Dear AMPHS Family,
The summer is flying by! We’re already halfway through July—activities like summer camps and outdoor movie nights in the park are in full swing. We’re staying busy here at AMPHS as well, hosting multilingual storytelling sessions and health screenings, advocating for equal healthcare access, and helping community members protect themselves from COVID and other health risks.
As a reminder, the AMPHS team is in the office Wednesday through Saturday from 10am to 6pm. Make an appointment to receive a health screening, get help navigating social services, or learn more about how to keep you and your family healthy.
Upcoming Opportunities
HERE AND NOW: Spots Available for Storytelling Sessions!
There are still spots available in HERE AND NOW, a series of free storytelling sessions led by an Artist Facilitator and one of AMPHS’ wellness specialists! We are offering a session in Mandarin on Friday, July 22 from 5-7pm, and in English on Sunday, July 24 from 1-3pm. Both sessions will include food and beverages. Those who complete the full 2-session program and record their stories will receive a $75 stipend for their participation. Sign up here!
7/23 PPE Distribution
COVID rates are rising in NYC, so it’s especially important to wear masks in public and detect infection early. To help make these tasks easier, AMPHS will be distributing COVID test kits, face masks, and hand sanitizer outside our office at 5306 3rd Ave on July 23 from 12-2pm. Stop by to receive the resources necessary to protect yourself, your family, and your community from COVID!
Test Kit Thursdays
AMPHS will be providing COVID test kits at our office every Thursday in July from 2 to 4pm. You will be able to pick up four test kits per family. Stop by!
Wellness Fridays
Join us every Friday in July from 3-5pm to sign up for low-cost health insurance through NYC Care, register for a COVID vaccine or test, and receive masks and hand sanitizer! See the flyer below for locations!
Congressional Candidate Forum
AMPHS is partnering with APA VOICE to host a forum for candidates in congressional district 10, and we encourage you to attend and get to know your candidates! The forum will take place on Monday, August 8 from 6-8pm at the Manny Cantor Center (197 E. Broadway, New York). Mark it on your calendar! We’ll be posting more information and updates about the event as the date gets closer, so stay tuned.
Community Wellness Event in August
Exciting news: AMPHS and other local partners will be hosting a big community wellness event on August 20 to help community members learn about and protect their own health. The event will feature community organizations, activities, and cultural performances. Stay tuned for more details!
AMPHS Updates
Abortion Access
Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, which protected people’s right to have abortions. This decision could affect a woman’s ability to finish college or find a job, aggravate the health of people with disabilities, increase medical complications of pregnancy and maternal mortality rates, and exacerbate mental health issues, among other implications. While this decision is already harming women and birthing people around the country, particularly low-income women of color, it is important to note that abortion is still fully legal and widely accessible in New York State, including NYC. AMPHS supports anyone seeking an abortion—if you need help accessing abortion care, call our office at (212) 256-9036 or stop by between Wed and Sat, 10am-6pm.
COVID-19 & NYC Care Workshops
AMPHS continues its efforts to inform the public on COVID-19 updates, particularly addressing COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy among our communities. We are partnering with various organizations to offer COVID-19 and NYC Care information sessions led by our Community Health Partners trained by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. If you are interested in requesting a session, please fill out this form or direct any questions to estela.cohetero@amphsonline.org.
Request a CHW for your COVID-19 vaccine event!
Our trained Community Health Workers are available to help answer vaccine questions and assist with translation at your next COVID-19 vaccine van event. Languages spoken include Spanish, Arabic, and Mandarin. Email estela.cohetero@amphsonline.org for more information.
Public Health Updates
COVID-19 Update
- COVID cases are on the rise in NYC.
- The newest COVID strain (BA.5) is more transmissible than previous ones and accounts for at least two-thirds of COVID cases in NYC.
- The NYC Health Commissioner advises everyone to wear a mask in public indoor settings and crowded outdoor settings.
- When wearing masks, upgrade to higher-quality masks, including KN95, KF94, N95, or a cloth mask on top of a surgical mask.
- The best way to protect yourself and your family is to get your COVID vaccine and booster shots, and get tested regularly, especially if you’re feeling sick. To find a vaccination site, call 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692) or check this website. For testing locations, call 212-COVID-19 (212-268-4319), text “COVID TEST” to 855-48, or check this website.
- Need a mask or a COVID test kit? Visit the AMPHS office during our open office hours Wed-Fri, 10AM-6PM to pick some up for free!
Monkeypox
- Monkeypox infection rates are increasing in NYC, mostly among men who have sex with men.
- If you’re age 18 or older; are a gay, bisexual, or other man who has sex with men, and/or transgender, gender non-conforming, or gender non-binary; and have had multiple sex partners in the last 14 days, you’re eligible for the monkeypox vaccine.
- NYC is low on supply of monkeypox vaccines right now. Check this website frequently for updates.
Other Resources
Voter Registration Deadlines
With the newest redistricting changes, there will now be two primary elections and two voter registration deadlines! Register by August 3 to vote in the August 23 primary for US House of Representatives and NYS Senate. Youth ages 16 and 17 can also pre-register to vote. Pick up a paper ballot from AMPHS, print one online, or register online.
Mental Health for All
Mental Health for All is a new comprehensive online resource with helplines and services that offer a range of free, direct support to meet the needs of all New Yorkers. Visit MentalHealthforAll.nyc.gov to get help!
AMPHS News 