4A (Expenses $ 1386770926 including grants of $ 0) (Revenue $ 1449618034)
THE HOSPITAL PROVIDES SIGNIFICANT LEVELS OF TERTIARY CARE AND SPECIALIZED SERVICES AND PROGRAMS TO TREAT COMPLEX CLINICAL CONDITIONS. THESE INCLUDE A COMPREHENSIVE CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY PROGRAM, AN ENDOCRINOLOGY AND OBESITY PROGRAM, A COMPREHENSIVE HAND SURGERY PROGRAM, A RENAL TRANSPLANT PROGRAM AND ONE OF THE LARGEST INPATIENT/OUTPATIENT AIDS PROGRAMS IN NEW YORK CITY. IN ADDITION, THE HOSPITAL MAINTAINS A FULL RANGE OF OUTPATIENT SERVICES. THE HOSPITAL HAS BEEN DESIGNATED AS A TRAUMA CENTER BY THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SYSTEM OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK AND HAS BEEN DESIGNATED AS A DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. THE HOSPITAL SERVICED INPATIENTS AND PROVIDED 256,124 CLINIC VISITS AND 109,697 EMERGENCY ROOM VISITS. OVER 75% OF THE APPROXIMATELY 224,771 PATIENT DAYS WERE PROVIDED TO MEDICARE AND MEDICAID PATIENTS. AS A MATTER OF POLICY, THE HOSPITAL PROVIDES CARE TO ALL PATIENTS REGARDLESS OF THEIR ABILITY TO PAY. THE HOSPITAL PROVIDED OVER $54,370,738 OF CHARITY CARE SERVICES AND INCURRED $35,387,385 BAD DEBTS DURING 2021.

FOR PURPOSES OF SCHEDULE H, PART V, SECTION C THE DISCLOSURES RELATE TO
"BOTH ROOSEVELT HOSPITAL AND ST. LUKE'S HOSPITAL. MOUNT SINAI ST. LUKE'S-ROOSEVELT HOSPITAL CENTER (""MSSLR"") CONSISTS OF ROOSEVELT HOSPITAL A.K.A. MOUNT SINAI WEST (""MSW"") AND ST. LUKE'S HOSPITAL A.K.A MOUNT SINAI MORNINGSIDE (""MSM""). Schedule H, PART V, Line 3E The significant health needs of the community identified in the CNHA are prioritized according to the community needs. SCHEDULE H, PART V, LINE 5 The hospital facility took into account input from persons who represent the community, including those with special knowledge of or expertise in public health, through key informant interviews and focus groups conducted from April through December 2020. Input was obtained from 55 individuals representing 24 organizations. Collectively, these organizations serve a wide-range of community residents; individually, these serve medically underserved communities (such as LGBTQ individuals, immigrant populations, and community members with limited English proficiency), low-income communities (notably children and seniors), and minority populations (including Chinese and Hispanic residents). In addition to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, participating organizations included Catholic Charities; Children's Aid; Hatzolah Lower East Side; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; Lighthouse Guild; Lower East Side Power Partnership; Manhattan Community Board 3; Manhattan Community Board 4; Manhattan Community Board 6; Manhattan Community Board 7; Mount Sinai - Mount Sinai Queens - Community Advisory Board; Mount Sinai Beth Israel Heritage Initiative; Mount Sinai Brooklyn; Mount Sinai Health System; Mount Sinai Hospital; Mount Sinai Morningside; Mount Sinai Queens; New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene; Russian American Foundation; SHARing & CARing; Stuyvesant Town Peter Cooper Village Tenants Association; The Mount Sinai Beth Israel Downtown Community Advisory Board; The Mount Sinai Health System; and The Mount Sinai Morningside/West Community Advisory Board."

