Backstretch Employee Service Team of NY

About Us

BEST is a nonprofit organization that is devoted to meeting the health and social welfare needs of the several thousand barn area ("backstretch") workers of the Aqueduct, Belmont, and Saratoga racetracks by providing on-site counseling and primary healthcare services, access to health insurance, and case management assistance.

The cornerstone of BEST is our primary healthcare clinics. Our two clinics, located at the Belmont and Saratoga racetracks, provide both preventative and responsive healthcare addressing the unique needs of workers whose jobs often require long hours of difficult physical labor and repetitive motion.

It is reported that nearly 70% of backstretch workers experience at least one nonfatal injury or respiratory illness each year. From rehabilitating a shoulder injury sustained while cleaning horse stalls, to managing a diabetic condition with diet and medication, the clinic offers comprehensive services regardless of insurance coverage.

In addition to direct healthcare and wellness support, BEST serves as a source of ancillary services and health information to help workers make positive choices for healthier lives.

BEST provides translation and transportation to and from health and social service appointments. BEST also provides certified counselors to help eligible backstretch workers understand and enroll in health insurance programs, in addition to supplementing insurance costs.

BEST also operates a law clinic in its Belmont office and enables workers to receive free tax preparation.