The Bronx

The Bronx is the northernmost borough of New York City and is home to a large multi-ethnic community. The Institute’s five health centers in the Bronx are located in the southwest and central regions of the borough and serve residents in these and surrounding areas. The neighborhoods in which the health centers reside have all been designated Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) and/or Medically Underserved Areas (MUAs). Combined, these areas comprise roughly 500,000 residents, the overwhelming majority of whom are people of color, including African-Americans, Caribbean-Americans, Latinos, and new immigrants from Africa.

The majority of residents are poor, with approximately 40% in each of the Bronx communities served living in poverty. Educational attainment is low; in most communities served, only about half of the adult population has obtained a high school diploma. These communities face significant health problems, including high rates of HIV/AIDS, asthma, diabetes, obesity, and depression, as well as numerous socioeconomic hardships, including poverty, low literacy and education levels, high unemployment, and lack of health insurance. Many do not speak English, or have limited English proficiency.