New York, NY - The New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) will offer free depression screening and counseling at 15 locations across the city on Thursday in recognition of National Depression Screening Day.

The confidential screenings will be conducted by mental health professionals who will provide individual consultations, help identify symptoms of depression and make referrals to appropriate levels of treatment.

“HHC's goal is to make depression screening part of routine medical care for all patients,” said HHC President Alan D. Aviles. “As with other illnesses, early detection of mental health disorders significantly improves the chances that an individual will receive appropriate treatment and have a better quality of life. It is our hope that people will take advantage of this opportunity to receive screening and learn more about symptoms and treatment options.”

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. More than half a million people each year have been screened for depression since 1991.

The outreach effort is intended to educate the public on the symptoms of mood disorders and appropriate courses of action to take in order to obtain treatment. HHC hospitals and community-based mental health clinics will serve as screening sites for depression, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Bipolar Disorder.

Depression screenings will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the following HHC facilities and sites:

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) of 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.

About HHC

The New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) is a $6.7 billion integrated health care delivery system with its own 385,000 member health plan, MetroPlus, and is the largest municipal health care organization in the country. HHC serves 1.3 million New Yorkers every year and more than 450,000 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 clinics. HHC Health and Home Care also provides in-home services for New Yorkers. HHC was the 2008 recipient of the National Quality Forum and The Joint Commissions John M. Eisenberg Award for Innovation in Patient Safety and Quality.   For more information, visit www.nyc.gov/hhc.

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