For State Assembly member Daniel O’Donnell, one of the best parts of the job is getting local residents access to what they need most.
O’Donnell—who represents Morningside Heights—offered local residents information on health care this week and free seasonal flu shots on Thursday. His office holds free health events twice a year, and with the recent onslaught of swine flu and the ongoing debate over health care reform, they were especially timely this year.
Saturday’s Health Service Day event included free screenings for blood pressure, glucose levels, cholesterol, dental health, and HIV, along with an array of informational sessions on issues ranging from nutrition to mental health. The Ryan Community Health Center administered seasonal flu shots on Thursday, provided by the New York City Department of Health.
Shane Seger, communications director for O’Donnell, called the day a great success.
“Turnout was great. About 20-22 health agencies were present,” Seger said of Saturday’s all-day event. “It’s an opportunity to get health services to communities that may not have access to them. The
Assemblyman is always looking to bring needed health services into the community.”
At Thursday’s flu shot clinic, “Turnout was bigger than in years past,” Seger said. “We’ve had 100 shots that were given out today.”
O’Donnell said he was pleased with the clinic’s efforts, and that he saw this as an opportunity to directly make a difference in the neighborhood. “One of the best things to do is to get people access to things they need, and one of those things is health care,” he said.
“We’ve done it for a number of years, and it’s been very successful. Flu is obviously a serious problem, especially for the elderly,” he said. “I know from my constituents how difficult it is to get health care now.”
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