Mission Statement
We, at Catholic Health, humbly join together to bring Christ’s healing mission and the mission of mercy of the Catholic Church expressed in Catholic health care to our communities.
St. Catherine of Siena Hospital Service Area
St. Catherine of Siena Hospital is a 296-bed, not-for-profit, community hospital and has served the residents of Smithtown for more than 50 years. St. Catherine of Siena Hospital’s primary service area is Suffolk County. The chart below defines the zip codes and municipalities (towns) comprising St. Catherine of Siena Hospital’s service area.
Demographics
Suffolk County’s total population as of 2020 is 1,481,362 (47.2% male; 50.8% female). Those ages 15-44 represent 35.4% of females; 36.7% of males; ages 60 plus represent 23.7% of males and 25.6% of females; those 18 years and older represent 78.8% of males and 79.8% females. The region is predominately White at 65.3% with 7.7% Black/African American and 4.4% Asian. Hispanic or Latino represent 22.4% of the population,1 about a four percent increase from the last report.
Geographic description
Suffolk County is 2,373 square miles and is the second largest county in New York. Catholic Health’s (CH) three hospitals in the county service this easternmost county in New Yok State and the county is divided into 10 towns: Babylon, Huntington, Islip, Smithtown, Brookhaven, Southampton, Riverhead, East Hampton, Shelter Island and Southold.2 Suffolk County is an area of growing diversity, cultures, and population characteristics.
1U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Decennial Census
2https://www.ny.gov/counties/suffolk
Socioeconomic information
In terms of household income, 35.2% of the population earns less than $74, 999 with 15% of that group earning less than $34,999 annually. Of the population, 8% of those under 18 years of age live in poverty, while 6% of those ages 18 to 64 live in poverty and for those ages 18 -34, 6.7% live in poverty.3
The percentage of the population (5 years and over) that speaks a language other than English at home is 30.3%, with Spanish the dominant foreign language spoken 14.7% followed by other Indo/European languages 8.7% and Asian languages 5.1%. In terms of education, for those age 25 and over, 89.4% are high school graduates or higher, 31.9% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The percent of the total population uninsured is 4.2%. Of that percent, non-citizens represent 32% of the uninsured. Hispanic/Latino represent 42.1% of the uninsured followed by Black/African American 10%, White 63.9%, Asian 6.5%. Of the uninsured, 37.6% earn less than $74,999 household income and 9.1% earn under $25,000 household income. Approximately 9.6% of the total noninstitutionalized population is disabled. By race/ethnicity, 10.6% of the Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander population is disabled, 13.6% of the American Indian/Alaska Native population is disabled, 10% of the White population is disabled, 9.6% of the Black/African American population is disabled, and 7.2% of the Hispanic/Latino population is disabled. Native American/Pacific Islanders account for less than one percent of the county’s population. 4
Income – one social determinant of health – precludes individuals from low-income communities from accessing preventive and/or medical care due to their difficulty to afford co-payments/deductibles (if insured) or care at all if they are uninsured. The inability to afford co-pays and deductibles consistently rises to the top as a barrier to health care on Long Island Health Collaborative’s (LIHC) Community Health Assessment Survey year and after year. The median household income in the past 12 months by race is $107,422 (White), $85,840 (Black), $91,711 (Hispanic/Latino). Mean income in the past 12months, per capita by race is $50,352, $33,170 and $28,414, respectively.4 According to research conducted by the United Way of New York’s ALICE report,5 Long Island residents are earning wages that do not cover life’s basic costs. As of 2020, 31.5% of Long Island households fall below the set income threshold needed to live and work, which equates to 130,599 households in Nassau County and 171,921 households in Suffolk County, struggling to afford these basic needs.
Key Health Partners
Partnering with community-based organizations is the most effective way to determine how the health priorities will be addressed. As part of our collective impact strategies to promote health and well-being for residents in our communities, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital has strong relationships with local and regional community-based organizations, libraries, schools, faith-based organizations, the local health department, local fire departments and municipalities that support and partner with us to reduce chronic disease, mental health and substance misuse, and to promote health equity. Some of St. Catherine’s partners include: the LIHC, the Suffolk County Department of Human Services, Catholic Charities and Catholic Faith Network (CFN).
3U.S. Census Bureau, 2016-2020 American Community Survey, Five-Year Estimate
4U.S. Census Bureau, 2016-2020 American Community Survey, Five-Year Estimate
5https://www.unitedwayli.org/ALICE2020
Public Participation
St. Catherine of Siena Hospital, along with Catholic Health’s other five hospitals, worked with the LIHC and the Suffolk County Department of Health Services (SCDOHS), and dozens of community-based organizations, libraries, schools and universities, local municipalities, and other community stakeholders to produce the CHNA. SCDOHS representatives offered input and consultation, when appropriate, regarding the data analyses conducted by the LIHC and DataGen. Top, high-level findings include a continued prevalence of chronic disease incidence, particularly heart disease, diabetes, obesity and cancer. Further, surging rates of mental health and substance misuse issues among all demographic categories was found, with disparity seen among youth, and low-income communities of color continuing to experience a higher burden of disease overall. In 2022, members of the LIHC reviewed extensive data sets selected from both primary and secondary data sources to identify and confirm New York State Prevention Agenda priorities for the 2022-2024 Community Health Needs Assessment cycle. Data analysis efforts were coordinated through the LIHC, which served as the centralized data return and analysis hub.
Results of Community-Wide Survey
Primary data was obtained from a community health needs assessment sent to individuals and a similar survey to community-based organization leaders6. Additionally, we looked at results from two qualitative studies to round out our primary data.7 Secondary data was derived from publicly-available data sets curated by DataGen into its proprietary data analytics platform, CHNA Advantage ™, offering 200 plus metrics to determine health issues within Suffolk County.8 As such, priorities selected for the 2022- 2024 cycle remain unchanged from the 2019 – 2021 cycle selection, and the selected health disparities in which partners are focusing their efforts rests on the inequities experienced by those in historically underserved communities and communities of color.
