The Challenge
Long Island faces significant healthcare access challenges. The Healthcare Association of New York reports physician shortages at "critically low" levels, particularly affecting the East End where recruiting specialists has become increasingly difficult.
The seasonal population surge during summer months doubles healthcare demand exactly when many providers take vacation. Mental health services remain severely limited across the region.
Reform Areas
Physician Shortage
Strategies to recruit and retain healthcare providers: loan forgiveness, residency expansion, and scope of practice reforms.
Learn more →Mental Health Access
Expanding telehealth, school-based services, and community mental health centers to address the growing mental health crisis.
Learn more →Opioid Crisis
Combating the fentanyl epidemic through prevention, treatment expansion, and harm reduction strategies.
Learn more →Data Sources
- OECD Health at a Glance 2023
- Healthcare Association of New York State
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
- CDC National Center for Health Statistics