“Noche de Bienestar Familiar, Family Wellness Night” was hosted at the Port Chester Carver Center on Wednesday, October 2nd. Several Westchester-based healthcare agencies came together to talk to the Hispanic community about the free healthcare services available in the local community.

We were thrilled with the turnout,” said Karina Lehan, Director of Youth and Family Programs at the Port Chester Carver Center. “At Carver, we pride ourselves on offering programs for everyone—from children to seniors. This presentation, which addressed vital topics like where to access vaccines for children and the importance of cancer screenings, resonated deeply with our community. It’s rewarding to see such engagement and support for health education.”

Sherlita Amler, MD, Westchester County Commissioner of Health said, “The Hispanic population is one of the fastest growing demographics in Westchester and therefore providing programming in Spanish is very important. In Westchester, we are very fortunate to have a wealth of community agencies that work tirelessly to ensure increased health access and health knowledge for our residents.”

Resources were distributed by the following agencies:

The American Cancer Society is the leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision of ending cancer as we know it, for everyone. We are the only organization working to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.

Cancer Support Community Greater NY & CT is a non-profit organization that offers critical services, free of charge, to anyone impacted by cancer. We offer psychosocial support to adults, teens, and children diagnosed with cancer, their friends, families, and caregivers, and those who have lost a loved one to cancer. Our mission is to uplift and strengthen people impacted by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities, and breaking down barriers to care. Our programs, offered in both English and Spanish, are an essential complement to medical care, and include support groups, individual counseling, educational workshops, healthy lifestyle classes, social activities, and connection to community resources. No referrals are necessary, and we do not inquire about immigration status.

Cancer Support Team offers free, one-on-one support for cancer patients and families living in Westchester. Our team of registered nurses, case managers, and a licensed clinical social worker help those diagnosed with cancer navigate a complicated disease. Our services are provided in both English and Spanish. For over 45 years, we have worked to reduce healthcare disparities and increase access to essential healthcare services for those impacted by cancer.

Port Chester Carver Center: For over 80 years, the Port Chester Carver Center has been a cornerstone of community support, offering programs that nourish, educate, and empower individuals to thrive. Carver Center’s comprehensive services are organized into four key areas: Adult and Family Services, Aquatics, Nutrition and Wellness, and School Age & Young Adult Programming. Through these programs, the Port Chester Carver Center is committed to addressing the evolving needs of the community, while fostering health, well-being, economic stability, and social inclusion for newcomers and long-time residents alike. To learn more about the Carver Center, visit www.carvercenter.org.

Open Door Family Medical Center: For over 50 years, Open Door has provided accessible, high-quality health care and wellness services, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. Open Door offers family medicine, dental services, behavioral health care, women’s health, vision services, insurance enrollment assistance, and much more. Open Door operates seven health centers in Ossining, Brewster, Mamaroneck, Mount Kisco, Sleepy Hollow, and Port Chester, and a dental site in Saugerties. Additionally, Open Door runs nine School-Based Health Centers in the Ossining, Port Chester, and Webutuck school districts. Visit www.opendoormedical.org to learn more about Open Door.

The Westchester County Department of Health (WCDH) works to promote health, prevent disease, and prolong meaningful life for Westchester residents. The department has programs in place to control the spread of communicable diseases; ensure clean air and drinking water; enforce public health laws and sanitary codes; help people receive health care services; and provide people with information to make healthy choices. WCDH operates two community clinic sites in White Plains and Yonkers that offer free or low-cost childhood and adult immunizations, sexual health services, and tuberculosis screening & treatment. WCDH’s WIC Program provides health and nutrition education and monthly benefits to purchase nutritious foods to eligible pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, and infants and children up to 5 years of age. Bilingual Health Insurance Navigators are available at no cost to assist residents with applying for affordable health insurance through the NY State of Health Market Place.

Contact Tania Weiss, tweiss@cancersupportteam.org for more information.