Alex Mason:
In a powerful effort to strengthen community health awareness, VNS Health, in partnership with the NYC Department of Health and the Jamaica Friends Society, hosted a comprehensive Lead Poisoning Awareness Seminar on Sunday, November 11, 2025, at The Mary Louis Academy in Jamaica, Queens. The event brought together elected officials, healthcare professionals, and community advocates to address one of the most persistent and preventable environmental health threats facing New York families.
The day began with a Meet & Greet Session in the school garden at 11:00 a.m., where attendees enjoyed breakfast and conversation with VNS Health representatives. Saleh Ahmed, Director of Business Development, welcomed participants and emphasized that community education remains one of the strongest tools in preventing lead-related illnesses.
A diverse group of civic and health leaders attended the event. Congress Member Grace Meng spoke about federal efforts to promote environmental safety, while NY State Assembly Member Alicia Hyndman stressed the ongoing need for education about environmental toxins. Former Council Member Peter Koo praised VNS Health for its deep-rooted commitment to community well-being.
Alex Diaz, Director of Medicare Sales at VNS Health, and Manny Caughman, a respected community leader, highlighted how public health partnerships can bring meaningful change. Dr. Ataul Osmani, Dr. Fatima Ahmed, and Fakrul Islam Delowar, President of the Jamaica Friends Society, discussed the medical, educational, and collaborative dimensions of combating lead exposure.
Adding a moral and spiritual dimension, Imam Muhammad Shahidullah, CEO of Save the People USA, reminded the audience that protecting families from environmental hazards is both a civic and moral responsibility. “When we educate families, we save lives,” he said, underscoring that awareness is the first step toward prevention.
The main seminar in the auditorium featured Jewel Ghosh from the NYC Department of Health, who presented an in-depth overview of lead poisoning causes, symptoms, and prevention methods. He was joined by Chanchal Mahmud, VNS Community Liaison, who delivered key information in Bengali to ensure accessibility for immigrant families.
Community leaders such as Julkar Hyder of the Bangladesh American Welfare Association shared personal stories illustrating the real-world impact of lead exposure, while Dr. Shaikh Hasan explained how timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term damage.
The event received extensive media coverage from ITV, The Weekly Bangalee, and several community outlets, amplifying its message across New York’s diverse neighborhoods.
Through collaboration, compassion, and education, VNS Health reaffirmed its commitment to protecting vulnerable populations and empowering communities with the knowledge to prevent lead poisoning—one family at a time.
