Community Leaders Join the Institute for a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony at New Health Center on 17th Street in Manhattan
June 04, 2018
New York, NY (June 4, 2018) – Health care and community leaders and elected officials gathered on Friday, June 1, to celebrate the opening of the Institute for Family Health at 17th Street. The state-of-the-art health center, the Institute’s 32nd health center site, is located at 230 West 17th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues. The event featured remarks from several prominent officials, along with acknowledgments of the center’s staff and a ceremonial ribbon-cutting.
Dr. Neil Calman, the co-founder, president and CEO of the Institute for Family Health, introduced each of the elected representatives, commenting on the critical importance of their daily efforts to support policies that make it possible for community health centers like the Institute for Family Health to serve patients regardless of their ability to pay, and to train residents to care for the underserved.
“I want to congratulate and thank the people on the frontlines who are providing healthcare for people who need it,” said Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, whose district, like those of the other attendees, encompasses the new health center. “I don’t think people realize the incredible work you do. You really are the backbone of health care to our communities and our families.”
New York State Health Commissioner Howard Zucker echoed the sentiment, saying “The Institute has a long history of working to address health disparities and responding to the emerging community needs. In many ways, that is the core of what we are trying to do here in New York State.”
New York State Assembly Member Richard Gottfried, long-time Chair of the Assembly Committee on Health, said, “Today is a celebration of this facility, but really it’s a celebration of what the Institute has been doing to advance primary care training and practice and to make it truly available to every New Yorker.”
New York State Senator Brad Hoylman also commended the Institute, saying, “From its resources for new parents to its training of medical school graduates and family physicians to prioritize health equity, the Institute for Family Health is a model provider of high quality healthcare that targets the needs of underserved communities at every level. Accessible, affordable healthcare couldn’t be more crucial to the well-being of families in my district, and I am thrilled to welcome the Institute and its staff to the Chelsea neighborhood.”
Rose Duhan, president and CEO of the Community Health Care Association of New York State (CHCANYS), added, “I want to congratulate the staff, leadership, and the Board on the tremendous work they do every day to make sure everyone gets the healthcare they deserve. This facility is a great example of the work that you do to ensure access.”
Dr. Neil Calman ended the program by thanking the many partners who made the new health center possible, before describing what makes the Institute’s centers unique. “I remember when we used to refer people out for mental health care – now we are building health centers with integrated behavioral health services, care management and primary care all in one location. It’s really evolved, and we are proud to have been part of that change.”
The Institute for Family Health is a federally qualified health center network committed to providing comprehensive and affordable health care to all people, regardless of their ability to pay. The Institute for Family Health at 17th Street offers primary care, mental health, social services and more for adults and children of all ages. The practice serves patients who receive Medicaid, Medicare and any of dozens of private insurance plans, including plans available through the New York State of Health insurance marketplace. Patients without insurance may be eligible for a discount based on their household size and income. The Institute never turns anyone away because they cannot pay for care.
The Institute for Family Health at 17th Street is located on the 6th and 7th floors of 230 West 17th Street, New York, NY 10011, between 7th and 8th Aves. The new location can be accessed by the following subway lines: 2, 3, A or C to 14th Street; 1 train to 18thStreet.