Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health Center

The Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health Center (WYH) is a prominent Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with a rich history of serving the Capital Region of New York. Established in 1971, the center was named in honor of Whitney M. Young, Jr., a distinguished civil rights leader and former executive director of the National Urban League. Young's lifelong commitment to racial justice, social equality, and his efforts to provide access to good jobs, education, housing, health care, and social services for disenfranchised African Americans inspired the founders of WYH to dedicate the organization to his legacy. WYH's core mission is to deliver equitable, accessible, and quality healthcare, empowering its diverse community to achieve better health and wellness. They envision a future where all people attain their highest level of health and well-being. This mission is actualized by providing comprehensive primary medical, dental, and behavioral health services to a population of over 20,000 men, women, and children annually across its health centers in Albany, Troy, and Watervliet. A significant portion of WYH's patient base consists of medically underserved individuals in high-needs areas, many of whom live at or below the federal poverty level. The center prides itself on offering care without regard to income and accepts most health insurances. For uninsured patients, a sliding fee scale is available, and the center also assists with enrollment in suitable health plans. The diverse patient population speaks over 40 different languages, and WYH provides interpreters and utilizes technology-based interpretation services to ensure culturally sensitive and inclusive care. Services offered by the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health Center are extensive and include: Primary Medical Care: Comprehensive primary care services for all ages, including general check-ups, preventative care, women's health (OB/GYN), pediatrics, ophthalmology/optometry, and podiatry. Dental services: A full range of dental care, from preventative services like cleanings and sealants (through programs like "Seal-A-Smile" in schools) to restorative care and emergency treatments. They are a significant provider for Medicaid dental patients in the area. Behavioral Health Services: This includes mental health counseling, addiction treatment services (such as their Family Alcoholism and Chemical Treatment Services (FACTS) and Methadone Maintenance Treatment Program (MMTP)), and care coordination. They provide integrated behavioral health approaches with support groups, counseling, referrals, and medication management. Specialized Programs: WYH also provides HIV outreach, testing, and treatment services, immunizations, pregnancy testing, WIC services, school-based health centers, and a mobile health unit called "Whitney on Wheels" that delivers medical care to schools, public housing, and community centers. Support Services: To alleviate barriers to accessing care, WYH offers transportation, translation services, patient education, nutrition support, and case management. They emphasize a patient-centered medical home model, ensuring coordinated and comprehensive care. The center is accredited by The Joint Commission and recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) as a Level 3 Patient-Centered Medical Home, reflecting its commitment to continuous improvement and high-quality patient outcomes. With a team of dedicated healthcare professionals, including psychiatrists, licensed social workers, and physicians, the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health Center remains a vital resource for accessible and compassionate healthcare in the Capital Region.