SENATOR RIVERA, HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS, COMMUNITY LEADERS HOLD VIRTUAL FORUM ON VACCINE SAFETY

 

 In an effort to mitigate misinformation and concerns over the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccinations and the importance of ensuring New York City families are up to date on all FDA approved vaccines, State Senator Gustavo Rivera and members of the health care and social justice community hosted an online forum Thursday evening to answer questions and present the latest vaccine information to the community.

Speakers provided updates on the latest developments on the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the importance of vaccine access and its equitable distribution to local communities. The event also included three doctors representing community vaccine providers in the Bronx.

“Our communities in the Bronx have been seriously impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, yet many Bronx residents still feel understandably hesitant about trusting the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines,” said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. “It's up to us as community leaders to share facts, dispel misconceptions, and encourage everyone to make the best decision for their families, their neighborhoods, and ultimately our state. For me, that's getting vaccinated when I become eligible.”

Supporting the event was Let’s Get Immunized NY, a diverse group of organizations from across the state who have come together to promote science and evidence-based information and policy related to the importance and safety of vaccines for all New Yorkers. More than 200 people attended via Zoom and Facebook Live.

“Vaccination is important and necessary for our community and gives us the best hope of getting our lives and economy back to normal,” said Bethsy Morales-Reid, senior director of health initiatives at the Hispanic Federation. “Get vaccinated—and share your story—tell your friends and family to also get vaccinated.”

“COVID-19 is an equal opportunity infector, but it has impacted more brown and black

people” said Lorraine Braithwaite-Harte, Health Chair, NAACP NYS Conference. “There are historical reasons why our communities distrust the medical establishment, but the COVID-19 vaccine is a preventable measure—not an experiment—and is available to people of every color all across the world. We are all in this together and that means getting vaccinated for your health and the health of the community.”

Lets Get Immunized NY has over 40 diverse members including social justice organizations, educational and parent-focused groups, business advocates, agriculture and health care provider and public health organizations. Follow them on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

The Virtual Bronx Parks Speak Up February 27th 2021

 

The Bronx Parks Speak Up

The Bronx Parks Speak Up is an annual community networking conference for park and environmental stakeholders. Organized by the Bronx Coalition for Parks and Green Spaces (BCPGS), this day-long event draws over 250 Bronx residents, elected officials and agency personnel. It gives its attendees the chance to learn about government and non-government resources and participate in face-to-face discussions with city and local elected and appointed officials.

Please visit www.bronxspeakup.org for more info, to take our Bronx Parks Priority survey, sign up for a virtual table or host a workshop.

330 Days and Counting

 

330 days to go for the de Blasio administration.

Green Thumb February Newsletter

 

February Newsletter

Harlem Rose Garden, located in Harlem, was founded in 2003. The garden group has  worked tirelessly to create community bonds throughout the neighborhood with events  and an energizing green space. Photo courtesy Harlem Rose Garden. Harlem Rose Garden, located in Harlem, was founded in 2003. The garden group has  worked tirelessly to create community bonds throughout the neighborhood with events  and an energizing green space. Photo courtesy Harlem Rose Garden. Harlem Rose Garden, located in Harlem, was founded in 2003. The garden group has  worked tirelessly to create community bonds throughout the neighborhood with events  and an energizing green space. Photo courtesy Harlem Rose Garden. How to Join a Community Garden Wednesday, February 17, Webinar 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. So you want to be a member at one of GreenThumb's many  gardens? Join longtime GreenThumb gardeners in this panel  discussion to learn the basics of how to join a community  garden. The panelists will discuss the membership process in  their gardens and answer questions from the audience. NYC  Parks GreenThumb Outreach Coordinators will also be  available to answer questions from the public about how to  join any of the 550 gardens that GreenThumb supports. Moderator: Gregory Anderson, GreenThumb Outreach Coordinator Panelists: Giselle Munoz - Woodycrest Garden (food producing) - Bronx Ashley Washington - Harlem Rose Garden (horticultural  garden, event oriented) - Harlem Jestine Roper - Jes Good Rewards Children's Garden  (food producing) - Brownsville This webinar is for NYC residents. Please RSVP here to receive information on how to  join virtually. * Subject to change. To find the latest updates and  current status on GreenThumb events and workshops,  please visit our website. * To watch past webinars, please visit:  bit.ly/GreenThumbWebinars.

