The George Subraj Family Foundation, powered by Zara Realty, is continuing its legacy of philanthropy with a $1 million donation to Northwell Health to advance cardiac care in Richmond Hill, Queens, and Guyana, South America. Through Northwell’s Center for Global Health (CGH), this gift will support vital education, training, and research programs aimed at reducing cardiac health disparities and improving outcomes in underserved communities.
Building on George Subraj’s lifelong mission to expand healthcare access in Guyana, the foundation has a history of impactful contributions—including helping facilitate the nation’s first successful kidney transplant in 2008, a milestone that transformed regional healthcare and paved the way for future innovation.
Read More: Queens Businesses Showcase Their Work at QEDC’s ‘Queens Rises Higher’ Event
Expanding Access to Advanced Cardiac Care
The George Subraj Family Foundation’s $1 million pledge will enable Northwell Health to establish sustainable cardiac care programs in Richmond Hill, Queens—home to a large Guyanese community—and in Guyana, where specialized cardiac services are limited. The initiative will leverage Northwell’s expertise to train healthcare providers, educate communities, and conduct research addressing the rising burden of heart disease in both regions.
Dr. Rajiv Jauhar, vice chairman of the Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital at North Shore University Hospital, has spent over 20 years serving the Queens community and observing the high prevalence of cardiovascular disease firsthand.
“Heart disease affects Guyanese populations in both Guyana and Richmond Hill due to cultural, dietary, and genetic factors,” said Dr. Jauhar. “Since 1968, heart disease rates have dropped 50% among Caucasian Americans but surged among Guyanese populations. This disparity demands urgent action.”
Dr. Jauhar’s dedication to cardiac health aligns closely with the George Subraj Family Foundation and Northwell Health’s mission to reduce healthcare inequities.
A Comprehensive Plan to Improve Cardiac Outcomes
The $1 million investment will support a multi-faceted approach to enhance cardiac care:
- Community Outreach: Trained community health workers will deliver culturally tailored education, screenings, and prevention workshops for the Guyanese population in Queens. Data-driven insights from surveys and focus groups will guide targeted interventions, while public events promote healthy lifestyles, preventive care, and regular check-ups.
- Fellowship Programs: Two Guyanese physicians annually will receive six months of specialized cardiology training at Northwell Health, including hands-on experience, virtual case reviews, and mentorship from New York-based Guyanese cardiologists, strengthening cardiac expertise in Guyana.
- Physician Training: Primary care doctors in Guyana will learn cardiac ultrasound and emergency protocols, improving frontline care. In Richmond Hill, the program will enhance referral systems to cardiologists and provide lifestyle counseling to help patients manage risk factors.
- Advanced Cardiac Techniques: Local Guyanese cardiologists will gain training in specialized cardiac procedures, ensuring access to advanced care within the country.
- Research and Data Analysis: Ongoing studies will track cardiac health trends among the Guyanese population, guiding targeted interventions to improve long-term outcomes.
Building on the Little Guyana Initiative
The partnership between Northwell Health and the George Subraj Family Foundation builds on the success of the Little Guyana Initiative, a Northwell-funded program led by LIJ Forest Hills Hospital under President Lorraine Chambers-Lewis, PA-C. The initiative tackles health disparities in Richmond Hill, where a 2023–24 assessment revealed high rates of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and sudden death among Guyanese Americans.
“Northwell Health’s generous donation will significantly enhance cardiac care for our Richmond Hill community, affectionately known as Little Guyana,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “Investing in healthcare is a top priority, and this collaboration ensures all residents have access to the resources needed for healthier lives.”
A representative from New York City Council Member Lynn Schulman’s office (D-29, Queens) highlighted the initiative’s impact on health equity. “This partnership between Northwell Health and the George Subraj Family Foundation is a landmark effort to improve cardiac care for the Guyanese community in Richmond Hill and Guyana,” said the representative. “By investing in advanced cardiology training and expanding access to care, we are addressing critical health disparities and ensuring the Guyanese community receives the high-quality care they deserve.”
Council Member Schulman, chair of the City Council’s Committee on Health, emphasized the importance of equitable healthcare access for all.
New Challenges as Guyana Experiences Rapid Growth
This initiative comes as Guyana’s economy expands rapidly, fueled by newly discovered oil reserves, bringing both opportunities and health challenges.
“The economic boom has introduced lifestyle changes that increase cardiovascular risk,” said Eric Cioè-Peña, MD, vice president of Global Health at Northwell Health. “The rise of fast-food chains and Westernized diets is contributing to a surge in heart disease, posing a serious threat to the health of the Guyanese population.”
A Legacy of Transforming Communities
“Our mission is to empower communities with knowledge, resources, and care, turning health challenges into stories of resilience and longevity,” said Tony Subraj, son of George Subraj and board member of the George Subraj Family Foundation. “Together, we are creating a lasting legacy of healthier communities and brighter futures,” added Amir Sobhraj, VP of Zara Realty.
Expanding Northwell’s Global Reach
The program strengthens Northwell Health’s global health efforts, complementing existing initiatives in Ecuador, India, the Dominican Republic, Kenya, and Uganda. These partnerships aim to improve health outcomes and foster meaningful connections with communities worldwide.
Honoring a Vision of Compassion and Progress
The George Subraj Family Foundation’s $1 million donation underscores its commitment to healthcare innovation and positive change. Through this partnership with Northwell Health, the initiative will extend its impact globally, offering hope and improved care to countless individuals.
By carrying forward George Subraj’s vision, the foundation continues to empower communities, strengthen healthcare systems, and save lives—creating a lasting legacy and shaping a healthier future for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the George Subraj Family Foundation’s donation to Northwell Health?
The foundation, supported by Zara Realty, donated $1 million to Northwell Health to enhance cardiac care in Richmond Hill, Queens, and Guyana, South America.
How will the donation be used?
Funds will support community outreach, physician training, fellowship programs, advanced cardiac techniques, and research through Northwell’s Center for Global Health (CGH).
Who benefits from this initiative?
The program targets the Guyanese community in Richmond Hill and Guyana, as well as underserved populations facing cardiac health disparities.
What is the Little Guyana Initiative?
A Northwell-funded program led by LIJ Forest Hills Hospital that addresses health disparities in Richmond Hill, including high rates of cardiovascular disease and diabetes among Guyanese Americans.
How does this donation support physician training?
Two Guyanese physicians annually will receive six months of specialized cardiology training at Northwell Health, while primary care providers will gain expertise in cardiac care, ultrasound, and emergency protocols.
What is the significance of this partnership?
The collaboration builds on the foundation’s legacy of healthcare innovation, strengthens local and global cardiac care, and addresses health disparities for underserved communities.
How does this initiative align with Northwell Health’s global programs?
It complements Northwell’s global health efforts in countries like Ecuador, India, the Dominican Republic, Kenya, and Uganda, aiming to improve outcomes and build community connections worldwide.
Conclusion
The George Subraj Family Foundation’s $1 million donation to Northwell Health exemplifies a powerful commitment to transforming cardiac care for underserved communities in Richmond Hill, Queens, and Guyana. By funding education, training, research, and advanced cardiac initiatives, this partnership addresses critical health disparities while building sustainable healthcare solutions. Guided by George Subraj’s vision of compassion and progress, the foundation and Northwell Health are creating a lasting impact—empowering communities, improving outcomes, and shaping a healthier future for generations to come.