Last month, Assemblymember George Alvarez visited the Care For the Homeless health center located in his Northwest Bronx district, Assembly District 78. We have partnered with local organization Part of the Solution (POTS) for over a decade, providing on-site primary and dental care at their Fordham Manor location. Assemblymember Alvarez had been to POTS on previous occasions, but this was his first time visiting the Care For the Homeless co-located health center in the basement.

Upon arriving, Assemblymember Alvarez and his staff received a tour of our POTS health center, led by Chief Program Officer Jonathan Santos-Ramos and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tawana Hill. The assemblymember had the opportunity to inspect the facilities and meet and speak with our staff, including Director of Dental Services Dr. Mary Zaklama, to learn about the services we provide. One of the many important issues they discussed was the challenge of serving uninsured patients, and the pride we take in caring for anyone who walks through our doors, regardless of their ability to pay.

Before they left, Assemblymember Alvarez and his staff sat down with the CFH team, including Chelsea Rose and Nay Thet from our Policy and Advocacy team and Will Woods from our Consumer Advisory Board. They discussed the impact of new Medicaid cuts on our work and opportunities for future collaboration in the assemblymember’s district. Our Policy and Advocacy team also provided the assemblymember with information and statistics about the services we provide for the residents of his district.

We are extremely grateful for Assemblymember Alvarez and his staff taking the time to tour our health center and meet with our team. At a time when federal funding for community health centers is at risk, the support of leaders like Assemblymember Alvarez is more important than ever. His commitment to standing with our communities helps us continue to provide care to the most vulnerable New Yorkers.

We look forward to our continued partnership and exploring new ways to invest in healthcare for homeless New Yorkers in the assemblymember’s district, the Bronx, and across the five boroughs.

Learn more about our Policy and Advocacy work on our website.