You’re Invited: ColumbiaDoctors at the Farmers’ Market   

Do you have a health question or need a referral to a dermatologist, dietician, pulmonologist, or other specialist? We’re here to help.

Every Tuesday from June to August, Columbia has a booth at the Fort Washington Greenmarket. Our experts offer free health resources alongside the farmers, bakers, and food booths full of fresh produce. And you’re invited.

ColumbiaDoctors Outreach at the Farmers’ Market provides expert medical and health education, referrals, and more to our Washington Heights neighbors and community. Look for a white tent with a blue “ColumbiaDoctors” tablecloth. Each week, the tent will feature a different health-centered theme, like blood pressure testing and suggestions on reducing stress.  

“We are committed to meeting the health needs of our local community and improving access to care to meet that commitment. We chose weekly topics based on requests from people in the community,” says Maura Abbott, PhD, AOCNP, CPNP-PC, RN, associate dean of clinical affairs at the Columbia School of Nursing and a co-lead of the ColumbiaDoctors Outreach program.

Since the program’s inception in 2022, “we’ve heard from numerous grateful patients who have benefited from our screenings and headed off some serious health issues thanks to these simple interventions,” Abbott said.

In summer 2024, for example, when the temperature was hot and the humidity brutal, a Spanish-speaking man in his 50s checked in at the tent, and a simple blood pressure test showed that his numbers were concerningly high. The bilingual team immediately helped him call his cardiologist and make an appointment.

Health Awareness Days for Summer 2025

• Skin Health (June 17): Learn how to protect your skin from harmful UV rays with tips on early detection and samples of skin-friendly products.
• Gut Health (June 24): Explore the secrets to a happy gut! Join cooking demos for gut-friendly meals, attend workshops on probiotics and more.
• Men’s Health (July 8): From prostate screenings to stress management, this event tackles men’s top health concerns.
• Heart Cancer (July 15): Jump-start your cardiovascular health with free blood pressure checks, and learn how diet, exercise, and stress reduction can keep your heart strong.  
• Lung Health (July 22): Anti-smoking workshops and air quality education take center stage. Learn how to protect your respiratory health.
• Brain Health (July 29): Discover brain-healthy nutrition, memory-enhancing exercises, and stress-reduction techniques.
• Breast Cancer (August 5): Celebrate survivorship with self-exam tutorials, mammogram access resources, and more. 
• Women’s Wellness Cancer (August 12): From hormonal health to pelvic floor therapy, this event empowers women at every life stage.    
• Nutritional Health (August 19): Explore farmer’s market tours, “decode your diet” consultations, and kid-friendly cooking tips. Learn how food choices impact chronic diseases and energy levels.