Transforming Lives Beyond COVID-19
On National Health Center Week, Acacia Network is proud to highlight how the one-stop-shop, comprehensive primary care services provided at our Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) transform the lives of thousands of individuals every year, such as Isnoel Rodriguez, who says he was able to get his life back thanks to our integrated services. 

Listen to Isnoel’s Testimonial:
As we celebrate Patient Appreciation Day during National Health Center Week, Isnoel’s story reminds us that, even when facing great adversity, we have the resilience, knowledge, and strength to overcome any obstacle.

Today and every day, we celebrate Isnoel and the thousands of patients who walk through our doors, and we reaffirm our commitment to providing the highest quality of integrated care, regardless of someone’s ability to pay, insurance status or immigration status.

Our Ongoing Response to the COVID-19 Crisis
We are one of the leading human services organizations in New York City and the largest Hispanic-led nonprofit in the State, providing integrated, culturally-competent, and trauma-informed services to over 150,000 individuals of all ages through: Primary Care; Mental Health and Addiction Services; Residential Treatment for At-Risk Populations; Affordable and Supportive Housing; Transitional Housing; Early Childhood Education; Afterschool Programs and Youth Development; Senior Services; Workforce Development; Arts and Culture, and more.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have leveraged our integrated care model and resources, guided by best practices in our clinical approach, to ensure positive outcomes for those we serve.
Primary & Behavioral Care
From March 16-July 16, 2020, Acacia Network’s six Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) have served 5,997 unique patients who rendered 14,387 encounters. This includes 3,390 telehealth visits and 1,198 telephonic consults. In addition, our 108-bed Casa Promesa Skilled Nursing Facility has continued to provide residential services to adults with HIV/AIDS ages 18 and over.

Meanwhile, we served 6,019 unique patients through our Behavioral Care and Addiction Programs, including Outpatient Mental Health Services, Outpatient Substance Use Services, Detox & Rehab, and Residential Care.

Finally, we are excited to announce that J-CAP in Queens has become an affiliate of Acacia Network. J-CAP provides comprehensive primary care services to the community and is a fully licensed and certified Residential Substance Use Treatment Program that delivers integrated, culturally-responsive care. To learn more about J-CAP or to make an appointment, CLICK HERE!
Affordable, Supportive & Transitional Housing
Acacia Network –one of the largest providers of transitional housing in New York City– provides an array of resources to 7,000+ individuals in our 56 homeless shelters across the City, including one-on-one case management with social workers, access to primary and behavioral care, employment assistance, among other services. Our integrated approach to care and wellness, guided by best practices in our clinical response to COVID-19, has helped to ensure that individuals experiencing homelessness and/or housing instability can come out of this crisis stronger.

Meanwhile, our housing portfolio includes 3,316 units of affordable housing, 728 units of supportive housing, and 130 units of permanent housing for formerly homeless families & individuals. In addition to housing, a total of 11,757 social service encounters impacted 626 supportive housing tenants, including:

  • 1,942 Supportive Housing Services
  • 8,904 People with Developmental Disabilities (PWDD) Services
  • 913 NYS Office of Mental Health Residential Services
Children, Youth, Families & Seniors
Acacia Network’s Childcare, Education & Youth Development initiatives –in partnership with our affiliates, the Community Association of Progressive Dominicans (ACDP), United Bronx Parents (UBP), and Promesa Inc.– aim to provide high-quality educational and recreational programming for children and youth of all ages to ensure positive outcomes inside and outside of school. Our model integrates a holistic approach that seeks to engage the entire family through wrap-around services, such as extended academic enhancement for students, parent workshops, education & workforce development resources, primary & mental care, food distribution, among other services.

During the COVID-19 crisis, we have continued to engage with our early learners & school-aged kids through daily virtual learning or virtual academic enhancement activities. Our day cares are currently serving 215 children ages 3 and 4 through a combination of virtual and in-person learning. Meanwhile, our Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is currently serving 185 youngsters, while our Summer Camp is serving 300 kids. ACDP has also continued to conduct virtual check-ins & wellness sessions with our adult, veteran, and senior populations.

Acacia Network has also redoubled its efforts to serve older adults in our Institute for Puerto Rican/Hispanic Elderly (IPRHE) Senior Centers through Virtual Programming Initiatives that allow our staff to conduct regular virtual well-checks and video conferencing with them, while ensuring that our seniors are able to engage in online recreational activities & wellness workshops, maintain video communication with loved ones, and have a better connection to the outside world. To date, we have engaged over 2,000 seniors through a total of 46 virtual wellness workshops. 
Workforce Development
Through its Workforce and Benefits Access Services, Seedco –an affiliate of Acacia Network– has conducted over 2,200 case management and wellness outreach sessions, facilitated 117 virtual workshops, connected 142 individuals to employment opportunities, and screened and enrolled more than 740 individuals and families in health insurance or other public benefits. In addition, Seedco staff have worked with our partner organizations to continue to refer over 230 individuals for external services such as housing supports, legal assistance, and medical services.
Arts & Culture
Loisaida Inc. continued providing Arts & Culture programs through its Media and Technology resources. In partnership with Acacia Network Housing (ANH), Loisaida provided virtual arts workshops to children and families in homeless shelters. In addition, the Center launched LoisaidaTV, a self-hosted and closed-circuit media production environment and digital platform. Loisaida was one of the first organizations to launch a virtual cultural festival, with the live production of the 33rd annual Loisaida Festival, garnering more than 20,000 impressions over two days of programming. Finally, Loisaida has also continued conducting Census outreach. 
Facilities, PPE & Food Distribution
To date, our Facilities Division and our Purchasing Department have secured and distributed more than 500,000 masks and miscellaneous protective supplies among our programs and affiliates

