Bronx Voice - June 22, 2022

BRONX VOICE

THE DRUG LORD NEXT DOOR?

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

6th Year, No. 4

Page 4

$1 Million worth of fentanyl, heroin in Bronx house Photo by Bronx DA’s office

FREE June 22 - 28, 2022

Dos and Don’ts during baby formula shortage Facebook

Page 14

Day of Violence 5 wounded in incidents across Page 2 Bronx

Day of Violence

2• BRONX VOICE• June 22 - 28, 2022

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

5 wounded in incidents across boro

By David Greene At least five people were shot in a series of daylight shootings across the borough that had bystanders ducking for cover and police searching for the latest group of gunmen.

According to NYPD officials, the first shooting took place at 7:11 am at 3585 Jerome Avenue in the vicinity of Van Cortlandt Park at East 213 Street in Norwood when a 26-year-old woman was shot in the leg as she sat in the passenger seat of a parked vehicle. The victim was taken to Montefiore Hospital and was list-

ed in stable condition. Police are looking for the gunman described as a male with a dark complexion.

The calm was again shattered by gunfire just five hours later when cops from the 40th Precinct were called to 350 East 137 Street, at 12:15 pm, when those officers discovered a 20-year-old male who was shot one time in the leg. The unidentified victim was transported by EMS to Lincoln Hospital and he too was listed in "stable" condition." Police had no description of the gunman, but police say the investiga-

tion remains, “ongoing."

Police say a third shooting was reported at 2 pm in front of 1725 Bruckner Boulevard, when officers from the 43rd Precinct and Public Service Area 8, a command within the NYPD's Housing Police, discovered a victim shot. Offering no details on the victim or condition of that victim, police reported that Dnique Coleman of nearby Watson Avenue was arrested and charged with assault.

At 5:43 pm police were again called for a person shot inside of 3125 Park Avenue, when officers

from the 44th Precinct discovered a 54-year-old male with a gunshot wound to the leg. Police say the victim was shot as he exited an elevator in the building.

The victim was taken to Lincoln Hospital and was listed in stable condition. Police had no arrests or description of the assailant.

Officials say a fifth shooting was reported at 7 pm on Thursday, June 16, when police were called to 644 Wales Avenue, when officers from the 40th Precinct discovered a 28-year-old male who had been shot multiple times in the left leg in front of the

location. The victim was rushed to Lincoln Hospital, and he too was listed in stable condition.

Police would later release a video of the two suspects who they say drove past the location on a moped and shot the victim, before fleeing eastbound on East 152 Street.

All suspects remain innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The NYPD asks anyone with any information on any of these shootings are urged to call the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1 (800) 577-TIPS, all calls remain confidential.

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

BRONX VOICE• June 22 - 28, 2022• 3

The Drug Lord Next Door?

4 • BRONX VOICE• June 22 - 28, 2022

$1 Million worth of fentanyl, heroin in Bronx house raid

Call him the drug lord next door.

Law enforcement found $1 million worth of fentanyl and heroin, as well as drug packaging, when they raided an attached house in Van Nest.

Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark said the defendant, Carlos Munoz, 43, of 1908 Barnes Avenue, in the Van Nest section of the Bronx, was arraigned on Operating as a Major Trafficker.

According to the investigation, on May 12, 2022, at the defendant’s home, investigators allegedly recovered approximately 13 kilograms of heroin and approximately 300 grams of fentanyl which were hidden behind the ceiling drywall, behind a light fixture in the bathroom.

Investigators also allegedly found a 400-lb kilo press, hydraulics to operate the press, a grinder, and a stamp. Two hundred glassine envelopes and an additional 150 grams of heroin were also allegedly recovered from the defendant’s vehicle, which was found with the help of a narcotics-detecting dog.

“Heroin and fentanyl are killing New Yorkers and destroying our communities. Getting these deadly and highly addictive drugs off the streets, along with holding accountable the people who care nothing about getting Bronxites hooked, is how we fight

back and reclaim our community,” Clark said.

“The defendant allegedly stashed over 28 pounds of drugs in his home and vehicle, which will not get in the hands of drug dealers or users thanks to our law enforcement partners in the New York Strike Force, Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force.”

