MetroPlusHealth Expands Community Care with New Office Setup
Insurance assistance and essential services are offered in collaboration with South Brooklyn Health Hospital and other local community partners.
MetroPlusHealth, New York City's premier accessible health care service, has proudly opened its second community office, located at 225 Brighton Beach Avenue. This new site signifies a significant milestone in increasing access to high-quality, culturally sensitive care for residents of South Brooklyn.
The aim of this new office is not just to provide insurance enrollment information, but also to serve as a full-fledged resource hub, equipping the local community with necessary health and social services. The dedicated staff aims to assist in managing chronic conditions, facilitating preventative care, and providing referrals to behavioral health services. This initiative is especially crucial for addressing inequalities caused by limited access to adequate healthcare.
The grand opening celebration of the new office featured a memorable ribbon-cutting ceremony, with local leadership and community members coming together to commemorate the occasion. Various activities included music, refreshments, and virtual engagement, showcasing the community spirit.
Essential Services and Community Support
The Brighton Beach office is set to operate year-round, offering a variety of services and events to the community:
Inclusive Community Programs
- Weekly community events and health screenings
- Monthly food distributions
- Live health expert sessions on social media
- Cultural recognition events
- Special wellness days for senior residents
- Tax preparation assistance
- Meet-and-greet events with elected officials
- Enrollment assistance for SNAP and similar programs
Dr. Talya Schwartz, President and Chief Executive Officer of MetroPlusHealth, expressed pride in their commitment to enhancing health opportunities, stating, "This community hub is a pivotal resource for local residents seeking inclusive healthcare options and support services. Brighton Beach embodies the vibrant spirit of diversity found in our city, and we are thrilled to extend our mission of care to the community." The new office serves a population that experiences disproportionately high rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart conditions. Many residents in the South Brooklyn area face barriers to healthcare, earning this office's presence more critical than ever. According to health data, the life expectancy in this area is below the city average, underscoring the urgency of services like therapy access, crisis support, and ongoing behavioral health care.
Meeting the Diverse Needs of the Community
The community office is staffed by professionals fluent in various languages, including English, Russian, Ukrainian, Urdu, Spanish, and Bengali. This multilingual capacity ensures that MetroPlusHealth can effectively communicate with the area’s diverse residents, including Russian, South Asian, and Latino populations, facilitating outreach and engagement.
Svetlana Lipyanskaya, Chief Executive Officer of NYC Health + Hospitals/South Brooklyn Health, commented on the collaboration, saying, "Our collaborative efforts ensure essential services are accessible within the Brighton Beach community, representing our commitment to community-centered care for all residents."
This new office embodies MetroPlusHealth's philosophy of prioritizing people over profits. The team's focus extends beyond merely providing health insurance to delivering a comprehensive suite of community-focused assistance. Operating hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm ET, and Saturdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm ET.
About MetroPlusHealth
MetroPlusHealth is a wholly owned subsidiary of NYC Health + Hospitals, dedicated to offering affordable, quality healthcare to New Yorkers for over 40 years. They lead the charge on important health issues, focusing on social determinants that impact health outcomes. Providing resources for food, housing, and transportation is also a part of their commitment to comprehensive service beyond standard health coverage.
Catering to nearly 700,000 members across New York City, MetroPlusHealth ensures a robust network of over 34,000 providers and partnerships with more than 40 hospitals. They work closely with critical healthcare facilities including NYC Health + Hospitals, NYU Langone, and Mount Sinai, among others.
For further details regarding MetroPlusHealth and services offered, please visit metroplus.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
What services does the new MetroPlusHealth office provide?
The new office provides insurance enrollment assistance, health screenings, community events, and access to social services.
Is the Brighton Beach community office accessible to non-English speakers?
Yes, the office has multilingual staff members to assist various language-speaking residents.
When are the operating hours for the MetroPlusHealth community office?
The office is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm ET.
How does MetroPlusHealth support chronic disease management?
They offer preventive care and referrals to specialized services for chronic condition management.
Can the community office help with food assistance programs?
Yes, the office provides SNAP enrollment partnerships and organizes food distribution events.
