The Harlem Community, spanning East-West from the Harlem River to Morningside Avenue, and North & South form 155th Street to 110th Street in Manhattan, is the core of Harlem. This area is designated as the Central Harlem District by the New York City Department of Health. The total population of this community as of the 1990 census enumeration was approximately 100,000. This area includes all but three of the health areas in New York identified by the Health Systems Agency as having high need for primary and preventive services. Racial/ethnic data for health areas show that the African-American/non-Hispanic population exceeds 92%. Some neighborhoods and clocks, particularly along West 125th Street are more heavily Hispanic. Central Harlem's age distribution show 19% are children less that 15 years of age, 66% are adults between 15 and 64 years of age and 16% are people 65 and over. Females outnumber males by approximately 1.2 to one.

Over one-third of the Central Harlem residents fall below the 100% Federal poverty level and two thirds are below the 200% Federal poverty line. One third of the total population is Medicaid eligible and more than 50% of those below the 200% Federal poverty line are Medicaid eligible. In comparison, citywide Medicaid eligibility is approximately 19%. The Harlem community has high mortality rates in many disease categories, with the highest mortality rates in New York City for 15 causes of death. According to New York City Department of Health Vital Statistics, the Central Harlem District leads the city in infant mortality, cancer, cerebrovascular disease and cirrhosis mortality.

Harlem Hospital Center is a primary source of care for many people residing in areas of Northern Manhattan. This approximately 500 bed hospital, located in the middle of central Harlem, has served as Harlem's principal community hospital for 100 years. Harlem Hospital was the first hospital in New York City to admit African-American physicians to its medical staff. It has been affiliated with Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons (P&S) since 1962.