June 25, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT
Sherri Holman, MPH
Associate Director of Public Affairs
P (212) 939-1372 F (212) 939-1367
sherri.holman@nychhc.org

On Saturday, June 26, 2010 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Harlem Hospital Center will hold the First Annual Outreach Center of Excellence Health Expo. The event will take place at the 369th Regiment Armory at 2366 Fifth Avenue, between 142nd and 143rd Streets in New York City. Distinguished guests, colleagues and the community will come together to encourage one another to stay healthy, be healthy and live healthy by taking control of their own health.

The Outreach Center of Excellence Health Expo is a large-scale health education community event that will offer over 30 free services, including dental and oral health, mammograms, men's PSA tests, eye exams, HIV testing, quit smoking, depression and healthy heart screenings; workshops and prevention awareness. Health professionals will be available to speak about asthma, bariatric surgery, obesity and metabolic syndrome, sickle cell, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, cancer control services, radiology, injury prevention, dialysis, WIC, family planning, men's health, pharmacy services, geriatrics programs, food and nutrition; the Harlem Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Initiative and the Community Health Worker programs. Other programs include, the food and nutrition program, called Stirring the Pot; the Activity and Sports program for children; and the Nurse Family Partnership, an initiative that teaches first time mothers and fathers how to have a successful pregnancy, parenting skills, and works with families to improve their economic situation. The community can come get their blood pressure checked, find out their blood sugar levels, learn about cholesterol, get their vision checked, and speak with pharmacists and health professionals.

The event will provide the community with a greater understanding of the healthcare reform bill, the impact budget cuts have on health programs and services, and how the bill affects the health of Harlem residents. Attendees will have an opportunity to share their concerns and needs by completing a survey designed to capture the community's perception of what services are necessary to live healthy in Harlem.

Rap and dance performances and interactive demonstrations of Tai Chi will be led by members of the Dance Leadership Program; the renowned Dr. Robert Woodbine of San Bao Holistic Care, the crew from the Hip Hop HEALS, and the Alvin Ailey Dancers. One of New York City's hottest radio stations, WBLS, will be at this fun, informative, intergenerational event, broadcasting live and conducting interviews with Harlem Hospital Center physicians.

The Outreach Center of Excellence (OCoE) establishes a strong presence within the Harlem community, develops successful working relationships with the community, and builds strategic alliances with other health and support organizations. It is comprised of comprehensive unified programs that address the major health issues affecting the Harlem community, including asthma, heart disease, HIV and diabetes, while supporting the Hospital's mission to deliver first-class care and make Harlem a healthier community.

“We believe the Outreach Center of Excellence changes the lives of Harlem residents by providing them with the necessary information and tools to ensure healthy living and a positive future,” said John M. Palmer, Ph.D., Executive Director of Harlem Hospital Center and the Renaissance Health Care Network. “It empowers the most vulnerable to overcome their health challenges and will benefit the Harlem community for generations to come.”

Harlem Hospital Center is a member of the Generations+/Northern Manhattan Health Network and the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation.