In 2016 The Rogosin Institute, together with local community leadership in Brownsville and East NY, launched The Central Brooklyn Better Health Movement (CBHM). At the center of this local leadership are DeCosta and Kimberly Headley, a father-daughter team, who have long-standing and extensive contacts in this community. DeCosta Headley himself spent 18 years representing the East New York-Brownsville area in the New York State Legislature. CBHM is a model that engages individuals, families and communities to assume more responsibility for their own well-being, empowering them to become part of the solution to achieve improved health. Rogosin’s existing partnerships with community and faith-based leaders has led to the creation of a core group of volunteers who recognize the health challenges they and their neighbors are facing, and are in the best position to help bring about needed health changes in that community. These volunteers conduct outreach and health education throughout Central Brooklyn as part of the better health movement.

Although the CBHM is a multi-sectoral approach, we are currently implementing a three-pronged tactical strategy that involves: 1) education programming in schools, 2) outreach in faith-based settings, and 3) alignment of partners to create a continuum of care. CBHM programming involves working with healthcare payors and providers such as Healthfirst, Brookdale Hospital, Interfaith Medical Center, Brownsville Multiservice Family Health Center, and organizations such as LiveOnNY and CAMBA. We are also exploring potential partnerships with organizations including the Brownsville Community Culinary Center, Make the Road New York, and Health People, as well as other non-profits and social service agencies working in Central Brooklyn. Endorsement of the CBHM from local government, congressional district leaders, and community leaders is also important to ensure success of the health movement. Rogosin’s Problem Solving for Better Health® methodology (PSBH®) will be threaded through all of the community and school based activities.