Siena has just received a $100,000 grant from Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York to support teams of students placed in the community each semester to practice hotspotting.
Technically known as interprofessional complex care teams, Siena students in social work, nursing, and health studies identify health care “super-utilizers” (those with frequent hospital visits or admissions), then provide hands-on, individualized interventions for patients with complex social and health care needs.
"We are very grateful to Highmark and their Blue Fund for their support of Siena’s innovative hotspotting program,” said Cherisse Young ’96, director of foundation and corporate grants. “The work done by these complex care teams aligns directly with our Franciscan values as it provides real world educational experiences for our students, as well as much needed assistance to the most underserved members of our community.”
A formal announcement and presentation of the grant was made August 10. The funds will support curriculum development, skill development, evaluation and recruiting over the coming two academic years. Young explained that the primary aim of the program is to prepare a health care workforce that has the skills to partner with patients to overcome systemic barriers and empower them to take an active role in achieving optimal health.
“Students will gain experience with interprofessional teams, learn to recognize systemic barriers, and develop case management skills so they are prepared to launch into health profession careers, while also helping individuals they work with have better health outcomes,” she said.
The program was introduced to Siena two years ago by Jenna Thate, Ph.D., associate professor of nursing.
Siena students provide hotspotting services in Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady counties. Lillian Kronau ’24 praised her experience last semester as an excellent service and learning opportunity.
“The program bridges the gap between patients and the health care world,” she explained. “I was able to witness firsthand the impacts of our confusing health care system within underserved communities, and could help people access quality care that aligned with their health goals. Even better, we were able to help them find the independence to access this care on their own. I am excited to see this program continue to grow and help individuals in need within our community.”
Carlos Gonzales ’25 added that “being a part of the hot spotting program is a chance to change the narrative on what is it to be a better person.”
“From this experience, I hope to inspire others,” he said. “Helping people in need is more than providing support; it’s about genuinely caring about making a difference.”
The Blue Fund is a grant program administered by Highmark that makes meaningful investments to improve the health and sustainability of the community.
Kevin Quaranto ‘11, region leader for Highmark, said, “Each year, we set out to find projects and initiatives that not only align with the Fund’s focus areas of behavioral health, cardiovascular health, health care workforce development, healthy children and maternal health, but that have long-term potential to positively impact the health of all people living in the Capital Region. That’s why Highmark Blue Shield is pleased to support Siena College, and as a proud alumnus, this partnership is personally exciting for me.”
Highmark Blue Shield earmarked $1,500 of their grant to help Siena expand its well-known and successful Mentoring Program.
Will Figueroa, assistant director of mission engagement, said his team has been working on piloting a spin-off program called Wayfinders, focused on teens who have aged out of the Mentoring Program, which is aimed at kids 6-11.
“We acknowledge that the ‘Littles’ in the program grow up and we want to embrace and support them in an age-appropriate fashion,” said Figueroa.
He said Wayfinders would be designed as a college preparatory program to give teens the opportunity to explore career options, demystify the college experience, navigate personal and professional relationships, and develop speaking and listening skills.
Participants would continue to be matched one-to-one with mentors and would gather on campus five to seven times a year for workshops, speakers, and fun events.