National Immunization Awareness Month

Posted on August 14, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

August is recognized as National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). It is a month observed to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages.

Vaccinations are important at every stage of life. They are one of the safest preventative care measures available and help play a vital role in keeping you healthy.

Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to protect the body against viruses or bacteria that cause infection. After vaccination, the immune system is better prepared to respond quickly when the body encounters the disease-causing organism.

From infants to older adults, immunizations play a critical role in preventing serious diseases such as measles, whooping cough, flu, shingles, and HPV-related cancers. Skipping vaccines can leave you and your family vulnerable to these illnesses.

Getting vaccinated plays an important role in keeping your family and community healthy, as vaccinations help protect you from infectious diseases and can lessen the severity of illness. They don’t just help protect you; they also help keep diseases from spreading to others, such as your family, neighbors, classmates, coworkers, and others in the community. Especially those who are most vulnerable to illness, such as infants, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems.

National Immunization Awareness Month offers a timely reminder as families prepare for back-to-school and flu season approaches. If you would like to help raise awareness about the importance of vaccination, encourage friends and family to talk to a healthcare provider they trust about staying up to date on their vaccinations.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month

Posted on August 7, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

August is recognized as Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month. With children preparing for the new school year, it is important to have their eyes checked.

Vision is a vital part of a child’s development. It is how they learn, play, and interact with the world around them. Uncorrected vision problems can impair child development, interfere with learning, and even lead to permanent vision loss.

Unfortunately, many eye problems in children go undetected, which can lead to long-term issues. Regular eye exams are crucial in identifying problems early, ensuring your child has the best chance for healthy vision. Good vision is essential for their performance in school, in sports, and for their overall well-being.

Vision issues in children are common in the United States. They are vulnerable to many eye problems, including:

Injuries
Infections
Nearsightedness

There are many things to be aware of that may indicate a problem with your child’s eyes, such as:

Their eyes don’t line up or appear crossed
Their eyelids are red-rimmed, crusted, or swollen
Their eyes are watery or inflamed
They rub their eyes a lot
They close or cover one eye
They tilt their head forward
They have trouble reading or doing other close-up work
They hold objects close to their eyes to see
They blink more than usual or seem cranky when doing close-up work
Things are blurry or hard to see for them

There are many ways to protect your child’s eye health, including:

Getting regular eye exams
Wearing protective eyewear during sports and other activities
Limiting screen time
Practicing healthy nutrition

If you would like to schedule an eye exam for your child, you can visit an ophthalmologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-5900.

Back to School Anxiety

Posted on August 6, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

A new school year is fast approaching. And with it comes lots of excitement, but it can also cause anxiety for children.

Starting a new school or being away from parents can cause much anxiety in children. That anxiety fades for most children as the year progresses. But for others, it doesn’t. Here are some examples of behaviors that may indicate your child is continuing to struggle with anxiety:

Continually seeking reassurance or asking repeated, worried questions despite receiving an answer
Tantrums when separating from parents or caregivers before going to school
Increased complaints of experiencing headaches, stomachaches, and fatigue in the absence of an illness
A significant change in their sleep pattern, such as taking an hour to fall asleep, or waking you up with worries during the night when they might typically sleep well
Difficulty getting along with family members or friends
Avoidance of normal activities in and outside of school

Here are some tips to help ease back-to-school anxiety:

Approach anxiety instead of avoiding it
Practice school routines
Model behavior you’d like to see
Ensure they are getting enough sleep
Check in with stress levels
Talk to school mental health professionals
Blend back to school with fun activities so the transition is less sudden

If you or your child needs the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575 to schedule an appointment.

Common Vaccines That Can Prevent Chronic Diseases or Some Cancers

Posted on July 16, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Vaccines don’t just protect you from specific infectious diseases or help reduce the severity of symptoms if you get sick. They also play a significant role in preventing you from developing common chronic diseases, including certain cancers.

What’s more, there is an increasing amount of research that has shown that vaccines can reduce the risk of developing dementia and heart conditions.

Here are some common vaccines that can prevent chronic diseases and some cancers:

HPV Vaccine

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common infection spread by skin-to-skin contact, often through sex, and is responsible for most cervical cancers. It can also cause a large number of lower genital cancers and certain head and neck cancers.

Studies have shown that rates of HPV infection, early signs of precancer, and cervical cancer have fallen since the HPV vaccine was introduced. A 2024 study of an estimated 3.5 million participants found fewer cases of HPV-related cancers in people who were vaccinated. Another study found that cervical cancer deaths among women younger than 25 years old dropped more than 60 percent in recent years, with researchers suggesting that the significant decline was most likely the result of vaccinations.