Munoz was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, second degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, three counts of third-degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, second-degree Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia, and three counts of seventh-degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance before Bronx Supreme Court Justice George Villegas.

Bail was set at $750,000 cash/$750,000 bond/$750,000 partially secured bond. The defendant is due back in court on September 13, 2022.

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

BRONX VOICE• June 22 - 28, 2022• 5

Crowds return to Fair at The Square

6 • BRONX VOICE• June 22 - 28, 2022

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

By David Greene

Large crowds have once again returned for the 13th Annual Fair at the Square, held across 4-blocks along East Tremont Avenue and St. Raymond Avenue and stretching a 1/2 mile along Westchester Square.

An annual event before COVID-19, the Fair at The Square was presented on June 18 by the Westchester Square Business Improvement District in a partnership with Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez.

The event featured live music and dance performances, free games, giveaways, face painting and several "bouncy house" rides for children.

Five dee-jays played music between the live performances that featured MTM, Veily and "Lil Lex" as well as a perfor-

mance by the Elite Stars Dance Academy.

The event was sponsored by several organizations including the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, the Hutchinson Metro Center, Metrooptics and The Bronx Filmmakers Collective.

Photos by David Greene

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

BRONX VOICE• June 22 - 28, 2022• 7

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

8 • BRONX VOICE• June 22 - 28, 2022

VNS health’s gender affirmation program shows power of compassionate health care

By Shannon Whittington, DNP, MSN, RN, CCM, Clinical Director of the Gender Affirmation Program (GAP) at VNS Health For some of us, we likely put little thought into whether a healthcare professional respects our gender identity. But as many nonbinary and trans patients have found, just filling out a form or introducing themselves can be a fraught experience. Will the provider respect and honor their identity? Will they be empathetic to their experience?

Whatever your gender identity is, the truth is that everyone deserves compassionate, informed health care. Unfortunately, there is a dearth in care for nonbinary and transgender patients who re-

ceive gender affirmation surgery across the U.S., and many are recuperating alone at home, often with little or no support.

PRIDE month is a reminder of not just the importance of celebrating the rainbow of sexuality and gender identity, but for those of us in healthcare, it is a time to remember how important patient-centered care is in helping our patients stay healthy inside and out.

To address this need, the VNS Health Gender Affirmation Program (GAP) has worked to address the unique needs of transgender and nonbinary people having gender affirmation surgery, providing post-operative care that respects and honors the unique needs of these patients.

Recovering fully at home after gender affirmation surgery can make a world of difference, as patients can feel comfortable and safe in their own space. Before going home, a VNS Health intake team member will assess their needs and ensure a safe transition home, create a personal care plan for the most comfortable recovery possible, and get approval for home care services through insurance.

As one past patient said, “I did have a few concerns about a nurse coming into my home because I didn’t want anyone to see me at my lowest point. But everyone was so gentle and caring, and made sure that my needs were met. The nurse that came to visit me, felt like talking to an old

friend. Overall, it was a great experience and I really felt heard.”

After gender affirmation surgery and throughout the recovery period, a VNS Health nurse will: • Manage after surgery care and follow-up appointments.

• Provide skilled nursing services (such as dilation support, emptying drains, and changing bandages).

• Promote good self-care habits to help with anxiety, dysphoria, or depression.

• Assess and address mental health needs.

Since the spring of 2016, VNSNY has trained more than 400 clinicians in caring for GAP patients, and those clinicians include nurses, rehabilitation therapists, home health aides and

social workers. The training program covers a cultural sensitivity component and a clinical component, in which the clinicians learn how to support the patient’s surgical recovery.

Kelley Henry, a nurse with VNS Health’s GAP program, stressed the importance of providing emotional support after surgery. “Once we meet and get to know each other, my patients tend to lean on me. It’s extra care beyond the medical aspect.

There’s an emotional aspect as well,” Henry said. “A lot of our patients have no support from family or friends, and therefore they have feelings of depression or anxiety, and they just want somebody to hold their hand CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

BRONX VOICE• June 22 - 28, 2022• 9

10 • BRONX VOICE• June 22 - 28, 2022

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

Gender affirmation program shows compassionate care CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

through it. And because of our training, that’s exactly what we do.”

