Council Urges Families to Use HHC Local Clinics Instead of Emergency Rooms for Basic Health Care for Kids

Why go to the emergency room when you have a doctor in the family?

Speaker Christine C. Quinn and President Alan D. Aviles of New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) launched a campaign today that urges New York City families to visit public child health clinics rather than emergency rooms for access to basic child health services. The campaign, which is a result of a community advisory board designed by Speaker Quinn, is being funded with a Council allocation of over $1 million. It includes print, radio and outdoor advertising in multiple languages targeting new immigrant communities and medically underserved neighborhoods in the city.

Speaker Quinn made this announcement with HHC President Aviles at Melrose Houses Child Health Clinic in the Bronx.

“Children receive better health care when they have a better medical home. This means public health clinics help our children stay healthy,” said Speaker Quinn. “The Council's support of this campaign is in line with our ongoing effort to enroll more children and adults in available health insurance plans and programs.”

Additionally, a portion of the Council's funding will cover the cost for upgrades and the purchase of updated equipment needed by HHC's health clinics. By visiting these public child health clinics, located in all five boroughs, low-income families can have access to experienced doctors at low to no out-of-pocket cost. And families will be seen regardless of immigration status or ability to pay.

"We want New Yorkers to know they don't need to go to the emergency room to keep their kids healthy. HHC's community-based clinics provide all the basic health services that children need. Whether your child needs a simple vaccination or help with managing a difficult case of asthma, our highly qualified physicians and nurses are there for your family," said HHC President Aviles."

Child health clinics offer a full range of services including immunizations, physicals, and health screenings for lead poisoning, diabetes, obesity and treatment for common colds or more serious conditions like asthma. The clinics have evening and weekend hours and are conveniently located in dozens of neighborhoods and in public housing buildings. These clinics can be conveniently found by dialing 311.

The Council's allocation will also fund the installation of new signs to better identify clinic locations, particularly those located at public housing buildings. A collaboration with numerous community-based organizations will promote clinic services with grass roots outreach and marketing.