Various statistical analyses seem to indicate that residents of the Bedford- Stuyvesant community are plagued with health issues and there are valid concerns about the lack of more quality health care facilities in the area. However, the Bedford Stuyvesant Family Health Center (BSFHC), located at 1456 Fulton St., in the heart of the community, has the distinction of being the major medical service provider for the past 35 years.
One year ago, BSFHC relocated to a new state- of -the- art facility across the street and to highlight this accomplishment, a First Anniversary Dinner, “Embracing New Beginnings”, marked the occasion on April 5th 2013 at the luxurious Glen Terrace Banquet Hall in Canarsie.
Community support in honor of this milestone was quite impressive. An aura of pride permeated the atmosphere. Staff and supporters rallied around CEO Patricia Fernandez and the Board Chair Jean Caston Black, as they accepted a citation from Borough President Marty Markowitz in recognition of their leadership skills, clarity of vision and continuous commitment to excellence, in spite of the many challenges and hardships encountered over the years.
A theme of perseverance weaved through each speech during the evening. Another citation was presented to Ms. Fernandez by the keynote speaker, City Councilman Albert Vann, who reminded all that new beginnings are rooted in lessons learned from the past.
He commended the staff for having “soul” to move out of the old and embrace the new. He said their caring characteristic distinguishes the new center from others and he was especially proud of the BSFHC’s achievement and its distinction for providing quality health care for his constituency as well as neighboring communities.
For their years of unselfish service, some employees received plaques and messages of praise from high-ranking state and city elected officials, as well as testimonies from patients about the quality of care and the range of health services provided at BSFHC, as evidence of the new, 38.000 sq-ft facility’s exemplary service to over 20.000.00 residents.
