Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC) has launched the Bridge to Faith Council, bringing together more than thirty clergy leaders from various faiths in Staten Island. The council held its first meeting at RUMC on July 21.
The initiative aims to strengthen ties between the hospital and local faith communities to improve health outcomes and expand access to care. According to Daniel J. Messina, PhD, FACHE, President and Chief Executive Officer of RUMC, “Our new Bridge to Faith Council represents a powerful step forward in our mission to serve the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. By partnering with trusted voices from the many diverse faith communities we have on Staten Island, we can better understand the unique needs of those we serve, expand access to care, and build deeper, more inclusive connections across our borough.”
The council will help promote RUMC’s healthcare services within different community groups. Members will act as advocates for hospital programs and help identify health concerns specific to their congregations. Working with the council members, RUMC plans to increase free health screenings in neighborhoods throughout Staten Island. These efforts will focus on conditions that are prevalent locally such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and behavioral health issues including substance use.
Bishop Victor A. Brown of Mt. Sinai United Christian Church chairs the council. He said: “The wedding between RUMC and this council is going to expand opportunities to bring excellent medical care to the residents of Staten Island along with expanded quality spiritual care for the patients of RUMC.”
Other attendees at the inaugural meeting included Rev. Dr. Demetrious Carolina from First Central Baptist Church; Rev. Dr. Tony Baker Sr., St. Philips Baptist Church; Rev. Terry Troia from Project Hospitality; Rev. Lester Figueroa from Calvary Assembly of God; Rabbi Michael Howald from Temple Israel Reform Congregation of Staten Island; Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik of the Council Of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island; Monsignor William Belford from St. Teresa’s Roman Catholic Church; and Imam Zulqarnian Adbu-Shadhid from Bait-ul Jamaat.
RUMC’s Richmond Health Network operates over 30 outpatient offices across Staten Island as well as Brooklyn and Manhattan, offering primary care along with specialty services in areas such as endocrinology, obstetrics/gynecology, ENT (Ear Nose & Throat), urology and rheumatology.
For further information about Richmond University Medical Center or its programs visit www.rumcsi.org.
