New Gotham Health Clinic to Address Healthcare Disparities in Far Rockaway

News Summary

A new Gotham Health clinic is set to break ground in Far Rockaway, addressing healthcare disparities in the area. This facility, part of the NYC Health + Hospitals initiative, will provide essential medical services and enhance access to healthcare for local residents. Expected to serve approximately 19,000 patients annually, the clinic aims to bridge existing healthcare gaps and improve health outcomes in this historically underserved community.

New York City – A new Gotham Health clinic is set to break ground in Far Rockaway, aiming to address significant healthcare disparities in the area. The project, part of the NYC Health + Hospitals initiative, will encompass 22,000 square feet of space dedicated to providing essential medical services, including primary care, pediatric services, maternity care, behavioral health, and dental care.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Mayor Eric Adams and Dr. Mitchell Katz, President and CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals, along with other officials. The clinic is part of a larger neighborhood rezoning initiative designed to enhance access to healthcare in Far Rockaway, a community that has long struggled with health inequities. The city has allocated $30 million to retrofit the clinic space and equip it with advanced medical technology, ensuring residents have access to high-quality care.

Once completed, the clinic is expected to open in 2027 and will serve approximately 19,000 patients, yielding around 47,000 visits annually. This new facility is particularly needed in Far Rockaway, where residents face a one-third higher rate of avoidable hospitalizations and diabetes compared to the rest of Queens and New York City.

To enhance healthcare accessibility, Gotham Health aims to meet the needs of all New Yorkers, regardless of their ability to pay or immigration status. The clinic will include advanced imaging technology, including CT scanners, bone density scanners, ultrasounds, and 3D mammography, facilitating preventive screenings and comprehensive services that have historically required travel outside the community.

Mayor Adams has stressed the importance of making New York City a healthier place for families, particularly in underserved areas like Far Rockaway. The development of this health center is in line with the administration’s ongoing efforts to implement a 70-point plan for revitalizing the city post-pandemic, which prioritizes investment in primary care facilities, especially in regions severely impacted by COVID-19.

Dr. Katz highlighted the significance of the new health center, pointing out that it will provide critical healthcare services that have previously been inaccessible to residents. This new facility will serve as a comprehensive health service provider, ensuring continuity of care and addressing various social determinants of health that affect the local population.

In addition to general medical services, city officials, including Queens Councilwoman Selvena Brooks-Powers, are advocating for the establishment of additional trauma center facilities within the neighborhood to further strengthen emergency care capabilities. The Gotham Health clinic is positioned to bridge existing healthcare gaps, with its strategic design providing essential services within the community.

CEO Michelle Lewis of Gotham Health reiterated the organization’s commitment to delivering comprehensive care that encompasses both primary and specialty services. This facility is seen as a major step toward improving health outcomes for a population that has been historically underserved and ensuring that vital healthcare services are readily available to all local residents.

Overall, the Gotham Health clinic represents a promising initiative to alleviate healthcare disparities and enhance access to vital medical services in Far Rockaway, contributing to a healthier community and moving toward a more equitable healthcare system in New York City.

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Additional Resources

• Crain’s New York: Healthcare Funding Shifts
• Rockaway Wave: Gotham Health Facility in Far Rockaway
• BX Times: City Council Secures Funding for Health Technology
• Caribbean Life: Community Awareness through Parades
• Wikipedia: Healthcare in the United States