A past GAP patient said that they especially appreciated the support and advocacy from their nurse. “This program was the biggest help I had in terms of aftercare. A lot of times if I was having issues that I didn’t think were so serious, my nurse was there to tell me ‘No, your health comes first, this is what you need to do, this is important. If you don’t say something, I’m going to say something,’ And that alone has saved me multiple times.”

For VNS Health RN Debbie Starace, her GAP training helped her meet both the physical and emotional needs of her patients.

“It’s an intimate relationship be-

cause as a nurse, what we’re doing is addressing their sexuality.

It's an honor to be able to help them get through their journey, and I can learn something from every single one of the patients,” said Starace. “Each person really can teach us more about humanity. And I think if we all could open our eyes to that, we live in a better world.”

The VNS Health Gender Affirmation Program also has a fulltime social worker of trans experience, Asia Lyons, who has been serving the LGBTQ+ community for more than a decade. Lyons works closely with GAP patients as a social work care coordinator to help them through the entire process. When Lyons first calls her patients to introduce herself, she tells them right away that

she is a trans woman, which she finds often helps ease many of the fears they might have when working with a new clinician. The opportunity for patients to speak with someone who understands their lived experience provides a personal level of insight that is impossible to replicate.

One of our patients said that the empathy and understanding from those in the program impacted not only their health but also in feeling more accepted. “A lot of people don’t understand that one little thing like even handing someone a tissue when they’re crying can change their whole experience.”

For more information about our services, or to refer a patient to the VNS Health Gender Affirmation Program, please call at 1-866632-2557.

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

BRONX VOICE• June 22 - 28, 2022• 11

Bronx celebrates Pride Month

12 • BRONX VOICE• June 22 - 28, 2022

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson joined with LGBTQIA+ leaders hosted the annual Pride and Allies Celebration at

Rosa`s at Park to celebrate and highlight the Bronx`s LGBTQIA+ community with music, food, entertainment, and drag performanc-

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

es throughout the night.

At the Borough President`s Pride flag raising, Gibson honored LGBTQ leaders, Carlos Cortes (Execu-

tive Director of the ChocoBar Cortes brand), Lailani Muniz (Chief Operations Officer for the New York Transgender Bodybuilding Federation and Trauma-Informed Care Specialist at the Damian Family Care Center), Mx. B Hawk

Snipes (Entrepreneur, social activist, entertainer & Model from NYC), Jaisen Garcia-Castillo (Prevention Services and Outreach Specialist at Destination Tomorrow) and Dirk McCall was the recipient of the John Wade Memorial Award.

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

BRONX VOICE• June 22 - 28, 2022• 13

Dos and Don’ts during baby formula shortage

14 • BRONX VOICE• June 22 - 28, 2022

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

By Dr. Beverly A. Sheppard MD FAAP Department Chair of Pediatrics at AdvantageCare Physicians and Dr. Andrea O. Perry, MD, MBA Pediatrician, Medical Director at EmblemHealth The Covid 19 pandemic has entered its third year, continuing to disrupt what we all took for granted.

Many of us endured the loss of loved ones and personally battled the infection ourselves.

We are all adjusting to and trying to define what the new normal will entail. No one, though, envisioned that in the United States of America, one of the wealthiest countries in the world, we would encounter a crisis in feeding our babies.

Due to the pandemic, supply chain issues affected multiple products, including infant formula supplies. Due to safety and contamination issues, the shortage was made worse by the voluntary recall of certain Similac products manufactured

by Abbott and the subsequent shutting down of the plant in Sturgis, Michigan. As a result, parents encounter significant obstacles in finding a steady supply of baby formula. The crisis is especially acute among parents of babies six months of age or less whose diet consists primarily of either breast milk or commercially prepared for-

mulas.

As the factory in Sturgis begins to slowly re-open and the Federal Government continues to import baby formula, parents should be aware of certain precautions while supply remains limited. Moreover, parents should consult their pediatrician with any questions.

Below are some “dos and don’ts” to help parents navigate this difficult period.

Do: • It is safe to substitute any commercially prepared FDA-approved formulas, including generic store brands, Costco, and Walmart.

• Parents should order formula online only from reputable sites, Amazon, Target, and Costco. Also, consider national pharmacies, grocery stores, and major distributors.

• Smaller stores and pharmacies may have some formula, and parents should check their local stores and pharmacies.

