In the face of the ongoing diabetes epidemic in New York City, elected leaders and city officials have joined forces to strategize. There is a widespread appetite to confront this public health crisis head-on. The Floating Hospital’s position as a provider to vulnerable communities places our skilled team at the nexus of this challenge. The Floating Hospital a guiding light in healthcare and support for vulnerable groups, remains at the forefront of preventive healthcare, particularly attuned to the distinct needs of its patients living in the city’s homeless shelters and other unstable housing. Dr. Shani Andre, Chief Medical Officer and EVP of Clinical Administration, is a vocal advocate for the significance of diabetes prevention and the necessity of proactive care within our patient community. In a 2023 LinkedIn post, Dr. Andre wrote frankly about the need to reach patients where they are before warning signs develop into dangerous conditions. “Unfortunately, due to the lack of access to preventative medical care and lack of urgency in pursuing that care, the high-risk families we serve continue to experience serious, but preventable, health complications,” she wrote. The diabetes epidemic has had a disproportionate impact on New Yorkers, especially those in communities of color and living with the effects of poverty. Vision loss, kidney and nerve damage, heart disease, stroke and lower limb amputation are among the severe consequences of ignoring preventative care. The Covid-19 pandemic further underscored the risks for individuals living with diabetes and emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive and collaborative response. Understanding the critical nature of the issue, The Floating Hospital had proactively initiated efforts to provide accessible care solutions, ahead of the city leadership’s recent announcement to intensify focus, mobilize investments, and apply evidence-based interventions in the fight against diabetes. Dr. Andre and Sean Granahan, President and General Counsel of The Floating Hospital, are acutely aware that prevention is paramount to improving health outcomes and reducing the burden on individuals and the healthcare system. Many patients come to The Floating Hospital after delaying medical attention until situations are urgent. Dr. Andre notes that regular screenings and proactive healthcare measures often take a backseat due to the pressing demands of daily survival. “Our focus on preventive healthcare is not just about treating illnesses; it’s about empowering individuals to take control of their health proactively,” says Dr. Andre.

“By addressing the barriers our homeless patients face, we can make significant strides in preventing and managing chronic conditions like diabetes.”

Dr. Shani Andre, Chief Medical Officer and EVP of Clinical Administration

As The Floating Hospital actively engages in collaborative efforts to combat the diabetes epidemic, its commitment to preventive healthcare remains unwavering. Noting New York City’s renewed focus on preventing the severe impacts of diabetes for patients from vulnerable communities, Floating Hospital leadership plans to continue the work that the organization has always done: providing accessible healthcare to New York City’s most vulnerable families, regardless of insurance, status, or ability to pay.