Network's scale and impact demonstrate the value of New York's Medicaid 1115 Waiver.

WholeYouNYC now screens about 2,000 Medicaid members daily, highlighting strong demand for its community-based approach that links members with trusted nonprofit providers to meet health-related social needs.

The SCN serves as a strong example of tackling social determinants of health via Medicaid and validates New York's Medicaid 1115 Waiver program, set to end in March 2027. Offerings include food and nutrition help, housing and utility aid, transportation, care management, legal support, youth programs, health coverage, maternal services, sexual health resources, and additional supports. Addressing these barriers alongside healthcare improves preventive care, chronic condition management, and reduces expensive hospital visits.

WholeYouNYC ranks as the largest of nine New York Social Care Networks created under the state's Medicaid 1115 Waiver. Operated by PHS, it covers 30 percent of the state's Medicaid members and has screened more than 25 percent of the region's total after reaching nearly 600,000 individuals.

"WholeYouNYC shows it is feasible to screen and resolve health-related social needs at scale through community partnerships," said Zachariah Hennessy, Chief Strategy Officer of Public Health Solutions and Executive Vice President of WholeYouNYC. "Continued funding remains essential. The high demand across New York City underscores why these networks should extend past March 2027 and expand long term."

The network connects members to over 200 community organizations based on screening results. Examples include arranging non-medical rides, linking to medically tailored meals for chronic conditions, and providing eviction-prevention resources for housing stability. This integrated support improves overall health outcomes.

Community events often reveal these needs first. Mykela, a participant and mother of a Medicaid-enrolled child, attended a Brooklyn health fair last summer. After screening, she received six months of back rent assistance and food support, gaining "peace of mind" to focus on family, studies, and work without eviction worries.

"WholeYouNYC proves the Medicaid 1115 Waiver works by testing effective public health models," said Cassaundra Howell, President and Chief Executive Officer of Public Health Solutions. "Social factors like food access and stable housing matter greatly. Sustained funding will keep these networks serving New Yorkers beyond 2027."

"Reaching this milestone with WholeYouNYC is remarkable," said Marina Fanshteyn, Director of Development and Operations at United Hands Organization. "Partnering expands equitable care for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Limited English Proficient communities through collaboration and trust."

"I helped bring community groups together in Brooklyn's 57th Assembly District to join WholeYouNYC," said NYS Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest. "The screenings show what trusted local organizations achieve when funded to connect residents with vital resources. This success confirms the waiver's impact and the need for ongoing support past 2027."

For details on WholeYouNYC, see wholeyou.nyc.

About Public Health Solutions
Health gaps among New Yorkers remain wide and growing. Public Health Solutions works to reverse this by aiding underserved families toward better health and opportunity. As the city's largest public health nonprofit, it delivers direct services, supports community partners via public-private ties, and connects healthcare with local resources. More at www.healthsolutions.org.

Media Contacts:
Grace Gabala
Senior Director of Communications
Public Health Solutions
646-619-6407
[email protected]

Carla Pisarro
Group Gordon
203-571-8334
[email protected]

SOURCE Public Health Solutions