What is Health Equity?
Health equity means that everyone has a fair opportunity to achieve their highest level of health. It acknowledges that systemic injustices and social determinants of health often lead to disparities in healthcare access, quality, and outcomes. At Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital, we strive to eliminate these disparities by addressing the root causes of health inequities and promoting equal access to care for all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or other factors.
Our Approach to Health Equity
At Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital, we have implemented a multifaceted approach to advancing health equity.
ASIST
Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital (SBELIH) has partnered with LivingWorks ASIST to offer a valuable resource to the East End community: a free, two-day workshop focused on suicide first aid intervention. Led by experienced trainers Suzie Marriott, MS, RN, PMH-BC, Chief Nursing Officer and SVP Patient Care Services for SBELIH, and Police Officer Philip Schoppmann, this workshop promises to equip participants with essential skills in a comfortable and supportive setting.
The workshop, scheduled for the fall, provides a comprehensive learning experience through a blend of didactic sessions, small group discussions, and hands-on skills practice. Participants will learn how to recognize the signs of suicidal ideation, effectively intervene, and develop a safety plan to ensure the well-being of those at risk.
LivingWorks ASIST is renowned as the premier suicide intervention training program globally, boasting a curriculum that is both trusted by professionals and accessible to all. Featuring immersive audiovisuals, interactive discussions, and realistic simulations, the ASIST experience is designed to empower individuals with the knowledge and confidence to prevent suicide and save lives.
With a legacy of over 35 years, LivingWorks ASIST continually evolves to incorporate the latest research and insights into suicide prevention. This workshop is open to anyone interested in joining LivingWorks' mission to foster collaboration within communities and organizations, working together to protect individuals from the devastating effects of suicide.
By offering this training, SBELIH and LivingWorks ASIST are taking proactive steps to address the pressing issue of suicide prevention and provide invaluable support to the East End community. Together, we can empower individuals to make a difference and save lives.
Click here to find a workshop near you.
CAST HEALTH FAIR
In collaboration with CAST and Southold Town, Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital (SBELIH) proudly hosts a Free Annual Health Fair, aimed at bridging the gap between the community and vital local resources on the North Fork of Long Island.
At this event, SBELIH offers a wealth of information on a diverse range of services, covering areas such as Behavioral Health, Nutrition, General Surgery, Cancer Screenings, Orthopaedics, Spine & Sports Medicine, Senior Options, and more. Past iterations of the fair have seen participation from esteemed collaborators including Fidelis Health Insurance, Peconic Pediatrics, Sun River Health, The Retreat, OLA - Project Hope, RISE Life Services, Lions Club Vision Screenings, Family Service League – Mattituck, and CASJ Narcan Training.
The Free Annual Health Fair serves as a pivotal platform for community members to access essential healthcare information and connect with local organizations dedicated to promoting well-being. SBELIH remains committed to facilitating these crucial connections and empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health and wellness on the North Fork.
FOOD AS MEDICINE
Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital is dedicated to tackling significant health-related social needs faced by patients. One major health-related social issue that patients face is food insecurity. In recognition of this issue, we have implemented a comprehensive approach aimed at addressing the individual needs of each patient, Food As Medicine. Upon discharge, those identified as food insecure receive a tote bag of essential food items as part of the program. Moreover, we extend our support beyond the hospital walls by connecting patients with community-based resources for ongoing food assistance.
Our collaboration with the Center for Advocacy, Support, and Transformation (CAST) of the North Fork and Shelter Island ensures that patients residing in this region receive continued nourishment post-hospitalization via CAST's local food pantry. Serving as a vital safety net, CAST's pantry plays a pivotal role in ensuring food security for numerous families within the community.
Recognizing the critical role of nutrition in a patient's recovery journey, our Food As Medicine program aims to mitigate potential health complications post-discharge and promote a more resilient and supported lifestyle for our patients. This collaborative effort underscores our commitment to addressing not only medical needs but also broader social determinants of health, fostering healthier and more resilient communities.
FOOD RESCUE US NORTH FORK
Food Rescue US North Fork stands at the forefront of the battle against hunger and food waste across America, spearheading initiatives that unite communities through the efforts of committed volunteer food rescuers. These individuals work tirelessly to bridge the gap between surplus food and those facing food insecurity, ensuring fresh and nutritious meals reach millions of families in need.
Operating on a local level, dedicated rescuers collaborate with various establishments such as restaurants, grocers, and institutions like Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital to salvage edible food that would otherwise be discarded. This rescued food is then swiftly distributed to nearby social service agencies, effectively addressing immediate needs while also curbing the alarming rate of food waste. By intercepting food before it reaches landfills, Food Rescue US North Fork significantly reduces harmful emissions associated with decomposing waste.
Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital takes great pride in its partnership with Food Rescue US North Fork, contributing freshly prepared and packaged food to support the efforts of local volunteer rescuers. Through this collaboration, essential sustenance finds its way to organizations like CAST in Southold, amplifying the impact of collective action in combating hunger and waste within the North Fork community.
