MAYOR ADAMS CONVENES SUMMIT ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND IMPACT ON YOUNG PEOPLE

 

Summit Lays National Stake in Ground Towards Long-Term Citywide Strategy to Address Social Media as Potential Public Health Threat 

Convening with Health Department Aimed to Develop Shared Understanding of Impact on New York City Youth, Identify Areas for Action  

Participants Included Representatives From Government, Academia, Advocacy, Youth Work, as Well as Young People

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan yesterday held a summit on social media, assembling national experts to lay out potential pathways for action to protect the mental health of children and youth. The summit included representatives from government, academia, advocacy, and youth work, as well as young people themselves.

“Social media is a Trojan horse — it’s entered into our homes under false pretenses, promising increased social connection but too often delivering the opposite,” said Mayor Adams. “If we don’t really look at the impact that it’s having, it will continue to leave lasting scars on our young people. That’s why this convening was so important — we brought young people, scientists, and public health leaders together to understand this media and develop a strategy to combat it. In the coming weeks and months, we’ll develop a report to guide our work in protecting young people from this threat to our public health.”

“Social media is a part of our culture, particularly for young people,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “This summit elevated the voices of young people as we all work together to create a framework for healthier interactions with these platforms. I look forward to continuing the ongoing work of the administration in this area and centering the voices of young people every step of the way.”

“This gathering was an amazing collaboration between young people, academics, parents, educators, and government," said DOHMH Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. "In working together to discuss the impact of social media on youth mental health and potential solutions, we will, together, craft a roadmap for action on addressing this digital toxin, and employing public health strategies grounded in education, harm reduction, policy, research, regulation, and litigation. We will draw from the rich discussions to address the challenge before us. I’m grateful to everyone who shared their time to make this event a successful one, and the first stake in the ground to demonstrate our city’s commitment to keeping our kids safe.”

The summit was first announced in March as one of the strategies included in “Care, Community, Action: A Mental Health Plan for New York City.” It also follows a report from the U.S. Surgeon General that recognized the potential harms to young people due to social media, and is the first nationwide stake in the ground towards a long-term citywide strategy to address social media as a potential public health threat. The summit included two panel discussions — “The Future of Social Media and its Implications for Children’s Mental Health” and “Challenges and Opportunities in Regulating Social Media Technologies” — as well as four working sessions focused on public health, research, policy, and litigation. The findings from the summit will inform a coming mayoral report on social media.

The gathering comes amid a growing need to address social media overuse, as well as to identify threats to young people’s wellness. For example, in 2021, 38 percent of New York City high schoolers reported feeling so sad or hopeless almost every day for at least two weeks during the past 12 months that they stopped doing their usual activities. The same year, 42 percent of Latino/a students and 41 percent of Black students reported feeling sad or hopeless, compared to just under 30 percent of white students. Over the past 10 years, rates of suicidal ideation among high schoolers increased by more than 34 percent.

Mayor Adams’ mental health plan lays out additional strategies to promote the mental health of young people, including a digital mental health program for New York City high school-aged teens, a suicide prevention pilot programming at NYC Health + Hospitals for youth entering emergency departments for suicide attempts, and DOHMH-led community-based suicide prevention programming to specifically serve Black and Brown youth.

New Yorkers in need of support can receive free assistance by calling 988.

“I am so excited to see New York City lead the nation with a thoughtful, informed, and exciting day of discussions and action steps that will help children minimize harms and maximize the potential benefits from social media,” said Mitch Prinstein, PhD, chief science officer, American Psychological Association.

"I was amazed by both the passion and the specific product ideas of New York City's youth. I learned a lot from them,” said Ravi Iyer, PhD, managing director, Neely Center, USC Marshall School of Business. "In a time of national political gridlock, it's great to see local governments leading the way on these critical issues."

“Our young people are very aware that social media use is a double-edged sword for them, as they told us during the summit and as research shows,” said Dr. Michael A. Lindsey, dean and professor of social work, NYU Silver School of Social Work. “We learned from them that they turn to social media for connection. They also find it to be addicting and feel let down by the experience as they are awash in content and messages that are disturbing on many levels. They want parents and caregivers to dig deeper to find out what they are experiencing online. Are we listening

VCJC News & Notes 6/9/23

 

