Healthfirst hosts Cinco de Mayo resource fair at Elmhurst Hospital

Keeping with the festive theme, a live mariachi band performed at the hospital, which the nonprofit said added a cultural element that reflected the community it serves.

The event included informational resources such as a “Rethink Your Drink” nutrition session — which was conducted in both Spanish and English — as well as eligibility screenings for Medicare Savings Program (MSP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).

Several local officials attended the event, including Mike Milinic, chief operating officer of NYC Health and Hospitals/Elmhurst; Evelin Vazquez, deputy chief of staff for Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz; a representative from the office of State Sen. Jessica Ramos; a representative from the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs; and a representative from the Hispanic Federation.

Throughout the celebration, Healthfirst helped Queens residents make healthier choices and connect to programs that can lower health care costs, while also linking attendees to local organizations and essential community services. 

According to a news release from Healthfirst, the nonprofit is committed to engaging members through culturally relevant programs that improve access to care. 

More than half of Elmhurst residents identify as Hispanic, the nonprofit noted, so events like cultural celebrations help bridge communities to trusted health resources and support. 

“Healthfirst is rooted in the communities we serve,” said Miguel Centeno, vice president of community engagement for Healthfirst. “We live here, we work here, and we understand the cultures and experiences that shape our members’ lives.”

He added that events like the Cinco de Mayo Celebration and Resource Fair bring the nonprofit’s commitment to life by connecting families to trusted, culturally relevant resources and access to the care they need.

Alina Moran, CEO of NYC Health and Hospitals/Elmhurst, echoed Centeno’s sentiment and added that the hospital was grateful for its longstanding relationship with Healthfirst to host events like the Cinco de Mayo celebration.

“Programs like this allow our neighbors to learn about the resources available to them in clinical care as well as social services,” Moran said. “NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst is dedicated to strengthening holistic care for our patients by making these resources more visible and easier to access.”