The HPV vaccine should be administered to all young people between the ages of nine and 26. It can be given to people up to the age of 45; however, the vaccine is less effective the older you are. Two doses of the vaccine are recommended for most people younger than 15 years old, and three shots for people between 15 and 26 years old and those who are immunocompromised.

Shingles Vaccine

Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox. Unfortunately, the virus doesn’t leave your body after you have recovered from chicken pox and stays dormant in your nervous system, and for some people, it can reactivate and cause a painful rash. In the U.S., an estimated one million people get shingles each year, and for certain people, it can sometimes also cause lifelong chronic pain conditions or other serious complications, such as vision loss.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the shingles vaccine is 97 percent effective in preventing shingles in adults between 50 and 69 years old.

Additionally, many large-scale studies have reported a connection between the shingles vaccine and reduced risk of dementia. There is also research that suggests the vaccine could reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as stroke, heart failure, and coronary artery disease. The CDC recommends two doses of a shingles vaccine for adults 50 and older, or people 19 years or older with weakened immune symptoms. The chicken pox vaccine for children can help prevent shingles when they’re older.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

The hepatitis B virus is a leading risk factor for liver disease and cancer later in life. It can be contracted through sexual contact, needles, and childbirth, and can be passed from person to person through blood, semen, or other bodily fluids.

Acute hepatitis B can be a short-term illness that happens within the first six months of exposure to the virus. It can cause people to have no symptoms or only mild sickness. However, the illness, which is a liver infection that can become a lifelong chronic condition if left untreated, could lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. It is recommended that all infants receive the vaccine at birth, with the series of shots to be completed in the first 15 months of their life.

Flu, Coronavirus, and RSV Vaccine

Vaccines that help prevent infections from respiratory viruses are important because they protect us against serious disease, as well as flare-ups or worsening of existing chronic health conditions.

A study done in 2020 found higher rates of severe flu infections among adults with certain chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma. Additionally, a study of 46 million adults observed that the incidence of heart attacks and strokes decreased after people received coronavirus vaccinations.

The CDC recommends that everyone six months and older should get an annual flu shot.

It is also important for those who have chronic conditions to get the coronavirus and RSV vaccines.

RSV can be devastating for children and elderly people. Getting the RSV vaccine is recommended for babies, pregnant women to protect their babies, adults ages 50 to 74 with chronic health conditions, and all adults 75 and older.

Bacterial Vaccines

Bacterial infections such as meningitis and pneumonia can also lead to chronic disabilities or even death.

The longer a person has a meningitis infection, the greater the risk of the infection causing serious complications such as hearing loss, vision troubles, memory issues, learning disabilities, brain damage, seizures, and kidney failure.

Pneumonia can have long-term effects, such as depression, heart disease, and blood vessel diseases that worsen. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, pneumonia could cause kidney, liver, and heart damage due to the organs not getting enough oxygen to function properly, or because of the immune system responding negatively to the infection.

Both bacterial meningitis and pneumonia can lead to sepsis. If treated early, a person suffering from sepsis can recover completely; however, others might experience long-term effects, including insomnia, nightmares or hallucinations, panic attacks, joint and muscle pain, decreased cognitive function, and organ failure.

The CDC recommends all preteens and teens, as well as children and adults who are at an increased risk, receive the meningococcal vaccine, as it protects against the disease that causes meningitis. Children five years and younger and adults 50 or older should receive the pneumococcal vaccine, which helps prevent pneumonia and other infections, including meningitis and sepsis.

It is important to remember that getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against worsening or serious symptoms of illness and developing chronic diseases and cancers.

To learn more about our infectious disease services or to make an appointment with our infectious disease physicians, please contact Jamaica Hospital Medical Center at 718-206-6000.

Swim Safety Tips

Posted on July 15, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Summer is here, and that means a lot of time is spent at beaches and pools where we can all cool off from the heat. Here are some important things to know before getting in the water this summer.

When around any body of water, there is always a risk of drowning. Drowning only takes a moment and is often silent. A child or a weak swimmer can drown in the amount of time it takes to send a text, check a fishing line, or apply sunscreen.

Death and injury from drowning happen every day in home pools and hot tubs, at the beach, or in oceans, lakes, rivers, streams, bathtubs, or even buckets.

Here are some facts and statistics on drowning:

It is the leading cause of death for children ages one to four years old, and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages five to 14 years old
More than half of the fatal and non-fatal drownings among people 15 years or older occur in natural waters
About 40% of drowning deaths among children ages five to 14 occur in natural water, such as oceans, lakes, rivers, and streams

Drowning can also be non-fatal. Non-fatal drowning can result in long-term health problems and costly hospital stays. Drowning injuries can cause brain damage and other serious outcomes, including long-term disability.

