Ocean Bay CDC & The Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center Host Breast Cancer Awareness

Queens, NY — Ocean Bay Community Development Corporation (CDC) and the Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center (JPAFHC) came together to host a Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon on Monday, October 27, at the Ocean Bay Older Adult Center in Arverne. The event honored survivors, featured empowering guest speakers, and reminded attendees that early detection saves lives.

Participants were encouraged to “wear any shade of pink” as a symbol of unity, strength, and hope. Through personal stories and shared experiences, speakers highlighted the power of community and access to preventive health services in saving lives.

“Breast cancer awareness is more than a single month—it’s a commitment to empowering women and men with access, education, and support,” said Renee Hastick-Motes, MPA, CEO of the Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center. “Events like this luncheon remind us of the power of early detection and our shared responsibility to ensure every woman—regardless of insurance status—has access to life-saving screenings.”

The luncheon reaffirmed Ocean Bay CDC and JPAFHC’s shared mission to build healthier, more informed communities through partnership, education, and compassionate care.

“Our community thrives when we come together to uplift one another,” said Ebony Littlejohn-Beaty, Executive Director of Ocean Bay CDC. “Today’s luncheon not only honored survivors but reminded us of the importance of access—access to care, to information, and to hope. Ocean Bay CDC is proud to partner with Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center to continue empowering women and families to take charge of their health.”

In an effort to help women more easily access mammograms, JPAFHC partners with the American-Italian Cancer Foundation to offer no-cost mammograms and clinical breast exams through its Mammogram Bus Program. The next bus will be available on Thursday, November 6, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 118-11 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11434.

The Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center, Inc. (JPAFHC) is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) dedicated to transforming value-based care servicing communities of Southeast Queens (Rockaway + Jamaica), and Red Hook Brooklyn. For decades, JPAFHC provides comprehensive, patient-centered healthcare services, ensuring equitable access to high-quality medical, dental, behavioral health, and social support programs, regardless of ability to pay. The Health Center continues to address chronic disease management and improve health outcomes by integrating advanced technology and fostering strong provider-patient relationships. As one of the leading FQHCs in NYC, its commitment extends beyond healthcare. To learn more about Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center, Inc., visit www.addabbo.org.