Equity-Centered Innovation

Advocates for the elimination of health disparities through research, education, and sponsoring public programs focused on residents of Greater and Central Brooklyn, with an emphasis on community health equity.

Develops and implements programs designed to increase the number of underserved and underrepresented students entering health professions through targeted educational and professional development initiatives.

Observes National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month each March with educational workshops, outreach to diverse populations, and efforts to improve access to free or low-cost screenings to promote early detection and prevention.

Awards programmatic grants ranging from $2,000 to $20,000 to organizations and community groups, including support for health, music, sports, and arts programs for underserved youth in Brooklyn. Grant applications are reviewed twice yearly with deadlines on June 30 and December 31.

Conducts annual awareness campaigns during National Hepatitis Awareness Month in May to educate the public about viral hepatitis, promote screening, expand access to testing, reduce stigma, and integrate services into broader public health efforts—particularly in underserved and high-risk communities.

Recognizes National PTSD Awareness Month in June to raise public understanding, reduce stigma, and encourage trauma-affected individuals to seek support through awareness and community engagement efforts.

Conducts public health initiatives during American Heart Month in February to promote cardiovascular health, prevention, early detection, and equitable access to care through community engagement and outreach.

Conducts research on Ibogaine as an antiaddiction product in preparation for FDA Investigational New Drug application development, specifically for an opioid abatement program in New York State.

Prepares Drug Master Files for Ibogaine Endabuse(R) and Tabernanthe Iboga/Voacanaga Iboga, including intellectual property provisions, to enable public-private partnerships focused on health equity, clinical trial management, and secure drug supply chains using blockchain technology.

Provides 8-week virtual or in-person interactive wellness sessions focused on improving emotional wellbeing and health through self-compassion, gratitude, mindfulness, and mind-body resilience techniques, primarily for older adults in New York City.

Develops and implements diabetes self-management education programs tailored to high-incidence neighborhoods in New York City, including small group sessions and virtual education for adults and children with diabetes. Programs incorporate geographic and built-environment analysis to address local challenges.

Conducts and supports research to develop equity-based solutions that foster social connectivity and improve health outcomes in underserved communities in New York City.

Conducts geographic cluster analysis using density-based algorithms to identify high-diabetes-incidence neighborhoods in New York City and inform the placement and design of targeted diabetes self-management programs.

Provides education and support to help older adults and Medicaid enrollees understand and utilize their individual health plan benefits, empowering informed healthcare decision-making and access to services.

Facilitates peer-supported wellness programming and structured group interactions to reduce social isolation and loneliness among older adults in New York City, fostering personal growth and resilience.

Publishes research on improving diabetes self-management education through small group sessions, individualized learning, and community-centered approaches.

Conducts and publishes research on emotional wellness, loneliness, telephonic engagement, and caregiver support among older adults in New York City, using tools such as the UCLA Loneliness Scale and custom perceptions surveys.

Conducts research studies to evaluate the effectiveness of telephonic outreach in promoting medication adherence and health-promoting behaviors among adults in New York City, including at-risk populations.