• If the baby is closer to one year of age and eating more solid foods, a short course of whole milk is safe until more formula is available. Babies in this age range can also eat some dairy products, such as yogurt (which contains calcium, protein, and vitamin D).

• Discuss with your pediatrician transitioning older infants CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

BRONX VOICE• June 22 - 28, 2022• 15

Caring for people with dementia Little moments count

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

16 • BRONX VOICE• June 22 - 28, 2022

By Dr. Jessica Zwerling, director, Montefiore Hudson Valley Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease (CEAD) The smell of chocolate and the taste of ice cream brings back sweet memories for me and my daughter; we think of her grandmother and how she loved chocolate and Haagen Dazs’ vanilla ice cream. Grandma’s infectious laughter and possession of “her pint” of ice-cream brought smiles to everyone during family dinners, even when she forgot what she had just eaten or mixed up our names.

What did matter was that her confusion and forgetfulness were caused by Alzheimer’s disease.

The harsh reality of this disease came into our lives again and again, until ultimately, she even forgot her love of chocolate and ice cream, and we had to change the way we related to her. We were forced to live in the moment and enjoy the time we had, even as Grandma experienced progressively worse symptoms.

In my practice, I’ve seen how Alzheimer’s disease affects the whole family, but my teens learned this firsthand. Together we embraced little moments and focused on connection. Like all families with a loved one who has a memory disorder, we had to navigate behavioral changes in different phases of her illness. Including grandchildren or teens in this process is important. Here are some things that could be helpful for others living through this experience: • When a loved one has a memory disorder, you can enjoy a walk together, but hold hands tightly, stay close to home and make sure you know the route back.

• When it comes to meals, give simple choices, like “chocolate” or “vanilla” ice cream for dessert.

File Photo

• Loud, crowded, confusing situations, especially those away from home, should be avoided.

• Music can be soothing and help recall pleasant memories.

• Often dementia can lead to paranoia, so it is helpful not to talk too much in front of your loved one without including them.

• Watching the news can be hard for people with memory disorders as they struggle to differentiate TV from their reality, so avoid leaving it playing.

For grandchildren, especially teens, it’s important to share and reach out to parents and friends. Some of the behaviors or personality changes caused by Alzheimer’s can be embarrassing to talk about, but speaking to other people helps you process how things are changing and your feelings. Emotions like sadness or frustration as you see grandparents progress in their disease is normal.

While there is currently no

cure for Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, specialists like my team at Montefiore Hudson Valley Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease can help you and your loved ones better understand this illness.

Support services and treatments which manage symptoms can be helpful. Our center helps families build skills and confidence in managing Alzheimer’s disease. Today, I’m a physician but years ago I was a teenager who supported a family member with Alzheimer’s disease; this helps me to relate to the stressors and challenges my patients and their family members face.

There will be many special moments even after diagnosis, and you can create memories that will last forever.

Grandma died a few months ago, but for all of us, the smell of chocolate and the taste of ice cream—especially Haagen Daz-- makes us smile and remember the fun times we shared with her.

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

Dos and Don’ts baby formula shortage CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

approaching 12 months of age to toddler milk.

• Discuss with your pediatrician possibly receiving breast milk from a certified milk bank if your child has unique nutritional requirements or is a premature infant.

Don’ts: • Visit websites such as Craigslist, unknown sites, or other social media sites to try and obtain baby formula or donor breastmilk. You should only use these sites for support and information about what major retailers have formulas in stock.

• Add extra water to baby formula to increase supply. This action may lead to dangerous electrolyte imbalances and possible seizures.

• Attempt to make baby formula using old-fashioned recipes of evaporated milk. These formulations are not nutritionally sound and may harm the baby.

• Use milk alternatives, such as almond or plant-based formulas as they are lower in proteins, which are the building blocks for proper growth without first discussing with your pediatrician.

Your pediatrician will know if plant-based alternatives are an option for your child.

The federal government has recently approved the importation of formula from Europe. They have also lifted restrictions on baby formulas contracted in the WIC program, allowing states to

expand formula options for low-income families.

Hopefully, these measures will help ease some of the supply issues that our patients are experiencing. I encourage all families to visit Healthychildren.org, sponsored by the American Academy of Pediatrics, to stay informed.

