Obenzinger Project: HealthySteps Intern for At-Risk Children in Schenectady

Developmental support for children ages 0-5 is vital to ensure that at-risk children have an equal opportunity to thrive as their peers. The Ronald M. Obenzinger ’61 Memorial Fellowship allowed me to partner with Ellis Hospital in a year-long healthcare endeavor working in their HealthySteps program. HealthySteps provides early developmental support to families for children ages zero-to-three. HealthySteps Specialists ensure that children are reaching developmental milestones and help to connect families with support services so that all children have a strong start to life. To help support Ellis Pediatrics, I worked with the on-site HealthySteps Specialist to conduct postpartum depression screenings and developmental screenings to assess patient needs. I also assisted in making referrals for patients enrolled in HealthySteps in need of food, clothing, cleaning supplies, and counseling. To aid in tracking whether patients were receiving adequate support, I created a data log to ensure that patients enrolled in HealthySteps were being screened during visits, referred if necessary, and followed up with regularly. Partnering with Ellis Pediatrics allowed me to develop a more holistic view towards medical care while helping local residents in need. This presentation will provide an overview of the Ellis Pediatrics’ initiatives with which I have assisted and discuss the importance of the social determinants of health in the local area.