There are several steps you can take to prevent death or injury. Water safety is key, so being water-competent is imperative. Here are three components of water competency:

Water Smarts

Put a fence around your home swimming pool. The fence should be at least four feet high and should fully enclose the pool, and also keep it separate from the house. The fence needs a self-closing and self-latching gate
All toys that might attract a child need to be removed from the pool when no one is using it
Know your limitations, such as physical fitness and medical conditions
Never swim alone. Swim with friends or where lifeguards or water watchers are present
Always wear a life jacket while boating, regardless of swimming skill. Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket appropriate for your weight, size, and water activity. It is important to know that swim accessories, such as swim belts, floaties, armbands, or water wings, do not prevent you from drowning, and can easily slip off, especially when jumping in the water. Water wings can produce a false sense of safety for adults and children
Swim sober
Understand the dangers of hyperventilation and hypoxic blackout
Know how to call for help
Understand and adjust for the unique risks of the water environment, such as:
- Ocean rip currents
- River currents
- Underwater hazards, such as vegetation and animals
- Water temperature
- Shallow or unclear water

Swimming Skills

Swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning. However, over half of adults in the U.S. have never taken a swimming lesson. Learn how to perform these five skills in every type of water environment that you may encounter:

Getting in and out of the water safely
Float or tread water for at least one minute
Turn over and around in the water
Swim at least 25 yards
Exit the water

Helping Others

These actions will help your family or loved ones avoid emergencies, and help you respond if an emergency occurs:

Paying close attention to children or weak swimmers you are supervising in or near water
Knowing the signs that someone is drowning
Knowing ways to safely assist a person who is drowning, such as “reach or throw, don’t go”
Knowing CPR and first aid

It is important to be well-prepared when in or around pools and bodies of water, and to follow proper safety precautions to reduce the risk of drowning. These swim safety tips can help you enjoy your summer and keep you and your loved ones safe. If you or someone you are with is experiencing an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Juvenile Arthritis

Posted on July 9, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Juvenile Arthritis, also known as pediatric rheumatic disease, is an umbrella term describing inflammatory and rheumatic diseases that develop in children under 16 years.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the joints instead of fighting viruses and germs. It is the most common type of arthritis in children.

Other types of juvenile arthritis include:

Juvenile myositis is an inflammatory disease that causes muscle weakness. There are two types:

Juvenile polymyositis

Juvenile dermatomyositis

Juvenile lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints, skin, internal organs, and other areas. The most common form is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Juvenile scleroderma describes a group of conditions that cause the skin to tighten and harden

Vasculitis is a disease that causes inflammation of the blood vessels, which can lead to heart disease. According to the Arthritis Foundation, Kawasaki disease and Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HCP) are the most common forms of vasculitis in kids and teens.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome that causes widespread muscle pain and stiffness. It also causes fatigue, disrupted sleep, and other symptoms. It is more common in girls and is rarely diagnosed before puberty.

The symptoms of juvenile arthritis can vary depending on the type. The most common symptoms include:

Joint pain

Joint swelling

Joint stiffness

Fever, swollen lymph nodes, and rash

It can be difficult to diagnose juvenile arthritis in children because joint pain can be caused by many different problems. Some ways it can be diagnosed include:

Physical exams

Blood tests

Imaging scans

There is no cure for arthritis. However, it can be treated. Treatments can include:

Medications

Physical or occupational therapies

Surgery

Self-care

Jamaica Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center provides a wide range of pediatric services. If your child is experiencing arthritis symptoms, you can make an appointment by calling 718-206-7001.

Fourth of July Safety Tips

Posted on July 3, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

July Fourth is a fun time to spend with friends and family. Many of us prepare to celebrate by having barbecues, cookouts, and watching fireworks. But as we celebrate Independence Day, it is important to be mindful of ways to stay safe during this holiday, to protect ourselves and our loved ones from harm.

You may want to set off fireworks as part of your Fourth of July celebration; however, it is important to know that all fireworks, including Roman candles, bottle rockets, bombs, skyrockets, and other aerial devices, are illegal in New York City.

New York State law allows the sale and use of sparklers but limits the types and sizes. They must be handheld or mounted on a base or spike and must be no more than 500 grams of pyrotechnic composition.

However, if you live on Long Island, in New York City, or in parts of the Hudson Valley, sparklers are banned.

