New York Gov. Kathy Hochul recently announced more funding for a program dedicated to providing health services to BIPOC communities through Black churches.
Known as the Choose Healthy Life program, the initiative was initially founded in 2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic. Since then, the program has grown to include 120 churches in 13 states, with New York housing a majority of partner churches, drawing in 30 churches into the program with the latest announcement.
The increased funds will equate to approximately $5 million- up by $1.5 million as the New York government continues to address health outcomes in Black communities. With the additional support, the Choose Healthy Life program will continue to address health disparities that exist in the lives of over 100,000 individuals.
Through the initiative, one person from each church is chosen to become a full-time health navigator. In their position, the health navigator helps generate referrals for social support services and screen reports to track the health needs of over 6,000 people.
“New York has been a shining example of what can be accomplished when you provide Black churches with the resources to bring about change,” said the executive director of Choose Healthy Life, Rev. Kimberly L. Williams, in a statement. “Together with Governor Hochul and United Way of New York City, we’re transforming health outcomes for underserved communities across the state.”
“By offering free health screenings, community wellness programs, access to vaccinations, and much more, Choose Healthy Life is lifting up families and empowering individuals to take charge of their own health,” she added.
The program comes as HealthyNYC continues to try to improve the life expectancy of Black New Yorkers. According to HealthyNYC, life expectancy for Black New Yorkers fell from 78.5 years old to 73 years old in 2020 as the pandemic exacerbated existing health disparities. The life expectancy has increased slightly since then but has not bounced to pre-pandemic levels as significant disparities exist between Black New Yorkers and white New Yorkers.
Amongst the sicknesses that have helped contribute to this lower life expectancy are screenable cancers, heart and diabetes-related diseases and pregnancy-associated deaths.
By 2030, HealthyNYC announced its commitment to increase life expectancy for citizens to over 83 years.
“With improvements in key areas, we know we can get life expectancy back on track and ensure everyone has the chance to live the healthiest, longest life possible,” said HealthyNYC, per their latest report.