SCHEDULE H, PART V, LINE 6A
THE COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENTS FOR ST. LUKE'S AND ROOSEVELT HOSPITALS WERE CONDUCTED IN CONJUNCTION WITH EACH OTHER. Schedule H, Part V, Line 7a The combined CHNA for St. Luke's Hospital and Roosevelt Hospital is located at the following link: The Community Health Services Section of the site-wide footer at: https://www.mountsinai.org/files/MSHealth/Assets/MSSL/MSM-MSW-CHNA-2020.pd f Schedule H, Part V, Line 10a The combined implementation strategy for St. Luke's Hospital and Roosevelt Hospital is located at the following link: HTTPS://WWW.MOUNTSINAI.ORG/FILES/MSHEALTH/ASSETS/MSSL/IMPLEMENTATIONSTRATE GY-MSSL-MSW-180509-FINALA.PDF

SCHEDULE H, PART V, LINE 11
"The 2020 CHNA identified a number of significant health needs in the community. The CHNA process considered and assessed a wide range of primary and secondary data sources including structured interviews with persons who represent the broad interests of the community and those with expertise in public health, and assessments and studies prepared by other organizations. The CHNA report identified eleven health needs as significant in the community, as listed below in alphabetical order. Significant Community Health Needs Identified in the 2020 CHNA: - Access to Mental Health Care and Poor Mental Health Status - Access to Primary Health Care Services by Individuals with Limited Resources - Aging Population - Chronic Diseases and Contributing Lifestyle Factors - COVID-19 Pandemic and Effects - Environmental Determinants of Health - Homelessness - Navigating a Changing Health Care Provider Environment - Poverty, Financial Hardship, and Basic Needs Insecurity - Safe and Affordable Housing - Socio-Economic, Racial, Cultural, Ethnic, and Linguistic Barriers to Care - Substance Abuse A summary of each of the health needs is below: (A) Access to Mental Health Care and Poor Mental Health Status The 2020 MSM & MSL CHNA found that the mental health status is poor for many residents because of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, day-to-day pressures, substance abuse, and psychiatric disorders. The supply of mental health providers is insufficient to meet the demand for mental health services. (B) Access to Primary Health Care Services by Individuals with Limited Resources New York City has a robust health provider network. However, access to this network can be limited to individuals with limited financial resources, including lack of health insurance and relatively high deductibles/co-pays. (C) Aging Population The population is aging and ""aging in place."" This growth will increase needed support for healthcare, housing, transportation, and nutrition assistance. (D) Chronic Diseases and Contributing Lifestyle Factors Chronic diseases in the community include arthritis, asthma, cancers, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and pulmonary issues. Contributing lifestyle factors might also include poor nutrition, alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity. (E) COVID-19 Pandemic and Effects Since emerging in 2019, COVID-19 has become a health emergency for New York City, the nation, and the world. The virus has wrought severe illness and death, and the pandemic has contributed to unmet basic needs from the resulting economic crises, chronic disease severity, increased mental health needs, and decreased access to health services. All participants discussed the immediate and profound impact of COVID-19 on the community. Participants indicated that COVID-19-related illness and deaths have impacted all communities and has especially affected seniors, low-income residents, racial and ethnic minorities, healthcare providers, and school children. The economic impact of quarantines and social-distancing has increased basic needs instability, housing insecurity, and homelessness. Anxiety and self-isolation have impacted the mental health of many community members. Evolving understanding and changing protocols have increased difficulty in navigating the healthcare system. Long-term pandemic impact is projected to include increased chronic disease burdens because of delayed preventive and management services. (F) Environmental Determinants of Health Residents of local neighborhoods experience considerable traffic, pollution, crime, and noise. Transportation is difficult for individuals with limited mobility. (G) Homelessness Homelessness is increasing in the community. The impact of COVID-19 has contributed to recent increases. Homelessness is complex and intertwines other issues including affordable housing, access to mental health care, substance abuse, and poverty. The number of unsheltered individuals in New York City decreased slightly between 2017 and 2019. The number of unsheltered individuals in the subways increased by over 20 percent. (H) Navigating a Changing Health Care Provider Environment Many changes in the health care provider environment are leading to anxiety by residents. Additional changes, such as the emergence of Urgent Care Clinics, are leading to uncertainty among residents in how to access healthcare services. (I) Poverty, Financial Hardship, and Basic Needs Insecurity Lower-income