Essen Health Care to Mark World AIDS Day with HIV Testing Event in the Bronx on December 2, 2021

Essen Health Care, a leading healthcare network and group practice for underserved communities in New York State, announced today that in recognition of World AIDS Day (Dec. 1), they will be hosting an HIV testing clinic for Bronx residents on December 2 at their Urgent Care Office at 828 East 149 Street from 10 am and 2 pm. At-risk members of the community are urged to come to the event, learn about HIV and its treatment options, and take an HIV screening test.

At the event, Essen Health will be joined by medical professionals from SelectHealth, a specialized Medicaid plan from VNSNY CHOICE, and Destination Tomorrow, a grassroots agency and the LGBTQ+ center of the Bronx borough. Also on hand will be NYC Council Members, Vanessa L. Gibson of the Bronx 16th Council District and Diana Ayala of the Bronx 8th Council District to greet and speak with their constituents about AIDS and its impact on the Bronx community.

“The good news is, having HIV is no longer a death sentence,” said Dr. Sumir Sahgal, Founder & Chief Medical Officer, Essen Health Care. “We’ve come a long way in treating the virus, allowing those infected to lead fulfilling lives. That said, it’s as important as ever for those at risk in our community to get tested for HIV, so we can start any necessary treatments early and come up with the appropriate course of action.”

“Every Bronxite deserves to receive patient-centered care that prioritizes their health and well-being with culturally sensitive health care staff that are attentive to their unique needs,” said NYC Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson of the Bronx’s 16th Council District. “Centers like this one operated by Essen Health help all of us learn the facts about the HIV virus, the ways it is transmitted, the ways it can be prevented, and the ways it can be treated. We know that we must do the work each and every day to destigmatize HIV/AIDS in our communities and we do that by encouraging everyone to get tested.”

SelectHealth is dedicated to serving people with complex health needs. SelectHealth has the highest viral load suppression rate among similar plans in New York*. Their team consists of a dedicated HIV-experienced primary care provider, care managers, pharmacists, and a wide variety of specialists in other related fields.

Also at the event will be members of Destination Tomorrow, the Bronx LGBTQ Center that works diligently to make sure Bronx LGBTQ+ community members, and those who love and support them, have the space and knowledge to flourish.

“Destination Tomorrow is proud to partner with Essen Care, Select Health, Bronx Borough President-Elect Vanessa Gibson, and Council Member Diana Ayala,” said Destination Tomorrow’s Executive Director, Sean Coleman. “We understand that in order to End the Epidemic, we must all work together to ensure no one is left behind.  We recognize that the diversity within us strengthens our coalition, creating connections that build trust, ensuring proper care for all.”

Councilmember Gibson and Essen Health’s Dr. Sumir Sahgal will speak at the event starting at 11 am.

To find out more about Essen Health Care visit: https://www.essenhealthcare.com

*2020 eQARR, New York State Department of Health

About Essen Health Care

Founded in 1999, Essen Health Care is a growing community healthcare network and group practice with over 150 primary and specialty care physicians and 100+ advanced clinicians providing high quality, compassionate, and accessible medical care to over 100,0000 of the most vulnerable and under-served residents of New York State. Guided by a population health model of care, Essen has five integrated clinical divisions offering primary care, urgent care and specialty services, as well as nursing home staffing and care management. All clinical services are offered via telehealth or in-person at 32 medical practices and at home through our house calls program for homebound patients.

Essen is dedicated to ensuring the quality of care for all patients and has been designated a ‘Level 3 Patient Centered Medical Home’ by the National Committee for Quality Assurance.