals and Federally Qualified Health Centers. Eligible applicants in Suffolk County include hospitals, health care facilities, and nonprofit organizations with projects that align with our program goals.
Mental health and substance use issues affect as many as one in five individuals over their lifetime. Socio-economic and psychological barriers make it difficult for them to access primary care, keep appointments, and prioritize their own physical health care.
With support from the Long Island Community Foundation, Family Service League of Suffolk County has created the Community Health Care Collaborative. This program offers coordinated primary and mental health care for people with serious behavioral health illnesses. It improves chronic health conditions, saves system resources, and increases client satisfaction.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder typically characterized by problems with communication and social interaction, repetitive behaviors, and limited interests.
Early detection can provide an autistic child with the potential to live a more normal life. Children with autism who receive appropriate education and support at key developmental stages are more likely to gain essential social skills and function better in society. With our support, we are helping the Long Island Medical Foundation improve autism screening and service delivery for low-income children and families.