residents can experience considerable difficulty in accessing basic needs, including healthy food and safe, affordable housing. Primary care access can be limited due to the relatively high cost of deductible/co-pays. Unmet mental health needs may be an issue due to daily stress. (J) Safe and Affordable Housing Inadequate housing contributes to poor health outcomes. Demand for housing in the community is increasing rents and new housing units will be market rates, unaffordable to some residents. (K) Socio-Economic, Racial, Cultural, Ethnic, and Linguistic Barriers to Care Access to care may be limited for residents who do not feel welcomed by providers. Insufficient cultural competence and language limitations can serve as barriers. For some residents, barriers may be influenced by real or perceived differences in services based on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation, and/or other characteristics. (L) Substance Abuse Substance abuse in the community includes alcohol and multiple illegal substances. Alcohol abuse is evidenced by binge drinking in local bars, and opioid abuse disproportionately impacts homeless individuals. Mental health care services are available at the hospital campuses, outpatient facilities, and physician practices throughout the community. As part of the Mount Sinai Health System, integrated resources such as electronic health records facilitate the referral of patients to needed services provided by other Mount Sinai hospital and health professionals. Specific mental health services available include the following: (M) Behavioral Health The MSM & MSW hospital is dedicated to providing behavioral health services to meet the mental health needs of New York City. MSM & MSW provides comprehensive, high-quality services that empower individuals to change their lives. MSM & MSW effects changes in consumer education, outreach, and community collaboration; and helps to shape the future through leading-edge research and development of skilled professional staff to serve individuals and their communities. (N) Mental health evaluation services The Access Center is the initial evaluative point of entry for those seeking psychiatric care at MSM & MSW. All patients requesting treatment receive a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation that includes an extensive clinical interview and a standardized self-report outcome measure, Basis 24. Treatment recommendations are made if the various divisions of the Department of Psychiatry can offer appropriate treatment. If the programs of the Department of Psychiatry are unable to accommodate the patient's need for care, suggestions are made for care at other facilities. (O) Adult Inpatient Services MSM & MSW provides programs designed to accommodate the needs of each individual patient. On all inpatient psychiatric units, a therapeutic environment that promotes healing is provided. Active participation in the treatment process is encouraged. (P) Inpatient Psychiatry MSM & MSW's inpatient psychiatry units provide short-term, acute psychiatric treatment for adults ages 18 and older. Treatment modalities include group, family, and individual therapy and medication therapy. These services are designed to stabilize and prepare the patient for appropriate follow-up treatment in an outpatient setting. (Q) Inpatient Treatment Program Individualized treatment plans are developed based on a comprehensive assessment of medical, psychiatric, psychological, social, and functional status. Treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms and solving problems in order to enhance patients' ability to function. Therapy programs are used to help patients understand mental illness, develop coping skills, and promote self-esteem. Treatment programs include ones as follows: - Psychopharmacological management (prescribed medications); - Individual and group therapeutic activities; - Environment structuring/therapeutic environment; and - Patient/family education. (R) Adult Outpatient Clinic The Acute Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic offers comprehensive outpatient treatment for persons diagnosed with Axis I or Axis II disorders whose course is characterized by acute, remitting episodes of illness. These include the treatment of persons with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and other psychiatric disorders. Individuals with personality disorders are treated with a focus on a return to optimal functioning and improvement in their ability to live meaningful lives. Individuals with severe men"

Schedule H, Part V, Line 16a, 16b, & 16c
THE FAP, THE FAP APPLICATION, AND THE PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY OF THE FAP ARE ALL AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING LINK: http://www.mountsinai.org/about/financial-assistance

SCHEDULE H, PART I, LINE 6a:
THE COMMUNITY BENEFIT REPORT IS SUBMITTED TO THE NYS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, AND IT DESCRIBES THE ROLE OF EACH OF THE HOSPITAL'S FACILITIES. SCHEDULE H, PART I, LINE 7: THE AMOUNTS REPORTED IN PART I, LINES 7A, 7B AND 7G WERE COMPUTED USING A RATIO OF COST TO CHARGES THAT WAS DERIVED FROM WORKSHEET 2 OF SCHEDULE H INSTRUCTIONS.