Van Cortlandt Jewish Center
News and Notes

Here's this week's edition of the VCJC News and Notes email. We hope you enjoy it and find it useful! Reminders Shabbos Shabbos information is, as always, available on our website, both in the information sidebar and the events calendar. Here are the times you need:   Shabbos Candles Friday 6/9/23 @ 8:08 pm Shabbos morning services at 8:40 am.  Please join the services if you can do so safely.  Shabbos Ends Saturday 6/10/23 @ 9:11 pm     2. Sunday, June 6/11/23 Sisterhood trip to Derfner Judaica Museum at the Hebrew Home of Riverdale.  We will have lunch at the Corner Café about 11:00 am and  then go to the museum at 1:00 pm … Please call Ceil if you are interested in going. 3.Donate for Shavuos Yizkor!  It is customary to make a charitable donation in conjunction with Yizkor.  If you wish to donate to VCJC as part of your Yizkor observance this past Shavuos, it can be done in person at the office, by check, or online through our website   4. Reminders We have had very little response to these requests for feedback and advice.  Please consider giving us your input. Tell us about your preferences for the Center Light via email We are considering offering the Center Light by email (as an alternative).  It might be as a pdf, which might not work very well on mobile devices.  It might be as highlights or summaries with links to read more.  It could be a different format than that.  We are soliciting your input about this.  You can respond to this newsletter and tell us: if you prefer postal mail or would like email instead, if you would find pdf acceptable or would prefer a more mobile-friendly format, if you think this is a good idea (to save money and make the Center Light more accessible) or a terrible idea.   Shiurim on the website There are now several audio shiurim on the VCJC website. You can access them via the right column on any page or the blog summary page.  Let us know how you like them or if you have any suggestions for how they are presented.  Van Cortlandt Jewish Center 3880 Sedgwick Ave Bronx, NY 10463

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES NEW MECHANISM AND PROCESS TO REEXAMINE HOMICIDE CASES WITH LGBTQIA+ VICTIMS

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) Community Affairs Bureau, the Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes (OPHC), and the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit announced a new process for New Yorkers to contact the NYPD to re-examine cases involving LGBTQIA+ victims. Cases eligible for reexamination include unsolved cold cases that may have happened decades ago, and homicide cases, such as the fatal drugging cases that took place in Hell’s Kitchen last year.

 

The NYPD’s Detective Bureau will facilitate these requests and provide information on the status of cases, as well as review the overall facts to determine whether a case should be reexamined. All investigations remain “open” until either an arrest is made, or the suspect is identified but inaccessible due to death. Some cases may be referred to the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force to determine if any possible bias motivation exists.

 

This program responds, in part, to the murders of Julio Ramirez and John Umberger, who were fatally drugged and robbed in Hell’s Kitchen in 2022. Following an investigation by the NYPD and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, five men were indicted as part of an alleged conspiracy to drug and rob individuals in at least 17 separate incidents, including in the deaths of Ramirez and Umberger, between March 2021 and July 2022. Two of the suspects were charged with murder in connection with their deaths.

 

“Every New Yorker should be able to go out at night, enjoy New York City’s renowned nightlife, and come home safely to their families and community,” said Mayor Adams. “We miss Julio and John, and all the LGBTQIA+ victims of crime. LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers and visitors must be safe and feel safe, especially during Pride Month, and we are hopeful this new process will help solve more cases and answer more questions for communities.”

 

“This is a crucial step towards justice and healing for the LGBTQIA+ community, which has historically suffered disproportionate levels of violence and persecution,” said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III. “By providing this avenue for the community to request reexamination of unsolved cases, we hope to restore faith in the system, honor the lives lost, and send a clear message that every member of our community deserves justice, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”

 

“New York City is one of the most diverse places on the planet, and the New York City Police Department is committed to providing fair and equitable public safety for all,” said NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell. “To that end, it is critical that we amplify the voices of our LGBTQIA+ community — especially the voices of victims. This case review process reinforces that work, and in turn makes every community in our city safer. I thank the mayor’s office and all of our law enforcement partners for their ongoing efforts to enhance the public safety of all the people we serve.”

 

“This new program is an important step toward ensuring that LGBTQIA + New Yorkers are able to obtain justice if they are victims of crime,” said Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice (MOCJ) Director Deanna Logan. “I applaud the NYPD’s commitment to streamlining this process for victims and families. In a city where hate is not tolerated, MOCJ is likewise committed to working with our partners in government to ensure that LGBTQIA + New Yorkers are safe and free to enjoy everything our city has to offer.”

 

“OPHC stands with the LGBTQIA+ community,” said OPHC Executive Director Hassan Naveed. “Through our collaboration with partners in government, and members of OPHC’s Partners Against the Hate FORWARD program, we will directly engage the LGBTQIA+ community to conduct outreach, trainings, canvassing, and more to promote safe Pride and partying. We will pass on safety tips to our LGBTQIA+ communities during peak bar hours, and equip community members with resources and tips against hate violence.”