LGBTQ*
Stony Brook Medicine has taken a proactive step in addressing the needs of the LGBTQ* community by establishing an LGBTQ* Committee of which Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital is a member. Comprised of a diverse array of professionals including medical and behavioral health providers, nurses, students, education specialists, and representatives from various departments, our committee is committed to ensuring inclusive and culturally sensitive care for LGBTQ* individuals.
The mission of the committee is clear: to review, address, and affirm the specific and unique needs of LGBTQ* individuals. Through this initiative, Stony Brook Medicine aims to promote respectful and equitable healthcare for all patients, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Here at Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital, we prioritize creating a welcoming environment where all patients feel safe and respected. Our providers are dedicated to offering equitable healthcare to every individual who walks through our doors, including those who identify as LGBTQ*.
Furthermore, we recognize the importance of specialized care for LGBTQ* individuals, particularly in areas such as adult care. Our healthcare providers have experience in working with LGBTQ* patients, ensuring that their specific healthcare needs are met with understanding and expertise.
Through the efforts of our LGBTQ* Committee and the dedication of our healthcare providers, Stony Brook Medicine remains committed to upholding the principles of inclusivity and providing high-quality care to all members of the LGBTQ* community.
NARCAN
Narcan, also known as naloxone, stands as a critical medication designed to swiftly reverse opioid overdoses, administered through a nasal spray. Spearheading the initiative is the groundbreaking Narcan Rescue Station project, the first of its kind on Long Island. Notably, all Narcan Rescue Stations are generously supplied free of charge to local businesses within the Town of Southold, further reinforcing the commitment to community well-being.
Narcan Rescue Stations have now been installed in over 20 locations throughout Southold Town continuing the work of Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital (SBELIH), Rich Vandenburgh, owner of Greenport Harbor Brewing Co. and former president of the Greenport Village Business Improvement District (BID), and Tina Wolf, Executive Director of Community Action for Social Justice (CASJ). This initiative in partnership with the Town of Southold began in 2021 due to the tragic deaths of 6 people who overdosed on fentanyl-laced opioids.
These strategically placed stations offer swift access to Narcan in critical locations such as Southold Town Hall, adjacent to the AED and Town Clerk’s Office, ensuring accessibility during emergencies. Each station is meticulously stocked with two doses of Narcan, accompanied by clear instructions for use, and includes fentanyl test strips for additional safety measures. Participating establishments play a crucial role in monitoring and replenishing these stations, ensuring their readiness to respond to emergencies.
The provision of these lifesaving resources is complemented by comprehensive training sessions facilitated by Community Action for Social Justice (CASJ), ensuring that individuals are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively administer Narcan when needed. The initiative is proudly supported by Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital (SBELIH), underscoring the collaborative effort among key stakeholders to address the pressing issue of opioid overdose within the community.
Narcan Rescue Stations can be found in prominent locations including the Mattituck, Southold, and Greenport School Districts, as well as various businesses and community hubs such as Claudio’s, Ellen's on Front, Greenport Harbor Brewery Co., and more. Plans for future installations include key locations like the Mattituck Park District, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Peconic Bay Yacht Club, and Silver Sands Motel, further extending the reach of this life-saving initiative across the community.
Confidential in-home training is now available by calling (866) 599-7260 or info@nysocialjustice.org.
RECOVERY HOMES
Recovery homes play a crucial role in the journey of individuals striving to overcome addiction and reconstruct their lives. These residential settings provide a supportive and structured atmosphere for those transitioning from addiction treatment programs back into mainstream society.
Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital oversees three 10-bed recovery homes located in Southold Town, underscoring the institution's commitment to supporting individuals in their recovery journeys. Within these homes, residents find a supportive environment that fosters sobriety and personal growth. One of the pivotal benefits of recovery homes lies in the peer support they offer, as individuals share common experiences and provide mutual encouragement.
Beyond maintaining a drug- and alcohol-free environment, recovery homes focus on equipping residents with vital life skills necessary for successful reintegration into society. Professional staff members are on hand to provide guidance and support throughout each resident's recovery journey, ensuring a comprehensive and tailored approach to their needs.
By integrating supportive environments, peer camaraderie, life skills development, professional guidance, and a holistic approach to wellness, recovery homes furnish individuals with the essential tools and resources for achieving long-term recovery success. As society grapples with the challenges posed by the opioid epidemic and other substance use disorders, investing in and expanding access to recovery homes emerges as a critical component in enabling individuals to break free from the cycle of addiction and thrive in their recovery endeavors.
SAFE HAVEN FOR BABIES
Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital is designated as a Safe Haven facility. Safe Haven is committed to safeguarding the lives of newborns from the perils of abandonment and providing support to pregnant individuals in crisis. It serves as a safety net for both the mother and the newborn, offering a solution without judgment or fear of legal repercussions.
Parents, guardians, or anyone in possession of a newborn up to 30 days old can safely leave the infant at the hospital or designated emergency stations, maintaining anonymity and receiving assistance without interrogation. Upon notification, the hospital collaborates with accredited adoption agencies to ensure the newborn finds a loving family awaiting placement.
For more information visit: https://www.nationalsafehavenalliance.org/
