Solo Run for NYCs Most Vulnerable Patients

— NYC Health + Hospitals, NYC's public safety-net health system, has been crushed by the coronavirus crisis
— I'm running a half marathon to benefit the health system, its frontline workers, and the vulnerable population they serve 
— Any donation makes an impact

As the city's public health system, NYCHH serves predominantly low-income patients, many of whom are essential works, are uninsured, don't speak English, or have other complicating factors.  It is the most viable and welcome option for millions in the city seeking care. 

I planned to run in the Brooklyn Half Marathon on May 16, but it was cancelled. Not one to let several weeks of miserable training go to waste, I'm running a solo half the same day in SF where we're sheltered (route). To stay motivated through a lonely 13.1 miles, I'm giving myself a goal beyond just distance and asking you along for the run. 

I'm raising $5,000 to benefit NYC's public health system. 

More information is below.

Thank you!

Sander


Here's the situation

NYC Health + Hospitals is NYC's public safety-net health system.  NYCHH serves predominantly low-income patients, many of whom are uninsured, don't speak English, or have other complicating factors.  It is the most viable and welcome option for millions in the city seeking care. 

— In 2019, NYCHH handled 3.4 million clinic visits, or 49% of the city's total
— 29% of the system's ER visits were by uninsured patients, compared to just 8% on average for non-NYCHH hospitals in the region

Given its patient base and other state and local factors, the health system is perennially under-funded and relies on tax subsidies and donations to offer the care its patients need and deserves. Pre-crisis, NYCHH projected a $131,000,000 shortfall for the fiscal year ending 6/30/21.

Now enter the coronavirus.

Here's the problem

Many in the NYCHH service area are essential workers and haven't had the luxury of sheltering in place.

Indeed, NYCHH operates some of the city’s facilities hit hardest by covid, such as Elmhurst Hospital Center in Queens, Lincoln Medical Center in the Bronx and Woodhull Medical Center in Brooklyn.  "We don't have enough access to supplies on a regular basis, let alone when there is a crisis," one NYCHH doctor told NBC News last week.  

New York City broadly seems to be turning the corner following six weeks of intense effort. Now is the time to build on this momentum and contribute to NYCHH as its vulnerable patients and boroughs heal. 

Here's what I'm doing

I planned to run in the Brooklyn Half Marathon on May 16, but it was cancelled. Not one to let several weeks of miserable training go to waste, I'm running a solo half  the same day here in SF, where my wife and I are sheltering. And to stay motivated through a lonely 13.1 miles, I'm giving myself a goal beyond just distance and asking you along for the run. 

I'm raising $5,000 to benefit NYC Health + Hospitals. Any donation will make an impact.

Dollars raised here and elsewhere will go toward frontline staff support in the immediate-term, and broader health system efforts in the mid- and long-term.

More information and some light reading:

NYCHH Mission and Values 

Doctors say NYC public hospitals reeling from coronavirus cases 

Dont Stop Believing plays each time a patient comes off the ventilator at Coney Island Hospital 

New York State Nursing Association Report on Quality and Cost for NYCHH 

Budget 

More information about NYC Health + Hospitals:

NYC Health + Hospitals is an integrated health care system of hospitals, neighborhood health centers, long-term care, nursing homes, and home care – the public safety net health care system of New York City. NYC Health + Hospitals is committed to the health and well-being of all New Yorkers and we offer a wide range of high quality and affordable health care services to keep our patients healthy and to address the needs of New York City's diverse populations.

https://www.nychealthandhospitals.org/