 

"The City of New York will not forget LGBTQIA+ victims of crime; we are committed to them and their loved ones to deliver the justice they deserve," said Community Affairs Unit Commissioner Fred Kreizman. "During this Pride Month, we reaffirm our responsibility to safety and justice for all New Yorkers."

 

New Yorkers can access the request form online to request the NYPD re-examines cases involving LGBTQIA+ victims. The NYPD will respond to all inquiries.

Nos Quedamos - WE ARE MELROSE Community Festival | POSTPONED - New Date: July 8, 2023

 

We Stay / Nos Quedamos wants to inform you that, it is with caution and care that we follow public health guidance and POSTPONE our June 10th 30th Anniversary event as a result of the extremely poor air quality affecting New York City and the entire northeast corridor. This includes our daylong series of interconnected celebrations: 2023 WE ARE MELROSE, 2023 Harvesting Culture Awards, a street naming dedication that was to be officiated by Council Member Rafael Salamanca Jr., as well as a June 9th VIP Silent Kickoff Fundraising Breakfast that is being organized by our board members.   We understand the (Canadian) fires (affecting us) are still active, and while conditions may change here in NYC, we acknowledge the level of anxiety and stress in our community is high, and that residual airborne particulate matter is still present even as the air quality improves. As an environmental justice organization, we want to protect our community and feel an outdoor event at this time may unnecessarily expose our community members to harmful external toxins. This is especially critical in regions like the South Bronx that already suffer from high levels of asthma and related lung diseases.   Our tentative date for the 2023 We Are Melrose / Harvesting Culture Awards, and Street Dedication ceremony is Saturday, July 8, 2023, with a weather alternative set for Saturday, July 15, 2023.    The VIP Kickoff Breakfast is tentatively being rescheduled for Thursday, August 10, 2023. More information to come!   This unprecedented experience is an example of the impacts of climate change and our new reality. As Mayor Eric Adams commented on the situation, “This is climate change in action, and we must continue to draw down emissions, improve air quality, and build resiliency.” This is why Nos Quedamos is developing climate adaptation responses and strategies for frontline resiliency hubs in Melrose and the South Bronx. These hubs will support coordination and provide access to information and resources for our community during a disturbance. Your generous support helps make this possible!   For more information, you may contact us at 718-585-2323 or email us at info@nosquedamos.org.    Thank you for your continued support, contributions and flexibility. We look forward to seeing you!

For updated information on the rescheduling of WE ARE MELROSE Community Festival, Harvesting Culture Awards, and the Street Naming Dedication, visit — nosquedamos.org/wam

Attorney General James Sues Militant Anti-Abortion Group for Invading Clinics and Blocking Access to Reproductive Health Care

 

Red Rose Rescue Violated Clinic Access Laws and Trespassed at Abortion Clinics on Long Island and in Westchester 

Lawsuit Seeks to Prohibit Red Rose Rescue from Coming Within 30 Feet Any Reproductive Health Care Facility in New York State

 New York Attorney General Letitia James today filed a lawsuit against members of Red Rose Rescue, an anti-abortion extremist group, for invading reproductive health care clinics, threatening staff and clinicians, and terrorizing patients. Red Rose Rescue and its members — including Christopher “Fidelis” Moscinski, Matthew Connolly, William Goodman, Laura Gies, and John Hinshaw — have repeatedly trespassed at abortion clinics and physically blocked access to reproductive health care services in an effort to stop clinics from operating. Red Rose Rescue members have interfered with clinics in Nassau and Westchester Counties by lying to clinicians in order to gain access to the facilities under false pretenses, physically occupying waiting rooms and refusing to leave, and barricading entrances. At each of the New York clinics, multiple patients’ appointments were delayed or missed due to Red Rose Rescue’s actions.

Obstructing or interfering with access to reproductive health care clinics, including abortion clinics, is illegal under the United States Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE Act) and the New York State Clinic Access Act. In the lawsuit filed today, Attorney General James seeks to prohibit Red Rose Rescue members from coming within 30 feet of any reproductive health care facility in New York state, in addition to civil penalties and damages.

“Red Rose Rescue has made it their mission to terrorize reproductive health care providers and the patients they serve,” said Attorney General James. “Only we have the right to make decisions about our own bodies — not anti-choice legislators, and not bigoted zealots. We will not allow Red Rose Rescue to harass and harangue New Yorkers with their outrageous militant tactics. Make no mistake: abortion is health care, and as New York’s Attorney General, I will continue to protect and defend everyone’s legal right to safely access health care.”

