Gotham Community Health Center Breaks Ground in Far Rockaway, Promising Critical Health Access for 47,000 Residents

The groundbreaking of the Gotham Community Health Center in Far Rockaway on February 25, 2025, signified a major advancement in health care access for local residents. Mayor Eric Adams and other officials announced plans for the center, which aims to provide a comprehensive range of health services aimed at addressing longstanding health disparities in the Rockaway community.

The new facility will offer services ranging from primary care and women’s health to mental health support, as well as dental, vision, and podiatry services. Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of this investment in bridging the healthcare gap for underserved communities, stating that the $30 million facility will improve access to vital medical services and resources for families in the area (Source: https://youtu.be/O7kyC5lSxjE&t=345).

For years, residents of Far Rockaway have faced challenges in obtaining high-quality health care, with higher rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes and a significant percentage lacking a primary care doctor. The new health center is projected to serve approximately 47,000 residents, facilitating around 47,000 visits annually once fully operational (Source: https://youtu.be/O7kyC5lSxjE&t=1208). Councilwoman Brooks Powers noted that the center represents a vital step in ensuring comprehensive health services are available to the community, addressing issues that have affected residents for generations (Source: https://youtu.be/O7kyC5lSxjE&t=999).

Officials also highlighted the urgent need for this health center, detailing how a lack of access to care has perpetuated inequities in health outcomes, particularly in communities of color (Source: https://youtu.be/O7kyC5lSxjE&t=561). The center will incorporate preventive care measures and state-of-the-art medical technologies, including mammogram machines and a CT scanner, to better serve the community’s health needs (Source: https://youtu.be/O7kyC5lSxjE&t=999).

The establishment of the Gotham Community Health Center marks a significant milestone in the city’s ongoing efforts to expand health care access and improve overall health outcomes for its residents.