This crisis highlights the need for more support and encouragement to breastfeed during the prenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum periods.

If more mothers received the education and resources essential to breastfeeding their babies successfully, the need for formula would be less acute.

It is a scary time for parents, but you are not alone.

The information above and your pediatrician’s office are the first places to start. There are resources available.

Many organizations and the Federal Government are actively working to resolve this shortage. Remember to take care of yourself while you take care of your babies.

This shortage is a temporary situation, and we will get through it.

For more information, visit EmblemHealth Baby Formula Shortage This information is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always consult with your physician.

BRONX VOICE• June 22 - 28, 2022• 17

Culinary Road 18 • BRONX VOICE• June 22 - 28, 2022

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

By Morris Gut

Where to find the best summer bites

The beautiful New York Botanical Garden has launched ‘Around The Table: Stories Of The Foods We Love’ that will run thru September 11th. The new exhibition will explore the rich cultural history of what we eat throughout the park.

Across NYBG’s 250-acre landscape visitors can gather at tables uniquely designed by artists living and working in the Bronx. The tables will encourage sitting, sharing, and storytelling. Throughout the exhibition, there will be weekend programming celebrating food with cooking demonstrations and other culinary themed activities.

You can watch the planted produce

and grains as they mature throughout the season.

At the same time, the 2022 NYBG Farmers Market has started up again and operates on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will run thru October 26th. The popular market is run by www. morningglorymarkets.com, who also operate markets in Westchester, and feature a weekly variety of produce vendors, bakers, specialty food purveyors, and crafts. Farmers market director is Pascale Le Draoulec, former restaurant critic for the New York Daily News.

Look for such vendors as: Wave Hill Breads, Bombay Chutney Co., Orchards of Concklin, Don Pickle,

Ztudio Zsa Zsa and more. Admission to the Farmers Market is free.

SPECIAL HINT: While at the Garden, hunt down the ‘Julia Child Rose’ that is planted in the stunning Rockefeller Rose Garden which is now in full bloom. It is amazing!

The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx. 718-817-8700 www.nybg. org BEST SUMMER BITES! TASTY TRADITIONAL & CONTEMPORARY DISHES AT MARIA! Two-time winners of Michelin’s prestigious ‘Bib Gourmet’ Award, brothers Peter and Giovanni Cucullo have been drawing patronage from all over for their flavorful riff on Italian/global cooking. Enjoy their Happy Hours from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. when they offer some specially-priced beverages and small plates loaded with flavor. I am hooked on such eclectic dishes as: Glazed Pork Ribs, Truffled Green Beans, Grilled Sausage with sweet & spicy Peruvian peppers, Mom’s Meatballs, Cauliflower Fritters, and Roasted Shishito Peppers. Special mention must go to their tender baby Lamb Chops. The family also operates bustling Fratelli’s Pizza and Pops Café next door. Maria, 11 Huguenot St., New Rochelle. 914636-0006 www.marianewrochelle. com PRIME DINING AT ALEX’S BAR & GRILLE! The outdoor patio is open. Proprietor Alex Ahmetaj is offering big cuts of aged steaks and chops along with generously served Northern Italian/Continental fare.

The steaks could be called a bargain here. The staff brings years of experience and a European flair to White Plains. Customers enter the multi-section dining room thru the inviting bar/lounge with its black industrial ceiling, banquets, and soft lighting. It is a good networking spot.

The handsome dining room is split into cozy sections with white tablecloths, colorful deVelle-

neuve impressionist paintings and warming sconces. Mediterranean clay-colored banquets and chairs compliment wooden walls and plush beige curtained windows.

Check out such specialties as: Pan Fried Calamari with hot cherry peppers, Linguini alla Vongole, a delicious fresh Branzino prepared tableside, classic Veal Parmigiana, grilled Prime Filet Mignon, Prime NY Sirloin Steak, or the Veal Chop.

Alex’s Bar & Grille, 577 North Broadway, North White Plains.

914-358-1444 www.alex577.com SALSA & FIESTA AT CANTINA! Cantina is a good spot for Happy Hours, served 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., featuring specially priced cocktails and bar snacks. While most concentrate on the tasty Tacos, I went for the Crispy Mango-Jerk Chicken Wings one late afternoon and was blown away. Wow! Owner John Solo and his team bring excitement to your visit.

