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Your Trusted Medical Center in Long Island City
The Floating Hospital has been a beacon of compassionate healthcare for 159 years, dedicated to serving New York City's most vulnerable populations. Founded in 1866 as one of the city's first pediatric healthcare charities, we provide unrestricted medical, dental, and behavioral health services to families facing financial hardship, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Our integrated approach removes barriers to care through free transportation, health education, and essential resource distribution, including food, clothing, and hygiene products. With a modern clinic in Long Island City, we offer primary care, specialty services like optometry and podiatry, and community outreach programs that address the social determinants of health.

Our mission remains unchanged: to deliver comprehensive care while empowering families through education, socio-emotional support, and practical tools for long-term stability. The organization's commitment to innovation is exemplified by initiatives like Camp Rise Up, which provides transformative experiences for homeless youth, and our teaching kitchen that promotes nutritional literacy. Accredited by the New York State Office of Mental Health and operating under federal Public Health Service deemed status, we combine clinical excellence with community advocacy to ensure equitable healthcare access for all.
Services
Primary Medical Care Dental Services Behavioral Health HIV Testing Optometry Transportation Services Health Education Pediatric Care Chronic Disease Management Community Outreach
Highlights and features
  • We have 159 years of experience providing healthcare to underserved communities
  • We offer integrated medical, dental, and behavioral health services in one location
  • Our free Good Health Shuttle serves 300+ shelters citywide
  • We provide tailored health education and socio-emotional support programs
  • Our optometry clinic was added in 2024 to expand comprehensive care
Associations and certifications
  • New York State Office of Mental Health
  • Federal Public Health Service
What people say
Compassionate care Comprehensive services Dedicated staff Accessible healthcare Lifeline for families
Services
Primary Medical Care
Our board-certified physicians provide comprehensive primary care including preventive screenings, chronic disease management, and urgent care visits. We treat patients of all ages with a focus on holistic health maintenance and early intervention. Services include immunizations, lab work, and coordinated specialty referrals.
Dental Services
The Floating Hospital's dental program offers preventative, restorative, and cosmetic care for all ages. Services include exams, cleanings, fillings, dentures, and oral cancer screenings. Our 'Gentle Dental' approach prioritizes patient comfort and long-term oral health education.
Behavioral Health
Our licensed team provides individual, family, and group therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health conditions. Services include psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and specialized programs for domestic violence survivors and youth development.
HIV Testing
We offer confidential HIV testing, prevention education, and treatment coordination. Services include PrEP/PEP counseling, viral load monitoring, and linkage to care for positive diagnoses. Our program emphasizes reducing transmission and improving quality of life.
Transportation Services
The Good Health Shuttle provides free round-trip transportation for patients residing in shelters or public housing. Our fleet completes 22,000 annual trips, ensuring access to medical appointments and reducing barriers caused by geographic isolation.
People
Dominick DeLorenzo
Chair
Executive Director at UBS Financial Services with extensive leadership experience in finance and nonprofit governance. Committed to expanding healthcare access through strategic oversight and community engagement.
Carol Jackson
Vice Chair
Healthcare administrator with a proven track record in nonprofit leadership. Focuses on operational excellence and ensuring the organization's financial sustainability while maintaining its charitable mission.
Shani Andre
Chief Medical Officer
Physician executive with expertise in clinical administration. Oversees medical operations and quality assurance programs to maintain high standards of patient care across all service lines.
Khadijah Booth Watkins
Associate Director
Child psychiatry leader with Harvard Medical School affiliations. Specializes in training programs for mental health professionals and developing youth-focused behavioral health initiatives.
Meghan Miller
Director of Health Education
Public health expert with doctorate in education. Develops curriculum for health literacy programs and coordinates community workshops on disease prevention and wellness strategies.
Questions
What populations does The Floating Hospital serve?
We serve New York City families living below the Federal Poverty Line, including 40% children. Our services prioritize homeless families, domestic violence survivors, and medically underserved populations.
Do you require insurance for medical services?
No insurance is needed. We provide care regardless of insurance status or ability to pay, with services funded through community support and federal programs.
What specialty services are available?
We offer dental care, behavioral health, optometry, podiatry, infectious disease treatment, and chronic condition management alongside primary care services.
How can I access transportation services?
Free round-trip transportation is available via our Good Health Shuttle for patients residing in shelters or public housing. Contact our clinic for eligibility verification.
Are there educational programs for families?
Yes, we provide health education workshops, socio-emotional learning programs, and Camp Rise Up for youth development, all designed to promote long-term family stability.
How is the organization funded?
We operate through a combination of federal grants, private donations, and revenue from insured services. Our 340B drug pricing program supports low-cost medication access.
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