Velázquez Rallies Community to Stop Republican Cuts to Vital NYC Health Centers
BROOKLYN – Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) joined local elected officials, community leaders, and health care workers at Community Healthcare Network (CHN) – Williamsburg to highlight the devastating impact a Republican funding freeze would have on the health and well-being of New Yorkers.
“Community health centers are a lifeline for millions of families in New York and across the country. But this week, Republicans put that care at risk by freezing federal grants, creating chaos and forcing some health centers to consider shutting down,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “And it doesn’t stop there, this Republican scheme would have gutted Medicaid, pushed children out of Head Start, and slashed funding for first responders. Democrats won’t stand by while working families suffer just so the ultra-wealthy can get another handout.”
Earlier this week, the Trump administration threw the community health center system into chaos by freezing all federal assistance. On Wednesday, the OMB reversed the freeze on government grants and loans, but White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later stated that Trump’s Executive Orders on federal funding remain in place. This has only added to the confusion, leaving service providers nationwide uncertain about the future of their funding.
Community health centers are a vital part of New York’s healthcare safety net, providing primary care, behavioral health services, and dental and vision care to 2.3 million patients. More than half of them rely on Medicaid. Nationwide, these centers serve over 32 million Americans each year, nearly one in ten people, ensuring access to essential care for millions of families.
At the press conference, speakers welcomed the defeat of the funding freeze and pledged to fight against any future attempts to take away resources meant for hardworking Americans.
“The American people stood up. Democrats fought back. And in the end, Republicans backed down,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “But this was just round one. We will keep standing up in Congress, in the courts, and in our communities to protect the services New Yorkers rely on.”
Freezing funding for community health centers isn't just a budget cut—it's a direct attack on the important care millions depend on. When these lifelines are at risk, it’s the everyday working families who suffer the most, and we won’t back down until their care is protected,” said Assemblywoman Maritza Davila.
“Our CHN Williamsburg Health Center sees over 5,500 patients per year, of all different ages and needs. Some of my patients have been coming to CHN for 30 years now, holding deep trust in the care we provide. CHN is here to provide a full range of services, from primary care to behavioral health, dental, nutrition, obstetrics and gynecology and more, including supportive services for the LGBTQ+ community, like HIV treatment and transgender health services. Federal funding is critical in ensuring that these services remain accessible to those who need them most. Without it, too many are left behind, unable to access vital treatments, preventive care, and the support that allows them to thrive.”- Bryan Tolentino, M.D., CHN's Director of Infectious Disease and LGBTQ+ Health
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