What is the Neighborhood Health Advocate Program?
The Neighborhood Health Advocate Program in West Hill is a joint program of Albany Guardian Society and The Community Foundation for the Capital Region. The program was developed after Robert Paeglow, M.D., of Koinonia Health Care, approached Albany Guardian Society about establishing a faith-based initiative in the West Hill neighborhood in coordination with recommendations of the planning grant for the John A. Hartford aging prepared community initiative. Through this program, with the assistance of lay advocates from participating faith-based communities, West Hill seniors will access needed health and social services.

Churches in the community, including Center City Catholic Community, Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, Grace and Holy Innocents, Star of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church and St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, have identified lay advocates who will link elderly church members and other seniors in the West Hill community with needed services. The lay advocates are supported by a coalition of churches, Koinonia Health Care and a team of health care professionals including a social worker, a social work intern, registered nurses and a nursing intern.

The Neighborhood Health Advocate Program in West Hill will facilitate the collaboration and coordination of many informal help networks that already exist in the West Hill community. This program does not replace any existing services, but it will enhance the utilization of such services by West Hill seniors and their caregivers.

The Neighborhood Health Advocate Program’s office is located in the heart of the West Hill community at 553 Clinton Avenue. This space has been graciously donated through the efforts of Robert Paeglow, M.D., of Koinonia Health Care and Pastor Stephen Lalor of the Capital District Prayer and Healing Center.