Community Health Priorities for 2023-2025
Primary data and secondary data demonstrate that residents living in Suffolk County are experiencing poor mental health status. The 2021 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation County Health Rankings examining Suffolk County in Quality-of-Life Health Outcomes demonstrates an average of 4.0 poor mental health days per 30 days in Suffolk County.9 Mental health issues have soared in the past two years, spurred in part, by the effects of the pandemic. Using data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s COVID-19 Household Pulse Survey (April 23, 2020 – October 26, 2020), a New York State Health Foundation analysis found that more than one-third of adult New Yorkers reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, with racial and ethnic groups of color as well as low-income New Yorkers, reporting the highest rates of poor mental health.
6Community Health Assessment Survey (CHAS) assessing responses from individuals, summary report and survey instrument (Appendix A) CBO Survey Analysis 2022, assessing responses from community-based organization leader, summary report and survey instrument (Appendix B)
7Qualitative Analysis of Key Informant Interviews Conducted Among Community-Based Organization Leaders (Appendix C) Long Island Libraries: Caretakers of the Region’s Social Support and Health Needs: Qualitative Analysis (Appendix D)
8Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS), New York State Prevention Agenda dashboard, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), Extended Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (eBRFSS), New York State Community Health Indicators by Race/Ethnicity Reports, Community Health Indicator Reports, Prevention Quality Indicators, CDC Places, and U.S. Census Bureau. The CHNA Advantage™ data analytics platform includes these and other state and national level indicators. It also encompasses social risk measures offered by Socially Determined, Inc.
9https://www.countyhealthrankings.org/app/new-york/2021/compare/snapshot?counties=36_059%2B36_103
However, the 18 – 34-year-old age group reported the highest rates (49%) of poor mental health. 10 High school students (grades 9 through 12) fared just as badly. A number of studies found poor mental health along with suicide ideation intensified during the pandemic for high schoolers. An April 2022 analysis of data from the 2021 Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey revealed that 37.1% of students experienced poor mental health during the pandemic, and 31.1% experienced poor mental health during the preceding 30 days.11 The pandemic made a bad situation worse, especially for youth, as mental health issues and suicides were already increasing prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.12 13 14 15 With the shortage of mental health care workers and the lingering psychological effects of the pandemic, mental health services remain a top priority for the region.
The county also saw an uptick in opioid-related overdoses and deaths after having made some gains prior to the pandemic. As of 2019, Suffolk County still exceeds the New York state benchmark of 15.1 in overdose deaths per 100,000 due to opioids. According to data provided by Suffolk County’s Department of Health, the rate of opioid overdoses is currently 19.6. In addition, emergency department visits involving heroin overdoses is extremely high in the county. As of 2019, the Suffolk County rate is 47.2 compared to New York State’s benchmark of 31.1 per 100,000 population.16
Another health disparity identified in primary and secondary research is adult obesity. According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s County Health Rankings for Suffolk County,17 27% of the population (18 and older) reports a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30 kg/m.18 In 2019, The New England Journal of Medicine studied projected adult obesity in the United States by 2030 based on today’s obese and overweight adult populations.19 By 2030, the obesity epidemic is projected to impact nearly 1 in 2 adults.
According to the New York State Department of Health, obesity is a significant risk factor for many chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, stroke, heart disease and certain types of cancer. The prevalence of chronic diseases is persistent in the county. Nationally, communities of color experience higher rates of chronic disease. Using diabetes as an example, the American Indian/Alaska Native population represents 14.5 percent of adults 18 or older who are diagnosed with diabetes followed by Black, non-Hispanic at 12.1% and Hispanic overall at 11.8% in the United States. Asians and Whites experience the disease at 9.5% and 7.4% respectively.20 Health providers report that many individuals delayed preventive care and routine screenings due to the pandemic, leading to more complicated cases and unfavorable outcomes. Chronic diseases are preventable conditions sensitive to lifestyle (diet/physical
10https://nyhealthfoundation.org/resource/mental-health-impact-of-the-coronavirus-pandemic-in-new-york-state/#:~:text=The %20proportion%20of%20New%20Yorkers,health%20throughout%20the%20survey%20period
11https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/su/su7103a3.htm? s_cid=su7103a3_w
12https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/66/wr/mm6630a6.htm
13https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/mental-health.htm
14Weinberger, A. et al. (August 2017) Trends in depression prevalence in the USA from 2005 – 2015: widening disparities in vulnerable groups. Psychological Medicine, 1-10
15Bitsko, R et al. (2018) Epidemiology and impact of healthcare provider-diagnosed anxiety and depression among US children. Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, 1-9.
16https://webbi1.health.ny.gov/SASStoredProcess/guest?_program=/EBI/PHIG/apps/opioid_dashboard/ op_dashboard&p=ch&cos=47
17https://www.countyhealthrankings.org/app/new-york/2022/measure/factors/11/map
18https://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/prevention/injury_prevention/information_for_action/docs/2021-02_ifa_report.pdf
19https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMsa1909301
20https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/health-equity/diabetes-by-the-numbers.html
activity) habits but hampered by the obstacles presented by social determinant of health factorsincome/employment, race/ethnicity, food access, housing/neighborhood location, and level of education. The county and hospitals identified in this report through collaborative efforts and facility-specific programming acknowledge and address these determinants regularly.
St. Catherine of Siena Hospital Interventions, Strategies and Activities
Priority Number One: Prevent Chronic Disease
Goals and selected interventions concentrate on Focus Area 4: Chronic Disease Preventive Care and Management, with additional programming addressing other focus areas.
Interventions, Strategies and Activities:
1. Live Better Awareness Campaign: Promote healthy eating and food security by increasing skills and knowledge to make healthy food and beverage choices. The goal is to decrease the percent of children and adults with obesity in low-income communities.
Process measures:
On February 21, a St. Catherine of Siena physician presented, “Are You Overweight? Learn How to Manage Your Weight through Diet and Exercise.” This virtual lecture was given to Huntington Library members and surrounding libraries in the area. More than 50 people attended.
On February 22, for Heart Health Awareness Month, a St. Catherine of Siena’s Registered Dietician presented, “A Heart Healthy Diet” at the Commack Public Library; 15 people attended.
On February 25, St. Catherine of Siena participated in a “Heart Health Awareness Breakfast” at the Knights of Columbus, and 15 blood pressures were provided.
On February 29, a St. Catherine of Siena’s Registered Dietician provided a virtual presentation, “A Heart Healthy Diet” for the Huntington Public Library; 10 people attended.
