Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Community
Columbia University Irving Medical Center has long prided itself on its commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, but the events of 2020—the pandemic that revealed health care disparities and the heightened awareness of structural racism—led us to reinforce our commitment by creating programs that extend this work into our neighboring communities and throughout our city.
Some of the programs that began during the pandemic have created community connections that will continue to address health care disparities.
Community DEI Programs
Community Health Workers Town Hall Series
The Community Health Workers Town Hall Series addressed COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, access, and distribution by providing information and resources to community health workers serving Harlem, Washington Heights, Inwood, and the South Bronx.
Community Physicians Webinar Series
CUIMC and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital hosted a six-part Community Physicians Webinar Series in collaboration with the Dominican Medical Association in a collaborative effort to improve overall health outcomes in northern Manhattan.
Columbia University Community Wellness Center in Manhattanville
The Community Wellness Center has programs to empower people to make healthy lifestyle adjustments. Community-based initiatives train members of the Harlem community to become health advocates to prevent stroke and promote mental health.
Learn More About Columbia University Community Wellness Center in Manhattanville
Community Programs and Initiatives
CUIMC offers community programs and initiatives, including college prep programs, school-based dental clinics, community-based participatory research, and clinical home visits for the community’s most vulnerable residents.
Community School District 6 Collaboration
Experts from CUIMC and NYP participate in the Community School District 6 Health and Wellness Series, part of the district’s Wellness Initiative Now to increase awareness of positive health behaviors and resources to benefit the school community.
1199 SEIU Collaboration
1199 SEIU is the largest and fastest-growing health care union in the nation. CUIMC collaborates with 1199 SEIU to address mutual interests.
COMMUNITY Center to Reduce Health Disparities in Multiple Chronic Diseases
CUIMC is addressing health disparities through a center called COMMUNITY—the Center to Improve Chronic Disease Outcomes through Multi-level and Multi-generational Approaches Unifying Novel Interventions and Training for Health Equity.
Learn More About COMMUNITY Center to Reduce Health Disparities in Multiple Chronic Diseases
Office of Community Service Programs
The Office of Community Service Programs was established in 2019 to formally expand the commitment of CUIMC to community service, with a focus on the Washington Heights/Inwood community, Upper Manhattan, and parts of the Bronx.
Academy of Community and Public Service
The Academy of Community and Public Service recognizes faculty members throughout Columbia University Irving Medical Center who go above and beyond to promote our missions in our local community and around the world.