In addition, the Facilities Division oversees food distribution across our programs. To date, a total of 35,255 individuals have been served through our Food Pantries, and a total of 22,971 meals have been served to Seniors in our Programs and to other individuals through our Soup Kitchens.
Bronx Opioid Collective Impact Project
Acacia Network launched the Bronx Opioid Collective Impact Project in 2018, in collaboration with the NY City Council and the Office of Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Jr., and Third Avenue BID. Other community-based partners include Boom Health, Harlem United, St. Ann's Corner for Harm Reduction (SACHR), New York Harm Reduction Educators (NYHRE), the Emma L. Bowen Community Service Center, Peer Network of New York, and Samaritan Daytop Village. 

The Bronx Opioid Collective utilizes a harm-reduction approach to reduce opioid-related fatalities and increase community safety. Along with its partners, Acacia Network conducts Outreach Events in the Bronx to provide critical services, including the distribution of essential kits and lunches, free Narcan overdose prevention training, syringe exchanges, referrals to social services and health programs, among other resources.

Every year, the Bronx Opioid Collective hosts an annual Bronx Opioid Community Summit to convene leading healthcare service providers in order to discuss outcomes, progress, and highlights, and to establish best practices and outline steps. During this year's Virtual Summit, held on June 30, 2020, we shared the following outcomes:
Acacia Network is fully committed and available to address any questions or concerns, and to support the continued wellbeing of our staff and clients during these incredibly challenging times. If you or someone you know are in need of services, please contact us at 718-734-2593.
Resources & Upcoming Events
Virtual Wellness Series for Seniors and Essential Workers
Acacia Network, in partnership with our affiliate, the Institute for the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Elderly (IPRHE), invites you to participate in our Virtual Wellness Series for Seniors and Essential Workers, which features diverse workshops and events in areas such as physical fitness, relaxation, mindfulness, music and dance, census outreach, and voting information, among others.

To nurture the social-emotional well-being of our senior population and reduce feelings of isolation as a result of strict COVID-19 social distancing measures, Acacia Network launched virtual programming initiatives that allow them to participate in online recreational activities & wellness workshops, maintain video communication with loved ones, and have a better connection to the outside world.

We hope you'll join us during one or more of the events listed below. If you'd like to learn more about how you can help IPRHE go virtual, CLICK HERE!
COVID-19 Testing in the Bronx and Brooklyn
In an effort to ensure widespread testing in our community, Acacia Network continues to offer COVID-19 testing to our clients, staff, and community members at Bronx and Brooklyn locations.

We are currently conducting COVID-19 nasal swab tests and COVID-19 antibody blood tests at our Ramon Velez Health Center, located at 754 E 151st St, The Bronx, NY 10455 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1:00-4:00PM, by appointment. Same-day appointments are available!

We accept most insurance plans, as well as Medicaid and Medicare. We also offer sliding scale and/or free testing for uninsured patients. For more information or to make an appointment at Ramon Velez, please call: (347)352-2484 or (718)734-2539.

We are also conducting free COVID-19 testing every Wednesday at 120 Menahan Street in Brooklyn. For more information, call (718)734-2539.
Acacia Network has partnered with Harvest Home
We've partnered with Harvest Home to provide our communities with access to farm-fresh local produce and educational opportunities to achieve healthier lifestyles.

With markets in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens, Harvest Home is a New York City-based, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing access to local, farm-fresh produce in low-income neighborhoods. Founded in 1993, their markets create community gathering places that educate the public about health and nutrition, while supporting regional agriculture and providing job opportunities. CLICK HERE to check out their recent feature on BronxNet!

Please note: To ensure the safety of all clients and staff and to maintain clean market environments, all Farmers’ Markets are in strict compliance with health & hygiene guidelines currently in effect.

We encourage you to visit the Farmers' Markets and share with your families and friends!
Become an Acacia Ally
Become an Acacia Ally during National Health Center Week by helping to spread the word about the important work of our Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)!

How can you become an ally?

  • Like and share our posts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter with the hashtags #AcaciaNetwork #NHCW20 #ValueCHCs
  • Sign up to receive news and updates about Acacia Network and our affiliates. Tell your friends to join our mailing list, too!
  • Donate to Acacia Network! Your gift, big or small, can make a big impact in the lives of those we serve.

Your support will enable us to continue providing critical services to those who need them most. For more information about Acacia Network and how you can support our work, contact us today!
For over 50 years, Acacia Network and its affiliates have been committed to improving the quality-of-life and wellbeing of underserved Latino communities by providing access to integrated health and housing programs, and by reinvesting in communities through innovative programming, employment opportunities and affordable housing ownership, among other initiatives. Acacia Network’s offices are located in New York City, Buffalo, Albany, and Syracuse in New York State, as well as Florida, Maryland, Tennessee, Arkansas, Georgia, Connecticut, and Puerto Rico. Acacia Network’s extensive array of community-based services are fully integrated, bilingual and culturally competent, while ensuring easy access and actively incorporating consumer and community level input. For more information, visit: www.acacianetwork.org