On March 1, as part of a Lenten project, 34 hospital employees participated in “Meals of Hope” food packing event and prepared 12,000 meals that were delivered to local parishes and soup kitchens.
On March 3, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital staff attended “Hospitality Sunday” at St. Patrick’s Church in Smithtown. Thirty-five people were screened for high blood pressure.
On March 7, in recognition of National Nutrition Awareness Month, St. Catherine of Siena’s Registered Dieticians set up an educational table in the hospital and provided fun, interactive activities to build awareness regarding healthy dietary habits. Fifty people attended.
On March 13, St. Catherine of Siena hosted a “Living Healthy Workshop” in collaboration with Retired Senior Volunteer Program of Suffolk. The program reviews healthy dietary habits. Eleven people attended.
On March 21, in recognition of National Nutrition Awareness Month, St. Catherine of Siena’s Registered Dieticians set up an educational table in the hospital and provided fun, interactive activities to build awareness regarding healthy dietary habits; 25 people attended the event.
On March 27, a physician from St. Catherine of Siena Hospital presented, “Digestive Health: Colon Cancer and Prevention” at Smithtown Library. Fifteen people attended.
On April 9, 11 and 19, a Registered Dietician from St. Catherine of Siena Hospital presented three “Nutrition for Performance” at Smithtown Middle Schools; 365 students participated.
On April 13, St. Catherine of Siena hosted a Community Health Fair on the campus. Free heart healthy food samples with recipes where distributed. Fifty people attended.
On May, 7, 14, 21 and 28, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital hosted, “Boardwalk Your Way to Wellness” event at Sunken Meadow State Park. Hospital staff provided educational material for managing diabetes, heart healthy diets. Thirty blood pressure screenings were provided and 100 people stopped by the table.
Ongoing efforts for St. Catherine’s Diabetes Prevention Program, which finishes in October 2024. St. Catherine of Siena Hospital is hosting this program in collaboration with the Suffolk County Department of Health. The program will last a full year. Thirteen people are participating.
On June 2, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital participated in the annual “Smithtown Festival Day.” Educational information was presented on various clinical specialties. Twenty-five blood pressure screenings were provided. Approximately 500 people visited the table throughout the day.
On June 7, Dr. Jana Deitch spoke about breast health at St. Patrick’s School in Smithtown; 35 people were in attendance.
On June 15, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital participated in the annual “Kings Park Day.” Educational information was presented on various clinical specialties. Twenty blood pressure screenings were provided. Approximately 2,000 people attended the event.
On June 22, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital participated in the Catholic Health Community Health Fair, providing educational information. Free health screenings were offered including blood pressures, glucose and cholesterol readings. Thirty-two people were screened and 150 attended.
On July 12, two St. Catherine of Siena Hospital registered dieticians provided a virtual presentation “Mindful Eating for a Healthy Weight” in collaboration with the Huntington & Northport libraries for 50 people.
On August 11, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital participated in a Healthy Sunday’s event at St. Agnes Church in Greenport, providing information on healthy lifestyle choices to 100 people; 10 blood pressure screenings were provided.
On August 15, 16, 17, and 18, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital participated in St. Joseph’s Parish Family Festival providing blood pressure screenings to 99 people; 3,350 people attended the event.
On August 20, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital held its first annual “Pickle Ball for Health” event. A registered dietician spoke with the participants about healthy eating choices and the importance of physical activity. The event was open to the community; 30 people participated.
On September 25, Dr. Frank Bonura provided a virtual lecture to multiple area libraries called, “Updated Treatments for Osteoporosis & Osteopenia for Men and Women.” Fifty-seven people attended.
On September 28, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital held its annual “Fall Health Fair,” providing health and wellness services, free blood pressure, and glucose and cholesterol screenings. A St. Catherine diabetes expert was available for consultations and the Food & Nutrition Department provided healthy food choices. Ninety-eight flu vaccinations were administered, and 34 blood draws.
On October 6, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital participated in the annual St. James Day, providing healthy eating education. Approximately 500 people attended the event.
On October 23 - November 20, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital, in conjunction with Whisper Woods Assisted Living in Smithtown and Retired Senior Volunteer Program, hosted a “Living Healthy” Workshop Series. Nine people participated.
On November 5, for Diabetes Awareness Month, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital’s Food and Nutrition Department hosted an educational table and provided healthy snacks to employees and visitors. Twentyfive people were in attendance.
On November 7, St. Catherine Registered Dietician provided a presentation “Diabetes 101” at the Smithtown Library, Kings Park. Ten people were in attendance.
2. Free blood pressure screenings are provided at hospital awareness events, local public libraries, community outreach events, street fairs, parishes, with clinical support.
Process measures:
St. Catherine of Siena Hospital regularly provides free blood pressure (BP) screenings in the community, including the Smithtown Senior Center on February 20, 2024, April 16, 2024, June 18, 2024, August 20, 2024, and October 15, 2024 (with a total of 97 BP screenings); the Smithtown Street Fair on June 2, 2024 (25 BPs); Kings Park Day on June 15, 2024 (25 BP screenings); Go Red for Heart Month on February 2, 2024 (25 BPs); St. Catherine of Siena Community Health Fair on April 13, (30 BPs), Cinco de Mayo on May 7, 2024 (25 BPs). Summer Service Health Screening at a Huntington Car Dealership (50 BPs) July 18, 2024; National Night Out at Smith Haven Mall (35 BPs) August 6, 2024; Commack Volunteer Ambulance Corp (CVAC) 5K Run (23 BPs) August 10, 2024; Healthy Sunday St. Agnes Church (10 BPs) August 11, 2024; St. Joseph Family Festival (99 BPs) August 15,16,17,18, 2024. Smithtown Historical Society (5 BPs) September 15, 2024; St. Catherine of Siena Community Health Fair (50 BPs) September 28, 2024; St. James Day (10 BPs); The Arbors Assisted Living Health Fair (20 BPs), December 13, 2024.
3. The hospital hosts educational forums and provides BMI screenings for all attendees.
Process measures:
In partnership with the Suffolk County Department of Health, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital hosts the Diabetes Prevention Program, a one-year evidence-based workshop series. The workshop series began in October 2023 and will run through October 2024; 12 people are participating.
