HEALTH
RESOURCES
The safety of our community members is our top priority. We have compiled a list of resources that our legal and organizing teams have created to ensure our members are safe in their workplace.
Please remember that these are supplemental resources and we highly recommend that you reach out to a health specialist should you have any questions particular to your case.
HEALTH SERVICES – SEPTEMBER 2025
Make the Road NY offers a wide array of services for our communities. Below, you’ll find a one-pager on the services that our Health Department currently offers.
Food Stamps (SNAP)
Find out if you are eligible for food stamps and apply or renew your benefits. For more information about eligibility and requirements, and help applying or renewing in Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island call 866-365-2724 Ext 3
Food Pantry
FREE: Fresh greens, grains, beans and more! By appointment Only. Call and leave a message for Brooklyn or Queens and we will return your call with an appointment. 866-365-2724 ext 4
Health Advocates
Learn how your health insurance works, negotiate medical debt and bills, learn where to get affordable health care services even if you are uninsured, change your doctor, order a new card, or get assistance with Medicare Benefits. Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, Staten Island & Westchester 866-365-2724 Ext 1
TGNCIQ & LGBTQ Community Health
Help finding resources and services for your health. Access to appointments for the MVP (also known as the monkey pox) vaccines. Assistance with insurance enrollment, connections with clinics for hormones and more. 866-365-2724 Ext 2
Health Insurance Enrollment/ Recertification
Enroll in Medicaid, Child Health Plus, Essential Plan, a Qualified Health Plan, or pre-qualify for Emergency Medicaid through the NY State of Health Marketplace. Learn if you can get help paying for health insurance. You can also renew or change your health plan. Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island & Westchester 866-365-2724 Ext 1
DOWNLOAD OUR GUIDE TO OUR HEALTH SERVICES
PUBLIC CHARGE UPDATE | MARCH 2025
What is Public Charge?
“Public charge” or the “public charge test” is used by immigration officials to decide whether a person can enter the U.S. or get a green card (lawful permanent resident or “LPR” status). The updated rule went into effect December 23, 2022.
What is the latest?
Some people who apply for a green card or a Visa to enter the U.S. must pass a “public charge” test, which looks at whether a person is likely to primarily depend on the government for support in the future. Immigration officials look at a person’s whole situation to make this determination, including their age, income, health, education or skills, family situation, and past or current use of certain government benefits.
MONKEYPOX INFO GUIDE | AUGUST 2022
What is MVP-Monkeypox and why is there a state of emergency? 
MVP- Monkeypox, also known as the orthopoxvirus, is a viral infection related to the variola virus that causes smallpox. Monkeypox is not related to chickenpox and it is not a sexually transmitted disease. It spreads through close, physical contact between people. Monkeypox can be infectious from the time symptoms start until the rash has healed, all scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks. As of late July, nearly 1,300 people have tested positive for monkeypox in NYC. Monkeypox is spreading quickly and is now considered an epidemic. As of July 29, 2022 the New York State declared a state of emergency due to the spread of the virus with NYC at the epicenter of the outbreak.
Symptoms:
- The most common symptoms are fever, headaches, body aches and rashes (sores or lesions).
- Rash or sores can look like pimples or blisters – They can appear on the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus (butthole) or other parts of the body like the face, hands or feet. The rash can be extremely itchy and painful, and sores in the anus or penis can make it hard to go to the bathroom.
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Exhaustion
- Respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)