March 22, 2012

The Academy of Medical and Public Health Services (AMPHS) has been in preliminary talks with leaders from the Health & Wellness Committee of National Action Network (NAN).  These talks have been focusing on how the two organizations will partner together to further broaden the coverage of its healthcare services, and make an impact in the underprivileged communities of New York City that are in need of free and affordable healthcare access.

National Action Network is one of the leading civil rights organizations in the nation, with 44 chapters throughout the U.S. and headquarters in Harlem, New York City.

Sandra George, Senior Vice President, Operations & Chief Operating Officer

Ms. Sandra George, Senior Vice President, Operations and Chief Operating Officer, AMPHS and David A. Miller, Coordinator of Government Affairs, AMPHS, have been in meetings with Ms. Dominique Sharpton, NAN’s Director of Membership and the daughter of President & Founder of NAN, Reverend Al Sharpton and with Ms. Queenie Huling, Chairperson of the Health and Wellness Committee.   Ms. Huling is assisted by Co-Chair Ms. Lisa Williams, RN, and other committee members.  NAN’s Health and Wellness Committee organizes annual events such as the Annual Health Fair in August, mammogram screenings, flu shots, free dental van for children, and mental health seminars.

Mrs. George states, “We [AMPHS] are very excited about an opportunity to partner with National Action Network’s Health and Wellness Committee.  There are many opportunities available working with the Committee on health initiatives that will have a great impact on our local community at large.  They are also very excited and eager to work with us, and involving us jointly with their annual health events.  We are looking forward to building a long-term relationship with NAN to further the organization’s mission and goals of making healthcare a right, not a privilege and making it available to all who need it.”

There is a need for healthcare services within New York City.  According to 2009 data released by the United Hospital Fund, approximately 16% of all New York City residents (including the 5 boroughs) who are considered non-elderly are uninsured.   Among the highest among the five boroughs were Queens with nearly 19% of non-elderly population is uninsured and the Bronx with 18%.  Manhattan comes in at nearly 13%.

Representatives from AMPHS will be attending and participating in NAN’s 14th Annual Convention held on April 11 – 14 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C.  The conference will address issues in healthcare and other political and social issues affecting Americans today.

About AMPHS: The  Academy of Medical and Public Health Services (AMPHS) is a humanitarian 501(c)3 non-profit organization operated exclusively by volunteers dedicated to providing healthcare services to underprivileged communities of Brooklyn and New York City.  From strengthening our foundation through the public trust, we work to integrate healthcare systems, education, awareness, and disease prevention such that all people can appreciate healthcare not as a privilege, but as a basic human right.

For more information about us, please visit us at: national.amphsonline.org

References:

  1. The United Hospital Fund. 2011.  Health Insurance Coverage in New York, 2009.  http://www.uhfnyc.org/assets/936.