News From Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson - Resources and Updates

 

Dear Neighbors,   It has been quite the week - in a good way! On Thursday, we held our Greek Heritage Month event and honored some incredible leaders and trailblazers making a difference in our city. Our office joined Congressman Ritchie Torres and NYS Assembly members Amanda Septimo and Kenny Burgos to call for fair pay for Home Care workers. We also attended the inaugurations of community leaders Council Member Althea Stevens of District 16 and Council Member Amanda Frias of District 14 in the Bronx. Yesterday, we joined with many of you for my inauguration at Lehman College. It was a HERstoric moment and a day to remember, but we could not have done this without your support. Thank you again to everyone that believed in us and our vision to move the Bronx forward. We promise to make you proud and look forward to better days ahead for our beloved borough.  I also want to remind you that tax season is here. If you or someone you know needs assistance, New York City has a number of free resources available to you and your family. You can visit BronxWorks for more information.   If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 718-590-3500 or by emailing webmail@bronxbp.nyc.gov.   In partnership, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson

In the Community

BP Gibson attended a press conference for fair pay for home care workers with Congressman Ritchie Torres and NYS Assembly Members Amanda Septimo and Kenny Burgos. BP Gibson attended Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clarke's Women's History Month Event.

BP Gibson attended the Happy Land Fire Memorial to pay respects to the 87 victims that lost their lives in the horrific fire in 1990. BP Gibson partnered with My Brother's Keeper for an evening of positive dialogue & education through an informative panel discussion on support for our transgender community.

BP Gibson attended a press conference with Council Member Oswald Feliz to announce new legislation strengthening the enforcement of fire safety laws. BP Gibson attended Congressman Ritchie Torres' Women's History Month Celebration at the New York Botanical Garden.

BP Gibson handed out free COVID-19 test kits with Council Member Ayala in Mott Haven. BP Gibson attended the memorial of B'Jana James a young mother of two, who was a victim of a domestic violence.

BP Gibson presented Bishop Peggy Smalls with a citation in honor of her work and contribution to the Bronx community. BP Gibson held a roundtable discussion on Black Maternal Health. News, Events and Resources

Seniors and people with qualifying disabilities can apply for a Reduced Fare MetroCard online. Until now, customers could only apply by mail or in person. This is the latest effort to bring MTA services online and eliminate barriers to accessing transit service. To apply, visit reducedfare.mta.info and make sure to click the “interested in OMNY” box at the end to stay up to date of our OMNY rollout.

The New York Blood Center announced a blood emergency this week. The long term impact of the pandemic has resulted in a year of virtually no youth first-time donors, 3,000 fewer blood drives and 100,000 New Yorkers that have yet to return to donate since before the pandemic. Complicating matters, recently there has been a surge in blood usage as hospitals perform surgeries and patients seek medical care that was postponed during the pandemic. The increased need and decrease in donors has created a chronic gap in blood donations.  To make an appointment to donate blood, visit HERE.  For information on the extra precautions being taken to help prevent the person-to-person spread of COVID-19, visit HERE