A lung capacity test in progress at the SIEDC Staten Island Health & Wellness Expo. (Courtesy SIEDC)
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – Diabetes, heart health, drug misuse and youth mental health were among the topics explored by more than 750 attendees at this year’s Staten Island Health & Wellness Expo, held Thursday at the Grand Oaks Country Club.
The annual event, hosted by the Staten Island Economic Development Corp. (SIEDC) returned for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are taking control of our health as a community,” said Diane Arneth of Community Health Action of Staten Island, who serves as the SIEDC event’s ambassador. “The Expo is a platform to learn about the latest resources available to address the most pressing needs in healthcare and to engage with one another. It also offers invaluable free medical screenings to those in need.”
According to a press release from the SIEDC, more than 400 medical screenings ranging from hearing exams to lung capacity testing and COVID-19 and flu vaccines were offered.
NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan at the SIEDC Staten Island Health & Wellness Expo. (Courtesy SIEDC)
Attendees also heard comments from NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan, who opened the event with a focus on public health concerns including polio and COVID-19.
Breakout sessions were tied to timely health issues, ranging from trainings in life-saving “bleed control” tactics and Narcan administration, to a deep dive into careers in healthcare.
STATEN ISLANDERS HONORED
Dr. Carolyn Taverner, Program Director and Senior Clinician at Emma's Place, and Chief of Department of the FDNY, John Hodgens, at the SIEDC Staten Island Health & Wellness Expo. (Courtesy SIEDC)
Staten Island resident and Chief of Department of the FDNY, John Hodgens, presented the Community Health Hero Award to Dr. Carolyn Taverner, Program Director and Senior Clinician at Emma’s Place – Staten Island Grief and Loss Center for Children and Families.
Hodgens was then surprised with Philip Matteo Civil Service Award.
Three Staten Islanders were also presented with “Healthcare Hero” awards: Heather Butts, co-founder and executive director of H.E.A.L.T.H. for Youths; Anthony Ferreri, former regional director of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; and Dr. Johnathon LeBaron, chair of Richmond University Medical Center’s (RUMC) Department of Emergency Medicine.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Students prepare for CPR training at the SIEDC Staten Island Health & Wellness Expo. (Courtesy SIEDC)
More than 200 students learned to perform CPR, and participate in a “Careers in Healthcare Panel” and eight other sessions offered by experts in the fields of healthcare, wellness and addiction.
The event’s free medical exams were provided by RUMC, Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health (SIUH), Audiology Island, Super Health Pharmacy, Community Health Center of Richmond and Community Health Action of Staten Island.
Fitness and yoga demonstrations were provided by the YMCA and JCC of Staten Island.
The SIEDC Health & Wellness Expo is presented by Mid-Island Councilman David Carr, RUMC, and SIUH. Other sponsors include: AT&T, JPMorgan Chase, National Grid, NYC Department of Youth & Community Development , Puddin’ Kids First – The Vincent Gruppuso Foundation, Signature Bank, and Super Health Pharmacy.
A flu shot in progress at the SIEDC Staten Island Health & Wellness Expo. (Courtesy SIEDC)
Dr. Anthony Ferreri (left) and City Councilman David Carr at the SIEDC Staten Island Health & Wellness Expo. (Courtesy SIEDC)
Diane Arneth speaks at the SIEDC Staten Island Health & Wellness Expo. (Courtesy SIEDC)
Dr. Johnathon LeBaron and RUMC President/CEO Dr. Daniel Messina at the SIEDC Staten Island Health & Wellness Expo. (Courtesy SIEDC)
FDNY Chief of Department John Hodgens with SIEDC President Gina Gutman at the SIEDC Staten Island Health & Wellness Expo. (Courtesy SIEDC)
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