Episcopal Health Services Promotes Mental Health with Free Screenings and Support

Far Rockaway, New York, October 29, 2024 — The Population Health team at Episcopal Health Services (EHS) hosted a National Depression Screening Day on Oct. 10 in the parking lot of St. John’s Episcopal Hospital. The annual event aimed to raise awareness about mental health and offered free depression screenings to community members.

“Depression is a serious medical issue that affects millions of people each year,” said Preet Kukreja, MBA, MHA, FAPM, Director of Population Health at Episcopal Health Services. “By screening community members, we have an opportunity to connect individuals with the support they need to manage their mental health.”

Members of the EHS Population Health team were joined by community partners, including the Queens Community Justice Center, The B.R.I.D.G.E. Family Enrichment Center and Ocean Bay Community Development Corporation, who shared valuable resources with those in attendance. North Shore Animal League’s Mobile Puppy Unit, with puppies available for adoption, was also present, thanks to the generosity of the St. John’s ICARE Foundation.

“The foundation was proud to sponsor the mobile puppy unit for National Depression Screening Day,” said Nancy Leghart, Executive Director of the St. John’s ICARE Foundation. “When the Population Health team approached us about supporting their event by creating a more relaxed atmosphere to ease the stress for participants and reinforce the importance of mental health care in our community, we were happy to help.”

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, studies show that dogs reduce stress, anxiety and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and improve overall health.

“At EHS, we are committed to raising awareness of depression and the importance of early screenings,” said Renee Hastick-Motes, Senior Vice President, Chief External Officer at EHS and President of St. John’s ICARE Foundation. “Depression can have a profound impact on individuals and their families, and events like these help us address this serious issue head-on by providing resources and support. We were thrilled that puppies were adopted during the event and hope they will bring comfort to their new families, helping to alleviate the stress and loneliness that so often accompany depression.”