As members of the Woodlawn community in the Bronx, New York, we are devastated by the sudden announcement of the closure of General Pediatrics at Woodlawn as stated in the letter emailed from Boston Health Children’s Health Physicians to patients and families dated March 15th. For many families in the Woodlawn and surrounding community, this is a tragic loss as around 200 of our families have entrusted their children’s health to the amazing team at General Pediatrics at Woodlawn and cherish the convenience of the location. Many families do not have access to a vehicle.  All the other options suggested in the closing letter require access to a vehicle as none are accessible by public transportation. 

Beyond convenience, this as an access-to-healthcare issue which, during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, has caused many in our community to be concerned about the health and safety of our children.  The location of this office, in an area with a higher rate of uninsured residents (25%)*, as opposed to other areas served by Boston Children’s Health Physicians, begs the question as to the true motivations behind this closure. Sending this notification solely via email, and only in English, in a community where not everyone speaks English or has internet access is a further disservice to patients. With roughly 6 weeks notice to both staff and families, many will be left without a provider on April 30th.  This aggressive timeline is not enough to ensure this community is being cared for properly, especially during a global pandemic. 

Having this office in the neighborhood allowed many families immediate access to care. The early-morning, walk-in appointments (in non-Covid times) ensured that many families could skip an urgent care facility and visit their primary care physician instead. The drive-through Covid testing for children has been hailed as such a benefit.  There are families whose children’s lives have been saved because they could conveniently access this facility.

For the well-being of the many children that are cared for by Dr. Amy Ciner, Dr. Yardaena Osband, and Dr. Rebecca Berger it is imperative that this office remain open. As a community we are willing to do whatever it takes to keep the General Pediatrics at Woodlawn offices open.

- The Residents of Woodlawn

*According to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Community Health Profile for the Northeast Bronx