About
The Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center, Inc., established originally as a free pediatric clinic in 1981 and incorporated in 1987, is a prominent Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible, and cost-effective healthcare services to underserved and medically vulnerable populations in New York City. Named after Congressman Joseph P. Addabbo, Sr., a passionate advocate for affordable healthcare who represented the Rockaways and Southeast Queens for over two decades, the center continues his legacy by overcoming barriers to healthcare access and improving health outcomes for individuals and families in the community. With over 35 years of experience, the center operates five health facilities located in Arverne, Far Rockaway, Jamaica, Brooklyn, and Southeast Queens, serving a diverse patient base that includes many Medicaid recipients and individuals living below the poverty line.
The center’s mission is to be a leading provider of preventive and comprehensive primary care, treating all patients with respect, dignity, empathy, and compassion to foster strong, trusting relationships between patients and providers. It is committed to delivering culturally sensitive, patient-centered care regardless of socioeconomic status, age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, or ability to pay, offering a sliding scale discount program to ensure no one is denied services due to financial constraints.
Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center offers a broad spectrum of clinical services including primary care, adult medicine, family practice, gynecology, dental care, behavioral and mental health, pediatric care, women’s health services (including OB/GYN and family planning), endocrinology, podiatry, nutrition, infectious disease management, and on-site laboratories and pharmacies. The center also provides free testing services such as HIV, pregnancy, dental screening, and breast cancer screening. It is actively working towards becoming a Center of Excellence in Diabetes and Obesity, reflecting its commitment to addressing chronic health conditions prevalent in its patient population.
What sets the Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center apart is its deep-rooted community focus and its role as the only FQHC in certain underserved areas like Far Rockaway and Red Hook, Brooklyn. The center’s ability to adapt and expand services, including a recent facility expansion to add exam rooms and clinical support spaces, demonstrates its dedication to meeting growing community needs. Its integrated approach combines clinical expertise with social and financial support, leveraging technology to enhance treatment accuracy and patient outcomes. The center’s multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, behavioral health specialists, and administrative professionals work collaboratively to provide comprehensive care that addresses both medical and social determinants of health.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the center played a critical role in serving frontline workers and vulnerable populations by providing testing and vaccinations, underscoring its importance as a trusted healthcare provider in the community. With a patient base of over 37,000 unique individuals served in 2021 alone, the Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center exemplifies a model of community health that prioritizes accessibility, equity, and quality care, making it a cornerstone institution in New York City’s healthcare landscape.
