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Important notice on data breaches affecting some HHC patients |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Free Depression Screening and Counseling Available at
New York, NY ― The New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) will offer free depression screening and counseling at 12 locations across the city on October 10 in recognition of National Depression Screening Day, part of Mental Illness Awareness Week. The confidential screenings will be conducted by mental health professionals in individual, private consultations and are designed to identify symptoms of depression and mood disorders. Patients requiring assistance will be referred to appropriate levels of treatment within each facility. “Mental health screenings should be a routine part of preventive medical care,” said HHC President Alan D. Aviles. “Early intervention and treatment are key in helping patients regain control over an illness that may interfere with their daily functions and responsibilities. HHC is one of the leading providers of mental health services in New York, and is committed to raising awareness about mental health and the related services that HHC offers to the community.” National Depression Screening Day is the nation's oldest voluntary, community-based screening program that provides free screening and referral information for treatment of depression. Since 1991, more than half a million people each year have been screened for depression on National Depression Screening Day. Depression screenings will take place on October 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the following HHC facilities:
Depression is a common yet serious medical condition, characterized by pervasive low mood; loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities; and significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning. Other symptoms can include difficulty concentrating, loss of energy, trouble sleeping, changes in weight, feelings of worthlessness and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. According to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, each year, depression affects more than 400,000 (8 percent) adult New Yorkers, but only one-third of these individuals receives treatment. Early detection and treatment can reduce suffering and improve quality of life. Depression can worsen the course and complicate the treatment of other health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. In its most serious and tragic form, depression can lead to suicide. HHC public hospitals and community health centers in every borough offer year-round mental health services to help with depression and other more serious mental health conditions such as psychosis, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. In addition to depression screening, HHC offers affordable mental health services that include Behavioral Health Services for Children, Adolescents, Adults and Seniors; Psychiatric Emergency Services; and Substance Abuse and Dependence. Services are also offered through the WTC Environmental Health Center dedicated to the assessment and treatment of WTC-related conditions providing medical and mental health care with no out of pocket costs to residents, students, workers, or passersby who may still be sick from 9/11.
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HHC 2014 Stats
- Staffed Beds: 6,684
- Clinic Visits: 4,472,960
- ER Visits: 1,179,436
- Discharges: 205,791
- Births: 18,564
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