Essential Health Services Amid Federal Policy Changes in NYC

Brooklyn residents facing changes in federal health policies can still access vital sexual and reproductive health services at the Fort Greene Sexual Health Clinic, as announced by the NYC Health Department. The department has launched a citywide awareness campaign to emphasize services offered at its Sexual Health Clinics, including the Fort Greene location at 295 Flatbush Avenue Ext. Advertisements in both English and Spanish are appearing across various digital platforms, running through June to reach as many residents as possible.

This campaign comes amid expected shifts in federal health programs that might lead to many New Yorkers losing coverage or facing increased insurance costs. Approximately 233,000 New York City residents are at risk of losing coverage because of changes in the Essential Plan, while others might see higher premiums or lose marketplace eligibility. The clinic serves individuals 12 years and older, offering confidential services regardless of insurance or immigration status, with most services available on a walk-in basis.

The Fort Greene clinic provides comprehensive services, including STI prevention and treatment, HIV testing and treatment initiation, and HIV prevention medications such as PrEP and PEP. It also offers emergency contraception and various birth control options, including pills, patches, rings, shots, IUDs, and implants. Additionally, vaccinations for HPV, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, mpox, and meningitis are offered. The clinic is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with rapid STI testing available on Tuesdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.