In order to access the ship in the early days, all passengers were inspected by two doctors—one of our own and one from the Board of Health. They made sure the person standing in front of them matched the physician-signed ticket with the child’s illness indicated; that no child was older than six, unless a “little mother” (an older sister in charge of a younger sibling, with the mother absent); and to make sure no one had a contagious disease.

For women living in family homeless shelters, self-care is rarely a priority and is often difficult to access. Between work, managing childcare, and navigating shelter systems, a mother’s health can easily fall to the bottom of her priorities list.

A night to remember: Since 1866, The Floating Hospital has ensured that New York City families have what they need to survive and thrive by providing healthcare, education, and relief services to all who come through our doors. This year, we turn 160, and we are celebrating!

Thank you for lighting the way | Platinum Seal of Transparency | 16 candles for 16 decades | In memoriam: Claudia Coger | Ship’s Log: 1951-Civil Defense

In December, Candy Cane Lane once again transformed The Floating Hospital’s Community Center into a jolly replica of Santa’s workshop, with twinkling lights, tinsel, and gifts galore, prompting squeals of delight and merry faces everywhere. 

The flu season this year in the city and state is worse than usual, and in some ways even record-breaking. Although cases appear to be subsiding from their highs in December, city health officials and Floating Hospital medical staff are still urging caution as the flu season can run until May.

We are all feeling warm and fuzzy this December thanks to another generous cash donation for coats and clothing from Rise Light & Power and the clever and resourceful staff at Kohl’s Vestal, New York location.

On the verge of The Floating Hospital’s 160th anniversary, external and internal changes that have occurred this year have been as reinvigorating as they have been challenging.

The year’s end marks a milestone for The Floating Hospital, with the retirement of Vice President of Communications and Marketing Barbara LaPlaca.

The time for giving | Coats, toys and pjs, oh my! | On an international stage | In the long run

Welcome back to Leadlines, a collection of recent articles highlighting topics that are relevant to The Floating Hospital’s mission. We hope it will provide a fuller understanding of the issues that drive our work each day.

What started with a vision of The Floating Hospital waiting room filled with patients reading books has turned into a reading program that travels from the main clinic to our other sites at family shelters in the Bronx and Brooklyn.

When our new clinic opened in 2021, it took center stage in our model of patient care. Our bright and cheerful waiting areas and exam rooms along with a teaching kitchen and classroom for kids and adults have reassured and even delighted patients, many of whom are experiencing the most difficult challenges of their lives.

In many young adult lives, opening a checking account (or savings, if you’re lucky) is a rite of passage. But paying taxes, stretching a paycheck to cover monthly expenses, finding, building and managing credit or applying for loans or mortgages, are not innate skills.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month | Candy Cane dreams | A day for women’s wellness | Loukoumi Make a Difference Foundation | Website redesign: A new look

The expression “Power couple” may be overused, but it fits in the case of Shani and Wakim Andre. She is chief medical officer and executive vice president of clinical administration for The Floating Hospital. He is the head of marketing, North America for Biocon Biologics.

For one week in August, a group of 101 teens, ages 12 to 15, living in temporary housing had the time of their lives as they learned important lessons about themselves and their developing bodies and minds.

The “Giving Gals” of Montrose, Pennsylvania have been sewing dresses and quilts for our young patients for many years. This month, they had a moment in the spotlight. Monica Morales, an Emmy award-winning investigative reporter for PIX11 News, is the host of Monica Makes It Happen, which highlights social issues such as food insecurity and human trafficking.

This month’s selection is reflective of health policy on a federal level and the challenges our patients face locally regarding health, food insecurity, and other socio-economic issues.

Measles | Covid 19 and other vaccines | Cancer rates increasing in young adults | Food insecurity

In a scene familiar from numerous historical works of fiction, a once healthy girl or woman takes to bed, clammy from fever and frail from a racking cough. She rarely survives the next chapter.