"Take Care New York" Public Health Campaign Urges New Yorkers of All Ages To Protect Their Health Through Screenings, Education and Affordable Insurance Programs

Beginning October 4, the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC), together with the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and the Fire Department of New York (FDNY), is launching a "Take Care New York" health initiative beginning with a month-long series of events at hospitals, diagnostic centers, and community street fairs throughout all five boroughs, as well as at mobile screening vans to be dispatched to various locations throughout the month.

"The message of Take Care New York is that quality healthcare is available to every New Yorker," noted Dr. Benjamin Chu, President and Chief Executive Officer of HHC. "One of our top goals is to reduce the incidence of chronic diseases that disproportionately affect some ethnic communities. We want to give all New Yorkers the opportunity to benefit from early detection, prevention and health care education programs.”

More than 400 health screenings open to the public will be held throughout October, including:

• Low-cost screenings for serious diseases such as breast and prostate cancer, heart disease, asthma, diabetes and mental illness;
• Child and Adult (flu!) immunizations;
• Programs encouraging New Yorkers to make positive lifestyle changes – such as smoking cessation, good nutrition, exercise and weight loss;
• Information on how to identify disease risk factors and take preventive action; and
• Opportunities to enroll in affordable public healthcare insurance plans, including Family Health Plus, Child Health Plus, Medicaid and EPIC.

Preventive health messages will appear throughout the month on television, radio, newspaper, bus stops and subway platforms, and fliers will be distributed to promote specific neighborhood events.

"The Health Department is committed to supporting this proactive effort," said Dr. Thomas Frieden, Health Commissioner. "We will join HHC in reaching out to New Yorkers throughout October and beyond with preventive health care messages and strategies to help them living longer and healthier lives. Screenings, immunizations, smoking cessation, treatment of high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and having regular medical care help people live longer, healthier lives."

New York Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta added that the New York Fire Department (NYFD) will also play a key role in the "Take Care New York" campaign. "During Fire Safety Week, the week of October 6th, fire fighters will take fire trucks to HHC street fairs and community events, to talk about fire safety and to distribute free home fire detectors."

Each year, HHC provides health care to 1.3 million New Yorkers - nearly 500,000 of whom have no health insurance - at its 11 acute care public hospitals and more than 100 community health clinics located throughout the five boroughs.

For information on specific "Take Care New York" events, log on to www.nyc.gov/hhc or dial 311.