SCHEDULE H, PART I, LINE 7g:
ALL CLINICS INCLUDED AS SUBSIDIZED HEALTH SERVICES ARE CLINICS OF THE HOSPITAL.

SCHEDULE H, PART I, LINE 7, COLUMN (F):
BAD DEBT EXPENSE OF $35,387,385 WAS SUBTRACTED FROM TOTAL EXPENSES AS REPORTED ON FORM 990, PART IX, LINE 24, COLUMN (A) FOR PURPOSES OF CALCULATING THE PERCENTAGES IN THIS COLUMN.

SCHEDULE H, PART III, LINE 2:
WHEN A DISCOUNT IS PROVIDED ON A PATIENT ACCOUNT, THIS IS ACCOUNTED FOR AS A CHARITY ALLOWANCE. CONVERSELY, WHEN NO PAYMENT OR ONLY PARTIAL PAYMENT IS MADE ON A PATIENT ACCOUNT, THIS IS ACCOUNTED FOR AS BAD DEBT EXPENSE. BILLINGS RELATING TO SERVICES RENDERED ARE RECORDED AS NET PATIENT SERVICE REVENUE IN THE PERIOD IN WHICH THE SERVICE IS PERFORMED, NET OF CONTRACTUAL AND OTHER ALLOWANCES WHICH REPRESENT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN GROSS CHARGES AND THE ESTIMATED RECEIPTS UNDER SUCH PROGRAMS. NET PATIENT SERVICE REVENUE IS REPORTED AT THE ESTIMATED NET REALIZABLE AMOUNTS FROM PATIENTS, THIRD-PARTY PAYERS, AND OTHERS FOR SERVICES RENDERED, INCLUDING ESTIMATED RETROACTIVE ADJUSTMENTS UNDER REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENTS WITH THIRD-PARTY PAYERS. RETROACTIVE ADJUSTMENTS ARE ACCRUED ON AN ESTIMATED BASIS IN THE PERIOD THE RELATED SERVICES ARE RENDERED AND ADJUSTED IN FUTURE PERIODS AS FINAL SETTLEMENTS ARE DETERMINED. PATIENT ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE ARE ALSO REDUCED FOR ALLOWANCES FOR UNCOLLECTIBLE ACCOUNTS. SCHEDULE H PART III, LINE 4: IN ACCORDANCE WITH GAAP, THE ORGANIZATIONS AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NO LONGER DISCLOSE BAD DEBT EXPENSE. THE ORGANIZATION DETERMINES BAD DEBT EXPENSE AS FOLLOWS: DEDUCTIBLES AND COPAYMENTS UNDER THIRD-PARTY PAYMENT PROGRAMS ARE THE PATIENT'S RESPONSIBILITY, AND THE ORGANIZATION CONSIDERS THESE AMOUNTS IN ITS DETERMINATION OF THE PROVISION FOR BAD DEBTS BASED ON COLLECTION EXPERIENCE. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE ARE ALSO REDUCED BY AN ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS. IN EVALUATING THE COLLECTABILITY OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, THE ORGANIZATION ANALYZES ITS PAST HISTORY AND IDENTIFIES TRENDS FOR EACH OF ITS MAJOR PAYOR SOURCES OF REVENUE TO ESTIMATE THE APPROPRIATE ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS AND PROVISION FOR BAD DEBTS. MANAGEMENT REGULARLY REVIEWS DATA ABOUT THESE MAJOR PAYOR SOURCES OF REVENUE IN EVALUATING THE SUFFICIENCY OF THE ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS.

