The Bushwick neighborhood is filled with community services. It has everything from a fire department and police station, to sanitation that comes around three times a week, but with the current state of our country, churches, schools and health care seems to be needed above all else.
Most Bushwick schools such as I.S. 291, I.S. 296 and most others in the neighborhood seem to have an after school program. These programs keep children off the streets and out of trouble in a time of recession, while churches keep members maintaining a positive outlook in hard times. Health care on the other hand leaves people in pain, literally. The number of people without health insurance is increasing along with the cost of coverage.
(Volunteers and workers from the health fair. Photo By: Adriana Varella)
This past August, hundreds of residents from Bushwick and neighboring community Ridgewood flooded the closed-off street outside of Wyckoff Heights Medical Center to attend a free health fair. As people visited department booths, a live band played in the background alongside of a carnival. An event like this is needed now more than ever.
This health fair provided free test for cholesterol, blood pressure, and even gave eye exams. There was also important health information given out to the public to increase awareness and prevention methods.
Outside of this annual health fair, Wyckoff Heights Medical Center aids the community further. Not only are they a hospital taking care of patients, but also they provides volunteer opportunities to people ages 14 and over. Volunteers are trained for positions within the hospital whether permanent or temporary.
The hospitals website is www.wyckoffhospital.org.
For more information, you can clock “Join the Wyckoff Family.”
I like the way you contrast the benefits and drawbacks of community services, like the healthcare and after school examples.