Dear ACP Colleagues:
As we have for more than a hundred years, Americans will celebrate Father’s Day on the third Sunday in June, the one day of the year designated to acknowledge the contributions of fathers and father figures in our lives.
In keeping with ACP’s mission to improve the health and wellbeing of New Yorkers, it is worth noting that June is Men’s Health Month, as our Chief Medical Officer Dr. Diego Ponieman discusses in his new blog, Understanding Men’s Health. Men are much less likely than women to have visited their doctor in the past year, so take this opportunity to encourage the loved ones in your life to schedule their annual exam! It could be the most precious gift they receive.
The traditional notion of a nuclear family – father, mother, children – has changed radically. Only 20 percent of American households consist of married couples with children. One out of three children do not live with their biological father. Research tell us that these children are more likely to be poor, to use drugs, and to experience educational, health, emotional, and behavioral problems. For many children, nonparent mentors – extended family, neighbors, teachers, clergy – fill the gap to support the child’s development, emotional stability, and self-esteem.
On Sunday, as we celebrate Father’s Day, let us be mindful that our efforts at ACP are improving access to care and addressing social determinants of health for the wellbeing of fathers and families alike.
We wish you a joyous celebration of the fathers and father figures – grandfathers, uncles and brothers, husbands, partners, and others – in your lives.
Dr. Ramon Tallaj Dr. Henry Chen Mario J. Paredes
Chairman President Chief Executive Officer