Betances Health Center was founded in 1970 as a grassroots mobile unit bringing urgently needed medical services to the lower east side's medically indigent. Their first office was above a pickle factory on Essex Street and initial services for the homeless and medically indigent included screening, immunizations, family planning, health education, advocacy and referrals.
By 1976, the organization had obtained the authorization to operate as a free clinic. In 1986 Betances Health Center moved to its current location at 280 Henry Street. Today, it has emerged as a leader in community based primary care and remains committed to its mission of promoting quality healthcare as a basic right for all, regardless of ability to pay. Our pioneering strategy of integrated care merges traditional western medicine and specialty services with holistic treatments that are consonant with diverse health care beliefs and practices.
