ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) – A Cayuga Health System hospital receives a $7 million grant to help eliminate health inequities in Tompkins County.

It’s part of New York’s Statewide Health Care Facility Transformation Program. The money will be used to fund technology at Ithaca’s Cayuga Medical Center that helps health care providers and human service providers work together, connecting patients at the Ithaca hospital with community organizations to better coordinate medical and social care.

“When medical providers understand the social factors that influence health, they can link patients with the services they need, when they need them,” said President and CEO of Cayuga Health Partners Rob Lawlis. “This grant will give patients better access to programs that support their health.”

The grant money will ultimately make it easier for patients to access resources and services for food, housing, transportation, employment, insurance, and more. Officials say addressing social needs will lead to better individual and community health outcomes.

“Human service agencies can be more effective when they have systems that inform and connect people to programs and services,” said Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County Deputy Director John Mazzello. “Agencies also improve when they can assess the health impacts of their services. People benefit when their health care and human service providers are working together collaboratively.”

Governor Kathy Hochul announced $658 million in awards to 127 health care organizations in New York State last week. Cayuga Medical Center is one of seven in the Southern Tier to win a grant.