At Staten Island grand opening, Epicured showcases food-as-medicine model gaining national attention
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The recent ribbon-cutting at Epicured’s Port Richmond facility came with samples of locally sourced ingredients, speeches from elected officials and a message organizers hoped would resonate beyond Staten Island: For some patients, the right meal can be as important as medicine.
The celebration felt more like a food showcase than a traditional ribbon-cutting. Guests sampled apples from Hudson River Fruit, pears sourced through Baldor in the Bronx, and spices from Long Island supplier La Flor, ingredients that regularly find their way into Epicured’s meal and pantry boxes.
Would you give up a kidney? Many loved ones need donation, but don’t know how to ask.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Four healthcare organizations have launched a program that trains friends and family members to help kidney disease patients identify potential living donors and guide them through the transplant process.
The Living Donor Program Enhancement Demonstration Project pairs Northwell Health transplant coordinators with volunteer facilitators drawn from each patient’s personal network. Those volunteers, who may include family members, coworkers or faith leaders, receive training to help patients share their story and stay connected with prospective donors throughout the evaluation process.
How Staten Island’s ‘hotspotting’ program is helping curb drug overdose deaths
When Matt Germoso cold calls someone he knows might be at risk of a drug overdose, he says, “ We won’t necessarily lead with, you know, ‘Hey, I’m calling you about substance use.’”
Instead, Germoso, who once struggled with addiction himself and is now a peer recovery advocate at Staten Island University Hospital, will talk about a range of social services he can connect the person with and try to get a sense of what they need.
Germoso’s outreach is part of a novel program known as “hotspotting,” which uses a combination of data, artificial intelligence and old-fashioned human connection to home in on and help the people at highest risk of a drug overdose.
Medicaid recipients on Staten Island eligible for meals, pantry boxes from Social Care Network
The Social Care Network of Richmond County is providing meals and pantry boxes to approved Medicaid recipients worried about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefit interruption.
The pantry boxes, tailored to diet restrictions, contain enough food for seven days, said Dr. Joseph Conte, executive director of the Staten Island Performer Provider System, which coordinates the Social Care Network in support of residents through community-based organizations.
Staten Island Veterans Day Suit Drive: How to donate and get 50% off a new purchase
David & Co. Menswear, a luxe boutique located at 2955 Veterans Rd. West in Charleston, is once again spearheading a Veterans Day Suit Drive, collecting gently used suits from Nov. 9 to 15 – all of which will be donated directly to an organization that provides professional attire to veterans in need.
All suits will be donated to SI PPS, which helps local service members look and feel their best as they transition into new opportunities.
Drop in ODs on Staten Island hailed as ‘powerful turning point,’ but leaders vow fight will continue
Staten Island’s significant drop in overdose deaths is being hailed by community leaders as a “powerful turning point” in the borough’s fight against addiction — however, several cautioned work still needs to be done.