SCHEDULE H, PART III, LINE 8:
THE HOSPITAL USED THE MEDICARE PORTION OF ALL INPATIENT AND OUTPATIENT PROGRAMS THAT OPERATE AT A DEFICIT, CALCULATED USING ONLY RCC TO CALCULATE COST, FOR INCLUSION IN SUBSIDIZED HEALTH SERVICES ON SCHEDULE H, PART III, LINE 7 FOR COMMUNITY BENEFIT. THIS IS PARTIALLY OFFSET BY SURPLUSES GENERATED BY OTHER PAYORS FOR THOSE SAME PROGRAMS. THE METHODOLOGY USED TO DETERMINE THE AMOUNT REPORTED ON SCHEDULE H, PART III, SECTION B, LINE 6 IS OBTAINED FROM THE INSTITUTIONAL COST REPORT WHICH USES COST PER DAY TO CALCULATE ROOM AND BOARD COSTS AND RCC FOR ANCILLARY AND OUTPATIENT COSTS.

SCHEDULE H, PART III, LINE 9B:
PATIENTS ELIGIBLE FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ARE OFFERED EXTENDED INTEREST FREE PAYMENT PLANS. IF A PATIENT DEFAULTS ON ITS PAYMENT AGREEMENT, THE PATIENT'S ACCOUNT WILL BE CONSIDERED DELINQUENT, AND WILL BE SUBJECT TO THE NORMAL COLLECTION PROCEDURES FOR ALL PATIENTS. HOWEVER, NO LEGAL ACTION MAY BE TAKEN UNTIL IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED THAT THE PATIENT HAS THE MEANS TO PAY OUTSTANDING BALANCES. IN NO SITUATION WILL THE HOSPITAL AUTHORIZE FORECLOSURE ON A PATIENT OR RESPONSIBLE PARTY'S PRIMARY RESIDENCE.

SCHEDULE H, PART VI, LINE 2:
NEEDS ASSESSMENT DESCRIPTION THE HOSPITAL COMPLETED ITS FIRST COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT DURING 2013, PERFORMED AN ADDITIONAL CHNA IN 2014 AS PART OF THE DSRIP PROCESS, AND COMPLETED A FOURTH CHNA IN 2020. THROUGHOUT THIS PROCESS, THE HOSPITAL WORKED COLLABORATIVELY WITH A NUMBER OF COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS, HEALTH FACILITIES, LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS, AND NEW YORK CITY COMMUNITY ADVISORY BOARDS. THE HOSPITAL ALSO HAS ITS OWN INTERNAL ADVISORY BOARD/COUNCIL THAT IS MADE UP OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THESE COMMUNITY PARTNERS AND INTERESTED LOCAL RESIDENTS. THROUGH THEIR PARTICIPATION, THE HOSPITAL SOLICITS COMMENTs ON THE HEALTH CARE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY, STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF THE HOSPITAL, AND CONSTRUCTIVE SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT. THESE COUNCILS ALSO PARTICIPATE IN CHOOSING THE HEALTH PRIORITIES OF THE COMMUNITY. THE HEALTH PRIORITIES OF THE COMMUNITY.

