There was a ribbon cutting ceremony this morning at 150 Essex St., which was just named the Catherine M. Abate Health Center. Abate, who died this past spring after battling cancer, was president of the Community Health Care Network. The non-profit organization operates 12 centers throughout New York, including the Lower East Side facility.
Today’s event was attended by a large number of current and former elected officials, including Mayor David Dinkins. Before joining Community Health Network, Abate was a popular state senator and ran a variety of governmental agencies, including the city’s corrections department. The officials paid tribute to her as a tireless advocate for affordable health care in under-served communities.
As part of the naming, the non-profit organization is debuting a wellness program offering holistic medical services. You can read more about that program here. The Lower East Side facility has operated since 1971.
