Welcome To Betances Health Center



	Have a question about our service or our website? Betances is always willing to answer all of your health related questions, you can send an e-mail to info@betances.org or visit our contact us page

Contact Us:

280 Henry Street

New York, NY 10002

Tel: 212-227-8401

Fax: 212-227-8842




Betances' proven organizational ability builds on 35 years of experience in serving the unique needs of the Lower East Side's diverse and underserved population. Our staff excels at meeting the medical needs of that population. Accountability with regard to local community needs and concerns is upheld through a high level of participation in the Lower East Side consortia and others working to improve health delivery in similar populations. Betances' staff participate as members in numerous citywide and national organizations: The Community Health Care Association of New York State, The National Association of Community Health Centers, The Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies, The Hispanic Federation, and the New York AIDS Coalition.
Our Founder
Paul Ramos (1941-2000) was a staunch advocate of affordable health care and social justice. As founder and Executive Director of Betances Health Center, Paul worked tirelessly on behalf of the people of the Lower East Side - and beyond - to meet the desperate need for accessible quality health care and social services. Paul founded Betances in 1970, and initially ran the agency out of a makeshift office above a pickle factory, delivering health services from a mobile medical unit. Largely through Paul's determination and hard work, Betances found a permanent home on Henry Street in the Lower East Side, one of New York City's most diverse immigrant communities, where it has become one of the leading comprehensive primary care facilities serving poor and disenfranchised community members. Paul guided Betances' accomplishments and status as an early provider of "culturally competent, holistic" care long before the terms became buzzwords. Over the center's three decade history, many came to see Paul as a modern day incarnation of the agency's namesake, Ramon Emeterio Betances, a 19th century Puerto Rican physician and poet known as the "Father of the Poor", who received a medical degree in Europe and then returned to Puerto Rico to found a hospital, defend the island against a cholera epidemic, and fight against slavery.

Our staff includes board certified physicians, as well as physician assistants and nurse practitioners. Additionally, we have certified social workers and counselors and a registered dietitian.
Wanda Evans, Executive Director		Wanda Evans, a native New Yorker, joined Betances in 1971. Ms. Evans served as Deputy Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer for 28 years prior to assuming the role of Executive Director. Her dedication and commitment to the needs of the health care community and the agency have led to the growth and continuing success of Betances Health Center. Wanda Evans also serves on the Boards of Directors of the Primary Care Development Corporation and the Community Health Care Association of New York State, and serves on the Members Advisory Council of the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies. Ms. Evans has two children and three grandchildren.


Betances Clincial Staff

Teresa Cuadra, MD Medical Director		Maria Cellario, MD Asst Director, Pediatrics
	Sayaka Ogata Nurse Practitioner	Ximena Matamala, MD OB/GYN	Rachel Lipshutz Midwife
Susan Wortsman Audiologist	Andrew Van Tosh, MD Cardiologist	Phillip Callenda, MD Ophtalmologist	Pamela Roberts, MD Podiatrist
Phong Thai, MD Podiatrist	Dennis Peng, DDS Dentist	Lenardo Vando Sarkis, MD Psychiatrist	Mariya Tsinis, MD Physiatrist
Bina Berkovich, PA-C Physician Assistant	Jose Icasas Physicial Therapist	Myla Delin Physical Therapy Asst	Jamiliah Hoy-Rosas, RD Nutritionist
Anthony Vera Licensed Certified Social Worker	Julia Andino Licensed Certified Social Worker