Advocating for the Health of Others

Before becoming a certified community health worker, Peter “PJ” Newman spent 13 years flying internationally with United Airlines and serving as a union representative. After 9/11, he supported crew members coping with trauma and healthcare challenges—an experience that deepened his commitment to health equity.

Newman eventually transitioned to community health, first with Northwell Health/Lenox Hill Hospital, and later with Brown University Health’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health in Rhode Island. Since 2022, he’s been part of a deeply committed team helping more than 1,200 individuals each year access affordable, high-quality care.

The department’s whole-person approach goes beyond clinical expertise, addressing housing, employment, food access, and social support. Newman plays a key role in coordinating “wrap-around” and “continuation of care” services for patients referred from emergency departments and community organizations. Many face housing or food insecurity, lack transportation, or need help advocating for themselves.

Newman and his colleagues conduct needs assessments and provide personalized resource packets to guide patients through complex support systems. Staying current with evolving programs is essential to their work.

Beyond healthcare, Newman has helped fill gaps—like securing interview clothing for job seekers—by partnering with a local clothing center. He and colleagues have organized drives for clothing and household items, with plans to establish a warehouse of donated goods. Housing insecurity remains the biggest challenge, and Newman is committed to finding creative solutions.

“Patients don’t care how much you know,” he says. “They want to know how much you care.”

When it comes to how much Newman cares, the sky’s the limit.