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“In East Harlem, infant mortality—the rate of deaths of children younger than one—is sixfold higher than on the Upper East Side,” former Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner of Health Dr. Mary T. Bassett wrote i. “These contrasting odds persist across the lifespan. People in black and brown neighborhoods do not live as long as people in white neighborhoods. The people come and go, but neighborhood risk persists.
According to Shari S. Logan, assistant press secretary for the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, said, “Our Neighborhood Health Action Centers in East Harlem, Brownsville, and Tremont provide an option for New Yorkers to access health care, wellness classes, and social services in one convenient location. These centers are removing barriers to care and making New York City a healthier, more equitable place for all.
The centers also aim to provide services for fathers, Sealy said. “We’re trying to have activities for dads. Paternal health is maternal health, maternal health is paternal health…We give resources if they need help with food stamps, housing, insurance.” The perspective of participant Dekya “D’Royal” Blue emphasizes the importance of the center. “I love this program,” she told the. “I love this Health Action Center…I’ve been coming here . I do prenatal yoga, and some other programs that they have as well. I come as often as I can. Carrie …is very helpful, very informative. I appreciate this center a lot. It has a lot of resources. I tell all the ladies, all the new moms that I meet. I love it here. It’s amazing.