By: Tyra Wheeler
Somos Community Care founder Dr. Ramon Tallaj delivered an impassioned address at City & State’s Healthy New York Summit, held at The Museum of Jewish Heritage on April 18th. Dr. Tallaj’s speech, titled “Health Care for All New Yorkers,” showcased SOMOS’s impactful work across the diverse communities they serve in New York City.
Dr. Tallaj began by expressing gratitude to City & State for hosting the event and to Sheryl Huggins Salomon for the warm introduction. He also acknowledged the presence of distinguished leaders, including Commissioner McDonald and Commissioner Vasan, and paid homage to Senator Gustavo Rivera for his unwavering advocacy for vulnerable New Yorkers.
SOMOS Community Care, under Dr. Tallaj’s leadership, has emerged as a beacon of healthcare excellence. With a network of over 2,500 healthcare providers, SOMOS is dedicated to serving over 1 million Medicaid and Medicare recipients daily across the Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Nassau County. The organization operates 900 medical offices, providing comprehensive and accessible care to 25,000 patients each day.
“At SOMOS, our entire non-profit, value-based primary care model is centered on enhancing health outcomes for the vulnerable communities across New York City,” Dr. Tallaj emphasized. Since its establishment in 2015, SOMOS has been at the forefront of innovative healthcare solutions, committed to bridging the gap in healthcare disparities.
Central to SOMOS’s approach is its commitment to culturally competent care. Recognizing that many patients do not speak English, SOMOS ensures that providers speak their primary language and understand their unique needs and concerns. Moreover, by setting up locations in underserved neighborhoods and addressing social determinants of health such as diet, mental health, and unemployment, SOMOS breaks down barriers to quality healthcare.
Dr. Tallaj highlighted a poignant partnership with aid worker Zomi Frankcom and Chef José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen during the height of the pandemic in 2020. Together, they provided food assistance to millions of New Yorkers, embodying the belief that food and healthcare are fundamental human rights. Zomi’s dedication echoes SOMOS’s mission to be a lifeline for marginalized communities.
Under Dr. Tallaj’s leadership, SOMOS has achieved remarkable results, including a 22% reduction in preventable hospital readmissions, a 35% decrease in emergency room visits, and significant improvements in diabetes management and pediatric asthma admissions. These achievements have not only improved health outcomes but also saved New York taxpayers over $300 million annually.
Dr. Tallaj emphasized the importance of holistic care, addressing not only patients’ medical conditions but also the social determinants that influence their well-being. He praised initiatives such as the “Food-as-Medicine” campaign and applauded local, state, and federal leaders for championing new healthcare approaches.
In summary, Dr. Tallaj reiterated SOMOS’s commitment to serving patients, neighbors, and communities. He urged participants to honor Zomi’s memory by working towards greater collaboration and better outcomes for all New Yorkers. As discussions continue, Dr. Tallaj’s message resonates: healthcare is not just a technical matter but a deeply personal and collective endeavor towards a healthier, more inclusive future for all.
Published By: Aize Perez
