HHC holding free tests and clinics in October

Rally ‘round Queens - affordable health care and free services are available - to all New Yorkers.
The New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC), established in 1970, have again taken on a serious role in public health advancement this October. For the past six years, its “Take Care New York” public outreach campaign has generated awareness and early detection and prevention of some of our most widespread chronic diseases.
More than 25,000 New Yorkers are expected to attend throughout the whole event and will have an opportunity to visit the HHC Health Pavilion at the Jacob Javits Center to confront medical experts about diabetes, breast, cervical and colon cancer and other health topics.
On October 11 and 12, 107.5 FM, WBLS will host the Radio Circle of Sisters Expo for Women of Color. There will also be public service announcements in English and Spanish on local radio stations, the Staten Island Ferry and in newspapers. Major events during October will include free flu shots, smoking prevention kits and screenings for HIV, cancer, depression, high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma and much more.
HHC is proud to announce that these events will take place at Elmhurst Hospital Center; Queens Hospital Center; Parsons Medical Center; QHN LeFrak Women’s Medical Center; QHN Medical Center at Astoria; QHN Medical Center at Corona; QHN Medical Center at Junction; QHN Medical Center at Ridgewood; QHN Medical Center at Sunnyside; QHN Medical Center at Woodside; Springfield Gardens Medical Center; IPR/HE Corona Senior Center; South Queens Multi-Service Center; Woodside Inter-American Lions Club; Leo’s Latticini (Mama’s); Bi-National Health Week Health Fair; Diwali South Asian Health Fair and Father Bellini Health Fair.
“A few minutes for a preventative health check 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.”
According to statistics, heart disease is the number one cause of death among New Yorkers, regardless of gender, race or ethnicity. The flu and pneumonia are the second and third leading cause of death in the city, killing nearly 3,000 every year.
Additionally, an estimated 100,000 New Yorkers are living with HIV or AIDS, with nearly one in four unaware of their condition. Breast cancer kills about 1,260 women in the city every year, and 23 percent of women 40 and older still have not had a recent mammogram.
Depression affects nearly ten percent of adults 18 and over in the U.S., and touches nearly twice as many women than men. More than 750,000 city residents are at increased risk of heart attack or stroke due to dangerously high blood pressure and colon cancer kills almost 1,400 New Yorkers every year, which could be prevented 90 percent of the time by colonoscopies.
Health screenings and other HHC services are available regardless of immigration status or ability to pay. Individuals without health insurance will be able to get help on site to apply for any health insurance plan they may qualify for or learn how to access affordable healthcare services at HHC hospitals and clinics. 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 and nearly 400,000 who are uninsured. HHC provides medical, mental health and substance abuse services through 11 hospitals, four skilled nursing facilities, six large diagnostic and treatment centers and more than 80 community-based health centers.
For a complete list of convenient locations in Queens dial 3-1-1 or visit www.nyc.gov/hhc.