News and Events – July 2023

Gearing up for Camp Rise Up

August 27-September 1, 2023: As we get ready to say goodbye to summer, Camp Rise Up campers will say hello to a week of outdoor recreation, self-care and making new friends in a beautiful rural environment. The Floating Hospital’s Camp Rise Up, now in its fifth year, is free to families living in homeless shelters, domestic violence safe houses and other temporary housing. During an exhilarating, activity-packed week, campers stretch their minds and their bodies: canoeing, hiking, zip-lining and s’mores are on the agenda, along with interactive classroom lessons, workshops and outdoor games designed to foster personal strength, self-esteem and help them stay in school. 63% of this year’s estimated 80 campers are alumni, a data point we are proud of (and encouraged by).

Camp director Dr. Meghan Miller says, “It’s an educational experience under the guise of a fun getaway. And the camp has far-reaching impact, something we hoped for when we first created it.”

The camp experience also includes a special leadership track where young people receive advanced lessons on critical thinking, behavior management, social justice and coaching. This August, we welcome 15 campers who have completed that training and are returning as counselors in training or counselors.

Camp does not end with the bus ride home. Monthly check-ins and several in-person recreational outings throughout the year reinforce teachings and strengthen connections.

Camp Rise Up is life-changing, an unencumbered opportunity for young people to learn about themselves, test their capabilities and open their hearts to a hopeful future.

Says former camper and current counselor José Miranda: “I’ve been a patient at The Floating Hospital, and I’ve been a camper, and now I’m a staff member. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities camp has given me. I’m in a good spot right now.”

Wish you were there? This video will help you experience a bit of Camp Rise Up joy.

Entertainment and education in the waiting room

Studies have demonstrated the success of the patient waiting room as a learning environment—an interactive model that The Floating Hospital’s staff of certified health educators uses to relay information and engage patients. We’re happy to announce that we’ve entered into an agreement with Foundry360, a content publisher, that will produce videos on health and wellness topics uniquely customized for our patient population. Foundry360 is a division of DotDash Meredith, America’s largest digital and print publisher, with a monthly audience of nearly 200 million and a notable roster of titles (Better Homes & Gardens, Health, Very Well Health, Parents, People, Real Simple and The Spruce are a few).

Working closely with Dr. Meghan Miller, Director of Health Education, Dr. Shani Andre, Executive VP of Clinical Administration and Chief Medical Officer and Barbara LaPlaca, VP of Communications and Marketing, Foundry360 will create and curate targeted health and wellness content for patient viewing and interaction while they are in our clinic.

Our health education department has deep experience conducting patient workshops and classes on a wide range of topics for the entire family in homeless shelters, community centers, New York City public schools and our health education classroom. The waiting room screens will allow us to extend and amplify our programming while providing entertainment and enhancing patients’ in-clinic experience.

Planned topics include information on nutrition, general preventative health, managing chronic medical conditions and emotional/mental health.

A swell Summer Benefit Gala

Friends, supporters and staff gathered at the elegant Metropolitan Club, for a sparkling evening of music, scrumptious food and raising funds to support our vital “more than healthcare” services. Emmy-award winning investigative reporter Monica Morales of PIX-11 served as the enthusiastic emcee for the second year in a row. Guest speakers KiAnna Wilson and José Miranda, two young Hospital staff members who got their start with us as Camp Rise Up campers, inspired us all. Dapper auctioneer Lucas Hunt kept track of the paddle raise pledges as they flowed in (the scene was exciting and inspiring). The Duke Ellington Legacy Band, featuring Edward Ellington III, provided an elegant soundtrack perfectly suited to our Jazz Age theme.

We thank our sponsors, paddle raise participants, donors, board members, gala committee, staff and attendees whose support keeps our mission of care and relief for deserving New York City families.

President Sean T. Granahan celebrates 20 years with The Floating Hospital

On June 6, we marked a celebratory milestone for the Hospital: 20 years since Sean T. Granahan, Esq. came aboard as General Counsel. Roughly a year after that appointment, and at a moment of crisis for the organization, Granahan was made Floating Hospital president (while retaining the title of General Counsel). The ensuing two decades under his leadership saw a refocus on primary care for families, our historic “more than healthcare” programs like Camp Rise Up and Life Skills, and an expansion of the Floating Hospital’s free transportation network, the Good Health Shuttle. If the past two decades are any indication, great things lie ahead for our patients.

This post featured in our monthly newsletter from March/April 2023.

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Other posts from this newsletter:

Shortening the path to school attendance for migrant children

Volunteers Anchor The Floating Hospital

The Seaside Nursery and Hospital