Mineola, N.Y. - County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi, joined by Commissioner of Health Dr. David Ackman; Deputy Commissioner of Health Dr. Scott Rankin; Deputy County Executive of Health and Human Services Dr. Mary Curtis; Medical Director of Nassau Community Health Centers Dr. Gerald Mondschein; Director of Senior Citizen Affairs Sharon Mullon; and Deputy Commissioner of Mental Health Arlene Sanchez, today announced a County wide effort to participate with Nassau University Medical Center, tomorrow, Tuesday September 21, 2004, when it open its community clinics to the public so that residents can "Take a Loved One to the Doctor."

The County Executive's announcement marks the kick-off of the third annual "Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day," a national campaign designed to reduce health disparities affecting racial and ethnic minorities by encouraging individuals to go to a doctor or health professional for a health screening. It also encourages residents to maintain their medical care by connecting them with a health care professional they can continue to visit.

"This is a wonderful way for our residents to show their family, friends and colleagues how much they care by taking someone to the doctor or other health care professional," County Executive Suozzi said. "This day is about encouraging people to get health care early, when diseases and conditions can be prevented or treated successfully. We also want to end health care disparities in our minority communities. We are working to close the gap by creating awareness, providing information and motivating our residents to make healthier lifestyle choices."

In honor of "Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day," the Nassau University Medical Center has scheduled residents for free appointments at its Westbury/New Cassel, Hempstead, Elmont, and Long Beach Community Health Centers. Appointments will also be available at South Franklin Family Health Center in Hempstead.

Planned Parenthood at the Hempstead Health Center will have appointment slots open on Wednesday, September 22, 2004.

In addition, staff from the Department of Senior Citizen Affairs have arranged for health professionals to speak to senior citizen groups and discuss with them the importance of having regular checkups and how to plan ahead for a visit to the doctor.

"This program is of vital importance to our minority senior citizens," said Commissioner Sharon Mullon of the Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs. "These senior citizens are particularly vulnerable to diseases such as diabetes and strokes and may require health care interventions." According to Commissioner Mullon, "Bringing people to health care early, when diseases may be prevented or treated successfully, may add years to one's life."

A registered nurse will also make a presentation about "What's New in Heart Health & Talking to your Doctor" to Center participants at the Hempstead Senior Community Service Center, 40 Washington Street, Hempstead. Additional Centers involved in the campaign include the following:

• Magnolia Gardens Senior Lunch Program
  899 Broadway, Westbury
  
• North Merrick Senior Community Service Center
  Jewel Quinn Senior Center at North Merrick
  Brookside School, Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick
  
• Oyster Bay Senior Community Service Center
  45 East Main Street, Oyster Bay

"Nassau County is pleased to initiate these efforts," said Commissioner Mullon. "We want to empower senior citizens, especially our minority seniors, to make appropriate decisions regarding their health care and we want to motivate them to make healthier lifestyle choices."