Healthy Capital District (HCD) is a non-profit organization founded in 1998 to make measurable and sustainable improvements to public health, particularly through better healthcare access, for underserved children and adults in New York’s Capital Region. HCD receives the regional designation of funding by NYS to provide insurance navigation and enrollment services, reaching 11,000 individuals annu
ally. HCD conducts social determinants of health (SDOH) screening for each individual served, complemented with the provision of any appropriate referral services. Additionally, each year, over 4,000 students in local school districts and Head Start programs receive free oral preventive care through HCD’s Seal a Smile Program. For the past 25 years, HCD has been designated as the regional health planning organization to support the development of the Community Health Needs Assessments and implementation of the Community Health Improvement Plans. Service areas across lines of business include Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Saratoga, Schoharie, Columbia, and Greene Counties. Every 3 years, HCD develops the regional Community Health Needs Assessment and has composed the regional Community Needs Assessment for DSRIP, which was the highest scored assessment in the state. In 2023, HCD launched its Certified Peer Development Program for CRPAs, providing comprehensive training and support to individuals trained in addressing substance use disorders. Monthly professional development events and mini-workshops provide wraparound services to both new and experienced community health professionals across the region, from Greene to Warren Counties. In June 2025, HCD launched its online Professional Development Platform, offering continuing education credits for a variety of self-paced courses. HCD remains dedicated to supporting the comprehensive wellness of all Capital Region residents, including vocational health and opportunities for financial stability.
