Adult Health and Wellness
Every adult deserves the opportunity to live a healthier, longer life. Yet too many face barriers created by health challenges and chronic conditions. At New York Academy of Medicine, we work to improve healthspan for all, helping ensure that everyone has what they need to live a healthier, longer life.
Bridging the Gap to Healthier, Longer Lives for All
Chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease reflect deep-seated challenges in prevention, access, and care. These conditions disproportionately harm low-income communities and communities of color, demanding urgent, collective action to build a healthier future for everyone.
Nearly 6 in 10
adults in the U.S. live with at least one chronic disease, and 4 in 10 live with two or more. These conditions account for 90% of the nation's $4.1 trillion annual healthcare costs.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
3.5x
Black adults are disproportionately affected by chronic kidney disease, experiencing rates 3.5 times higher than white adults. This disparity extends throughout the care continuum—from delayed diagnosis to reduced access to transplantation—contributing to preventable complications and mortality.
National Kidney Foundation
Twice as Likely
Adults living in poverty are twice as likely to suffer from heart disease and are less likely to receive the preventive care that could save their lives.
National Center for Health Statistics
Transforming Adult Health Through Evidence-Based Solutions
East Harlem Action Collaboration
Our East Harlem Action Collaboration addresses chronic disease prevention in one of Manhattan's most health-challenged neighborhoods. Through community-driven interventions, data-informed strategies, and cross-sector partnerships, this collaboration tackles the social determinants that fuel diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. The model demonstrates how targeted prevention can reduce healthcare costs while improving population health outcomes in underserved communities.
Advancing Culturally Inclusive Food Support
During the COVID pandemic, New York Academy of Medicine worked to uncover barriers and solutions for culturally inclusive food distribution in New York City. By engaging frontline organizations, NYAM documented the needs of diverse communities and highlighted gaps like limited food options. Their work produced actionable strategies — such as client-driven food selection and community partnerships — to help ensure all New Yorkers have access to culturally relevant foods.
This community-focused approach is now a model for cities aiming to advance healthier futures through education and strong partnerships.
Chronic Kidney Disease Equity Research and Care Assessment
Our research into disease equity and care assessments examines the implementation and impact of removing race from kidney function calculations, a critical step toward health equity in chronic kidney disease care. Through comprehensive analysis of patient outcomes, provider perspectives, and policy implementation, this body of work provides essential evidence for advancing equitable care delivery and improving transplant access for Black patients who have been systematically disadvantaged by race-based clinical algorithms.
