4A (Expenses $ 976940212 including grants of $ 0) (Revenue $ 907236387)
PATIENT CARE: BETH ISRAEL MEDICAL CENTER PROVIDES QUALITY MEDICAL HEALTHCARE REGARDLESS OF RACE, CREED, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, HANDICAP, AGE OR ABILITY TO PAY. ALTHOUGH REIMBURSEMENT FOR SERVICES RENDERED IS CRITICAL TO THE OPERATION AND STABILITY OF THE MEDICAL CENTER, IT IS RECOGNIZED THAT NOT ALL INDIVIDUALS POSSESS THE ABILITY TO PURCHASE ESSENTIAL MEDICAL SERVICES AND FURTHER, THAT OUR MISSION, IS TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY WITH RESPECT TO PROVIDING HEALTHCARE SERVICES AND HEALTHCARE EDUCATION. BETH ISRAEL PROVIDES CARE TO PERSONS COVERED BY GOVERNMENTAL PROGRAMS AND THE UNINSURED AT BELOW COST. TO THE EXTENT REIMBURSEMENT IS BELOW COST, OR A PATIENT IS UNABLE TO PAY, BETH ISRAEL RECOGNIZED THESE AMOUNTS AS CHARITY CARE IN MEETING ITS MISSION TO THE COMMUNITY. IN ADDITION, CHARITY CARE IS ALSO PROVIDED THROUGH MANY FREE SERVICES AND PROGRAMS OFFERED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, WHICH BETH ISRAEL BELIEVES SERVE A BONA FIDE COMMUNITY HEALTH NEED. IN ADDITION, THE HOSPITAL OPERATES TWO EMERGENCY ROOMS THAT ARE OPEN 24 HOURS, SEVEN DAYS A WEEK. THE KARPAS HEALTH INFORMATION CENTER (KHIC) CONSISTING OF 4 healthcare PROFESSIONALS PROVIDES HEALTH SCREENINGS, HEALTH INFORMATION AND HEALTH EDUCATION TO THE COMMUNITY. ITS REGULAR SERVICES INCLUDE FREE LECTURES, DISTRIBUTION OF FREE PUBLICATIONS, HEALTH SCREENINGS, PHYSICIANS REFERRALS, ETC. BIMC IS THE PRIMARY HEALTHCARE PROVIDER FOR THE LOWER EAST SIDE OF NEW YORK CITY. THE NEIGHBORHOOD IS THE POINT OF ENTRY FOR MANY NEW IMMIGRANTS TO THE UNITED STATES. THE NEIGHBORHOOD IS ALSO AFFLICTED WITH SEVERE SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROBLEMS AND THE RELATED HEALTH CRISIS, AIDS. IN RECOGNITION OF ITS RESPONSIBILITY TO THE COMMUNITY, BETH ISRAEL PROVIDES SERVICES IN VARIOUS LANGUAGES: ENGLISH, HEBREW, CHINESE AND SPANISH.

4B (Expenses $ 8433417 including grants of $ 8433417) (Revenue $ 7905179)
STUDENT FINANCIAL AID PROGRAM: TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL AID TO QUALIFYING NURSES ATTENDING BETH ISRAEL NURSING SCHOOL.

SCHEDULE H, PART V, LINE 3e
FOR PURPOSES OF SCHEDULE H, PART V, SECTION C, THE DISCLOSURES RELATE TO BOTH BETH ISRAEL MANHATTAN AND BETH ISRAEL BROOKLYN. 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 September through December 2020. Input was obtained from 55 individuals representing 24 community organizations. Collectively, these 24 organizations serve a wide-range of community residents; individually, these serve medically underserved communities (such as children and youth, seniors, and foreign-born 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 Hospital, Mount Sinai Morningside, Mount Sinai Queens, 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 BETH ISRAEL MEDICAL CENTER AND BETH ISRAEL BROOKLYN WERE CONDUCTED IN CONJUNCTION WITH EACH OTHER. SCHEDULE H, PART V, LINE 7A THE HOSPITAL'S CHNA CAN BE FOUND ON: https://www.mountsinai.org/files/MSHealth/Assets/MSBI/MSBI-MSB-CHNA-2020.p df SCHEDULE H, PART V, LINE 10A The implementation strategies for Beth Israel Medical Center and Beth Israel Brooklyn are located at the following link: https://www.mountsinai.org/files/MSHealth/Assets/MSBI/Implementation%20Str ategy-MSBI-MSB-180509-Final.pdf

