EmblemHealth and AdvantageCare Physicians Host 2nd Annual Healthier Futures Health and Wellness Expo

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EmblemHealth Public Relations Office | Email: press@emblemhealth.com

Alex Gomez | Email: algomez@emblemhealth.com

Kwame Patterson | Email: kpatterson@emblemhealth.com

Queens, NY – EmblemHealth, one of the nation's largest nonprofit health insurers, was joined by world-renowned mind-body healer, speaker, and author Deepak Chopra, and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards along with other community leaders, to host Queens' annual Healthier Futures Health and Wellness Expo. The fair featured onsite health screenings, vaccinations, community services, mindfulness, and meditation activities hosted by Chopra.

"At EmblemHealth, we are bringing care straight to the heart of neighborhoods we proudly serve," said Beth Leonard, EmblemHealth's Chief Corporate Affairs Officer. "The expos raise health awareness for the mind, body, and soul and provide people opportunities to keep up with medical checkups, update their vaccinations, and learn about measures to improve their overall health and wellness."

As people return to a sense of routine, the expos provide the community with access to essential health care resources that might have been delayed during the height of the pandemic. EmblemHealth created its annual health and wellness community expos in 2021 to help eliminate barriers to care by bringing healthcare access deeper into New York City neighborhoods.

“Wellness means maintaining health in mind, body and soul,” said NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “Wellness is for all, not just the privileged few, and thanks to these programs, we can make this a reality. Opportunities for New Yorkers and Queens residents to lead a healthy lifestyle through nutrition and wellness activities like meditation, which are often inaccessible due to cost or other non-economic barriers.” 

“Having a regular meditation practice produces tangible and substantial benefits for mental and physical health,” said Deepak Chopra. “I’m honored to participate in Queens Wellness Day and offer the meditation and wellness practices that have helped millions of people across the globe.”

Along with fresh food giveaways, the expo featured a panel discussion on mental health issues impacting men and communities of color, and a women’s pavilion where women participated in health coaching, care guidance, and techniques to keep them and their families physically and mentally healthy.

Medical professionals from AdvantageCare Physicians (ACPNY) were onsite to provide health screenings for issues such as asthma, diabetes, and high blood pressure. In addition, EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care center (EHNC) representatives were onsite to provide services and awareness regarding the free healthcare resource hubs located throughout the five boroughs.

"AdvantageCare Physicians understands that to have an impact on public health, we must meet people beyond the walls of our medical offices," said Dr. Navarra Rodriguez, M.D., President and Chief Medical Officer of ACPNY. "We care for the communities we serve because we are a part of them."

EmblemHealth's series of expos bring the doctor's office directly to the people and provide information on how to get affordable ongoing health care, food, and wellness resources. EmblemHealth will host its next Healthier Futures Health and Wellness Expo in Brooklyn at Rockaway Avenue between East New York Ave and Pitkin Ave on October 8, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

In 2021, EmblemHealth partnered with community organizations and local leaders to launch its inaugural Healthier Futures Health and Wellness Expos. The fairs provided thousands of New York residents with care services, including flu and COVID-19 vaccines, health screenings, community resources, and fresh, healthy food. Check out the video from last year's expos.

Photos from our September 24, 2022 event in Queens are below.