Dr. Romita Recieves City Council Award
I was asked to join the board of directors of the prestigious Madison Square Boys and Girls Club of NY in 2002, as the first physician in recent years. Madision is the second oldest such organization in NYC founded in 1882 and is esteemed for the excellence of its efforts in the youth movement and for the prominence of its board of directors.
My goal was to establish an effective initiative for the organization to address the health needs and lifestyle standards of the inner city underprivileged children and families it served. In 2003 we began a series of “health fairs “ to integrate medical, nutritional and wellness services provided by local hospitals , physicians and municipal agencies in proximity to each of the clubhouses in the boroughs of Bronx Queens and Brooklyn.
Through the efforts of me and the clubhouse directors, we created a program which has increased in effectiveness and awareness with each passing year. Participating health care institutions and providers provide insurance subsidies, healthy nutrition and hygienic services to the member families which were either unknown or in short supply.
Children receive at no charge, treatment and diagnosis of diabetes, asthma, hypertension and obesity all endemic problems of inner city families. Many of these residences were only minimally or not at all aware of the availability of these services. There is an increasing epidemic of these childhood conditions, which if left unchecked can severely affect their adult lives.
Now in its sixth year the health and wellness initiative has expanded to include many more willing providers all eager to join in this nationally recognized effort.
I am very proud this year to have received the prestigious citation of merit from the NYC Council. The health and wellness initiative has been taken up by Boys and Girls Clubs of America. I am very proud to have served in its formative stages and will continue to participate in its growth. |
