This month, the streets of Harlem came alive as StartCare hosted its first Health & Resource Fair, a free event designed for families and community members, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., on 124th Street. The event offered health screenings, information about essential resources, and activities for all ages.
For more than 55 years, StartCare has championed the health and well-being of its community. Founded by Dr. Beny J. Primm, the organization has expanded from its beginnings in Brooklyn to seven locations across New York City, with a mission focused on addiction treatment, mental health support, and primary care.
As this year’s fair illustrated, StartCare is more than just a health provider; it’s a comprehensive resource for the people of Harlem.“We have to educate our community more about these health disparities and healthy lifestyles,” stated CEO of StartCare, Jonnel C. Doris, MPPA, MDIV.
The fair attracted more than 500 attendees and featured 53 vendors offering services such as mammogram screenings, prostate inspections, and HIV testing. Among the vendors was the Alliance for Positive Change, which provided free HIV and hepatitis-C testing, alongside services like nutrition support, case management, and art activities.
Attendees also had the opportunity to learn about the Healthy Brain and Child Development Study being conducted by NYU Langone, represented by Sachin Sohal. This nationwide study seeks to understand newborn development while taking into account a mother’s health and environmental factors over a 10-year period. Sohal, who acts as a project assistant and peer support advocate, highlighted the study’s aims and expressed the importance of community contribution through events like this one.
Samaritan Daytop Village was present as well, showcasing their range of services, from mental health care to support specifically for veterans.
Similarly, Phoenix House New York, a place for mental health support and substance abuse treatment, promoted their new Harlem clubhouse, a community-focused space aimed at empowering members and encouraging collaboration. The clubhouse will celebrate its official opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 28. Members actively participate in the clubhouse by taking on various responsibilities, such as cooking and maintaining the space, fostering a non-hierarchical environment where everyone’s voice is valued. As the program director for the clubhouse noted, “Everything we do for the community is driven by the members.”
As CEO, Jonnel C. Doris provides a compelling vision for StartCare. His primary focus is on assembling a team dedicated to delivering support and care to individuals in the community facing various health disparities. Doris finds tremendous fulfillment in his role, particularly in connecting with those the organization serves. “Riding the elevator, hearing their stories in the morning, saying good morning to everybody — the fact that we can engage with those we serve is what the joy of this is all about,” he said.
Looking ahead to next year’s fair, Doris expressed hopes for more initiatives that tackle pressing issues such as food insecurity, job placement, and housing needs, aiming to bring even more resources to Harlem. “We have to look and seek to have resources brought to the community and into central Harlem like never before. We need actual tangible resources that match the need,” he said.
This requires intentional collaboration among government entities, philanthropic organizations, community-based groups, and the faith community. Doris firmly believes that as services, education, and resources converge, “we will continue to make significant strides in addressing disparities and improving health outcomes within our communities.”