We aim to provide members and affiliates with a stimulating mix of science, education, and revelry that present opportunities to learn about cutting-edge biomedical research and clinical programs. We provide access to network with leaders, distinguished and engaging scientists/doctors, committee members, and friends.
Our current program project aims to raise funds to support the extraordinary and unique services offered by the Children's Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center (CERC) at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. This multi-faceted center provides a broad spectrum of clinical services to infants, children and adolescents with physical, developmental, language and learning disabilities. It is one of the largest centers of its kind in the United States, and serves the needs of thousands of children suffering from autism, mental retardation, learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, cancer and HIV/AIDS.CERC has three major missions:it is a service organization, providing interdisciplinary care to children and adults with developmental disabilities; it is a training organization, training the next generation of leaders in the field of developmental disabilities; finally, it is a research center, investigating the causes of and possible treatments for the conditions that cause developmental and other disabilities.
One of the largest centers of its kind in the United States, CERC is a voluntary, nonsectarian agency whose services are essential components of the care available in New York City and New York State to all children with developmental disabilities. CERC's professional staff provides over 58,000 diagnostic, therapeutic and related services to about 8,000 children and their families annually, while training close to 1,000 professionals each year.
FACT
There are approximately 1.4 million people in the Bronx, which is the poorest urban county in the US. About 1/3 of these individuals are under 18. Developmental disabilities occur in 2-3% of the population.
At CERC, we see about 8000 individuals per year, through 55,000 visits. About 1,000 of these children and adults have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.