Apicha opens 2nd health center in Jackson Heights

Apicha Community Health Center (CHC) has opened its second location in Jackson Heights, Queens. The ribbon-cutting was held April 26 at 82-11 37th Avenue  with political leaders, funders, and community partners joining the ceremony.

“For years, Apicha Community Health Center shared a dream with community leaders in expanding our services to the Jackson Heights community. About a decade ago, Daniel Dromm, who was then the council member, championed the idea of opening a clinic in Jackson Heights, with over 50,000 low-income neighborhood residents unserved by health centers,” Therese Rodriguez, CEO of Apicha CHC said. “With the opening of our new location, that dream has finally become a reality.”

The new clinic is a testament to Apicha CHC’s commitment to providing quality healthcare that is accessible, inclusive, and culturally competent, she said.  

The Jackson Heights community is known for its diverse population, with a rich tapestry of South and East Asian ethnicities, as well as diverse Latino populations. Apicha CHC has over 30 years of experience providing care to diverse groups of Asian and Pacific Islanders and other immigrants, making them well-equipped to serve the needs of the Jackson Heights community.

The new clinic will help close the gap in healthcare access in Jackson Heights and its surrounding neighborhoods, providing comprehensive services including pediatrics and dental care.

Rodriguez said, “We will serve anyone who comes to our door regardless of immigration status.  We will serve anyone who has little or no insurance.  We will take care of mothers to be, children, young adults, and adults. Our social workers, case managers, community health educators will help you through mental health issues, access to food and other social services.  Everyone is respected.  We not only take care of the poor but also those who face forms of discrimination. We too heal the spirit and the soul.”

The Primary Care Development Corporation said it is proud to have supported Apicha for almost a decade to help finance their community health facilities in Manhattan, and now in Jackson Heights, Queens. 

“Our mission is to provide financing for communities and organizations that have historically been denied capital, to support the expansion of high-quality, affordable, and culturally appropriate primary care and behavioral health that is fundamental to building healthy communities,” said Chief Executive Officer Louise Cohen, MPH. “Apicha’s new beautiful site, and their multi-cultural and multi-lingual staff, are a model of what primary care can, and should, be.”

The new health center demonstrates Apicha’s “untiring commitment” to bringing health care and supportive services to diverse communities, said Joseph Kerwin, director of the AIDS Institute of the NYS Department of Health.  “The mission and vision of this

forward thinking organization reminds us that epidemics can only truly end when no population or group is left behind.”

New York State Assemblymember Steven Raga extends his “warmest congratulations” to APICHA on opening the new facility. “It reflects their dedication to providing essential health services and support to vulnerable communities in Assembly District 30 and throughout New York City. Congratulations to APICHA on this milestone achievement, and we eagerly anticipate the great work they will continue to do for our community.”

The health center was made possible through major funding from the New York State Department of Health’s Capital Restructuring Financing Program, the New York City Economic Development Corporation, Primary Care Development Corporation, and the Henry van Ameringen Foundation.

For more information about Apicha and its services, please visit www.apicha.org.