After a four and a half year renovation process, the Community Healthcare Network's (CHN) Queens Health Center opened on Friday, Dec. 2.
The renovations at 97-04 Sutphin Boulevard doubled the number of exam rooms to eight, added a procedure room and nurses' station, and modernized record keeping. In addition, the Queens Health Center will also add a playroom in the coming weeks.
“These renovations enable us to increase our ability to serve Queens residents primary health care and social service needs. This is an exciting time for the agency as we prepare to introduce new programs in Queens, such as the Caribbean outreach and education project for HIV clients,” said Catherine Abate, president and CEO of CHN.
To celebrate the completion of the renovation, the center held a dedication ceremony on Friday, honoring local politicians and foundations for their contributions along the way. Peter Vallone Sr. was honored for his efforts in securing funds leading up to the renovations.
“As former speaker of the city council, I knew of no better way to spend our money than to use it to help people. What we accomplished here for less than $1 million is incredible,” Vallone said during the ceremony.
In addition, New York City Council Speaker Gifford Miller, Councilwoman Christine Quinn, the NYC Department of Design and Construction, and the Ira DeCamp Foundation were all honored for their contributions, which led to the completion of the project.
“Since 1968, the Community Healthcare Network has been helping to keep this borough healthy by providing preventative care and family planning to at-need residents; saving time, money and emotional hardship for countless numbers of New Yorkers. Now, with the renovation of this health center, the Network will only be able to do more,” said Miller during the ceremony.
Also on hand for the dedication ceremony were Dr. Marcia Keizs, president of York College; Antonio Martin, executive director of Queens Hospital Center; Dr. Harold Robertson, consul general of Trinidad & Tobago, and Yvonne Reddick, district manager of Community Board No. 12.