The New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) today launched its Take Care New York public health outreach campaign focused on prevention and early detection of some of the most pervasive forms of illness and chronic disease affecting New Yorkers. Throughout the month of October, HHC hospitals and health centers will offer screenings and educational events targeting diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, asthma, HIV, cancer and more in over 50 locations throughout the city, including the city's 11 public hospitals and dozens of community health centers in every borough. HHC will also provide free vaccinations for influenza (flu shots), nutrition counseling, smoking cessation kits, and other services.

"A few minutes of preventive care can help add years to your life," said HHC President Alan D. Aviles. "Unfortunately, too many people do not take the time to get screened or vaccinated. The Take Care New York campaign helps New Yorkers identify life-threatening and chronic diseases in their early stages, when they are more readily treated and managed."

The health screenings and other HHC services are available to all New Yorkers regardless of immigration status or ability to pay. Individuals without health insurance will get help on site to apply for any health insurance plan for which they may qualify or learn how to otherwise access affordable healthcare services at HHC hospitals and clinics. New Yorkers can dial 311 or visit www.nyc.gov/hhc  for a complete list of convenient locations participating in the Take Care New York campaign.

Take Care New York screenings can help address some of the most pervasive health challenges facing New Yorkers:

• Influenza and pneumonia are the third-leading cause of death in New York City, killing nearly 3,000 New Yorkers every year.

• Depression affects nearly 10% of adults 18 and over in the United States. Nearly twice as many women as men are affected.

• Heart disease is the #1 cause of death among New Yorkers, regardless of gender, race or ethnicity.

• More than 750,000 New Yorkers are at increased risk of heart attack or stroke due to dangerously high blood pressure.

• More than 100,000 New Yorkers are living with HIV or AIDS, with nearly one in four infected individuals unaware of their HIV status.

• Breast cancer kills about 1,260 New Yorkers every year, yet 23% of women 40 and older have not had a recent mammogram.

• Colon cancer kills almost 1,400 New Yorkers every year. Timely colonoscopies could prevent up to 90% of all deaths from colon cancer.

HHC's Take Care New York outreach will feature public service announcements in English and Spanish on local radio stations, newspapers, and on the Staten Island Ferry. HHC will also participate in major educational activities and special events throughout the month, including the WBLS Radio Circle of Sisters Expo for Women of Color, October 11-12. More than 25,000 New Yorkers are expected to attend and will have an opportunity to visit the HHC Health Pavilion at the Jacob Javits Center to hear directly from HHC medical experts about diabetes, breast and cervical cancer, colon cancer, and other health topics. HHC will provide free flu shots, smoking cessation kits, and screenings for HIV, depression, blood pressure and much more.

HHC is committed to state-of-the-art treatment, disease prevention and community education. In 2007 the public hospitals and health centers provided:

In the last six years, HHCs accomplishments include:

• 175,692 flu shots
• 133,859 HIV tests
• 88,196 mammograms
• 22,778 enrollments in smoking cessation programs
• 20,871 colonoscopies

The New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC), the largest municipal hospital and health care system in the country, is a $5.4 billion public benefit corporation that serves 1.3 million New Yorkers every year and nearly 400,000 who are uninsured. HHC provides medical, mental health and substance abuse services through its 11 acute care hospitals, four skilled nursing facilities, six large diagnostic and treatment centers and more than 80 community based health centers. For more information about HHC, visit www.nyc.gov/hhc.