Sharing the care - Neighborhood watch: Washington Heights - Columbia University offers seven dental clinics free to children - Brief Article

Real Estate Weekly, March 10, 2004 by Peter Moore

A longtime presence in Upper Manhattan, Columbia University, is actively staying involved in community affairs by helping both adults and children.

Sandra Harris, director of government and community affairs at the University's Health and Sciences Division, located in Washington Heights, said the university worked to help area youth through various clinical programs throughout the area.

"Basically, we partner with the community in different areas," Harris said. "One example of this is the School of Dental and Oral Surgery."

The school has set up seven dental clinics around the Washington/ Hamilton Heights area enabling local children to obtain full-service dental care.

"The services are provided free of charge to children," Harris said.

In addition, the university helps parents get set up with Medicaid and Child Health Plus coverage.

The university also provides clinics within area public schools providing social and mental health services. The university's Center for Community Health and Education provides health and reproductive services for women and adolescents.