On January 12, a Catholic Health Advance Practice Provider presented on “Lyme Disease Awareness and Prevention” at the Hauppauge Library; 20 people attended.
On January 30, St. Catherine of Siena participated in the “Dangers of Fentanyl” event at Connetquot Schools. One hundred people attended.
On February 2, in recognition of Heart Health Awareness Month an educational table was set in the hospital; 30 people participated.
On February 20, a free blood pressure screening took place at the Smithtown Senior Center, and 28 blood pressure screenings were provided.
On February, 21, a St. Catherine of Siena physician provided a lecture, “Are You Overweight? Learn How to Manage through Lifestyle Modifications.” The event was held virtually for Huntington Library members, and 50 people were in attendance.
On February 22, a St. Catherine of Siena Registered Dietician presented in-person, “A Heart Healthy Diet” lecture at the Commack branch of the Smithtown Library; 15 people were in attendance.
On February 29, a “Heart Healthy Diet” was presented by a St. Catherine of Siena Hospital Registered Dietician for the Huntington Public Library. Ten people in attendance.
On March 1, as part of a Lenten Project, 34 St. Catherine of Siena Hospital employees participated in a “Meals of Hope” food packing event, preparing 12,000 meals. The Meals of Hope boxes were delivered to local parishes and food pantries.
On March 3, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital staff attended “Hospitality Sunday” at St. Patrick’s Church in Smithtown. Thirty-five people were in attendance and screened for high blood pressure.
On March 3, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital participated in a “Healthy Sundays” event at Centerport Church and provided free blood pressure screenings and education on stroke prevention; 12 adults received blood pressure screenings and 30, 5-6 grade students received stroke education.
On March 7, in recognition of National Nutrition Month, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital’s Registered dieticians set up an educational table on proper nutrition and healthy eating. Fifty people participated.
On March 20, a St. Catherine of Siena Hospital physician presented, “Menopause Management” virtually for Huntington Library, and surrounding libraries; 35 people attended.
During the month of March, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital, in partnership with Retired Senior Volunteer Program of Suffolk, organized a chronic disease self-management program called, “Living Healthy Workshop.” Eleven people attended. Due to low registration, the program was postponed after the March 6th class. We will look to reschedule in fall 2024.
On March 18 – May 13, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital partnered with the Suffolk County Department of Health to offer an evidence-based smoking cessation program. Eight people attended the program.
On March 26, in recognition of National Nutrition Month, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital’s Registered Dieticians set up an educational table. Thirty-five people participated.
On March 27, a St. Catherine of Siena Hospital physician provided a presentation called, “Digestive Health: Colon Cancer Awareness and Prevention” for Smithtown Library. Fifteen people attended.
On April 2, a Catholic Health audiologist provided a free audiology screening at the Smithtown Senior Center. Thirty people attended.
On April 2, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital held a flag-raising ceremony in partnership with LiveOnNY program to promote organ donation. Twenty people attended. The month-long awareness campaign resulted in more than 27 new organ donors being registered.
On April 8, a St. Catherine of Siena Hospital employee held a “Parkinson’s Symposium” at our sister hospital St. Charles in Port Jefferson. Eighty people were present.
On April 9, 11 & 19, in recognition of National Nutrition Month, a St. Catherine of Siena Hospital Registered Dietician held three “Nutrition for Performance” presentations at Smithtown Middle Schools; 365 students were in attendance.
On April 13, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital hosted a community health fair on the hospital campus, offering free health screenings including glucose, cholesterol and blood pressures. Fifty people were in attendance.
On April 19, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital’s “Parkinson’s Loud & Lyrical” support group members participated in a chorus at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame in Stony Brook. Thirty people were in attendance.
On April 30, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital held a “Walk Safe with a Doc” event on campus, in partnership with the Long Island Health Collaborative; 25 people were in attendance.
On May 7, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital’s Stroke Department set up an educational table in recognition of Stroke Awareness Month and provided stroke education and 30 free blood pressure screenings.
On May 7, 14, 21, 28, employees from St. Catherine of Siena Hospital staff hosted, “Boardwalk Your Way to Wellness” event at Sunken Meadow State Park. Educational topics presented included Signs and Symptoms of Stroke, Tick & Lyme Disease Prevention, sepsis, breast health, and nutrition. Thirty blood pressure screenings were provided, with approximately 100 people stopping by the educational table.
On May 15, a St. Catherine of Siena Hospital physician presented, “Osteoporosis in Men & Woman” at the Smithtown Library; 36 people attended.
On May 22, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital staff from multiple departments, participated in a “Health Care Careers Day” at Kings Park High School; 25 students participated.
On June 2, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital staff participated in the Smithtown Street Fair. Health educational information was distributed on multidisciplinary topics. Twenty-five blood pressure screenings were provided; 500 people attended the fair.
On June 3, a St. Catherine of Siena Hospital physician provided a presentation on, “The Importance of Annual Checkups and Mammography in Women” for the Economic Opportunity Council via Zoom; 19 people attended.
On June 5, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital staff from our Emergency Department, neurosurgery, stroke and patient access participated in the annual Kings Park Day Street Fair; 2,000 people attended the fair.
On June 7, Dr. Jana Deitch lectured on breast health at St. Patrick’s School in Smithtown; 35 people were in attendance.
On June 15, St. Catherine of Siena participated in the all-day Annual Kings Park Day Street Fair. Educational information was presented on Health, Wellness and Prevention, 20 Blood Pressure Screenings provided. There were 2,000 people were at the event.
On June 22, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital participated in the Catholic Health Community Health Fair, providing educational information. Free health screenings were offered including blood pressures, glucose and cholesterol readings; 150 people were in attendance.
On July 12, two St. Catherine of Siena Hospital registered dieticians provided a virtual presentation “Mindful Eating for a Healthy Weight” in collaboration with the Huntington & Northport libraries for 50 people.
On July 18, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital hosted a summer health screening event at a local car dealership in Huntington; 50 blood pressure screenings were provided.
On August 6, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital partnered with the Suffolk County Police Department at Smith Haven Mall for “National Night Out.” Twenty-three blood pressure screenings were provided. There were 300 attendees who visited St. Catherine’s educational table.
