News and Events – February 2024
“Know Your Status” HIV testing community event
On March 19 and 20, The Floating Hospital’s community outreach staff will host one of our ongoing HIV testing events. The “Know Your Status” initiative aims to raise awareness about HIV prevention, provide accessible free testing services and offer resources for at-risk individuals. In addition to testing, we offer fun activities, refreshments, games and prizes.
We remind people that the only way they can know your status for sure is to get tested—it’s the first step to living a full and healthy life. Starting treatment after early diagnosis will reduce HIV-related illness and will help prevent transmission to others. People who learn they are HIV-negative can make informed decisions about their lifestyle and healthcare choices that can protect them from being infected, such as taking PrEP as a preventative measure.
Learn more about our infectious disease practice
Know Your Status event flyer
Concert for College
On the evening of February 8, The Floating Hospital’s Community Outreach team was proud (and thrilled) to be a part of the inspiring NYC Kids RISE Concert for College. This remarkable event, held at the LaGuardia Performing Arts Center, wasn’t just a gathering; it was a vibrant celebration of hope, music, and community spirit to fuel the educational futures of New York City’s public school students. With the legendary Grammy-award-winning gospel sensation Bishop Hezekiah Walker and the Love Fellowship Tabernacle Choir taking center stage, the night was electrified with soul-stirring performances that not only entertained but also illuminated the path to higher education for students from Long Island City, Astoria and Woodside.
The concert, a testament to what communities can achieve when united for a cause, successfully raised over $200,000. These funds are earmarked for scholarships, benefiting students across nine elementary schools in Queens through the NYC Kids RISE Save for College Program. The Floating Hospital was a proud partner of this endeavor, reinforcing our commitment to lifting the lives of those in our community. It was a night where music met philanthropy, and together, we helped turn college dreams into achievable plans for countless students.
Celebrating Black History Month with a splash of health and heritage
February is Black History Month and our health education space is lively with enthusiasm. Every Monday, we dive into the lives of trailblazing historical figures with captivating activities. From artistic expression and storytelling to interactive games and rewards, we explore their monumental contributions. Imagine our classroom as a gallery adorned with portraits of remarkable Black leaders, each picture linked to a digital voyage of discovery through QR codes. Kids (and adults) can dive into these stories and legacies that shape our world.
Our festivities include our annual “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “I Have a Dream” essay completion and trivia on notable celebrities across multiple industries. Educators presented Caribbean, Central and South American food dishes influenced by African roots and culture.
We’re not just celebrating history; we’re weaving it into the fabric of health education. Through engaging workshops, seminars and hands-on sessions, we empower our community with essential health knowledge and resources, aligning with a beautiful vision of equality and access to healthcare for all.
This post is featured in our monthly newsletter from February 2024.
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The Floating Hospital provides high-quality healthcare to anyone who needs it regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, immigration or insurance status, or the ability to pay. By providing unrestricted medical care in tandem with health education and social support to vulnerable New York City families, The Floating Hospital aims to ensure those most in need have the ability to thrive, not just survive.
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