NYC Health + Hospitals and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs re-released a joint open letter to New Yorkers in 14 languages making a promise that no one will question their immigration status when they seek care at any of the public hospitals or community health centers across the five boroughs. In what has become a tradition to recognize Immigrant Heritage Week, NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO Mitchell Katz, MD, and Immigrant Affairs Commissioner Bitta Mostofi reaffirmed the health system’s commitment to protecting the immigration status of New Yorkers and urged immigrants to seek care without fear. Improving health care access for immigrant New Yorkers is part of the city’s plan to guarantee coverage for all through the NYC Care program that NYC Health + Hospitals will officially launch this summer.
“More than 40 percent of our patients were born outside the United States. If they forgo the health services they need because of fear, we can see much of the progress we’ve made to keep NewYork City communities healthy come undone. We would see declining health outcomes across the City, more complicated pregnancies, premature births, and increased risk of spreadable disease,” said Dr. Katz. “But we are not going to allow any immigrant family to suffer without the care they need and deserve. We want all New Yorkers to know that no matter what happens in Washington, NYC Health + Hospitals’mission remains intact and our dedicated workforce will continue to provide care to all New Yorkers without exception.”
“While the Trump Administration attempts to undermine access to healthcare, particularly for immigrant communities, New York City remains open and welcoming to all, including at NYC Health + Hospitals facilities across the City, said Bitta Mostofi. It is critical for families to receive the care they need, without fear or concern and in your language. I want to thank Dr.Katz and the exceptional health practitioners at H+H for their unwavering commitment to serving immigrant NewYorkers.”
Seeking and receiving healthcare should transcend immigration status. Healthier individuals leads to healthier families, healthier workplaces and healthier communities.
Immigrants being able to have healthcare access should be a no brainer. Unfortunately, the healthcare system in this country marginalizes, and excludes certain members of society. I think it’s a great thing to reassure immigrants that their citizenship status won’t be a factor in them receiving proper healthcare.