Addressing Brooklyn’s Health Crisis: A Call for Physician-Led Equity Solutions
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Despite SUNY Downstate’s historic role in educating physicians and caring for Brooklyn residents, the surrounding community faces deeply entrenched health disparities. Nearly 60% of Brooklynites live with at least one chronic illness—yet many lack consistent access to care. The newly released Downstate Community Advisory Body (DCAB) report outlines a comprehensive strategy to reshape Medicaid and public health delivery by centering community voices and structural equity.
The report calls for long-overdue investment in underserved areas, greater trust-building between health systems and patients, and policies that prioritize local needs, particularly in communities of color. For physicians, this represents an opportunity to lead from the front.
MSSNY’s Dr. Donald Moore (2nd from left) with Governor Kathy Hochul following the release of the Downstate Community Advisory Board’s finalized recommendation report
