With the wave of the African Americans who moved to New York after World War I, the hospital soon outgrew its initial building.

The hospital developed a teaching program that is affiliated with Columbia University, and has continued to serve the Harlem neighborhood since its inception.

The hospital's initial 54 beds proved to be lacking, especially after the wave of African Americans who traveled to New York after World War I.

[8]Harlem Hospital has also faced hardships, particularly with integrating its staff, upholding healthcare standards and economically.

[9] Since the 1980s, New York City had been monitoring Harlem Hospital to ensure that the employees complied with Medicare conditions of participation.

Due to lack of income and profit, the Giuliani administration wrestled with the idea of laying off hospital employees.

Because the hospital was a staple in the community, Harlem residents feared not having a place to go to for reliable healthcare.

Harlem citizens feared the condition of the hospital, and wanted to ensure that all measures were put into place to maintain the community's monument for healthcare.

In 1958, Martin Luther King Jr., survived an emergency thoracotomy at Harlem Hospital following his near-fatal stabbing, an event referenced in his final public address, "I Have Been to the Mountaintop".

Though the operation was indeed notable, as it saved a prominent civil rights leader, Goldie Brangman also deserves recognition.

[14] Harlem Hospital currently has six residency programs under an affiliation with Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

[17] The hospital owns a set of Works Progress Administration murals, painted by artists including Charles Alston, Alfred Crimi, Georgette Seabrooke, Elba Lightfoot and Vertis Hayes.