On August 11, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital participated in a Healthy Sunday’s event at St. Agnes Church in Greenport. Ten blood pressures were provided and information on healthy lifestyle choices was distributed to approximately 100 people.
On August 15, 16, 17, and 18, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital participated in St. Joseph’s Parish Family Festival providing blood pressure screenings to 99 people; 3,350 people attended the event.
On August 20, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital held its first annual “Pickle Ball for Health” event. A registered dietician spoke with the participants about healthy eating choices and the importance of physical activity. The event was open to the community; 30 people participated.
On September 25, Dr. Frank Bonura provided a virtual lecture to multiple area libraries called “Updated Treatments for Osteoporosis & Osteopenia for Men and Women.” Fifty-seven people attended.
On September 28, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital held its annual “Fall Health Fair,” providing health and wellness services, free blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol screenings. A St. Catherine diabetes expert was available for consultations and the Food & Nutrition Department provided healthy food choices. Ninety-eight flu vaccinations were administered, and 34 blood draws.
On October 10, Dr. Jana Deitch, St. Catherine’s Director of the Siena Breast Health Program, was a health panelist during the SCWBEC’s “Health and Wellness” event in Hauppauge. Thirty people were in attendance.
On October 17, a Catholic Health physical therapist provided a Fall Prevention Lecture at Siena Village; 30 people were in attendance.
On October 17, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital held a Health Fair at St. Patrick’s School in Smithtown; 30 people were in attendance and 13 flu vaccinations were administered.
On October 20, 15 St. Catherine of Siena Hospital employees walked in the American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” Long Island event at Jones Beach. Approximately 2,000 people were present at the event.
On October 23 - November 20, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital, in conjunction with Whisper Woods Assisted Living in Smithtown, and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, hosted a “Living Healthy” Workshop Series. Nine people participated.
On November 5, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital participated in a BOCES Health Fair for School Nurses, with educational table about clinical services offered;125 people were in attendance.
On November 7, St. Catherine Registered Dietician provided a presentation “Diabetes 101” at the Smithtown Library, Kings Park. Ten people were in attendance.
On November 21, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital hosted an educational table for “National Smokeout Day.” Forty people were in attendance.
On December 13, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital staff from various departments hosted a health fair at The Arbors Assisted Living in Hauppauge. Clinical representation included sleep services, food & nutrition, wound care, movement disorders, nursing, sepsis, physical therapy and rehab. Thirty people attended the fair and 20 blood pressure screenings were provided.
On December 17, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital hosted its “Health Care Careers Explorations Program.” Forty-five students participated from five local high schools.
4. Collaboration with local supermarkets (local schools and/or businesses/organizations), to either provide a Registered Dietician (RD) or work with an appointed employee of the selected facility to offer free education onsite. The RD will distribute materials related to healthy nutrition and weight management. In addition, hospital staff to provide BMI and blood pressure screenings to identify individuals at-risk of any chronic diseases.
Process measures:
In partnership with the Suffolk County Department of Health, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital is hosting a Diabetes Prevention Program, a one-year, evidence-based workshop series. The workshop series began in October 2023 ran through September 2024; 12 people participated.
On February 2, in recognition of Heart Health Awareness Month, an educational table was set in the hospital; 30 people participated.
On February, 21, a St. Catherine of Siena physician provided a lecture, “Are You Overweight? Learn How to Manage Through Lifestyle Modifications,” which was held virtually for Huntington Library members and surrounding libraries. Fifty people viewed.
On February 22, a St. Catherine of Siena Registered Dietician presented in-person “A Heart Healthy Diet” at the Commack branch of the Smithtown Library; 15 people were in attendance.
On February 29, a “Heart Healthy Diet” was presented by a St. Catherine of Siena Hospital Registered Dietician. Ten people in attendance.
On March 7, in recognition of National Nutrition Month, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital’s Registered Dieticians set up an educational table; fifty people participated.
During the month of March, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital, in partnership with Retired Senior Volunteer Program of Suffolk, organized a chronic disease self-management program called, “Living Healthy Workshop.” Eleven people registered. Program was postponed after 3/6 class and will be rescheduled in fall 2024.
On March 26, in recognition of National Nutrition Month, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital’s Registered Dieticians set up an educational table; 35 people participated.
On March 27, a St. Catherine of Siena Hospital physician provided a presentation, “Digestive Health: Colon Cancer Awareness and Prevention” for the Smithtown Library. Fifteen people attended.
On April 9, 11 and 19, in recognition of National Nutrition Month, a St. Catherine of Siena Hospital Registered Dietician held three “Nutrition for Performance” presentations for Smithtown Middle Schools; 365 students were in attendance.
On May 7, 14, 21, 28, employees from St. Catherine of Siena Hospital staff hosted, “Board Walk to Wellness” event at Sunken Meadow State Park. Educational topics presented included Signs and Symptoms of Stroke, Tick & Lyme disease prevention, sepsis, breast health, and nutrition. Thirty blood pressure screenings were provided, with approximately 100 people who stopped by the educational table.
On June 2, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital participated in the Smithtown Street Fair. Health program information was distributed on multiple health topics. Twenty-five blood pressure screenings were provided. Five hundred people attended the fair.
On June 3, a St. Catherine of Siena Hospital physician provided a presentation on, “The Importance of Annual Checkups and Mammography in Women” for the Economic Opportunity Council via Zoom; 19 people attended.
On June 7, Dr. Jana Deitch lectured on breast health at St. Patrick’s School in Smithtown; 35 people were in attendance.
On June 15, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital participated in the annual “Kings Park Day.” Educational information was presented on various clinical specialties. Twenty blood pressure screenings were provided. Approximately 2,000 people attended the event.
On June 22, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital participated in the Catholic Health Community Health Fair, providing educational information. Free health screenings were offered including blood pressures, glucose and cholesterol readings; 150 people were in attendance.
On July 12, 2 St. Catherine of Siena Hospital registered dieticians provided a virtual presentation “Mindful Eating for a Healthy Weight” in collaboration with the Huntington & Northport libraries for 50 people.
On July 18, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital hosted a summer health screening event at a local car dealership in Huntington; 50 blood pressures were provided.
