The
Urban Healthcare Initiative Program, an outreach program affiliated with Saint Michael’s Medical Center,
has received top honors and won several awards at this year's prestigious
Telly Awards for its groundbreaking, innovative video series aimed at
addressing the dire need for better quality of life in urban communities.
The Urban Healthcare Initiative’s (UHIP's) "Knowledge Is
Power" video series took home two Bronze Telly Awards in the Education
and Social Issues categories.
The Tellys are the premier award honoring outstanding content for TV and
Cable, Digital and Streaming, and Non-Broadcast distribution.
The series features respected physician influencers, like UHIP founder,
Dr. Alexander Salerno, a second-generation physician of
Salerno Medical Associates, a primary care, multi-specialty practice serving Northern New Jersey's
urban communities since the early 1950's.
"Awards like this are so important to raise our visibility and help
get more support," said Dr. Salerno, who is affiliated with Saint
Michael’s Medical Center. "My ultimate goal is to expand UHIP
and its message to urban areas across the country"
The videos take on some of the most pressing health issues in the African
American and Latino communities. Creative video topics range from “Man
Up,” which addresses the need for prostate screenings, to “Cut
Your Hair, Cut Your Health Risks,” an event held at a local barbershop.
In addition to physicians, UHIP teams up with notable celebrities like
Hip Hop legend the Rev. Run of RUN-DMC, Indy race-car driver Charlie Kimball,
and legendary actor and performer Ben Vereen to help spread the message
of health.
Founded by Dr. Salerno in 2010, UHIP is a non-profit, community-based program
that uses a 360-degree, fresh approach to health literacy. UHIP is financially
supported by Saint Michael’s.
"We are honored to be recognized and to have won," said Dr. Salerno,
who launched the program after becoming frustrated with healthcare outcomes
in his urban community.,
“There is a growing disparity when it comes to healthcare metrics
and healthcare outcomes in our urban communities,” Dr. Salerno said.
“Because of that, there is failing healthcare and failing quality
of life. I want to change that. If we can educate the public on the importance
of preventive healthcare, we will not only save lives but also reduce
the burden on our healthcare system.”
Based on the belief that knowledge really is power, UHIP reaches out to
the community through community mainstays like churches, community centers
and barber shops.
“We have found that reaching out to the community in places where
they are most comfortable, they're more receptive to the information,"
said UHIP Community Outreach Liaison Kelvin Roberson. “Our goal
is to combat long-standing cultural attitudes toward healthcare, change
the way people think, and motivate them to take control of their health.”