FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9, 2002

Hundreds of public school students are "smiling" for the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation's (HHC) "Family Health Month" initiative. HHC, in collaboration with Colgate-Palmolive Company and the New York City Department of Education, have collaborated on a City-wide dental screening campaign to educate parents, children and teachers in public chools on the importance of good oral health. The "Family Health Month" education and outreach initiative is being held throughout the month of October, improving the health of every man, woman and child in New York City.

Family Health Month includes an unprecedented five week campaign that offers elementary school age students in New York City the opportunity to receive invaluable dental screenings and referrals, while highlighting important messages in maintaining good dental health.

This intensive initiative will be conducted in different boroughs each week, with the screening schedule listed below:

Family Health Month also offers a wide range of free medical screenings, comprehensive health education and assistance to enroll in affordable insurance plans, such as Family Health Plus, Child Health Plus and Medicaid.

Additional information about HHC's Family Health month screenings and calendar of events is available on HHC's multi-lingual health line 1-888-NY-B-WELL (1-888-692-9355) or website nyc.gov/hhc.