BRONX-LEBANON HOSPITAL CENTER

History and Mission:

The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center began activities in November 2005 with a flu shot drive and turkey giveaway.  The vision of Dr. Ram Kairam, Chair of the Pediatrics Department, CHEC strives to deliver health education to residents of the South and Central Bronx.  Staying true to the mission of the hospital as ‘doctor to the community’, CHEC builds partnerships with local tenant organizations, schools, shelters, community centers, and other neighborhood services to support health promotion activities.  

The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) provides speakers on a variety of health topics, uses fun activities to teach children, and works to develop ongoing relationships with community partners.  CHEC encourages community participation in our programs.  If you have an interest in health education and would like to volunteer, you are encouraged to contact us. 

Our Supporters:

The Fledgling Fund supports a CHEC project that engages young women from the Claremont neighborhood in activities to promote healthy living and skills in personal and career development.

Since January 2007, CHEC has held a Health Leadership Program at the Butler Community Center, located in a New York City Housing Authority Development.  Weekly groups include health topics such as nutrition, stress, drugs, violence, relationships, reproductive health and rights.  Group activities will also include photography and writing workshops to encourage creative methods of personal development.  The girls will participate in monthly field trips and will be trained as peer educators during the summer.

At the Crotona Inn Family Shelter, Fledgling Fund supports the development of a Health Council, made up of parents who are residents with an interest in receiving training and helping to support and educate their peers. 

Past CHEC Events:

Healthy Baby Day 5/25/06

In partnership with Bronx Health Link, CHEC provided education on breastfeeding, healthy home environment, SIDS and Shaken Baby Syndrome prevention, immunizations, nutrition, pregnancy and HIV to 24 moms.

Teen Talk Summit 6/5/06

In collaboration with the Bronx District Public Health Office, the Citizen Advice Bureau, Day One, and La Bruja, CHEC provided education on asthma, teen pregnancy, STIs, date rape, and depression to 53 youth and several adult members of the Community Advisory Board for Child Health and their peers.  Youth members of CAB chose topics and organized this event.

Forever Healthy Teen Summit - 7/19/06

Provided health education literature to teens and parents.

Car Free Sunday - 10/8/06

Provided nutrition and exercise information to 56 residents from the Grand Concourse/Mt. Eden neighborhood; completed 69 brief surveys with community members.

Claremont Neighborhood Center - 10/5/06

Nutrition education to approximately 33 elementary age children enrolled in after school program.

Haunted Halloween Walk at Crotona Park - 10/21/06

Partnered with SOBRAP to provide asthma education; surveyed 16 teens and parents.

M.S. 206 - 10/25/06  

Provided diabetes education to approximately 20 parents of school children.

P.S. 11     11/13/06

CHEC partnered with the South Bronx Asthma Partnership (SOBRAP) to provide asthma and healthy eating information to parents of school children at parent-teacher event.

Where is CHEC working?

William Hodson Senior Center

1320 Webster Avenue

CHEC has had more than 181 educational contacts with members of the senior center at monthly workshops.  Events have included education on diabetes, arthritis, vision care, breast and colon cancer screening, depression, and medication management.  Next topic is Alzheimers information and current treatment options.

Robert Fulton Terrace Houses

530-540 E.169^th Street

CHEC has had more than 275 educational contacts with residents of this housing community at monthly workshops.  Events have included education on smoking cessation, asthma, STIs, dental care, Medicaid and Medicare, teen health, arthritis, mental health, diabetes, heart disease, colon and breast cancer, injury prevention, child development issues, vision care and screening.  In addition, over 100 adults and children received flu shots in November 2005.

Butler Community Center

1368 Webster Avenue

Since January 2007, 12 girls (ages 13-19) have completed applications to participate in Health Leadership Program.  From 6-11 girls have attended weekly sessions on getting to know each other, identifying our values, and healthy relationships. Life Planning Education curriculum will continue through June 2007.

Crotona Inn Family Shelter

3674 Third Avenue

CHEC has had 135 educational contacts with residents of the Crotona Inn shelter at monthly workshops.  Events have included education and screenings for HIV and asthma, teen health, STIs, nutrition, prenatal care, self-care, child development, and depression.

Contact us:

Community Health Education Center

Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center

1650 Selwyn Avenue Suite 2A

Bronx, NY 10457

Program Coordinator, Mary-Elizabeth Vachon at 718-960-4528

mvachon@bronxleb.org