Public Health Solutions (PHS), a Manhattan-based 501C corporation opened a new Neighborhood WIC center in the East Tremont section of The Bronx on Wednesday, Oct. 26. According to PHS representatives, the aim of the center is to connect women, infants, and children (WIC) in the surrounding community with government health and nutrition assistance. 

 

The grand opening included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a speech from PHS president and CEO, Lisa David, as well as remarks from Assembly Member Yudelka Tapia (A.D. 86), who represents the Bronx neighborhoods of University Heights, Morris Heights, Mount Eden, Kingsbridge, Tremont and Fordham, and from Jeffrey Laufer, director of external affairs for the Office of Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson.

 

All speakers emphasized the importance the WIC program holds for the community in fostering health equity for mothers and youth in The Bronx. Following the remarks, attendees were invited to tour the brand new facility which will serve as a new hub for community members. A representative for District 15 City Council Member Oswald Feliz joined the event later in the afternoon.

 

According to PHS, as of Oct. 26, 2022, nearly 1.5 million New Yorkers experience food insecurity and most of these reside in The Bronx. PHS representatives said one in three children in the borough struggle with food access, which can have devastating effects on early childhood development and create negative lasting consequences throughout their entire lives.

 

Norwood News previously reported on the issue of food insecurity amid the pandemic among students and other local local populations in need.

 

In The Bronx, 86 percent of children who are food insecure are eligible for some form of federal nutrition assistance. Yet, according to PHS representatives, the number who actually receive this aid is far lower. Additionally, they say the new influx in migrants arriving in New York City, many of whom are finding a home in The Bronx, only deepens the need for increased nutrition access for the community.

 

At the new WIC center, eight dedicated staff members are working to bring comprehensive nutrition assistance to mothers and children in the community and to invest in the future health of New York City.

 

In addition to WIC resources, the new East Tremont Neighborhood WIC center will offer guidance for residents seeking free or low-cost health insurance coverage, and will also host the Bronx team of PHS’s NYC Smoke-Free program, which works to foster environments and policies that reinforce tobacco-free norms in communities.

 

As reported, the NYC Care program has been expanded to make it easier for New Yorkers to sign up for health insurance. NYC Care is a health care access program that guarantees low-cost and no-cost services to New Yorkers who do not qualify for, or cannot afford, health insurance. All NYC Care services are provided through NYC Health + Hospitals. With NYC Care, residents can get a unique membership card to access health services, choose their own doctor, and get affordable medications. Immigrants no longer have to live in NYC for six months to be eligible for NYC Care.

 

NYC Smoke-Free supports local efforts in ending the tobacco epidemic through educating and engaging youth on the dangers of tobacco use, reducing youth exposure to tobacco marketing and advertisement, supporting buildings wanting to become smoke-free, and reducing exposure to secondhand smoke.

 

Norwood News previously reported how a local Bedford Park student was honored for her efforts to curtail the habit of smoking in her local community. Click here also for a previous story which provides more information on the type of support available to those who wish to quit smoking.

 

With the new space, PHS representatives say they are now better equipped to serve anyone in the community in need of these services and welcomes them to walk through the center’s doors for help at any time. After 40 years of experience operating its neighborhood WIC program throughout New York City, representatives said, “We are not planning to quit any time soon. Instead, this new WIC center marks an important leap in our commitment to continue supporting our community through any health challenges they may face.”