The Institute opened its Harlem practice in July 2010 in an effort to preserve the community’s access to critical primary health services following the abrupt closing of North General Hospital. This center is a newly-renovated, 37,000 square foot health care facility located at 1824 Madison Avenue at 119th Street.
The African Day Parade reflects the population of the Harlem community, which is primarily comprised of African Americans. African Americans experience some of the deepest health disparities, including obesity, hypertension, low birth weight, etc. – African Communities Together – 2012 Black Male Achievement Fellow (Echoing Green NYC) Africa Day Parade 2013, Harlem, NY
Africa Day Parade 2 – Harlem by j-No
The Apollo Theater, considered a bastion of African-American culture and achievement, is Harlem’s historic landmark. Yet today, Harlem is ranked one of the poorest neighborhoods in all of New York City with nearly a quarter of residents living below poverty level (NYC Community Health Profiles, 2018).
Faith-based institutions play a critical role in the lives of their congregants and communities. As many faith-based leaders connect physical health to spiritual health, they are in a unique position to incorporate health messages into church activities. Angels of Harlem – Activ Oslo.no
Air pollution is prominent in Harlem due to heavy traffic congestion and the idling of trucks and buses. Both East and Central Harlem individually have higher rates of child asthma emergency department visits than the rest of Manhattan and NYC combined at 580 and 545 visits per 10,000 children, respectively (NYC Community Health Profiles, 2018).
New York City’s “Summer Streets” program promotes physical activity in neighborhoods throughout the city, including Harlem, where around 30% of residents say they get no physical activity (NYC Community Health Profiles, 2018). Harlem residents also experience high rates of obesity, diabetes and hypertension.
The famed Harlem Globetrotters, an exhibition basketball team, encourage physical activity among elementary school students. In Harlem, around 22% of children are obese compared to 16% in Manhattan (NYC Community Health Profiles, 2018).
LGBTQ+ individuals and families are more likely to be affected by healthcare discrimination and have unmet health and wellness needs. They are also less likely to be insured and have decreased access to healthcare. The Institute established a LGBTQ+ Health Task Force to improve access to high quality, patient-centered primary care targeted to the needs of medically underserved LGBTQ individuals and families.
Vibrant artwork adorns the streets of Harlem, depicting its evolving history and culture. Spanish Harlem Grafiti – Wally Gobetz
Hundreds of elder residents are physically assaulted and financially exploited in Manhattan annually. Blacks/African Americans and Hispanics are more likely to suffer elder abuse than any other race except Whites – Photo by Erin Edwards