Strengthening Community Health: Insights from the Foster G. McGaw Prize Finalists
The relationship between hospitals and the communities they serve is a unique and vital connection. This bond is not merely transactional; it is a partnership that can significantly enhance the quality of life for residents. Recognizing the importance of this relationship, the American Hospital Association (AHA) established the Foster G. McGaw Prize in 1986. This prestigious award honors hospitals and health systems that excel in improving the health and well-being of their communities. Sponsored by the Baxter International Foundation, the prize highlights innovative approaches to community health that can serve as models for others.
Celebrating Excellence in Community Support
In 2024, the AHA recognized Boston Medical Center as the overall winner of the Foster G. McGaw Prize, alongside two finalists: NewYork-Presbyterian and Englewood Health. These institutions are setting new standards for community support through their innovative programs and strategies. During the AHA Leadership Summit, a podcast hosted by Nancy Meyers, vice president for Leadership and System Innovation at AHA’s Center for Health Innovation, featured discussions with representatives from these finalist organizations. The conversation focused on how they are making a positive impact on the health of their communities.
Englewood Health: An Integrated Approach to Population Health
Jamie Ketas, vice president for population health at Englewood Health, shared insights into the hospital’s integrated approach to population health. Englewood Health has been proactive in redesigning care and collaborating with community organizations to drive health outcomes. Ketas emphasized the importance of understanding the diverse populations they serve, which includes patients, community members, and health team members.
The hospital’s strategy involves designing targeted interventions that leverage the strengths of both healthcare providers and community organizations. By partnering with local social service agencies, Englewood Health has been able to co-develop programs that address specific community needs, such as food insecurity and access to healthcare services. This collaborative approach ensures that the interventions are not only effective but also culturally sensitive and relevant.
NewYork-Presbyterian: Building Trust Through Community Engagement
Andy Nieto, director of community health outreach and marketing at NewYork-Presbyterian, discussed the hospital’s long-standing commitment to community engagement. Over the past 25 years, the organization has worked to build trust with community partners, which has been essential for effective collaboration. Nieto highlighted the establishment of the Dalio Center for Health Justice, a hub for addressing health disparities within the community.
The center plays a crucial role in the hospital’s strategic planning, ensuring that community health assessments inform their programs. By screening patients for social determinants of health, NewYork-Presbyterian has been able to identify critical issues such as food insecurity, which affects a significant portion of their patient population. This data-driven approach allows the hospital to tailor its programs to meet the specific needs of the community.
Co-Designing Programs with the Community
Both Ketas and Nieto emphasized the importance of co-designing programs with community members. This approach fosters trust and ensures that the initiatives are genuinely reflective of the community’s needs. Nieto noted that co-design requires a long-term commitment to building relationships and understanding the community’s perspective.
For instance, Englewood Health has successfully collaborated with the Jehovah’s Witness population to develop bloodless surgery protocols, addressing a significant barrier to care. Similarly, they have partnered with the Korean Health and Wellness Center to improve access to healthcare for the growing Korean-speaking population in Northern New Jersey. These examples illustrate how hospitals can leverage community insights to create effective health programs.
The Role of Leadership in Community Health Initiatives
Effective community health initiatives require strong support from senior leadership. Both Ketas and Nieto acknowledged the critical role that their CEOs play in empowering their teams to pursue community health goals. At Englewood Health, trust is at the core of their operations, with leadership ensuring that resources are allocated strategically to drive positive outcomes.
Nieto highlighted the commitment of NewYork-Presbyterian’s CEO, who actively engages with community programs and understands their impact. This level of involvement from leadership not only motivates staff but also reinforces the organization’s dedication to serving the community.
Conclusion: A Model for Community Health
The discussions with Jamie Ketas and Andy Nieto underscore the importance of collaboration, trust, and community engagement in advancing health outcomes. The innovative approaches taken by Englewood Health and NewYork-Presbyterian serve as exemplary models for other healthcare organizations looking to strengthen their ties with the communities they serve.
As hospitals continue to navigate the complexities of healthcare delivery, the lessons learned from these Foster G. McGaw Prize finalists can guide efforts to create healthier, more resilient communities. By prioritizing community needs and fostering partnerships, healthcare organizations can make a lasting impact on public health and well-being.
For more insights and to stay updated on advancements in community health, be sure to subscribe to the AHA’s podcast, "Advancing Health."