Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health Center

The Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health Center (WYH) is a prominent Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) dedicated to delivering accessible and equitable quality healthcare services. Established in 1971, the organization was named in honor of Whitney M. Young, Jr., a renowned civil rights leader and former Executive Director of the National Urban League, whose lifelong commitment to social justice and equality, particularly in healthcare access, inspired its founding. WYH serves over 20,000 individuals annually across its health centers in Albany, Troy, and Watervliet, New York. Its mission is to empower diverse communities to achieve better health and wellness by providing comprehensive care without regard to income or insurance status. A significant portion of its patient population comprises medically underserved individuals in high-needs areas, many of whom live at or below the federal poverty level and speak more than 40 different languages. To address these diverse needs, WYH offers translation services and employs culturally diverse staff. The range of services provided by Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health Center is extensive and designed to offer "whole-person care." These include: Primary Medical Care: Routine check-ups, sick visits, and management of chronic conditions. Dental Services: From routine cleanings and fillings to emergency dental treatments. Behavioral Health Services: Counseling, psychiatric care, and support for mental health challenges. Pediatrics: Comprehensive care for children from birth through their teenage years. Women's Health: OB/GYN services, family planning, and prenatal care. Addiction Treatment Services: Addressing substance abuse and recovery support. Laboratory Services: Routine blood draws available at the Albany Health Center. Mobile Health Unit (Whitney on Wheels): Provides primary and preventative health services at various community locations, including schools, homeless shelters, and residential treatment centers. School-Based Health Centers: Offer medical care to students in partnership with local school districts, including yearly physicals, sick visits, immunizations, and referrals to specialists. WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Program: Nutrition support for eligible families. Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health Center is recognized as a Level III Patient-Centered Medical Home by the National Committee for Quality Assurance, signifying its commitment to a holistic, patient-centered approach to care. The organization also actively works to alleviate barriers to accessing care by providing transportation assistance, patient education, and case management services. Its operations are supported by a tech stack that includes WordPress, jQuery, and PHP, reflecting an embrace of technology to enhance healthcare delivery.