Less than two months ago, when Steve Hemraj was appointed director of the Helen B. Atkinson Health Center, his vision was clear: to improve the quality, accessibility, and awareness of men’s healthcare in Harlem. Men in medically underserved areas such as Harlem too often address their health issues only by going to the emergency room or waiting until it is too late. Hemraj and his staff would like to change all of that. The center, located on 115th and Lenox Avenue, happens to be uniquely positioned in a medically underserved area, and already works with patients who do not have medical insurance or are living below the poverty line. In the upcoming months, Hemraj will be putting an extra emphasis on expanding and improving services directed towards men’s health and the men’s health clinic, which is held at the center two Saturdays a month.
Recognizing that good health underlies an individual’s ability to thrive in all areas of life, Hemraj and his staff have hit the ground running by focusing on some of the most pressing issues for men in Harlem including sexual health, family planning, and mental health. In order to make the clinic expansion a success, however, Hemraj wants to create a space where men feel comfortable. His team will begin by surveying men in the community to see what would draw them to a health clinic—this means addressing even the smaller details such as what to play on the television in the waiting room. The center will aim to provide a confidential, comfortable, and culturally competent space for men to go to in order to address their health concerns.
Ultimately, Hemraj wants the clinic to be a place where men can easily access education and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, where they can pick up emergency contraception for their sexual partner who may be too busy, where they can learn about what it means for sexual reproductive health or simply get a vasectomy, or where they can find a counselor to help them get through mental and emotional barriers. In short, it will be a one-stop shop to address the most pressing health needs of Harlem’s men.
The men’s health clinic is held on the first and fourth Saturday of each month, and any male over the age of thirteen is welcome to come in for medical assistance, medication or information for themselves or their sexual partners. Please call 212-360-2561 to find out more or make an appointment. You can also email Steve Hemraj, Center Director at Shemraj@chnnyc.org
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