NYC Health Commissioner Chokshi Visits Charles B. Wang Community Health Center

Dr. Chokshi and Health Center leadership discussed the critical role Federally Qualified Health Centers play in keeping New Yorkers healthy, particularly during the pandemic.

March 10, 2022, New York — The Charles B. Wang Community Health Center (CBWCHC), a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) providing primary care services to underserved communities at five locations in Manhattan and Queens, hosted New York City Health Commissioner Dr. David Chokshi at their 37^th Ave site in Flushing to discuss the vital role the Health Center has played in keeping underserved communities healthy, particularly in times of crisis. As one of his last days as Health Commissioner, he also referenced his department’s release of a first-of-its-kind report on the health of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the city.

“The work of federally qualified health centers has been critical in keeping New Yorkers healthy during this pandemic,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Dave A. Chokshi. “I applaud the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center staff for their hard work and dedication to New Yorkers over the last two years.”

“The work of federally qualified health centers has been critical in keeping New Yorkers healthy during this pandemic,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Dave A. Chokshi. “I applaud the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center staff for their hard work and dedication to New Yorkers over the last two years.”

The Health Commissioner commended the Health Center’s work as a leader in the community throughout the ongoing crisis and joined CBWCHC leadership in reminding New Yorkers not to delay their preventive care, regular doctor’s visits, and critical health screenings.

“We are particularly proud of the role we — like other FQHCs — play in filling a critical gap in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said CBWCHC CEO Kaushal Challa. “We administered more than 70,000 vaccine doses since 2020, with the vast majority to vulnerable, non-English speaking people in under-resourced communities. We have seen too many patients delaying their primary care, and, sadly, missing timely health screenings for often preventable conditions like heart disease, diabetes, hepatitis B, and many cancers. With supportive partners like Dr. Chokshi and the NYC Department of Health, we’re encouraging more New Yorkers to schedule appointments with their healthcare providers as soon as possible.”

Since the start of the pandemic, Health Center staff has provided unprecedented culturally appropriate education, safety, and mental health services to our community, and continues to do so. To learn more, visit Our Services.