Facilitate HCR Cares Diverse Care Project (2022)

   In the aftermath of the final report and recommendations of the Commission on Racial and Structural Equity (RASE), individuals and institutions throughout the greater Rochester region were encouraged to design and implement programs that eliminated racial disparities and unequal access to a variety of services. One such response was the Diverse Care Project (DCP), which was created by the leadership and staff at HCR Home Care, in conjunction with its collaborative 501(c)(3) partner, HCR Cares. The program was designed to engage Pastors of African-American churches as key influencers, equipping them to educate and encourage their congregations --particularly seniors ages 65 and over who have shown reluctance to utilize home care and other medical services, impacting their quality of life and longevity. After difficulties in its initial outreach with these churches, DCP tapped the knowledge and expertise of SCI, to achieve better outcomes. Since 2022, SCI has assisted in getting this message into more than two dozen congregations across denominational lines, and many service referrals have been made from these sources. SCI continues to play a consultative role, with the expectation of increasing both church and client participation.