Denise Baker, BSN, RN, CCM, director of Quality Improvement at Syracuse Community Health (SCH), is a leader with a vision for advancing healthcare access and equity. Known for her thoughtful approach and strategic focus, Baker works tirelessly to address barriers that prevent many patients from receiving the care they need.
“Connecting people with resources— healthcare, food, housing, and transportation is essential,” Baker explained. “Our work begins by meeting people where they are and understanding their unique journeys.”
Since joining SCH’s leadership team in 2021, Baker has led initiatives aimed toward reducing health disparities and strengthening SCH as a trusted resource for the Syracuse community. Her efforts reflect one of the health equity goals of SCH to ensure everyone has an opportunity to reach their true health potential.
Syracuse Community Health at a Glance SCH, a federally qualified health center, serves Syracuse and Onondaga County residents through three main locations: 930 South Salina St., 603 Oswego St., and 1938 E. Fayette St. SCH also has three quick care locations, including its newly opened Onondaga Community College location. Eight school-based health centers are located throughout the city of Syracuse. The health system offers a range of specialized services to patients, including: behavioral health, pediatrics, internal and family medicine, dental, podiatry, nutrition counseling, obstetrics, gynecology and more. Walk-in services and support groups, including smoking cessation, grief counseling and parenting, are also available.
SCH accepts Medicaid, Medicare and commercial insurance and it offers a sliding fee scale to ensure care remains accessible to all.
Improvements on the Horizon
So, what does a director of Quality Improvement do?
“Quality improvement is a way to drive meaningful change,” she said, noting, “I am always looking at areas to improve.” By analyzing patient data and listening to feedback, Baker and her team have developed impactful programs like the HOPE (Help Our People Eat) Pantry to improve health outcomes.
Committed to Feeding the Hungry
In collaboration with community partners like the Food Bank of Central New York, SCH has distributed more than 2,000 boxes of fresh produce to patients, staff and the community. Boxes of fresh produce are distributed at the main location, on a first come, first served basis on the third Thursday of each month between 1 and 4 p.m.
SCH also works with organizations, such as the Brady Farms, United HealthCare and FLIPA (Forward Leading Independent Provider Association), “to empower patients to make healthier choices for managing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension,” Baker explained.
The success of HOPE Pantry has led to the creation of HOPE Med, a program that focuses on providing patients diagnosed with chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension access to healthier food options tailored to their needs. Patients of the health center who may struggle with access to healthy foods will be eligible to receive additional items from the food pantry. HOPE Med integrates education and resources to empower patients to better manage their health.
“Our goal is to ensure no one has to choose between paying bills and eating well,” Baker said. “These programs go beyond addressing hunger they focus on dignity, empowerment and building healthier lives.”
Through collaboration and innovation, Baker and her team are breaking barriers and setting the foundation for a healthier, more equitable future.