Inspiration from the dental industry:
Breaking the cycle and changing the system in Harlem
Dr. James E. McIntosh Dental Services Department, Harlem Hospital
New York, New York
In May 2015, Harlem Hospital opened a state-of-the-art dental clinic to expand dental services offered to residents of the Harlem community. The new clinic was designed for the dental team to work around the patient, providing x-rays and other services in one location. It is capable of treating pediatric, adult, geriatric, wheelchair-bound, and hearing- and visually-impaired patients. As the only hospital in Harlem, Harlem Hospital is in a unique position to serve some of New York City's most underserved residents.
Often overlooked in underserved communities is oral health care, but that has slowly changed in Harlem. As an emphasis on oral health became more recognized in the community and dental patient visits increased, Dr. James R. King, chair of dentistry at NYC Health + Hospitals | Harlem, had a vision to build a state-of-the-art, patient-centered dental practice at Harlem Hospital.
After receiving a grant, he was still $350,000 short. Dr. King decided to call on the Friends of Harlem Hospital Center. Made up of a group of dedicated and compassionate individuals, the Friends of Harlem Hospital Center is a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501C3 Auxiliary organization with a mission to enhance and promote quality patient care in the northern Manhattan area and to assure high quality and efficient services at Harlem Hospital Center. Under the leadership of Corwin Breeden, the Friends of Harlem Hospital Center donated $350,000 to assist Dr. King in seeing his vision come to life.
For more information, visit nychealthandhospitals.org/harlem.
Catch up on past APEX Inspirations:
APEX Inspiration: MEDi From RxRobots
APEX Inspiration: Solea laser transforms dentistry at UH Rainbow babies and children's hospital
APEX Inspiration: UOR Dental Impact 2015
APEX Inspiration: Alliance For Smiles
