BROOKLYN — VNS Health, formerly known as the Visiting Nurse Service of New York, has opened a new neighborhood office in Flatbush to better serve elderly residents in the Haitian community who often struggle to access health care. The office offers a walk-in hub where locals can get help with navigating Medicaid, Medicare, and other health services—critical resources for a population that faces both language barriers and gaps in care.
Flatbush is home to a large Haitian-American community, many of whom are older adults who find it difficult to navigate the healthcare system. According to VNS Health, the new office is designed to address these challenges, with team members on hand who speak Haitian Creole and Spanish.
“We’ve been part of this community for years, and this new office is another step to ensure older adults have access to the care they need,” said John Burke, Chief of Health Plans for VNS Health, at the office’s grand opening on Monday.
For many elderly Haitians, finding care in their native language or understanding the complexities of health plans can be a daunting task. As VNS told The Haitian Times, low internet connectivity in Flatbush also makes it hard for residents to access information online, further isolating them from services. The new VNS Health office aims to fill that gap by providing face-to-face assistance.
Dr. Wilfrid Herard, a local health advocate, spoke at the event and highlighted the importance of such community-based services.
“Many elderly Haitians don’t know where to start with health care. This office offers a trusted resource to guide them through it,” Herard said.
Beyond just helping with health plan sign-ups, the office provides a resource for open enrollment in Medicaid and Medicare, beginning Oct. 15. Community members are encouraged to visit for more information about their options.
The opening comes as part of VNS Health’s broader efforts to address health disparities in neighborhoods like Flatbush, where cultural and language barriers have contributed to poorer health outcomes. By offering local, language-accessible services, the office hopes to make a significant impact on the lives of elderly Haitian-Americans who have long struggled to access consistent, quality care.
The presence of organizations like VNS Health adds to the network of services aimed at the Haitian diaspora in Brooklyn, many of whom rely on community-based care to navigate a complex health system that has historically underserved them.
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