Founded in 1970 as a grassroots mobile health unit bring urgently needed medical services to the Lower East Side's medically indigent and homeless, Betances Health Center remains committed to its mission of promoting quality health care as a basic right for all, regardless of ability to pay. Today, Betances has emerged as a leader in community based primary care, serving over 11,000 under-served patients each year. Our pioneering strategy of integrated care merges traditional Western medicine and specialty services with holistic treatments that are consonant with diverse health care beliefs and practices.

In its early years Betances operated out of a makeshift office above a pickle factory on Essex Street, delivering health services from a mobile health unit. Initial services for the homeless and medically-indigent included screenings, immunizations, family-planning, health education, advocacy and referrals. By 1976, the organization had obtained the authorization to operate as a free standing clinic.

Today Betances Health Center is a leader in culturally competent, community-based care, addressing the special health needs in one of New York City's most diverse immigrant communities. Addressing a broad range of health care beliefs and practices, our integrated health strategy combines Western medicine and family-based social services with an innovative program of holistic treatments. Betances is affiliated with the Beth Israel Medical Center.

We strive to provide culturally competent/culturally sensitive care. Members of our diverse staff speak:

1. English
2. Spanish
3. Mandarin
4. Cantonese
5. Russian
   
   

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