A coalition is demanding the state reopen two Brooklyn public health clinics, saying too many residents were left to fend for themselves.
Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center recently closed the Sister Thea Bowman Health Center at 1205 Sutter Ave. The clinic is the fourth clinic operated by Kingsbrook to shut its doors. Kingsbrook said low reimbursements from the state forced it to close facilites.
In response, community leaders and residents have formed the Central Brooklyn Health Crisis Coalition. The group claims the closures have left up to 20,000 residents without affordable health care options.
The coalition is seeking help from lawmakers and has even turned to YouTube to start a video campaign.
The organization has also drafted a proposal that includes reopening two of the closed clinics for at least 90 days until federal funding can be secured. The coalition has turned its plan over to state health officials.
The New York State Department of Health said it is reviewing the plan.