SCHEDULE H, PART V, LINE 11
"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 twelve health needs as significant in the community. (A) 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 / copays. The uninsured populations in Brooklyn neighborhoods were greater than the state average. In the 2020 County Health Rankings, Brooklyn was among the bottom counties in all of New York for Clinical Care. Rates for ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs) in Brooklyn were particularly high. High rates indicate potential problems with the availability or accessibility of ambulatory care and preventive services and can suggest areas for improvement in the health care system and ways to improve outcomes. The CDC's 500 Cities Project identified areas of unfavorable health outcomes throughout the community. Federally-designated Medically Underserved Areas (MUAs) and Primary Care Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) were present. Interviewees indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted access to primary health care services by self-imposed isolation and changes in provider practices. (B) Aging Population The population is aging and ""aging in place."" This growth will increase needed support for healthcare, housing, transportation, and nutrition assistance. In every neighborhood of the MSBI community, the aged 65 and older cohort is expected to grow the most between 2019 and 2024, with a growth rate of 14.5 percent overall. In County Health Rankings, Brooklyn compared unfavorably for older adult preventable hospitalizations. The asthma hospitalization rates for residents aged 65 years or older in Brooklyn and New York City were more than 50 percent higher than the state average. ACSC discharges were higher for patients aged 65 years and older than any other cohort in the MSBI community. Many interviewees identified seniors as one of the community groups most impacted by COVID-19, including exposure from communal interactions in senior centers and congruent living, as well as loneliness from self-isolation. (C) 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. In County Health Rankings, both Brooklyn and Manhattan ranked in the bottom half of counties in New York State for poor or fair health. The mortality rates for heart disease and for diabetes in Brooklyn and New York City as a whole were higher than the New York State average. Rates of HIV and AIDS were more than 50 percent greater than the state average in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and New York City as a whole. Asthma hospitalizations and mortalities were significantly higher in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and New York City as a whole than the state average. In the CDC's Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS), respondents in both Brooklyn and Manhattan indicated that they watched more television than state averages, and respondents were less physically active. The percentage of respondents who were overweight or obese in Brooklyn neighborhoods was higher than the city average. In Take Care New York 2024, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene identified ""Chronic Disease Preventive Care and Management"" as one of the two priorities. The CDC identified chronic diseases as underlying medical conditions that may contribute to illness severity and mortality among individuals who contract COVID-19. Interviewees indicated that chronic diseases were problematic within the community prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and that the severity of chronic disease would likely worsen during the pandemic due to postponed or foregone medical care. (D) 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. The CDC provides information, data, and guidance regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, the CDC has found that underlying medical conditions may contribute to disease severity, older adults are disproportionately at risk of severe illness and death, men are more likely to die from COVID-19, and members of racial and ethnic minority groups are at increased risk of contracting COVID-19. 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 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. (E) Environmental Determinants of Health Residents of local neighborhoods experience considerable traffic, pollution, crime, and noise. Transportation is difficult for individuals with limited mobility. Rates of violent crime, robbery, and aggravated assault in New York City were all 50 percent or greater than the state average. In County Health Rankings, Brooklyn and Manhattan ranked in the bottom half of all New York counties in Physical Environment. Brooklyn and Manhattan also ranked in the bottom quartile in Air Pollution - Particulate Matter. Interviewees identified housing density and public transportation as contributors to the spread of COVID-19. (F) Homelessness Homelessness is increasing in the community. The impact of COVID-19 has contributed to recent increases. Homeless 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. In County Health Rankings, both Brooklyn and Manhattan ranked in the bottom quartile of all New York counties in Severe Housing Problems. Interviewees indicated that shifts in housing homeless people from shelters to hotels during COVID-19 have increased the number of homeless individuals in some neighborhoods. The resumption of evictions, prohibited by COVID-19 restrictions, was projected to increase homelessness, as was migration of homeless individuals from other areas into New York City. (G) 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. In County Health Rankings, Brooklyn ranked worse than the state average for preventable hospital. Rates for ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs) in Brooklyn were particularly high. High rates indicate potential problems with the availability or accessibility of ambulatory care and preventive services and can suggest areas for improvement in the health care system and ways to improve outcomes. Many interviewees detailed issues in navigating the changing health care provider environment. Specific issues identified include increased travel times to newer services, misinformation about changes, and gaps between expectations and service delivery options. Interviewees indicated that the rapid emergence and severity of COVID-19, evolving understanding, and changing protocols increased difficulty in navigating the healthcare system, particularly for community members with disabilities and those without access to digital sources of information. (H) Poverty, Financial Hardship, and Basic Needs Insecurity Lower-income residents can e"

SCHEDULE H, PART V, LINES 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.WEHEALNY.ORG/SERVICES/FINANCIALASSISTANCE/INDEX.HTML

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 $14,246,504 WAS SUBTRACTED FROM TOTAL EXPENSES AS REPORTED ON FORM 990, PART IX, LINE 24, COLUMN (A) FOR PURPOSES OF CALCULATING THE PERCENTAGE 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 3: NOT APPLICABLE SCHEDULE H, PART III, LINE 4: IN ACCORDANCE WITH GAAP, THE ORGANIZATION'S AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NO LONGER DISCLOSE BAD DEBT EXPENSE. THE ORGANIZATION DETERMINES BAD DEPT EXPENSE AS FOLLOWS: DEDUCTIBLES AND COPAYMENTS UNDER THIRD-PARTY PAYMENT PROGRAMS ARE THE PATIENT'S RESPONSIBILITY, AND BIMC CONSIDERS THESE AMOUNTS IN ITS DETERMINATION OF THE PROVISION FOR BAD DEBTS BASED ON COLLECTION EXPERIENCE. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE ARE REDUCED BY AN ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS. IN EVALUATING THE COLLECTABILITY OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, BIMC 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 MOST RECENT COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT DURING 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 COMMENT ON THE HEALTH CARE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY, STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF THE HOSPITAL, AND ONSTRUCTIVE SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT. THESE COUNCILS ALSO PARTICIPATE IN CHOOSING THE HEALTH PRIORITIES OF THE COMMUNITY.

