SENATOR RIVERA INTRODUCES BILL TO ELIMINATE OUT OF POCKET COSTS FOR INHALERS

"Our state must use every tool we have to address the serious asthma crisis that disproportionately affects children in the Bronx and other parts of New York impacted by environmental and economic injustice. I'm proud to introduce legislation with Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas that recognizes how imperative it is to remove the financial barriers to life-saving inhalers," said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. "No parent should have to spend hundreds of dollars for an inhaler that can save their child's life."

This week, Senator Gustavo Rivera and Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas introduced legislation (S9906/A10692) which would eliminate deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, or any other cost-sharing requirements for asthma inhalers.

In January 2023, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) released the Asthma Burden in NYC Report that showed the Bronx had a substantially higher asthma mortality rate than other NYC boroughs as well as the highest pediatric emergency department visit rates among NYC. Additionally, almost every census tract represented by Senator Rivera has been designated a disadvantaged community by the Climate Justice Working Group. Senator Rivera believes that there should be no financial barrier for life-saving treatments like inhalers.

Read more in Politics NY and the Bronx Times.

Senator Rivera joined Council Member Pierina Sanchez, and 52nd Precinct Council President Brenda Caldwell Paris for a visit to On Point NYC's Overdose Prevention Center (OPC) in Harlem. Executive Director Sam Rivera provided Senator Rivera, Council Member Sanchez and Ms. Caldwell Paris with a tour of the life-saving services they provide that is vital in combatting the overdose crisis. On Point reports that since they opened November of 2021, they have saved over 1500 people from overdose and collected over 2.5 million units of hazardous waste.

Senator Rivera joined neighbors for the 27th Annual Ferragosto festival in Little Italy, including State Senator Nathalia Fernandez (pictured above). According to the Bronx Times, Ferragosto, an ancient Italian celebration that literally translates to “the festival of Augustus,” gets its name from the Roman Emperor who ruled from 27 B.C. until his death in 14 A.D and who also named the festival after himself.

The Ferrogosto Festival always falls on the Sunday after Labor Day, and takes place in Bronx's Little Italy, which Senator Rivera proudly represents. Ferragosto is a day filled with Italian culture, food, live entertainment, and games. Thank you to the Belmont Business Improvement District (BID) for putting together a great festival!

SENATOR RIVERA VISITS PELHAM PARKWAY NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

Senator Rivera attended Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association's September meeting. Senator Rivera discussed his priorities for the upcoming legislative session and flood prevention and home protection with the NYC DEP's Bronx Borough Commissioner Effie Ardizzone. Thank you to Stephen Glosser, president of the PPNA, for inviting the Senator.

Senator Rivera attended MetroPlusHealth's Annual Back to School Bash at their community office. The Senator distributed backpacks and supplies to families from local schools and shelters in preparation for the upcoming school year. Thank you to Community Relations Specialist AJ Yusuf and the entire MetroPlusHealth team for putting together a great event!

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.