SCHEDULE H, PART VI, LINE 3:
PATIENT EDUCATION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR ASSISTANCE THE INSTITUTION RECOGNIZES THAT MANY OF THE PATIENTS IT SERVES MAY NOT HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE OR THE FINANCIAL RESOURCES TO ACCESS QUALITY HEALTH CARE SERVICES WITHOUT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. ACCORDINGLY, THE INSTITUTION ADHERES TO ITS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY, WHICH EXISTS IN ORDER TO ASSIST PATIENTS WITH GAINING ACCESS TO FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. PATIENTS CAN OBTAIN INFORMATION ON HOSPITAL CHARGES AND ELIGIBILITY FOR GOVERNMENT OR HOSPITAL PROGRAMS PRIMARILY FROM THE HOSPITAL'S DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL COUNSELING. THE AVAILABILITY OF THE INSTITUTION'S FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS NOTED ON THE PATIENT'S BILL. ALSO, PATIENTS ARE ALERTED TO THE POLICY BY MULTI-LINGUAL SIGNAGE AND BROCHURES AT POINTS OF PATIENT SERVICE, INFORMATION DISTRIBUTED IN THE ADMISSION PACKAGE, AND THE INSTITUTION'S WEBSITE. ALL HOSPITAL STAFF ARE DIRECTED TO DISTRIBUTE STANDARD INFORMATION OR REFER INQUIRIES TO THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL COUNSELING OR WEBSITE.

SCHEDULE H, PART VI, LINE 4:
COMMUNITY INFORMATION THE HOSPITAL OPERATES TWO CAMPUSES, ST. LUKE'S AND ROOSEVELT. TOGETHER THEY SERVE THE WEST SIDE OF MANHATTAN FROM CENTRAL HARLEM/MORNINGSIDE HEIGHTS TO CHELSEA/CLINTON. THE RACIAL AND ETHNIC BACKGROUND OF PATIENTS IS DIVERSE, SERVICING PATIENTS OF ALL RACES AND RELIGIONS. AT ST.LUKE'S, A LARGE MAJORITY OF PATIENTS RECEIVE MEDICAID, MEDICARE, OR HAVE NO INSURANCE. AT ROOSEVELT, THE PERCENTAGE OF FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN EXCEEDS THE MANHATTAN AVERAGE, AS DOES THE MEDIAN AGE.

SCHEDULE H, PART VI, LINE 6:
AFFILIATED HEALTH CARE SYSTEM THE ORGANIZATION WORKS CLOSELY WITH ITS AFFILIATED HOSPITALS AS AN INTEGRATED HEALTH CARE PARTNERSHIP. LEADERSHIP IS COMMITTED TO WORKING WITH THE COMMUNITY AND WILL REMAIN COMMITTED TO ALLOCATING SUFFICIENT RESOURCES TO ENSURE THAT THE CLINICAL AND OUTREACH SERVICES OF EACH OF THE AFFILIATED HOSPITALS IS RESPONSIVE TO THE COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS BY PROVIDING HIGH QUALITY, ACCESSIBLE, AND COMPASSIONATE HEALTH CARE TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT POSSIBLE.