The safest way to enjoy them is to attend a public fireworks show that is put on by professionals. If you do use fireworks in a state, city, or county where they are legal, follow these tips for the safety of yourself and your loved ones:

Read and follow all safety information and instructions for proper use.

Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection

Keep small children away from fireworks.

Have a bucket of water or a hose ready to extinguish accidental fires.

Never allow anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs to use fireworks.

Light one device at a time.

Never try to light a device that didn’t light the first time.

Only use fireworks away from people, pets, buildings, and flammable materials.

Store fireworks in a cool, dry place that is away from children and pets

Never use fireworks around pets. Keep them indoors. Exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns or trauma, and many pets are also fearful of loud noises and can become lost, scared, or disoriented.

Soak all used and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before throwing them away.

If your state and local ordinances do not allow fireworks, consider celebrating with glow sticks, noise makers, and/or silly string as an alternative.

Here are some other tips to help you celebrate July 4th safely:

Summer heat can be unbearable and very dangerous. If there are extremely high temperatures where you are celebrating, it is important to ensure everyone’s safety by doing the following:

- Postpone or limit outdoor activities. If you must work outdoors, take frequent breaks and avoid the hottest part of the day. Never leave children or pets alone in a vehicle.

- Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary, caffeinated, and alcoholic drinks. Check that animals also have access to fresh water and shade.

- Spend time indoors in an air-conditioned place. If you don’t have air conditioning, go to a public place that has one. Check on loved ones and neighbors who may be at risk and don’t have air conditioning.

It is important to know what to do in case of emergencies, as they can happen no matter where you may be. Taking a first aid class and being trained in first aid gives you the ability to respond when minutes matter. Having the knowledge of what to do in specific emergencies and helping care for people as you wait for medical professionals to arrive gives that person the best chance for a positive outcome. No matter the emergency, being trained in first aid can be a lifesaving tool.

If you or a loved one is suffering from injuries after a Fourth of July celebration, you can schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 206-7001. If there is an emergency, call 911 immediately.

The Dangers of Misusing the Allergy Medication Diphenhydramine

Posted on June 12, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

When people are experiencing allergy symptoms such as coughs, sneezes, a runny nose, congestion, and itchy eyes, nose, or throat, they turn to allergy medications like diphenhydramine to help quell them. Diphenhydramine is an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine that, when used as directed, is usually safe for occasional allergy or sleep symptoms. However, when diphenhydramine is misused and more than the recommended dosage is taken, it can cause serious health risks.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated one million people are seen in U.S. hospital emergency departments for adverse drug events each year, and more than one-fourth are hospitalized.

Unfortunately, teenagers have been reportedly taking dangerously high doses of diphenhydramine intentionally to provoke hallucinations. In 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned that taking higher doses of diphenhydramine could lead to life-threatening complications, including heart problems, such as irregular heart rhythms, seizures, coma, or even death, after news reports of teenagers being admitted to emergency rooms or dying after a TikTok challenge encouraged them to misuse the allergy medication.

In addition to life-threatening complications, misusing diphenhydramine can lead to cognitive decline, psychiatric harm, and neurological injury.

The FDA recommends always reading the drug facts label on all over-the-counter medicines to find out if they contain diphenhydramine, how much and how often you should take them, and important safety information to avoid taking more than the dose listed and prevent serious health risks.

Here are some safety tips to reduce the risk of the potentially harmful effects of misusing diphenhydramine:

Lock medicine away safely to prevent accidental poisoning

Choose medicines that only treat the symptoms you have

Be mindful that many medicines contain multiple ingredients that may interact with alcohol dangerously

Look out for the same active ingredients in medicines taken at the same time, as it may result in an overdose

Do not take medicines longer than needed or in higher doses

Do not take medicines with side effects that impact your ability to drive safely or use heavy machinery until you are in an appropriate and safe environment

Read the dosing directions carefully, especially when it comes to infants and children

Be cautious when taking more than one medicine at a time, as drug-to-drug interactions can cause serious health effects and can even be fatal

If you or a loved one is experiencing a bad reaction or serious side effects to an allergy medication, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001. Please call 911 if there is an emergency.

Food Allergy Awareness Week

Posted on May 15, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Food Allergy Awareness Week takes place between May 10th and May 18th. It is a week dedicated to raising awareness about food allergies, which is a serious public health issue.

A food allergy occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly treats proteins found in certain foods as harmful and reacts by causing allergic symptoms, which can range from mild to severe. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

Anaphylaxis

Hives or a skin rash

An itchy sensation in the mouth, throat, or ears

Swelling of the face, around the eyes, lips, tongue, or throat

Stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea

Shortness of breath, trouble breathing, or wheezing

Severe symptoms that affect multiple parts of the body are called anaphylaxis. This allergic reaction is life-threatening. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

Difficulty breathing

Rapid heartbeat

Swelling of the throat

Drop in blood pressure

It is imperative that anaphylaxis is recognized and treated right away with epinephrine to provide the best chance for improvement.

