Events for cab drivers are usually held outdoors. The practice’s indoor space is used for screenings, such as HIV testing and prostate exams, that require privacy.

What's the Problem?
Taxicab drivers in the predominantly Hispanic area might work 12-hour or longer days, often seven days a week, to make ends meet, according to Torres.

Other challenges that could affect taxicab driver health —

•driving for long periods of time, creates a sedentary lifestyle, contributing to obesity and associated health risk

• being predisposed to unhealthy nutritional choices

• vulnerability to crime

Although Torres does not have statistics on those working in local bodegas, she says that they, too, succumb to long-hours and are vulnerable to crime.
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Taxicab drivers and bodega workers are among New York City’s highest risk health populations.

“In both occupations [people] work long hours, so they may not have time to tend to their health care. And many do not have health insurance or are underinsured, which places them at risk for developing many health problems,” says Miriam Torres, RN, BSN, BC, Community Health Outreach nurse coordinator, NewYork– Presbyterian Hospital Ambulatory Care Network.

NewYork-Presbyterian coordinates free health fairs for this high-risk population, at which nurses provide free screenings for blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, body mass index, vision (glaucoma tests and dispensing of corrective lenses), HIV testing, and prostate screening (digital rectal exam and PSA blood test).

Build It and They Will Come

One of the challenges of holding health fairs for high-risk populations is to get the news out. Torres’ target population is in and around the Washington Heights and Inwood communities. To reach participants, Torres has begun a partnership with the United Drivers’ Group, a local taxi driver association that works closely with local taxicab bases in the Northern Manhattan communities. NewYork-Presbyterian also promotes the health fairs through local advertising and public relations efforts, and by asking elected officials to help spread the word.

Catch Them Where You Can

The health fairs have to be accessible and convenient. Events for cab drivers are usually held outdoors in front of one of the Ambulatory Care Network’s outpatient practices, located next to Columbia University Medical Center’s parking lot (Columbia is one of the partners in the health fairs, says Torres). The practice’s indoor space is used for screenings, such as HIV testing and prostate exams, that require privacy.

To reach bodega owners and their employees, Torres works with a Bronx-based market where the bodega owners go to purchase their food supplies. This market holds food expos at least twice a year, offering the perfect opportunity for Torres to provide onsite health screenings and more.

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