SCHEDULE H, PART VI, LINE 7:
STATE FILING OF COMMUNITY BENEFIT REPORT NEW YORK

SCHEDULE H, PART VI, LINE 5:
PROMOTION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH QUANTIFIABLE EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH IMPROVING THE GENERAL HEALTH OF THE COMMUNITY HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN PART I. THESE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE HEALTH SCREENINGS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES THAT ARE CLOSELY TARGETED TO THE COMMUNITY'S HEALTH NEEDS. ST. LUKE'S-ROOSEVELT HOSPITAL CENTER (THROUGH THE WORK OF ITS DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND ITS COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAM) HAS FOCUSED ITS OUTREACH AND EDUCATION AS FOLLOWS: -AFRICAN AMERICANS AND LATINOS REPRESENT ONE OF THE HIGHEST-RISK GROUPS FOR TYPE 2 DIABETES AND HYPERTENSION IN TERMS OF PREVALENCE AND DISEASE BURDEN. THE DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS HAS BEEN ADDRESSING HEALTH DISPARITIES IN THE UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES BY PROVIDING INNOVATIVE OUTREACH ACTIVITIES OFFERED THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT'S COMMUNITY HEALTH EDUCATION AND OUTREACH PROGRAMS. -LAST YEAR, THE DEPARTMENT PARTICIPATED IN MORE THAN 30 EVENTS, CONFERENCES, LECTURES, STREET FESTIVALS, CULTURAL FESTIVALS, AND OTHER COMMUNITY OUTREACH INITIATIVES, CONDUCTING HEALTH SCREENINGS WHICH INCLUDED BLOOD PRESSURE, TOTAL CHOLESTEROL, HDL, AND BLOOD GLUCOSE, AND PROSTATE CANCER, AT CHURCHES, BEAUTY SALONS, AND COMMUNITY CENTERS IN HARLEM. MORE THAN 1,250 PEOPLE (PREDOMINANTLY AFRICAN AMERICAN AND LATINO/HISPANIC) WERE SCREENED AND, WHEN MEDICALLY NECESSARY, REFERRED PARTICIPANTS TO ONE OF ST. LUKE'S OR ROOSEVELT HOSPITALS' MEDICAL FACILITIES. -IN ADDITION, THIS DEPARTMENT HAS LED THE BARBERSHOP QUARTET INITIATIVE AND CHOSEN PROGRAMS, (CHURCH-BASED HEALTH OUTREACH, SCREENING AND EDUCATION NETWORK) EACH SERVING AS A VEHICLE FOR DELIVERING SCREENING, PREVENTION AND HEALTH EDUCATION SERVICES TO A LARGELY INDIGENT AND MEDICALLY UNDERSERVED AND UNDERREPRESENTED MINORITY POPULATIONS. -THE NEW YORK OBESITY RESEARCH CENTER (TNYORC), AT ST. LUKE'S AND ROOSEVELT HOSPITAL, HAS A STRONG PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAM, COMMITTED TO ADVANCING THE TRAINING OF PHYSICIANS AND SCIENTISTS WHO TAKE PRIDE IN SERVING AT-RISK MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITIES SURROUNDING HARLEM. ALTHOUGH SPECIFIC PHYSIOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ARE KNOWN TO INCREASE THE RISK OF OBESITY, LITTLE IS KNOWN ABOUT HOW THESE FACTORS INTERACT IN INDIVIDUAL CHILDREN AND WITHIN ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED COMMUNITIES WITH A HIGHER THAN AVERAGE PREVALENCE OF OBESITY, SUCH AS THOSE WITHIN SLR'S CATCHMENT AREA. OVER THE LAST DECADE, TNYORC'S HAS MADE COMBATING THE INCREASING CHILDHOOD OBESITY PROBLEM A PRIME FOCUS. THIS IS IN RESPONSE TO THE GROWING RACIAL AND ETHNIC DISPARITIES, AND DISPROPORTIONATE HEALTH OUTCOMES, EXPERIENCED IN OUR COMMUNITIES. SOME WAYS THEY HAVE STRIVED TO COMBAT THIS EPIDEMIC INCLUDE: -BODY COMPOSITION STUDIES: WHERE THEY UTILIZE THEIR PRE-EMINENT BODY COMPOSITION LABORATORY TO ACCOUNT FOR ACCURATE NON-INVASIVE MEASUREMENT OF BMI. -FOOD INTAKE STUDIES: WHERE THEY UTILIZE THE CHILD TASTE AND EATING LAB TO MAKE NUTRITIOUS FOOD MORE APPEALING AND EDIBLE TO CHILDREN. -EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDIES: WHERE THEY CONTINUALLY DESIGN RESEARCH PROJECTS THAT FOCUS ON AREAS THAT ASSESS LONG TERM IMPLICATIONS AND OUTCOMES OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY. -THEREAFTER, THEY INTEND TO UTILIZE THIS RESEARCH TO DEVELOP NEW STRATEGIES FOR PREVENTING AND TREATING OBESITY, IN THE LATINO AND AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITIES. -ST. LUKE'S-ROOSEVELT HOSPITAL CENTER HAS ALSO COLLABORATED WITH NUMEROUS COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS TO ENSURE THAT THE HOSPITALS ARE ADDRESSING THE COMMUNITY'S HEALTH NEEDS.