SCHEDULE H, PART VI, LINE 3:
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 HOSPITALS 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 WEB SITE. 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 WHEN IT WAS FOUNDED MORE THAN 120 YEARS AGO, THE MISSION WAS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE IMPOVERISHED AND UNDERSERVED JEWISH COMMUNITY OF THE LOWER EAST SIDE OF MANHATTAN. TODAY, ONE OF ITS TWO INPATIENT SITES STILL PRIMARILY SERVICES THE LOWER EASTSIDE OF MANHATTAN, WHILE THE OTHER PRIMARILY SERVICES BROOKLYN. THE RACIAL AND ETHNIC BACKGROUND OF PATIENTS IS DIVERSE, SERVICING PATIENTS OF ALL RACES AND RELIGIONS. IN MANHATTAN, AT THE MAIN CAMPUS OF BIMC, A GROWING PERCENTAGE OF ELDERLY, AND A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF LOW INCOME INDIVIDUALS ARE SERVED.

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 A WIDE ARRAY OF HOSPITAL SPONSORED COMMUNITY HEALTH EDUCATION AND SCREENING EVENTS. THE COMMUNITY IS NOTIFIED OF THESE EVENTS AND SCREENINGS BY VARIOUS MEANS: MAILINGS, ADVERTISING IN LOCAL NEWSPAPERS, FLYERS, AND THROUGH MAILINGS OF VARIOUS NYC COMMUNITY BOARDS. THE HOSPITAL WEBSITE OFFERS ON-LINE HEALTH EDUCATION AND PHYSICIAN REFERRAL. MULTI-LINGUAL EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS ARE PROVIDED FOR PATIENTS AND THE SURROUNDING DIVERSE ETHNIC COMMUNITIES. BIMC'S KARPAS HEALTH INFORMATION CENTER, LOCATED AT 18TH STREET AND FIRST AVENUE IN MANHATTAN, IS THE HOSPITAL'S WELCOMING FRONT DOOR AND A POINT OF ENTRY TO BIMC'S OUTSTANDING PHYSICIANS AND CLINICAL SERVICES. THE CENTER HAS PROVIDED THOUSANDS OF NEW YORKERS WITH EASILY ACCESSIBLE HEALTH INFORMATION. STAFFED BY HEALTH EDUCATORS, THE CENTER IS A RESOURCE CENTER THAT OFFERS AN EXTENSIVE HEALTH LIBRARY, WALK IN ASSISTANCE AND HELP WITH RESEARCH ON SPECIFIC HEALTH CONDITIONS - ALL FREE OF CHARGE. THE WELLNESS PROGRAMS ENABLE NEIGHBORS TO REMAIN SAFE, ACTIVE AND VITAL MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY. THE CENTER IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING RESOURCES THAT ARE NURTURING TO THE MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT. THE CENTER REACHES INTO THE COMMUNITY AND SPONSORS SCREENING AND WELLNESS WORKSHOPS AND CLASSES THROUGHOUT MANHATTAN AND BROOKLYN. THESE PROGRAMS ARE DEVELOPED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS AND DEDICATED TO IMPROVING HEALTH OUTCOMES FOR THE COMMUNITIES BIMC SERVES. BIMC IS ALSO COMMITTED TO PROVIDING CARE TO ITS COMMUNITY SENIORS: -BIMC MAINTAINS A FULL TIME NURSE TO MONITOR AND ADMINISTER PROGRAMS FOR THE HEALTH OF THE SENIOR POPULATION OF THE NATURALLY OCCURRING RETIREMENT COMMUNITY (NORC) AT CO-OP VILLAGE ON THE LOWER EAST SIDE OF MANHATTAN. -KARPAS HEALTH INFORMATION CENTER HAS A NURSE ASSIGNED TO THE SIROVICH SENIOR CENTER TO MONITOR THE HEALTH OF THEIR PARTICIPANTS AND ASSIST IN HOME VISITS OF THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY SIROVICH SERVES. -BETH ISRAEL BROOKLYN MAINTAINS A GERIATRIC SOCIAL WORKER THAT PROVIDES CAREGIVER SUPPORT AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH. BETH ISRAEL MEDICAL CENTER ALSO DISTRIBUTES A BI-ANNUAL NEWSLETTER THAT GIVES UPDATES ON SERVICES AVAILABLE AT THE HOSPITAL AS WELL AS TIPS FOR HEALTHY LIVING.