You’re Invited: ColumbiaDoctors at the Farmers’ Market   

Have a health question? Not feeling great? Need a referral to a therapist, orthopedist, gynecologist, or other specialist? We’ve got you covered.

Every Tuesday through the end of August, Columbia has a booth at the Fort Washington Greenmarket, where our experts offer free health resources alongside the farmers, bakers, and food booths full of fresh produce, eggs, and bread. And you’re invited.

Staffed by doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, nutritionists, and other medical professionals, ColumbiaDoctors Outreach at the Farmers’ Market gives expert medical and health advice, referrals, and more to our Washington Heights neighbors and community. Look for a white tent with a blue “ColumbiaDoctors” tablecloth. Each week will feature a different health-centered theme, like better nutrition and how to stop smoking.

“We are committed to meeting the health needs of our local community and improving access to care to meet that commitment. We chose weekly topics based on requests from people in the community,” says Maura Abbott, PhD, AOCNP, CPNP-PC, RN, associate dean of clinical affairs at the Columbia School of Nursing and a co-lead of the ColumbiaDoctors Outreach program.

In early July, when the temperature was hot and the humidity was brutal, a Spanish-speaking man in his 50s checked in, and a simple blood pressure test showed his numbers were concerningly high. The bilingual team immediately helped him call his cardiologist and make an appointment.

Since the program’s inception in 2022, “we’ve heard from numerous grateful patients who have benefited from our screenings and headed off some serious health issues thanks to these simple interventions,” Abbott said.

Health Awareness Days for Summer 2024

• Heart Health (July 23): Our expert team members provide information, answers, and referrals in the area of cardiovascular health.
• Lung Health (July 30): Get advice and information on lung cancer screenings, how to quit smoking, and more.
• Brain and Mental Health (Aug. 6): From basic nutrition to treatments, representatives offer information, simple steps, and guidance on maintaining wellness.
• Breast Cancer (Aug. 13): One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Regular screenings are invaluable for early diagnosis and treatment.
• HPV (Aug. 20): Find out how a simple series of vaccinations can prevent the spread of the human papillomavirus and other illnesses, including cancers.
• Oral Cancer (Aug. 27): Participants can learn how a simple dental exam is key to the early detection and prevention of head and neck cancers.