There are two types of food allergies, immunoglobulin E-mediated and cell-mediated.

Immunoglobulin-E-mediated food allergy is the most common type of food allergy and is triggered by the body’s immune system, which makes antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE). Symptoms occur within minutes of eating food. Examples of allergies that cause IgE antibodies include:

Peanut allergy

Milk allergy

Egg allergy

Shellfish allergy

Fish allergy

Tree nut allergy

Wheat allergy

Soy allergy

Sesame allergy

Cell-mediated food allergy isn’t caused by IgE antibodies but immune cells from other parts of the body. This allergic reaction is caused by delayed hypersensitivity symptoms.

Food allergies affect 20 million adults and children in the U.S. and millions more globally.

Children are commonly associated with food allergies. However, anyone can develop a food allergy at any age, as many adults can develop food allergies without ever having a prior history of having them.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for food allergies. The only way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid the food to which you are allergic.

Food allergies are diagnosed when your healthcare provider performs tests to determine if you have them. Tests may include:

Blood tests

A skin-prick test

A special diet that avoids eating the food you may be allergic to, to see if your symptoms get better

Treatments for food allergies include medicines to help manage your symptoms or to use in case there is an emergency. They include:

Antihistamines for mild allergic reactions

Emergency medicines for severe allergic reactions, called autoinjectors, such as an EpiPen

At Jamaica Hospital, a leading allergist can diagnose your allergy-related condition. We provide consultations to patients who experience allergic reactions to medications, foods, and other substances. If you would like to make an appointment, please call (718) 206-6742 or (718) 206-7001. Dial 911 if there is an emergency.

Body Dysmorphia

Posted on May 8, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Body dysmorphia or body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition that causes you to unfairly and negatively think about how you see and feel about your body and appearance. A person who has body dysmorphia may feel embarrassed, ashamed, or anxious. Other common symptoms of body dysmorphia include:

Constantly comparing yourself with others

Constantly asking others if you look okay

Not believing others when they say you look fine

Hiding parts of your body under a hat, scarf, or makeup

Constantly checking yourself in the mirror or avoiding them entirely

Constantly grooming or exercising

Picking at your skin with your fingers or tweezers

Seeing several healthcare providers about your appearance

Having unnecessary plastic surgeries

Suicidal ideations

Avoiding social situations

Not leaving the house, especially during the day

These symptoms can cause severe disruptions in a person’s life, affecting their thoughts, which can undermine their mental and physical well-being.

Experts estimate that body dysmorphia affects about 2.4% of adults in the U.S. overall, and between 1.7% and 2.9% of people globally.

Body dysmorphia is most likely to begin in the teen or early adult years. Two-thirds of people with body dysmorphia develop the condition before the age of 18, usually around 12 or 13 years old. However, it can also start in early adulthood.

Experts don’t fully know how or why body dysmorphia occurs, but they believe multiple factors are involved, such as:

Genetics

Brain structure, chemistry, and activity differences

Cultural influences and popular media

A history of childhood abuse, neglect, or bullying

People who suffer from body dysmorphia are more likely to have other mental conditions, including:

Anxiety disorders

Depression

Eating disorders

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Substance use disorders

The symptoms of body dysmorphia can take many shapes as a person who suffers from this condition can excessively focus on one or more parts of the body, such as their:

Face, such as their nose, complexion, wrinkles, acne, and other blemishes

Hair, such as its appearance or any thinning and/or baldness

Skin and appearance of their veins

Breast size

Muscle size and tone

Genitalia

There aren’t any medical tests that can diagnose dysmorphia. A healthcare provider will perform a medical evaluation to help rule out other medical conditions and may refer you to a mental health professional for further evaluation. The mental health professional will diagnose body dysmorphia based on:

A psychological evaluation, which assesses risk factors, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to negative self-image

Your personal, social, family, and medical history

Signs and symptoms that you have experienced

The treatment for body dysmorphia often can include a combination of:

Psychotherapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and family therapy

Medications, such as antidepressants

You may find that negative thoughts about your body are hard to control, and you may even spend hours each day worrying about the way you look. Your thinking can become so negative and persistent that you may think about suicide at times. If you are having suicidal thoughts or behaviors, dial 988 on your phone to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If there is an emergency, call 911.

If you need the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575 to schedule an appointment.