On August 6, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital partnered with the Suffolk County Police Department at Smith Haven Mall for “National Night Out.” Twenty-three blood pressure screenings were provided. There were 300 attendees who visited St. Catherine’s educational table.
On August 11, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital participated in a Healthy Sunday’s event at St. Agnes Church in Greenport. Ten blood pressure screenings were provided and information on healthy lifestyle choices was distributed to approximately 100 people.
On August 15, 16, 17, and 18, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital participated in St. Joseph’s Parish Family Festival providing blood pressure screenings to 99 people; 3,350 people attended the event.
On August 20, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital held its first annual “Pickle Ball for Health” event. A registered dietician spoke with all the participants about healthy eating choices and the importance of physical activity. The event was open to the community; 30 people participated.
On September 25, Dr. Frank Bonura provided a virtual lecture to multiple area libraries called “Updated Treatments for Osteoporosis & Osteopenia for Men and Women”. Fifty-seven people attended.
On September 28, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital held its annual “Fall Health Fair,” providing health and wellness services, free blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol screenings. A St. Catherine diabetes expert was available for consultations and the Food & Nutrition Department provided healthy food choices. Ninety-eight flu vaccinations were administered, and 34 blood draws.
On October 10, Dr. Jana Deitch, St. Catherine’s Director of the Siena Breast Health Program, was a health panelist during the SCWBEC’s “Health and Wellness” event in Hauppauge; 30 people were in attendance.
On October 17, a Catholic Health physical therapist provided a Fall Prevention Lecture at Siena Village; 30 people were in attendance.
On October 17, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital held a health fair at St. Patrick’s School in Smithtown; Food and Nutrition Department discussed healthy eating habits and provided healthy snacks. 30 people were in attendance and 13 flu vaccinations were administered.
On October 20, 15 St. Catherine of Siena Hospital employees walked in the American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” Long Island event at Jones Beach. Approximately 2,000 people were present at the event.
On November 5, for Diabetes Awareness Month, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital’s Food and Nutrition Department hosted an educational table and provided healthy snacks to employees and visitors. Twentyfive people were in attendance.
5. Healthy Sundays: BP and BMI screenings, flu vaccinations, health education and referrals to follow up care.
Process measures:
On March 3, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital’s nursing staff participated in a “Healthy Sundays” event at Centerport Church, providing free blood pressure screenings and stroke prevention education. Twelve adults received BP screenings and 30, 5-6 grade students received stroke education.
On June 2, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital participated in the annual “Smithtown Festival Day.” Educational information was presented on various clinical specialties; 25 blood pressure screenings were provided. Approximately 500 people visited table throughout the day.
On June 15, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital participated in the annual “Kings Park Day.” Educational information was presented on various clinical specialties; 20 blood pressure screenings were provided. Approximately 2,000 people attended the event.
On June 22, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital participated in the Catholic Health Community Health Fair, providing educational information. Free health screenings were offered including blood pressures, glucose and cholesterol readings; 150 people were in attendance.
On July 18, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital hosted a summer health screening event at a local car dealership in Huntington. Fifty blood pressures were provided.
On August 6, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital partnered with the Suffolk County Police Department at Smith Haven Mall for “National Night Out.” Twenty-three blood pressure screenings were provided. There were 300 attendees who visited St. Catherine’s educational table.
On August 11, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital participated in a Healthy Sunday’s event at St. Agnes Church in Greenport. Ten blood pressure screenings were provided and information on healthy lifestyle choices was distributed to approximately 100 people.
On September 15, a Healthy Sundays event was held at Holy Cross Parish in Nesconset; 20 Flu vaccinations were administered.
On September 16, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital provided 45 flu vaccinations for the Smithtown Fire Department.
On September 18, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital provided 16 flu vaccinations at the Nesconset Fire Department.
On September 19, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital provided 21 flu vaccinations at the Nesconset Fire Department.
On September 28, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital held its annual fall Community Health fair, providing 90 flu vaccinations.
6. The hospital collaborates with local school districts to identify appropriate opportunities to introduce chronic disease education and prevention for grades K-12.
Process measures:
On April 9, 11 & 19, a registered dietician from St. Catherine of Siena Hospital presented, “Nutrition for Performance” to 365 middle school students in Smithtown School District. School athletes learned the importance nutrition plays in overall health, physically and mentally.
On May 22, St. Catherine of Siena staff members from various departments, participated in “Health Care Careers Day” at Kings Park High School, educating approximately students about numerous health care professions; 25 students participated.
7. Promote a walking opportunity for Long Islanders to access local beach boardwalk at no-cost and provide educational information regarding tick prevention, sepsis, stroke prevention, healthy eating.
Process measures:
On April 30, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital held a “Walk Safe with a Doc” event on campus, in partnership with the Long Island Health Collaborative; 25 people attended.
Every Tuesday during the month of May, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital hosted, “Boardwalk Your Way to Wellness” at Sunken Meadow State Park. Nurses conducted 30 blood pressure screenings and educated more than 100 attendees about tick prevention, sepsis, stroke prevention and healthy eating.
On July 30, St. Catherine of Siena participated in the Marcum Workplace Challenge; 15 staff members attended.
On October 20, 15 St. Catherine of Siena Hospital employees walked in the American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” Long Island event at Jones Beach. Approximately 2,000 people were present at the event.
8. Offer free, monthly support groups for community members living with lupus, diabetes, Parkinson's disease.
Process measures:
The hospital’s Parkinson’s Disease Support Group met monthly from January to December 2024, with a total of 1,501 attendees.
9. Walk Safe with a Doc and Talk with a Doc
Process measures:
On April 30, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital held a “Walk Safe with a Doc” event on campus, in partnership with the Long Island Health Collaborative; 27 people were in attendance.
St. Catherine of Siena Hospital will coordinate another “Walk Safe with a Doc” event on campus in Spring 2025.
Priority Number Two: Promote Well—Being and Prevent Mental and Substance Use Disorders
Goals and selected interventions concentrate on Focus Area 2: Mental and Substance Use Disorders Prevention, with additional programming addressing other focus areas.
