Press Release
	New York City Department of Health Office of External Affairs
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, November 12, 1998 Contact: Sandra Mullin (212) 788-5290

The New York City Department of Health today met with Queens health care providers, community organizations and residents to discuss public health concerns in a forum held at York College in Jamaica, Queens. This forum is a key element of Turning Point, a citywide public health partnership building initiative, and was the first of a series of forums to be held in each borough. Along with the City Health Department, Turning Point partners and forum organizers include Borough president Claire Shulman's Office, educators, businesses, and community organizations.

City Health Commissioner Neal L. Cohen, M.D. said, "this is a new way of addressing community needs. Instead of making the determination of public health priorities the sole responsibility of the health department, we want to form a planning partnership with New York City's communities. Preventing diseases and promoting healthy lifestyles requires these kinds of alliances. The responsibility for a healthier New York City is one that must be shared if we are to be successful in the new century."

Turning Point, created with the Robert Wood Johnson and W.K. Kellogg Foundations, allows communities to prioritize public health problems, plan responses and share resources. Tonight's forum is a first of a series of discussions to take place in each borough.

According to Dr. Cohen, "this Turning Point forum is the beginning of a year-long citywide planning process that asks communities to get more involved in health issues. This evening, and in the weeks and months to come, Queens residents will have an opportunity to join in an important dialogue about public health priorities."

Those attending the forum were provided with data that show specific information about Queens. Statistics on such indicators as infant mortality, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, drug abuse and asthma were presented.

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