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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Marilyn Aguirre-Molina, EdD¹, Juan Emilio Carrillo, MD², Andrea Perales, MPH¹, Kaity DeLeon-Trinidad, BA³, and Jamie Zwiebel⁴. (1) The Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Columbia University, 60 Haven Avenue #B2, New york, NY 10032, (2) NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare Medical Centers, 333 E. 38th Street 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10019, (3) Department of Healthcare Policy and Management, The Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 60 Haven Avenue - B314, New York, NY 10032, (4) Heilbrunn Department of Population & Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 60 Haven Ave B3, New York, NY 10032, 212.305.5680, jz2225@columbia.edu

Abstract: The Washington Heights and Inwood (WHI) in New York City consist of a young and growing Latino population that faces linguistic, cultural, legal, and socioeconomic circumstances affecting its ability to access healthcare services. A 2 Phase study was conducted by the local medical center to identify community needs. Phase I (in depth review of data and existing reports) found that the morbidity and mortality rates of the residents are among the worst in the City. This is compounded by barriers to healthcare. The NYC Department of Health reports that access to care in this district ranks among the worst in NYC. Phase II of the project identified and analyzed the factors that affect and influence access to health care services in WHI. Focus groups were conducted with key informants and residents to identify a course of action to improve access. Suggestions for improvement were solicited from the focus group (local residents) interviews. In-depth interviews were conducted with stakeholders (key informants) from local CBOs, and community physicians to obtain suggestions for effective delivery of care and services. Study results identified strategies by which the medical center can improve the delivery of services, improve access to care, and meet the medical need of the people living in WHI.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify and analyze the factors that affect and influence access to health care services in WHI

Keywords: Access to Health Care,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered