UHF Gala 2022 Journal - Flipbook - Page 23
Improving Health and Health Care
for Every New Yorker
United Hospital Fund’s mission is to build an effective—and equitable—
health care system for every New Yorker.
That means health care that is affordable and accessible to all,
provides a better patient experience and the highest quality of care,
and achieves optimal health outcomes—with a special focus on
those facing the greatest barriers to good health and health care.
Our Unique Role in New York
Since 1879, UHF has been an important and effective force for health
care improvement, tackling persistent problems, stimulating innovation,
and prioritizing those most in need.
Improving Quality
Even though New York has some of the best institutions and clinicians in the world, wide
variations in the quality of health care stubbornly persist, and unacceptable inequities
continue to exist. At UHF, we are working to improve the quality of New York’s health care.
We are training mid-career clinicians — more than 260 physicians and nurses to date — to lead
quality improvement and patient safety efforts reaching more than 50 hospitals and health care
systems across the metropolitan area.
Our nursing home learning collaboratives are spreading best practices — making transitions back
home safer for older, vulnerable patients, and addressing medication overload among frail elders.
Our Quality Leaders Forum is bringing together quality improvement leaders from across the
region to share strategies and build professional relationships.
Addressing Social Determinants of Health
Stressors beyond the reach of the health care system — such as inadequate housing,
unemployment, poor nutrition, and poverty — compound illness. UHF is responding
to the urgent demand to create a more comprehensive approach to health care.
We are creating alliances between the health care system, social service agencies, and
communities. These clinical-community partnerships are critical to increasing access to
care, improving population health, and helping patients and families live long, healthy,
and productive lives.
Our statewide learning network is working with pediatric practices across the state to reduce
inequities in childhood. The goal is optimal child development for lifelong health and wellbeing.
Expanding Insurance Coverage and Access to Care
We conduct research and analyze public policy to inform
decision-makers.
We develop and support innovative programs that
improve health and health care.
We convene diverse stakeholders to solve problems,
advance new ideas, and find common ground.
New York’s Medicaid program is essential, covering more than 7 million low-income New
Yorkers — over one-third of the population. Helping to support and strengthen this safety
net is critical, as is continued attention to the needs of the more than 1 million New Yorkers
who remain uninsured.
UHF’s Medicaid Institute is a trusted partner with the state. Our expertise is helping to develop
new programs and spread innovations.
Our Health Insurance Project is providing in-depth research and analysis to help protect and
strengthen health insurance coverage and address the complex issues that stand between New
Yorkers and the affordable, quality health care coverage and access to care they need.
