Community CHAT Brings Critical Health Conversations Directly to New Yorkers
In both English and Spanish, the free program brings Columbia University experts to community organizations in Upper Manhattan and The Bronx to address pressing health concerns.
Some individuals quoted in this story are identified by first name only to protect their privacy regarding personal health information.
When Maria attended a recent oral health presentation at the Northern Manhattan Improvement Center (NMIC), she came with a simple goal: to learn more about taking care of her teeth and gums. What she left with was new insight into how illness can affect oral bacteria, and why cleaning both teeth and gums thoroughly matters.
“It is in my neighborhood,” said Maria, who has lived in Washington Heights for 15 years, explaining why having the session close to home made it easy to attend.
The presentation was part of Community Columbia Health Awareness Talks (Community CHAT), a new initiative launched in fall 2025 by the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons' Office of Community Health.
The free program brings Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) faculty into community-based organizations across Upper Manhattan and The Bronx to talk about health topics chosen by residents themselves. The hour-long talks have partnered with community organizations such as Riverstone Senior Center, Bethune Center for Older Adults, Northern Manhattan Perinatal Partnership, Family Enrichment Center-Washington Heights/Inwood, Moriah Senior Center, Spreading Love Foundation, and Isabella Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities.
Yluminada, who has lived in Upper Manhattan for 25 years, said she attended the recent event at NMIC because “dental care information is very important for prevention.” She especially appreciated the practical advice on how to properly use a toothbrush and care for dentures, guidance that directly addressed challenges she faces.
96 percent of Community CHAT attendees said they better understand the health topics presented, and 90 percent report plans to change their health habits after attending the talk.
Francia, who lives in The Bronx, said she enjoys learning about health and was surprised to discover that saliva production decreases at night, making nighttime oral hygiene especially important. Holding the presentation at a trusted community organization made the experience even more meaningful.
Community CHAT speakers represent all CUIMC schools, offering accessible, interactive talks on topics ranging from diabetes and hypertension to mental health, cognitive aging, and oral health.
Sessions are offered in English and Spanish, and live AI translation tools provide real-time written and spoken translation for other languages as needed. All questions and discussions are welcome in the community setting.
Since launching in the fall of 2025, Community CHAT has hosted seven talks and reached more than 230 community members. Ninety-six percent of attendees have said they better understand the health topics presented, and 90 percent report plans to change their health habits after attending the talk. All participants have said the sessions will help them maintain their health.
How to Get Involved
- Upcoming Community CHAT events you can attend:
- April 8, 2:00 p.m. | General Health & Primary Care (Open to All Ages)
- April 16, 2:00 p.m. | Healthcare Navigation (Ages 65+)
- May 4, 2:00 p.m. | Bone/Joint Health & Longevity (Ages 65+)
- If you are a community organization interested in hosting a future CHAT, you can contact the Office of Community Health at [email protected] or call 212-305-3967. You can also request a speaker through this form.