It has a bright aqua pastel façade and a sprawling rustic multi-level interior dining room and long bar. Tempting specialties include: Modelo Beer Battered Fish Tacos, Garlic Shrimp, and Chicken-Lime Bowl, served with rice, peppers, black beans, sliced avocado, and fresh corn. The restaurant is open from noon to midnight 7 days a week. Weekend brunch served noon to 5 p.m. Cantina Taco & Tequila Bar, 166 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains. 914-461-3959 www. cantinany.com SOUTHERN COMFORT AT FREEBIRD KITCHEN! We have devoured Fried Calamari, meaty Racks of Baby Back Ribs, Cobb Salad, spicy Chicken Wings, crispy Brussels Sprouts.

Shrimp & Grits and Braised Short Ribs. The cooking here is very satisfying, and all done with a comforting southern theme.

Portions are ample and shareable. The lighting and those artsy birds hanging from the ceiling in the dining room give it a magical atmosphere. The seasonal roof-

top is open. Sunday Night Jam sessions. Sprawling bar. Craft beers. Happy hours: Tues.-Thurs.

4-6pm; Fri. 2-6 p.m. Weekend Brunch. Freebird Kitchen, 161 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains.

914-607-2476 www.freebirdkitchenandbar.com FLAVORFUL MODERN GREEK AT MP TAVERNA! Celebrity chef Michael Psilakis brought his Mediterranean culinary magic to Westchester over a decade ago. He is an award-wining innovator, having enhanced our knowledge of modern Greek-inspired cuisine thru his restaurants, cookbooks, and television appearances. Chef Psilakis was there on our visits tending to tables, chatting with guests inside and out. Share a platter of his superb Grilled Octopus served with an herbal chickpea salad and Greek yogurt. For mains: an 8 oz.

Lamb Burger served with spicy whipped feta; and a big stuffed Falafel Souvlaki, wrapped in fresh pita with tzatziki, onion, tomato, romaine, bell pepper. Both dishes come with sides of signature house smashed potatoes.

Filling and delish! MP Taverna, 1 Bridge Street, Irvington. 914231-7854 www.mptaverna.com (Morris Gut is a restaurant marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in the Bronx and Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-2356591. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net)

Health Center transitions to new electronic health records system

BRONX VOICE• June 22 - 28, 2022• 19

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

Morris Heights Health Center (MHHC), one of the largest Federally Qualified Health Centers in New York City, announced plans to upgrade their current electronic health record system to NextGen Healthcare, Inc. (Nasdaq: NXGN) - a leading provider of innovative healthcare technology solutions. Their comprehensive, integrated technology and services platform supports ambulatory and specialty practices of all sizes.

MHHC and its more than

120 healthcare providers deliver quality care and treatment in underserved communities in New York. The multi-site health center.

“We look forward to NextGen Healthcare’s partnership to help get the residents of the Bronx and beyond the care they need and deserve. We live and breathe giving health to this community; NextGen Healthcare and its solutions play an important role in measuring patient outcomes and quantifying the direct impact we’re making

on our patients for the better,” said President & Chief Executive Officer, Mari G. Millet.

As they continue to expand their medical reach outside of their home region in the Bronx, MHHC cited integrated functionality plus action-oriented insights as key benefits of NextGen Healthcare’s solutions.

The new system will create a more unified EHR that will connect more than 600 health care workers and providers across the health organization’s locations and empower patients

to take control of the health through a secure patient portal.

“Our ability to deliver quality healthcare to patients extends when we have a partner that is on top of new and evolving trends in healthcare IT solutions,” said Lois J. Bookhardt-Murray, MD, MHHC Chief Medical Officer. “We needed a solution that offers meaningful insights to support and sustain our growth. An added benefit of this fluid functionality and connectivity is that it streamlines

processes for our staff and provides a better work/life balance for our doctors.”

Velamoor, chief growth & strategy officer for NextGen Healthcare said, “We’re privileged to help FQHCs like Morris Heights Health Center provide optimal care as they expand to include more underserved New York communities.”

(Parts of this article was previously published by NextGen Healthcare)

20 • BRONX VOICE• June 22 - 28, 2022

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com