Public Employee Press

Fairs mark 100th anniversary of child clinics

Back in 1893, they started out as milk stations, sites for the distribution of clean milk for babies, the life-sustaining substance necessary to ensure that children grew up with strong bones and healthy bodies. In 1905, doctors and nurses began to staff the milk stations. Then, in 1908, the Division of Child Hygiene was founded by the city’s Dept. of Health. Their mission soon grew to encompass a fuller range of health services for their young clients. Physicals were offered for preschool children and vaccinations were given.

Critical piece of safety net
In 1925, the milk stations were re-named and the number of baby health stations kept growing. By 1937 there were 76 throughout the city. From the 1930s to the 1950s, the stations were included in the designs for public housing. In 1966, they were at their peak and 99 child health stations were open in the city. Once again, in 1990, the stations got a new name and were now called Child Health Clinics. In 1994, management of the clinics was transferred to the Health and Hospitals Corporation.

But the effects of the fiscal crisis in the 1970s impacted the clinics. In 1978, 21 clinics were closed and only 57 remained. In 1998 there were 41 clinics. Now, on the 100th anniversary of the clinics, only 24 remain open.

To celebrate one hundred years of service to the children of New York City, the clinics are hosting health fairs throughout the year in their respective communities. On Saturday, May 31, the Child Health Clinic at St. Nicholas Public Housing in Harlem opened its doors to its neighbors. Music and balloons beckoned to passers-by and the staff at the clinic welcomed an ever-changing cast of clients as they trooped in to check on their health.

DC 37 members were present to record their data and to complete a health survey. Blood pressure was just one of the many tests offered to participants at the daylong affair, along with musical entertainment and public service messages.