Northwell Health Launches "Healthy Minds, Healthy Harlem" Initiative to Address Mental Health Disparities

Northwell Health has launched a comprehensive initiative to address mental health disparities in Harlem, a community disproportionately impacted by depression, anxiety, and other challenges. The "Healthy Minds, Healthy Harlem" program, led by Dr. David Roane of Lenox Hill Hospital, provides free or low-cost behavioral health services, including therapy, assessments, and medication management, to Harlem residents.

Key Takeaways:

• The Healthy Minds, Healthy Harlem initiative has received $540,000 in state funding to deliver integrated behavioral health services to Harlem residents.
• The program includes coordination with patients' primary care providers and provides both individual and group therapy sessions, with English- and Spanish-speaking providers.
• Northwell Health supplements mental health services with broader community support, including monthly health screenings, anti-poverty programs, food assistance, and school supply distributions.
• The program is led by Dr. David Roane of Lenox Hill Hospital and offers comprehensive mental health assessments, psychotherapy, and medication management to all individuals, regardless of ability to pay.
• The initiative is made possible through funding from the New York State Mental Health Outpatient Treatment Rehabilitative Services and Center of Excellence grant programs.
• The "Healthy Minds, Healthy Harlem" program is a satellite clinic of the Outpatient Center for Mental Health at Northwell's Lenox Hill Hospital and is available every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1833 Lexington Avenue, with virtual appointments offered throughout the week.

Statistics:

• $540,000: Funding received from the New York State Mental Health Outpatient Treatment Rehabilitative Services and Center of Excellence grant programs.
• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: On-site care available every Tuesday at 1833 Lexington Avenue.
• Virtual appointments: Offered throughout the week.

Sources:

- Northwell Health (https://www.northwell.edu/press.release?article=The-Healthy-Minds-Healthy-Harlem-program-brings-integrated-behavioral-health-services-directly-to-Harlem-residents)