Healthfirst and Community Partners Host Father’s Day Celebration and Raise Awareness about Men’s Health Issues

New York Hudson Valley event emphasizes the importance of preventive care and cancer screenings for men

Healthfirst, New York’s largest not-for-profit health insurance plan, hosted a Father’s Day celebration at their Newburgh Community Office with the goal of increasing awareness of men’s health issues. In the U.S., the third Sunday each June is Father’s Day, when we celebrate the dads and father figures in our lives. Congress has dubbed the week leading up to Father’s Day as Men’s Health Week—a time to bring awareness to preventable health issues and early detection for men and boys. Healthfirst, together with community partners Newburgh Armory Unity Center, Cornerstone Family Healthcare, and Team Newburgh Community Coalition, welcomed neighbors into the Healthfirst community office, where guests received complimentary haircut vouchers from local barbershop Lion’s Den, refreshments, and free educational resources about men’s health.

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Healthfirst encourages all men to visit a healthcare provider at least once a year for a checkup and to ask about health screenings and recommended vaccinations. (Photo: Business Wire)

Heart disease and cancer are the leading causes of death for men in the U.S. In fact, out of 100 American men, 13 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives. “Healthfirst knows that raising awareness about the importance of preventive care is one way that we can ensure more men are able to celebrate Father’s Day,” said Daniel Halevy, M.D., Vice President and Senior Medical Director at Healthfirst. “We encourage all men to visit a healthcare provider at least once a year for a checkup and to ask about health screenings and recommended vaccinations.”

Cornerstone Family Healthcare was on hand to provide blood pressure screenings and assist with basic medical information for attendees. Cultivating Healing and Justice Initiative (CHJI) Support Services Inc., an organization dedicated to helping the community cope with prostate cancer in Orange County, NY, and the Hudson Valley, also participated in the event and provided educational material about prostate cancer screenings.

“We are honored to partner with Healthfirst for the Father’s Day celebration event at their Newburgh community office in honor of Men’s Health Week,” said Luis Abramson, prostate cancer survivor and founder of CHJI Support Services. “Together with Healthfirst, we seek to advocate for equitable healthcare access and education within our communities and help address prostate cancer disparities that exist in Orange County, NY, and the Hudson Valley.”

“Healthfirst is a long-standing partner of the Newburgh Armory Unity Center, and we are excited about the many ways our collaboration is helping to empower our communities with health information and resources,” said Max Cuacuas, Director of Operations for the Newburgh Armory Unity Center. “Father’s Day is a perfect opportunity to have a conversation with your loved one about ways to prioritize their health and seek medical attention if needed.”

About Healthfirst

Healthfirst, one of New York’s largest not-for-profit health insurance companies, has earned the trust of close to two million members by ensuring access to affordable and high-quality healthcare. Sponsored by downstate New York’s leading hospital systems, Healthfirst’s unique advantage is rooted in its mission to put members first by partnering closely with its broad network of providers on shared goals. Healthfirst is also a pioneer of the value-based care model, now recognized as a national best practice. For more than 30 years, Healthfirst has worked with its network of hospital systems, community providers, and partners to improve health outcomes and advance health equity through better access to care—especially in underserved communities adversely impacted by disease, health disparities, and socioeconomic barriers to optimal health. Healthfirst has built its reputation in the community for top-quality products and services New Yorkers can depend on. It offers market-leading products to fit every life stage, including Medicaid plans, Medicare Advantage plans, Long-Term Care plans, Qualified Health plans, and Essential Plans. Healthfirst serves members in New York City and on Long Island, as well as in Westchester, Rockland, Sullivan, and Orange counties. For more information on Healthfirst, please visit healthfirst.org.

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