Metro Community Health Centers Offer Healthcare Access to Everyone
Families with disabled children often face multiple challenges in getting services for their loved ones, from physical accessibility to communication barriers to a general lack of awareness on the part of providers and the general public. Obtaining care can be a struggle for low-income families because of high out-of-pocket costs. At a time when people with disabilities can feel left behind, it’s good to know all families have an advocate and an ally close by.
“I’ve had the privilege of being part of Metro Community Health Centers for many years, and in that time, I’ve witnessed the incredible impact our team has on the lives of our patients,” says Nellie Satiago-Rivera.
“As Chief Operating Officer, my focus is on ensuring that we are supporting our staff in the best way possible while always keeping our patients at the center of everything we do. We strive to provide exceptional care and create a positive, welcoming environment for those we serve.”
Psst… Check Out NewYork-Presbyterian Infectious Disease Expert Talks Measles Outbreak and Prevention in Exclusive Briefing
As part of Metro Community Health Centers’ commitment to accessible healthcare for people with disabilities and their families, the team offers TeleHealth appointments, support with prescription renewals, and a reassuring after-hours helpline. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, Metro Community Health Centers ensures care is within reach for all, with a sliding scale that welcomes every individual, regardless of income or insurance.
Metro Community Health Centers’ approach is about fostering dignity and self-direction, empowering every individual and caretaker to navigate their healthcare with confidence. Metro Community Health Centers offers care, compassion, and community in four New York City locations: The Bronx, Downtown Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Manhattan.
In the Bronx, Metro Community Health Centers is located at 979 Cross Bronx Expressway Service Road. It offers a wide array of services to its client families, including neurology, psychiatry, TeleHealth, Podiatry, Primary Care, Women’s Health, and Mental Health. Crucially, MetroCommunity Health Centers in the Bronx offers dental care featuring a sensory chair. These devices help reduce anxiety and stress for individuals with sensory sensitivities, especially autism, by minimizing stimuli and providing calming elements during dental procedures.
Making a Difference for New York Families
Felicia Cerabone is a member of the Metro Community Health Centers board and mother to Anthony, a 32-year-old with autism. Anthony has been with MetroCommunity Health Centers since he was 21 years old. “I can’t begin to express the care, kindness, and warmth we feel,” Felicia says.
“They understand and care for my son.” Monique Dennis Farrington, a board member, has had an equally positive experience with Metro Community Health Centers. Her son Tony, 37, has cerebral palsy, autism, cortical blindness, and seizure disorders. The family has been with Metro Community Health Centers since Tony was 19.
“I don’t know how we would have made it without Metro Community Health Centers,” Monique says, “It saved Our Lives.” When the family needed a new wheelchair for Tony, other agencies were no help in acquiring one. Metro Community Health Centers stepped in soon after Tony started going there.
“That was the third Best day of my life besides having kids, Monique says. “I didn’t have to get on the scale with him anymore; they had a wheelchair scale. I am a Proud Metro Community Health Centers parent and have been a board member for the last 13 years.”
A mission to serve all families: “Our families are at the heart of everything we do,” says Michele Quigley, Metro Community Health Centers CEO. “This includes our specialized dental environment designed to reduce stimuli––and stress––for patients with sensory sensitivities. Our physicians, therapists, nurses, and support staff are skilled, committed, and compassionate healthcare professionals dedicated to providing a comfortable and caring atmosphere for all patients.”
Go to mchcny.org to learn more about Metro Community Health Centers or to make an appointment for care.
Psst… Check Out New Study Warns: Sugar-Free Slushies May Pose Serious Health Risks to Young Children