Interventions, Strategies and Activities:
1. Continue to distribute Catholic Health’s (CH) Mental Health Substance Use Disorder Services Guide to CH community partners at all outreach events, including hospital health fairs and Healthy Sunday’s events. The guide is available as a download from the CH website.
Process measures:
The hospital offers a Sherpa Program, a free service provided by Family & Children’s Association. Sherpa offers recovery coaches trained to meet with overdose survivors and their families in the Emergency Department. The team directs people to treatment, offers encouragement and follow-up. Through St. Catherine of Siena Hospital’s Sherpa program, three patients were successfully counseled.
On January 30, 2024, St. Catherine of Siena participated in the “Dangers of Fentanyl” event at Connetquot Schools; 100 people were in attendance.
From January 2024 – December 2024, 268 Naloxone nasal spray prescriptions have been given.
2. Provide education about prescription drug and safe drug disposal at Horizons Counseling Center and local precinct:
Process measures:
The Community Outreach team met with the new leadership at Horizons Counseling Center on August 21, 2024 to discuss partnering opportunities.
On November 21, for “The Great American Smoke Out,” a representative from Horizons Counseling Center hosted an educational table for employees and the community. Forty people were in attendance.
3. Provide population with information about the signs and symptoms of mental health and substance abuse issues.
Process measures:
We distribute our mental health guide at all community events. It is also available on our website. St. Catherine’s staff has provided CH mental health guides at summer street fairs at Kings Park, Smithtown and St. James Day.
4. Offer free smoking cessation programs in collaboration with the Suffolk County Department of Health
Process measures:
On March 18 – May 13, 2024, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital partnered with the Suffolk County Department of Health to offer an evidence-based smoking cessation program. Eight people were registered for the program, and eight people graduated from the program.
There is a planned Smoking Cessation Program at St. Charles Hospital for January 2025 in collaboration with SCDOH. The hospital will extend an invite to the community surrounding Smithtown, as well as promote the current SCDOH available Learn to Be Tobacco Free programs.
On November 21, for “The Great American Smoke Out,” a representative from Horizons Counseling Center hosted an educational table for employees and the community. Forty people were in attendance.
5. Provide a free postpartum support group to help new mothers address issues that may be facing in a supportive environment led by an experienced clinician.
Process measures:
St. Catherine of Siena Hospital’s maternity unit has been closed and a comprehensive labor & delivery services is at other CH hospitals (St. Charles Hospital and Good Samaritan University Hospital) with robust maternity programs. The DOH accepted St. Catherine’s closure plan June 2024.
6. Offer an education conference for health care professionals.
Process measures:
As part of our ongoing relationship with local EMS providers, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital hosted two EMS dinner and lecture series. On March 15, 2023 the topic presented was “Stroke Education Update” and on May 24, 2023, the topic presented was “Sleep Well, Live Better.” At each lecture, approximately 45 EMS providers were in attendance.
On May 10, May 31 and June 7, 2023, Arif Ahmad, MD, presented to medical staff about permanent solutions to acid reflux with minimally invasive surgical procedures. Approximately 20 staff attended each session.
On June 27, an EMS dinner and lecture was hosted by St. Catherine of Siena Hospital. A cardiologist from Suffolk Heart Group and one of St. Catherine’s emergency medicine physicians presented. More than 50 were in attendance.
The next EMS dinner and lecture will be hosted in January 2025.
7. Promotion of all programs, events, education offered by collaborative members that speak to the prevention of mental and substance use disorders. Posts in Long Island Health Collaborative (LIHC) weekly communications newsletter, social media postings, cross promotion of member events, programs on all media platforms. Promotion on Catholic Faith Network (CFN) and CH social media, website, and community-targeted publications.
Process measures:
St. Catherine of Siena Hospital posts information on its website and promotes through social. The hospital also relies upon the Long Island Health Collaborative (LIHC) to disseminate information about the importance of proper nutrition and physical activity among the general public to assist Nassau residents in better managing their chronic diseases and/or preventing the onset of chronic diseases. The hospital also relies upon the LIHC to disseminate information about mental health prevention and treatment services and programming, as well as relevant information about substance misuse. Dissemination of information is achieved through the bi-weekly Collaborative Communications enewsletter, which is sent to 588 community-based organization leaders, and strategic use of social media platforms. These efforts are ongoing.
Priority Number Three: Promote a Healthy and Safe Environment
Interventions,
Strategies
and Activities:
1. Connect older adults and people with disabilities with evidence-based falls prevention programs such as, Stepping On or A Matter of Balance.
Process measures:
St. Catherine of Siena Hospital offered a “Chronic Disease Self-Management” workshop October 23 –November 20, 2024. Part of the self-management workshop involves increasing physical activity and incorporating healthy lifestyle. We are collaborating with RSVP and Whisper Woods to hold the program. Nine people participated.
Priority Number Four: Promote Healthy Women, Infants and Children
Interventions, Strategies and Activities:
1. Provide pre- and post-lactation support with International Breastfeeding Lactation Consulting leadership. The hospital will provide free, hospital-based support groups for expectant and new mothers to increase and promote successful breastfeeding. As a designated Baby Friendly facility, the first hospital-based facility in
Suffolk County, St. Catherine of Siena is committed to educating community members about the benefits of breastfeeding – the most optimal feeding for newborns.
Process measures:
St. Catherine of Siena no longer offers lactation support groups due to closure of its maternity unit.
Priority Number Five: Prevent Communicable Diseases
Interventions, Strategies and Activities:
1. Offer free flu vaccinations at events in underserved communities, at Healthy Sundays outreach, hospital health fairs and other community venues.
Process measures:
St. Catherine of Siena Hospital’s “Healthy Sundays” include:
12/15/2024 Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, Patchogue. Three flu vaccinations were administered and one blood pressure screening was provided.
12/22/204 St. Joseph’s Church, Kings Park. Two St. Catherine staff members manned educational table.
Living the Mission
The CH mission is the driving force behind all community outreach activities. In addition to the interventions summarized above, St. Francis Hospital, along with the overall system and CH skilled nursing facilities, Catholic Health Home Care and Good Shepherd Hospice, provide additional outreach programs that promote the health care ministry of the Catholic Church and address social determinants of health.
Interventions, Strategies and Activities:
1. Virtual education series streaming on YouTube, providing short videos on various topics
Currently there is a Keeping Your Child Safe at Every Age and Child and Adolescent Mental Health series. These have garnered more than 30,000 total views.