Governor Cuomo Announces Statewide Crackdown on Impaired Driving During Super Bowl Weekend

Enforcement Campaign to Run February 5 Through February 8

More than 26,000 Vehicle and Traffic Law Violation Tickets Issued During Last Year's

Super Bowl Enforcement Campaign Including 850 Arrests for DWI 

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that state and local law enforcement agencies across New York will be stepping up patrols to crack down on impaired driving during the Super Bowl weekend. The enforcement campaign will run from Friday, February 5, through Monday, February 8. This safety initiative is designed to reduce alcohol and drug-related traffic crashes. It is sponsored by STOP-DWI with funding from the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee.

"Super Bowl weekend is an exciting time of year, and I urge all New Yorkers to celebrate responsibly," Governor Cuomo said. "New York has zero tolerance for impaired driving, and law enforcement will be on the road all weekend long to help keep New Yorkers safe. If you drink and drive, you will get caught, so avoid costly and potentially deadly consequences by planning for a safe ride home."

During the 2020 Super Bowl campaign, law enforcement throughout the state issued 26,375 tickets for vehicle and traffic law violations, including 850 arrests for DWI. Full breakdown here: 

Violation                          Number of Tickets

Impaired Driving                     850

Distracted Driving                   811

Move Over Law                      157

Other Violations                    18,661

Seatbelt                                   569

Speeding                                5,327

Grand Total                           26,375

State Police Acting Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen said, "Driving while impaired can result in tragic consequences for you, your passengers and others on the road. Troopers will be on patrol this weekend looking for potentially impaired drivers. If you plan on celebrating the big game this weekend, please do it safely, and plan ahead or drive sober."These STOP-DWI enforcement campaigns occur throughout the year. During the recent "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign, which was held during the busy holiday season from December 16 through January 1, law enforcement agencies throughout the state issued more than 70,000 tickets for vehicle and traffic law violations and made 2,067 arrests for DWI.

New York DMV Commissioner and GTSC Chair Mark J.F. Schroeder said, "Enjoy the Super Bowl weekend responsibly by making the smart choice to not drive impaired.

We want everyone on the road to be safe and not potentially end up in the hospital where our courageous health professionals are busy battling COVID-19. As you make plans to enjoy the game, have a plan to get home safely."

New York State STOP-DWI Association Chairman and Niagara County Sheriff's Office Captain Robert Richards said, "Celebrate Super Bowl Sunday by Having a Plan. Download STOP-DWI New York's "Have a Plan mobile app. This app enables users to locate and call a car service for a ride home, program a designated driver list, provide information on DWI laws and penalties and even report a suspected impaired driver. The mission of STOP-DWI New York is to reduce the number of persons killed or injured in alcohol and or other drug-related traffic crashes. Do your part and celebrate responsibly!"

In addition to enforcement campaigns, the GTSC coordinates various traffic safety activities throughout the year, and supports ongoing initiatives to improve pedestrian, motorcycle and bicycle safety. The GTSC also sponsors critical training for law enforcement, provides resources for teen drivers and their parents, and promotes seatbelt use statewide.

New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state's toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369). 

Senator Rivera on Governor Cuomo's Decision to Vaccinate Elderly Incarcerated Individuals

 

 "I applaud the Governor for making the very important decision to vaccinate elderly incarcerated New Yorkers, one of the groups with the highest risk of contracting COVID-19 in our State. The plan to include incarcerated New Yorkers who are 65 years and older in the state’s historic distribution plan is prudent, given that prisons have become hotbeds for this virus, and it will go a long way to assuage the unique fear that incarcerated individuals, their families, and loved ones, have experienced during this pandemic. New Yorkers who live in prisons, particularly those who would otherwise be eligible for the vaccine based on age or condition if they were not in these facilities, must be protected and eligible at the same time as other at-risk groups of New Yorkers.”

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State Vaccination Program

 

As of 11AM today, New York's Health Care Distribution Sites Have Administered 95% of First Doses Received from Federal Government

Vaccine Dashboard Will Update Daily to Provide Updates on the State's Vaccine Program; Go to ny.gov/vaccinetracker

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's vaccination program. As of 11AM today, New York's health care distribution sites have received 1,554,450 first doses and already administered 95 percent or 1,475,122 first dose vaccinations and 81 percent of first and second doses. Delivery of the week 8 allocation from the federal government is in the process of being delivered to providers for administration. 

