The Community Advisory Board’s dedicated team of community activists and health care advocates has been in existence since 1972. These community volunteers include individuals who utilize NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem’s services, reside in northern Manhattan, or work for businesses or organizations in the community. They represent the viewpoint and perspective of the community in the hospital’s decision-making process. They keep the community informed about important issues concerning NYC Health + Hospitals and the hospital, as well as updating the patient population on the status of long-term goals and objectives. The Executive Director, Medical Director, Director of Nursing, and other executive staff meet monthly with the Community Advisory Board to discuss activities within the hospital. For more information about the Community Advisory Board contact the Public Affairs office at 212-939-1369.
Michelle Patrice Booker
Community Advisory Board ChairpersonNYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem
Phone: 212-939-1369
Michelle Booker is a passionate and dedicated advocate for NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem, with a unique blend of professional, volunteer, and lived experiences that have shaped her commitment to health care justice. A graduate of the University of Iowa College of Law, Michelle brings expertise in pharmaceutical litigation and healthcare policy.
Her career has been driven by aligning her passion for advocacy with the needs of Harlem Hospital and its surrounding community. As Deputy District Director for Representative Adriano Espaillat, Michelle led healthcare and hospital initiatives across the district, working closely with Harlem Hospital and other NYC Health + Hospitals facilities to address budget, funding, staffing, and programmatic concerns.
Michelle also served as co-chair of Community Board 10’s Health and Human Services Committee, representing CB10 on the Harlem Hospital Community Advisory Board (CAB). As the CAB’s Legislative Committee Chair, she led annual lobby day efforts to engage elected officials on issues related to structural inequities, racial equity, and healthcare access in the one-house state budget.
She also worked alongside her fellow members to launch the CAB’s first-ever “Heart of Service Award” honoring outstanding volunteers. Michelle remains eager to continue her CAB service, because she sees it as a powerful platform to elevate community voices, drive policy change, and ensure Harlem Hospital continues to deliver equitable, high-quality care long into the future.