NEW YORK STATE COMMISSIONER OF HEALTH, RICHARD F. DAINES, MD, JOINS ARTHUR A. GIANELLI, NHCC PRESIDENT/CEO DURING TOUR OF HEMPSTEAD COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER, AT WHICH DR. DAINES HIGHLIGHTED GOVERNOR PATERSON’S HEALTH REFORMS: EXPANDED HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE, SUPPORT FOR PRIMARY CARE, OBESITY PREVENTION AND SUPPORTING MEDICAL HOME CONCEPT

January 16, 2009

Contact:  Shelley Lotenberg
(516) 572-6055
shelley@numc.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

East Meadow, NY……Arthur A. Gianelli welcomed New York State Commissioner of Health, Richard F. Daines, MD, during his visit and tour of the new Hempstead Health Center, part of the Nassau Health Care Corporation, a health system with a public mission. The Nassau Health Care Corporation had recently moved its Hempstead out-patient center from 100 Main Street to its new location at 135 Main Street, a newer, more centrally located and accessible site with additional health services.

“I am delighted that Commissioner Daines has selected the Nassau Health Care Corporation’s Hempstead Health Center to see, first hand, the vital, quality health services provided to thousands of patients from our vulnerable communities. In addition, during his tour, Dr. Daines had the opportunity to discuss health care reforms, contained in Governor Paterson’s proposed 2009-2010 budget, that will expand access to health insurance, invest in primary care and preventive care and implement a comprehensive strategy to address the state’s obesity epidemic as well as support the medical home concept,” said Mr. Gianelli.

Commissioner Daines, while complimenting staff on the excellent work done on behalf of their patients, said: “I am pleased to visit with the staff and patients of the Hempstead Community Health Center and look forward to discussing some of Long Island’s progressive preventive health initiatives with county public health directors, health care professionals and other community leaders.  I also would like to highlight the Governor’s groundbreaking health care reforms as well as discuss the Governor’s reforms to increase access to health insurance through expanded eligibility for New York’s Family Health Plus program.

Left to right:
Patricia Kopystianskyj, RN, NHCC director of nursing for ambulatory care
Ken Steier, MD, NHCC associate medical director
Richard, F. Daines, NYS Commissioner of Health
Arthur A. Gianelli, NHCC President/CEO
Laurie Ward, MD, Medical Director for Ambulatory Care
Maria Carney, MD, Nassau County Commissioner of Health