Weekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

 

SENATOR RIVERA HOSTS 11TH ANNUAL BACK TO SCHOOL RESOURCE FAIR

On August 15th, Senator Gustavo Rivera hosted his 11th Annual Back to School Backpack Giveaway and Resource Fair at St. James Park.

Senator Rivera and his team distributed more than 600 free backpacks, school supplies and books to the children in attendance and connected their parents with a variety of resources and services from local community providers. Thank you to all of the sponsors who made this event possible!

Senator Rivera also hosted his second Pop-Up Event of the summer, distributing backpacks at Washington Park. When Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz was tragically murdered in 2018, youth groups pleaded with the Senator to make Washington Park a safe place for the youth of the Bronx. Senator Rivera is thrilled to have allocated $2 million to invest in the future of this neighborhood. To follow the progress of Washington Park's reconstruction, visit the NYC Parks website.

“I commend Governor Hochul for this significant investment into the next generation of health care workers. The Workforce Investment Organizations selected are dedicated partners that know the skills, education and career opportunities our state needs to address the critical workforce challenges our health care system is facing. Investing in our health care workforce pipeline is urgent and I look forward to this program's long-term benefits for the health of our communities and our health care delivery system overall,” said State Senator Gustavo Rivera.

Senator Rivera joined Governor Hochul for her announcement that 199SEIU Training and Employment Funds, Iroquois Healthcare Association, and the Finger Lakes Performing Provider System will receive awards totaling $646 million for the next three years to implement the Career Pathways Training (CPT) Program, which will recruit and train thousands of new health, mental health, and social care workers across New York. This program will also provide new career advancement opportunities to many current healthcare workers throughout the state.

SENATOR RIVERA ATTENDS 46TH PRECINCT NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

After the original National Night Out was shortened due to rain, Senator Rivera attended the 46th Precinct's rescheduled community block party. Senator Rivera joined colleagues, and neighbors for a day of fun and building community. Senator Rivera is pictured with Commanding Officer Jeremy Scheublin.

SENATOR RIVERA VISITS THE WALTON FAMILY HEALTH CENTER

Senator Rivera visited the Walton Family Health Center as he continues to celebrate National Health Center Week. Senator Rivera discussed the importance of community health centers in providing high-quality, comprehensive primary care services to all people regardless of ability to pay.

SENATOR RIVERA ATTENDS 3322 DECATUR AVE TENANT ASSOCIATION MEETING

Senator Rivera joined the Legal Aid Society and tenant organizers at 3322 Decatur Ave's second ever Tenants Association meeting. Senator Rivera talked to the organizers about the services his office can provide to assist with their issues with management. Senator Rivera also provided backpacks to families in the building. Thank you to TA President Madeline Olmeda for inviting the Senator. If you have any questions related to your housing, call Senator Rivera's office at 718-933-2034.

"Amidst the worst home care shortage in the nation and a silver wave approaching of elderly New Yorkers who will drastically increase the need for long term care services, we should be working on proposals like my Home Care Savings and Reinvestment Act to make our system more efficient," said Senator Gustavo Rivera.

Kate Lisa from Spectrum News covered the impact of the cuts to the CDPA program that were made in this year's budget. Providers have expressed that they fear that these cuts will force elderly and disabled New Yorkers into adult-care facilities. Instead of cuts to invaluable programs that keep New Yorkers in their homes and communities, like CDPAP, we could pass Senator Rivera's bill, the Home Care Savings and Reinvestment Act, to make our system more efficient while protecting much needed services.

Senator Rivera shares the community's concerns about public drug use and syringe litter near the Kingsbridge Underpass, Poe Park, and nearby hot spots. There are local harm reduction providers who clean up the needles safely and who connect with users to help them with recovery, medical care, and basic needs.

Our team created this schedule and contact informational sheet in collaboration with the harm reduction organizations serving the Northwest Bronx so that neighbors can contact them to assist with issues near Kingsbridge Road and the Grand Concourse. If you have any questions, please contact our office at 718-933-2034 or grivera@nysenate.gov. 

HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO SPRAY FOR MOSQUITOES IN THE BRONX TO REDUCE RISK OF WEST NILE VIRUS

To reduce mosquito activity and the risk of West Nile virus, the Health Department will conduct an adulticide treatment in Staten Island and the Bronx.

 

Trucks will spray pesticides in sections of Staten Island beginning on Monday, August 19, 2024, between the hours of 8:30 PM and 6:00 AM the following morning and in the Bronx on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 between the hours of 8:30 PM and 6:00 AM the following morning. In case of bad weather, application will be delayed until Tuesday, August 20, 2024, and Thursday, August 22, 2024, respectively, between the hours of 8:30 P.M. and 6:00 A.M. the following morning.

 

The Health Department will use very low concentrations of Anvil® 10+10, Duet® or MERUS® 3. The risks of pesticides applied by the Health Department for mosquito control are low to people and pets. Some people who are sensitive to spray ingredients may experience short-term eye or throat irritation, or a rash. People with respiratory conditions may also be affected.

 

To stay safe during spraying:

• Stay indoors, whenever possible.
• Air conditioners can remain on. While unnecessary, you may wish to close air conditioner vents, or choose the recirculate function.

 

After spraying:

• Wash skin and clothing exposed to pesticides with soap and water.
• Always wash fruits and vegetables with water.

 

The most effective way to control mosquitoes is to eliminate any standing water. New Yorkers are also encouraged to mosquito-proof their homes and take precautions when spending time outdoors.

 

Reducing exposure to mosquitoes

• Use an approved insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (not for children under 3), or products that contain the active ingredient IR3535.
• Make sure windows have screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.
• Eliminate any standing water from your property and dispose of containers that can collect water. Standing water is a violation of the New York City Health Code.
• Make sure roof gutters are clean and draining properly.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keep them empty or covered if not in use. Drain water that collects in pool covers.

 

Report standing water by calling 311 or visiting nyc.gov/health/wnv. For more information about West Nile virus, call 311 or visit nyc.gov.

"I'm excited to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of NWBCCC, an organization that serves as a foundation for so many of our borough's most impactful leaders and organizers. NWBCCC is a powerful coalition that has driven change by amplifying the community's voices, holding leaders and institutions accountable, and fighting for the future of our Bronx," said State Senator Gustavo Rivera, 33rd District, The Bronx. "I am proud to stand with NWBCCC on so many of the justice campaigns they are working on, like passing the New York Health Act and transforming the Kingsbridge Armory into a community asset, and will continue working with them for many years to come."

Senator Rivera is excited to Co-Sponsor NWBCCC's 50th anniversary block party! Join him on August 23rd for a day of music, dancing, games, and much more!

DUE 9/12: 2025 SPECIAL PROJECTS FUND REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS IS NOW OPEN

The New York Health Foundation (NYHealth) 2025 Special Projects Fund Request for Proposals (RFP) is now open.

 

Special Projects Fund awards are one-time, nonrenewable funding opportunities available for organizations working to improve the health of New Yorkers, especially people of color and others who have been historically marginalized. Projects must address important and emerging health care and public health issues that fall outside NYHealth’s three priority areas:Primary Care; Healthy Food, Healthy Lives; and Veterans’ Health. NYHealth seeks to partner with a wide range of organizations implementing innovative projects that can improve health at the local, regional, or statewide levels.

 

Applicants must complete a letter of inquiry form (LOI) to determine whether a proposed project fits the funding criteria. LOIs are due on September 12, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. 

Selected organizations will then be invited to submit full proposals due on November 14, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.