"We're in a footrace to vaccinate all eligible New Yorkers while continuing to keep the infection rate low. We've proven we have the necessary infrastructure in place to win the COVID war, but it will take time and the more supply we get from Washington the quicker we will go," Governor Cuomo said. "Our massive distribution network, which includes targeted community-based vaccination sites like Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, allows us to get more shots in arms and prioritizes Black, Latino and poor communities who have suffered the most at the hands of this deadly virus." 

Approximately 7.1 million New Yorkers are currently eligible to receive the vaccine. The federal government has increased the weekly supply by more than 20 percent over the next three weeks, but New York's vast distribution network and large population of eligible individuals still far exceed the supply coming from the federal government. Due to limited supply, New Yorkers are encouraged to remain patient and are advised not to show up at vaccination sites without an appointment. 

The state's Vaccine Dashboard includes a county-by-county breakdown for vaccinations administered through the Long Term Care Facility program and vaccine administration progress for hospital workers. Vaccination program numbers below are for doses distributed and delivered to New York for the state's vaccination program, and do not include those reserved for the federal government's Long Term Care Facility program. A breakdown of the data based on numbers reported to New York State as of 11:00 AM today is as follows: 

STATEWIDE BREAKDOWN 

• First Doses Received - 1,554,450
• First Doses Administered - 1,475,122; 95%
• Second Doses Received - 725,050
• Second Doses Administered - 369,186

CITY LAUNCHES TRAINING PROGRAM TO HELP SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS BRIDGE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE

 

 Mayor Bill de Blasio and NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Jonnel Doris today announced the launch of “Training for Your Employees,” a new resource that provides business owners and their employees with training in digital literacy, marketing tools, online security, and COVID-19 safety. 

“As our city fights back COVID-19, every business deserves access to the tools it needs to serve its customers virtually,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “These free training courses will help New Yorkers stay safe while shopping local, and help businesses attract new customers and keep their teams safe. I urge every small business owner to take advantage.”

 

“The pandemic has altered the way we conduct business,” said J. Phillip Thompson, Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives. “This program will help train small business employees to get the digital skills needed to thrive in a post-COVID 19 business environment.”

 

“The pandemic accelerated the need for small businesses to make better use of technology for their everyday activities and to adopt new safety protocols. The digital divide remains an obstacle for many, particularly those in underserved communities,” said Jonnel Doris, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services. “The Training for Your Employees program is designed to address that divide by helping small business owners and their employees navigate digital tools and operate safely to optimize their operations and reach new levels of success.”

 

The online, no-cost training will prepare small business owners and their employees to use digital platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Office 365, and Google Workspace. Live instruction will be provided by Lehman College. Select training programs will also be available in Spanish and Chinese (Mandarin). Training courses include:

• Communication: Google Meet and Gmail
• Document Creation: Google Docs, Sheets, Slides
• Scheduling and Managing Zoom Meetings (for Hosts)
• Microsoft Office Basics
• Cloud Storage: Microsoft OneDrive and more.

 

Businesses can learn more about the program’s eligibility criteria and access the application at NYC.Gov/TrainingEmployees.

 

“I’m excited Lehman’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies will be able to offer this free program to give our small businesses and their employees the opportunity to learn new technology skills for their future success,” said Lehman College President Daniel Lemons.

 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has produced an urgent need to help struggling workers and small businesses adapt through this difficult time and beyond,” said Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity Executive Director Matthew Klein. “We are pleased to partner with Small Business Services and build on our track record of successful workforce development programs to provide free training to employees to get vital digital skills that will help them in their careers, and also help their businesses meet pressing needs.”

 

“The ‘Training for your Employees’ program will help local businesses adapt to an increasingly digital business world,” said Council Member Mark Gjonaj, Chair of the New York City Council Committee on Small Business. “By empowering owners and employees with COVID-19 awareness, online business, cybersecurity and marketing tools, we are giving NYC’s small businesses a fighting chance to thrive in an ever changing landscape.”

 

"The sudden emergence of the coronavirus pandemic has created a need for all industries and especially cities, to pivot towards digital transformation," said Council Member Robert Holden, Chair of the New York City Council Committee on Technology. "Our small businesses have struggled in this rapidly changing world, and need all the help they can get. I applaud the city for offering this resource to business owners and their employees and encourage all to use it."