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Interfaith Medical Center launches first ‘Prescribe-a-Bike’ program in NYC

August 30, 2016 Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Interfaith Medical Center’s “prescribe-a-bike” program was launched on Friday. Photo courtesy of Interfaith Medical Center
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Interfaith Medical Center hosted a Back-to-School Health Fair at Bishop Orris G. Walker Jr. Health Care Center on Prospect Place this past Friday. Attendees included community residents, doctors and other health care staff, Councilmember Robert E. Cornegy, state Assemblymember Annette M. Robinson and other community leaders.  

The event launched Interfaith Medical Center’s prescribe-a-bike program, a collaboration with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and Citi Bike. This program will allow doctors at the Bishop Walker Health Center to “prescribe-a-bike” to patients. Members receive a free one-year membership to Citi Bike (a $179 value), a free helmet, a reflector arm band, access to group rides and a journal to reflect on the experiences of their new membership. The first program of its kind in New York City, prescribe-a-bike aims to provide free transportation for residents of Central Brooklyn while promoting regular exercise to combat diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and obesity.

“Interfaith Medical Center and its Bishop Walker Health Center are committed to working with the community to fight the health crisis of Central Brooklyn,” said LaRay Brown, president and CEO of Interfaith Medical Center. “We are in the community proactively providing preventive health and wellness support and engaging residents through education about diabetes, dental health, the importance of having a primary care doctor, mental health and much more.”

“The long-term goal of this Health Initiative is to encourage healthy people and healthy environments by answering questions and passing on vital information and education to the public and by promoting the regular and beneficial practice of cycling for physical fitness and mental wellbeing,” said Gov. Andrew Cuomo. “These valuable resources strengthen the vibrant neighborhoods of Brooklyn, and I commend all affiliated with the Bishop Orris G. Walker Jr. Health Care Center for their generous support and dedicated involvement for this grateful community.”

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“I applaud Interfaith Medical Center for their commitment to preventive health and wellness education from head to toe, a mission which is critical to ensuring Brooklyn becomes a safer place to raise healthy children and families,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams. “As a Brooklynite recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, I know how vital it is to arm ourselves with the knowledge and tools needed to combat health risks that we are fighting to eradicate from communities across central Brooklyn. As an avid cyclist, I equally appreciate the innovative ‘prescribe-a-bike’ program as a way to promote exercise while expanding transportation access to underserved residents.”

The Back-to-School Health Fair offered free back to school supplies; health information for adults and children, including immunization registry lookup, blood pressure, eye, dental and nutritional screenings; rapid HIV testing; physical therapy and sports medicine information; sickle cell education; insurance enrollment opportunities; lectures on preventive health and wellness; entertainment and giveaways.

 


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