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CPMC: An equal Partner in the Community
Those who lived in Washington Heights/Inwood and those who worked at the Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center (CPMC) 10 years ago would not have agreed that this neighborhood and this medical center comprised a community. Although CPMC existed in the center of the community, local residents and leaders would argue that the medical center was not living up to Webster’s definition. And although some residents and leaders did not feel this way, the negative perception was so prevalent that very few had the courage to stand up and argue the point. To many, CPMC was in the community, but it was not part of the community. The perception was that yes, we shared a common area, but not common interests; yes, we interacted, but the medical center prospered while the neighborhood did the opposite; and nowhere in this region was the perception that local people shared a common history, similar socioeconomic concerns, or political interests with CPMC people. Fortunately, times have changed. The past 10 years have seen many changes both within Columbia and throughout the community. Leaders are willing to put resources toward the development of community programs, students are willing to give of their time to provide free social services such as mentoring and tutoring, and trustees are willing to offer both their time and resources to ensure that the center provides humanistic and equitable care. Outside of CPMC, the Latino population, particularly Dominicans, has grown to constitute almost 70 percent of the neighborhood. New political leaders representative of this demographic shift have been elected. Older political leaders have obtained political power that translates to even more resources for the neighborhood. The streets are safer and cleaner. Most important, there is a greater willingness throughout the surrounding area to work with CPMC to develop common interests, interact around issues that affect the entire community, and make both the center and local residents accountable for the health and safety of Washington Heights/Inwood. There is a sense, both internally and externally, that a new kind of relationship exists, one with common interests and common goals. Some still see CPMC as the 800-pound gorilla, but most recognize the work being done and are willing to share in the successes, and even in the occasional failures. Recognized is the fact that much work needs to be done and that success will not be found in facing these tasks as individuals; everyone needs to work together as a community. We are all willing to take that challenge. Inside this special section are several programs that outline some of the projects at the medical center. It is a mere sampling of the many worthy projects CPMC has piloted for its community. Many have been developed with the input and guidance of the community. All are geared to address a need that the community has identified. Some are health related, others focus on education. Yet they all share one common factor: the commitment of CPMC to ensure that community needs are met and that the medical center continues to be a true community by Webster’s terms.
Ivelisse Fairchild |
