Queens Community Celebrates Expanded Matilda Raffa Cuomo Health Center

QUEENS, N.Y., Sept. 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --Brightpoint Health, a leading nonprofit provider of healthcare services to New Yorkers in need, is renovating their successful clinic in Jamaica, Queens to better serve the community. The new facility is being renamed the Matilda Raffa Cuomo Health Center in honor of New York's former first lady's long history of charitable and humanitarian efforts and the Cuomo family's commitment to the founding and sustainability of Brightpoint Health.

"My mother has dedicated her life to helping the less fortunate and uplifting New Yorkers in need, and I applaud the renaming of this facility to honor her long career of service," said Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. "The new Matilda Raffa Cuomo Health Center will provide much-needed services to the Queens community and support our efforts to make a stronger, healthier New York for all."

"Matilda Raffa Cuomo and the entire Cuomo family have done so much to help the people of New York State, including their founding of this organization," said Paul D. Vitale, CEO of Brightpoint Health. "We are so thankful to the entire Cuomo family, and proud and honored to name this clinic the Matilda Raffa Cuomo Health Center."

"The naming of the Brightpoint clinic is a fitting honor for my mother, who has dedicated her life to the welfare and health of vulnerable children and families," saidMaria Cuomo Cole, Brightpoint Care Board Member.

The renovated Matilda Raffa Cuomo Health Center will offer co-located, integrated behavioral health and primary care services to better address the disproportionate rates of mental health and substance use problems and high rates of avoidable hospitalization in the area. The new center will include the addition of 3,000 square feet that will allow the facility to become a "one-stop shop" for residents. The existing center has a high success rate with patients and surveys show that an impressive 96% of patients say Brightpoint Health gives them good medical care. Brightpoint Health currently serves over 60,000 patients and clients in all five boroughs with primary health care and behavioral health and support services.

A dedicated advocate for women, children and families, Matilda Raffa Cuomo has led state, national and international initiatives that heightened visibility to such causes as children's rights, volunteerism, and mentoring. As First Lady of New York State  from 1983 to 1995, Mrs. Cuomo co-chaired the Governor's Commission on Child Care and chaired the NY Citizens' Task Force on the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect. She founded Mentoring-USA and currently chairs the New York State Mentoring Program, recently reinstated by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo.

About Brightpoint Health
Brightpoint Health is a leading nonprofit provider of integrated health care and social support services to New Yorkers, especially those challenged by poverty, discrimination and lack of access to health care. Brightpoint Health currently serves over 60,000 patients and clients with primary health care and behavioral health and support services. With almost 800 employees and locations throughout the five boroughs, Brightpoint is a leader in the provision of integrated health care in New York City. Brightpoint is known for providing the highest quality care and improved outcomes while treating each and every patient with the kindness and respect they deserve.

View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/queens-community-celebrates-expanded-matilda-raffa-cuomo-health-center-300524536.html

SOURCE Brightpoint Health