New York City Economic Development Corp. and Department of Health and Mental Hygiene celebrate topping off of NYC Public Health Laboratory building

Manhattan, NY New York City Economic Development Corp.(NYCEDC) and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) along with community leaders and development partners gathered on 137^th St. for the topping off ceremony of the new NYC Public Health Laboratory building which remains on track to be completed by the end of 2025 and ready for occupancy in 2026.

This facility, which broke ground last year, will be located adjacent to the Harlem Hospital complex on 137^th St. and provide new job opportunities for local residents, training opportunities for students in the new facility’s training lab, an auditorium for community use, and the Harlem Express – a facility for people to get screened for STIs with rapid, same day results – one of a few such facilities in the country.

“Today’s topping off ceremony brings this project another step closer to completion and towards giving the historic Public Health Laboratory the proper facility it deserves,” said NYCEDC president and CEO Andrew Kimball. “We are thankful to DOHMH, H+H, Harlem Hospital, (Elected Officials), project partners, and the community for this tremendous progress made today.”

“The Public Health Lab has a sterling history and present, in protecting New Yorkers from threats to their health,” said Health commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “This state-of-the art facility now matches this incredible legacy with an even brighter future that promises innovation, ingenuity and impact, that supports our amazing PHL staff who work so hard to keep our city safe, and that is in keeping with what New Yorkers deserve from their public health infrastructure.”

“Our public health infrastructure is a critical part of our City’s ability to best serve New Yorkers, and with this topping-off ceremony, we are one step closer to bringing a new world-class facility online,” said NYC Department of Citywide administrative services commissioner Dawn Pinnock. “We are excited to see how our collaborative efforts with NYCEDC and DOHMH will benefit all those who use the Public Health Laboratory in the near future. We know that with its sustainable design and innovative technology, it will serve its community for generations to come. We are proud to have helped fund this project, including solar photovoltaic installations, ultra efficient lab equipment, enhanced ventilation, and more.”

 “The New York City Public Health Laboratory has been champion advocate for the health of all New Yorkers, “ said congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). “This new state-of-the-art facility will help boost job creation for individuals and families in my district as well as provide cutting edge technology at the forefront of public health research and innovation.”

“Combining groundbreaking scientific research with local employment, education, and healthcare opportunities, the next era for the NYC Public Health Lab will ensure a brighter, healthier future for New Yorkers,” said borough president Mark Levine.