This spring, a group of 30 employee volunteers from Blackstone, along with the Blackstone Charitable Foundation, assembled 600 health and wellness kits for our pediatric patients. This new initiative, spearheaded by Sun River Health Ambassador Ebony Livingston, was designed to support the health of our pediatric communities in New York City.
In 2024, Sun River Health provided services to over 49,000 pediatric patients and had 229,712 pediatric visits. Many of the pediatric patients we serve live at or below the federal poverty level. This year, as part of our 50th anniversary campaign, one of our major focus areas is supporting our Children’s Health Fund and furthering our commitment to fostering healthy habits among our pediatric patient population.
At Sun River Health, our pediatricians and family physicians provide annual well-child visits, preventive screenings, immunizations, health education for the whole family, and integrated behavioral health services. Many of our pediatric patients also face significant challenges, specifically in relation to health and nutrition, including but not limited to: living in food deserts and limited options to healthier food choices, childhood obesity and the reduction of SNAP benefits. The health and wellness kits are designed to help address some of these challenges by providing items such as toothbrushes and toothpaste, kid-friendly healthy snacks, water bottles, hand sanitizer, and educational materials for healthy habits.
Not only are these health and wellness kits packed with essential supplies, but more importantly, they serve as a reminder that our neighbors are cared for as we continue delivering high-quality, affordable health care to all, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. The kits will be distributed to our New York City pediatric patients during their wellness visits and at community events, such as our annual Community Baby Showers for expectant mothers in the neighborhoods we serve.
One parent shared with us, "When my son received his kit during his checkup, his face just lit up. It made us feel cared for and supported, especially during tough times." Stories like this capture the real-life impact these kits have on our families and emphasize why this initiative is so important.
A very sincere thank you to the amazing volunteers from Blackstone and the Blackstone Charitable Foundation for supporting this amazing initiative for our pediatric patients!
