Clinton Hill Photographer Trades Art for Medical Care

Renee Riccardo-Laster, a Clinton Hill photographer and storyteller, is one of more than 600 artists to participate in Woodhull Medical Center's Artist Access program, reports The Local. It is an exchange program, the first of its kind in the city, in which uninsured artists trade their work for health care.

The program began in 2005 after Dr. Edward Fishkin, Woodhull's Medical Director, met a pregnant artist in a restaurant who was not receiving prenatal care due to a lack of insurance. This encounter gave him the idea for Artist Access, according to the New York City Health and Hospital Corp. (HHC).

The HHC already had a sliding scale fee for uninsured New Yorkers in which office visits started at $15. But we all know the price of tests and procedures far exceed an office visit. Participants in the Artist Access program earn credits to apply toward these costs. "One hour of service merits $40 worth of health care, the minimum hourly rate set by the actor's union," reports HHC.

Artists take pictures of newborn babies, perform music, tell stories and more. Artists enhance patients' lives and, in return, the health care earned improves artists' lives. The Artist Access program is a terrific example of community at its best.

For further information call Woodhull Medical Center: (877) 244-5600.