Jackson Heights, NY – August 9, 2025 — More than 600 people gathered on Saturday in Jackson Heights, Queens, for Apicha Community Health Center’s annual Health Fair, held in celebration of National Health Center Week 2025. The event showcased Apicha’s ongoing commitment to providing compassionate and inclusive healthcare for all, regardless of ability to pay or insurance status.
Throughout the day, Apicha’s healthcare team conducted over 100 screenings for blood pressure, Body Mass Index (BMI), and oral health. Families received nutritional guidance from Apicha’s pediatrician, and attendees were assisted with enrolling in health insurance and food assistance programs such as SNAP. Eighteen community partner organizations were present, offering free services and information on health, education, immigration, and social support.
“Compassionate care is not a slogan — it is a practice. For patients. For families. For entire communities,” said Apicha CEO Therese R. Rodriguez in her remarks. “The health center model of care was built on a vision, on a simple but radical belief, that healthcare is a human right.”
The highlight of the day was the presentation of the Community Health Champion Award to Juttana “Moo” Rimreartwate for his outstanding contributions to local public health. Known for spearheading the creation of Little Thailand Way, Mr. Moo took decisive action early in the COVID-19 pandemic to secure vaccines and set up a vaccination center for elderly and vulnerable restaurant workers in the Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, and Woodside communities — neighborhoods that were disproportionately impacted during the pandemic.
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Recognizing his work, Dr. Venus Vacharakitja, Apicha’s Senior Director of Behavioral Health Integration, said, “While Mr. Moo has helped stop the spread of disease and infections, his love and dedication to the community is infectious.”
The fair featured participation from organizations including Thai Community USA of NYC, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Health First, Fidelis Care, MetroPlus Health, AmidaCare, Voces Latinas, Literacy Partners, Emerald Isle Immigration Center, Make the Road NY, DOH Corona Sexual Health Clinic, Translatina Network, YMCA Flushing, Asian Americans for Equality, Bangladeshi Ladies Association, and the Bangladeshi Institute for the Performing Arts.
Several elected officials attended to congratulate Apicha and express their appreciation, including State Senators John C. Liu and Jessica Ramos, State Assemblymembers Steven Raga and Jessica González-Rojas, and representatives from the offices of Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz and Governor Kathy Hochul. The Governor’s office presented Apicha with a Special Proclamation in recognition of its work.
Serving more than 9,000 New Yorkers annually, Apicha Community Health Center provides a wide range of services, including primary care, pediatrics, women’s health, dentistry, HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, behavioral health, and health education. The Jackson Heights clinic also assists patients with Medicaid and SNAP enrollment to ensure access to essential resources.