Catholic Health also offers an ongoing Health Tips series discussing topics such as Stroke vs. Aneurysm, What You Need to Know about C-Sections, and Prostate Cancer Awareness, among others. The videos posted since January have had more than 1,200 total views.
The “On-Call with Dr. Jason Golbin” show is designed for physicians and advanced practice providers. In each monthly episode, Catholic Health’s Chief Medical Officer Jason Golbin, DO, speaks with our physician leaders about the system’s emerging technologies and newest clinical resources while offering a glimpse into their personal stories and the compassionate care delivered. These videos have more than 1,500 views in total.
2. Broadcast health-related television shows for the public, in collaboration with Catholic Faith Network, provide education and prevention lectures to improve knowledge related to specific diseases and conditions, preventive care, and up-to-date treatment options.
From January-December 2024, seven shows aired on CFN and are posted to Catholic Health’s YouTube channel with a Catholic Health Cardiologist David D’Agate, DO. The “Stronger Together” series with Dr. D’Agate discusses topics such as cardiac health, sleep, fertility, and access to care. This show airs on CFN every four to five weeks and is promoted via Catholic Health’s internal and
external communications, including a substantial social media campaign. In total, these videos have more than 45,000 views. Additionally, a new Catholic Health segment on CFN Live, “Trending Health Topics”, started airing in June and has produced 4 segments in 2024.
There are also quarterly shows on CFN with Catholic Health President and CEO Patrick O’Shaughnessy, DO. The shows with Dr. O’Shaughnessy and Monsignor Jim Vlaun bring the latest in research and information on medical procedures and advancements.
Additionally, Catholic Health airs a “Catholic Health Update” weekly, highlighting events or activities taking place across the system. These average 75 views per episode.
3. Promotion of all programs, events, and education is on the CH website and all CH social media outlets, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
This includes the promotion of all education, healthy recipes, health tips and support groups. Some of these include education on how to stay hydrated during the summer, facts on various cancers and screening, children’s health and more.
4. Lectures in Catholic schools, local libraries, and other community organizations.
Walk/Talk with a Doc events have been done in collaboration with the LIHC. Talk with a Doc events were done in partnership with AARP. They have asked the LIHC to forego the virtual lectures and replace them with Walk with a Doc events instead. In total, from January 2024-December 2024, there have been 8 events with a total of 140 attendees.
The Catholic Health Speakers Bureau provides speakers to community organizations. From JanuaryDecember 2024, there have been 70 speaking engagements. Topics have included Heart Health, Fitness for Seniors, Breast Health, Medication Management, Seasonal Depression, and Sleep Health.
5. Community Outreach Screening Buses
The Catholic Health buses travel across Long Island to different community-based organizations, providing free health screenings, including blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index and glucose. From January through December, the mobile buses screened 7,562 people.
6. Healthy Sundays
In this volunteer program, we partner with different community organizations to provide BP and BMI screenings, flu vaccinations, health education and referrals to follow up care. In this volunteer program, we partner with different community organizations to provide BP and BMI screenings, flu vaccinations, health education and referrals to follow up care. From January to December, the Healthy Sundays teams screened 1,656 people.
7. Additional Community Outreach
On June 22, Catholic Health held its first system-wide health fair; 150 people attended and 32 people received blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose and body mass index screenings.
A new “Wellness Wednesday” program at Adventureland provides education on Stranger Safety and free health resources. This program ran from June through August 2024. Catholic Health also participated in Adventureland’s Egg Scramble in March and Pumpkin Park in October, distributing literature and promotional items.
On 5/24/24, 5/25/24, and 5/26/24, CH attended the Jones Beach Air Show and provided blood pressure screenings to a total of 313 people.
CH attended Jazz Fest at the Tilles Center on 7/20/24 and provided literature to hundreds and screened 13 people.
On 7/30/24, CH participated in the Marcum Workplace Challenge at Jones Beach. Each hospital sent a team for a total of 250 employees who participated in the walk/run and helped distribute donated food.
CH was present at events at Bald Hill on 8/17/24 and 8/31/24 and provided literature and blood pressure screening to 18 people.
CH has also partnered with Westbury Music Fair to provide literature and resources. We attended their Food Festival on 9/14/24 as well as held two activations during their other scheduled programming throughout the year. In addition, CH held a CPR training and an emergency preparedness training for Westbury Music Fair staff on 4/2/24 and 5/21/24 for more than 40 people.
CH participated in Oyster Bay’s annual OysterFest on 10/19/24 and 10/20/24 and provided a total of 217 blood pressure screenings between the 2 days.
Additional outreach included hosting a table and providing resources at the Making Strides walk at Jones Beach on 10/20/24. Approximately 2,000 people visited the table.
On 10/28/24, Catholic Health hosted a STEM Workshop event for Catholic School students at the Cradle of Aviation. More than 500 middle school students attended.
In November, Catholic Health Home Care and Good Shepard Hospice held a food drive for Long Island Cares. Employees collected a total of 450 pounds of food.
On December 12, twenty-two employees from Catholic Health sorted and packed food at the Long Island Cares warehouse, preparing it for distribution at food banks across Long Island.
In December, Catholic Health held a Toy Drive, which resulted in the collection of 600 items for the distribution to Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Church’s Gerald J. Ryan Outreach Center.
Dissemination of the Plan to the Public
The St. Catherine of Siena Hospital Community Service Plan will be posted on the hospital’s website at https://www.chsli.org/st-catherine-siena-hospital/about/community-health. Copies will be available at local free health screenings and can be mailed upon request.
By encouraging friends and neighbors to complete the LIHC Wellness Survey online or at local screenings, the Community Health Needs Assessment will help St. Catherine Hospital continue to develop ways to best serve our community.
Conclusion
The Community Service Plan is intended to be a dynamic document. Utilizing the hospital’s strengths and resources, St. Catherine’s, along with community partners, will work to continue to best address health disparities and needs. The hospital will strive to improve the overall health and well-being of individuals and families by expanding free health promotion and disease prevention/education screenings and programs in communities where they are most needed. St. Catherine of Siena Hospital is committed to continue to develop ways to best serve the community.