Red Rose Rescue is a radical anti-abortion group whose members seek to prevent abortions by trespassing into private medical facilities and clinics and refusing to leave until they are physically removed by law enforcement. Despite multiple convictions in New York and across the country, Red Rose Rescue continues to repeat their hateful, disruptive, and criminal misconduct, terrorizing reproductive health care providers and patients. In the past two years, Red Rose Rescue has delayed and interfered with the provision of reproductive health care services at three clinics in New York.

All Women’s Care in Manhasset, Nassau County

On April 24, 2021, Moscinski, Gies, Hinshaw, and members of Red Rose Rescue invaded All Women’s Care, a reproductive health services clinic. One member of the group pretended to be a patient seeking care in order to infiltrate the clinic. After checking in for her appointment, she went to a side entrance and opened it to let in additional members of Red Rose Rescue, who invaded the waiting room and lay on the ground screaming that they would not leave. When Moscinski entered, he was carrying a black duffle bag, which staff and patients feared held weapons. He pulled out his friar’s robes and changed in the waiting room. Clinic staff, concerned about safety, directed patients to leave and take cover in their cars. Red Rose Rescue disrupted operations at the clinic for two hours. When threatened with arrest, they went limp and fell to the ground, forcing police to carry them out of the clinic. On April 17, 2023, Hinshaw was sentenced to 30 days in jail and three years’ probation for criminal trespass and obstructing the police. Gies and Moscinski are currently serving jail sentences in Michigan and will be sentenced on June 30, 2023.

All Women’s Health in White Plains, Westchester County

On November 27, 2021, Moscinski, Goodman, Connolly, and members of Red Rose Rescue invaded All Women’s Health and Medical Services, a private reproductive health clinic. One member pretended to be a patient seeking an abortion and once admitted to the clinic, held the door open for other Red Rose Rescue members to rush inside, where they occupied the waiting room and threatened to stay until the facility stopped performing abortions, forcing patients to hide out in the hallways. The occupation lasted for two hours before they were carried out. On August 2, 2022, Moscinski, Goodman, and Connolly were each sentenced to three months in jail for criminal trespass.

Planned Parenthood in Hempstead, Nassau County

On July 7, 2022, Moscinski placed six industrial locks and chains on the front gates of a Planned Parenthood clinic, blocking the driveway into the parking lot and pedestrian access gates so that staff and patients could not enter. Neither the police nor the fire department could cut the locks with manual tools and ultimately resorted to a battery-operated saw. When the locks were finally removed, Moscinski laid down in the driveway to prevent cars from entering the facility and had to be physically removed and carried out by multiple police officers. Moscinski was convicted of criminal violation of the FACE Act and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 27, 2023.

With this lawsuit, Attorney General James seeks to protect New York reproductive health care facilities and their patients by prohibiting Red Rose Rescue, Moscinski, Connolly, Goodman, Gies, Hinshaw, and their associates from knowingly coming within 30 feet of any clinic in the state. Attorney General James is also seeking civil penalties and damages to be determined by the court.

This lawsuit is the latest action Attorney General James has taken to defend abortion access in New York and across the country. Following the Supreme Court’s decision to end Roe v. Wade, Attorney General James launched a pro bono legal hotline to provide legal support to patients and health care providers nationwide. Attorney General James has repeatedly led multi-state coalitions in submitting amicus briefs to combat efforts to roll back abortion rights, and to support protecting Americans’ access to safe, legal abortions. During former President Trump’s Administration, Attorney General James challenged attempts to restrict access to reproductive healthcare services, such as the Trump administration's Title X rule and submitted testimony urging passage of the Women’s Health Protection Act. Attorney General James has helped lead coalitions of attorneys general to defend abortion access in states including Arizona, Idaho, Indiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Attorney General James has supported state legislation to provide funds to abortion providers in New York and called for an amendment to the state constitution to ensure the right to an abortion.

Most recently, Attorney General James co-led a multistate coalition in filing an amicus brief in Texas v. Becerra, supporting the Biden Administration’s U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s defense of access to emergency abortion care. Last month, Attorney General James led two separate multistate coalitions in filing two amicus briefs in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit arguing that separate decisions issued by the same district court judge in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas would harm access to mifepristone and threaten privacy protections over adolescents’ reproductive health care decisions.

“Planned Parenthood of Greater New York applauds New York Attorney General Letitia James for taking a stand against protestors outside our health centers that harass, threaten, and intimidate patients seeking health care,” said Dipal Shah, Executive Director and Chief External Affairs Officer, Planned Parenthood of Greater New York Action Fund. “Everyone deserves the ability to access the care they need without threat or fear. With this action, the Attorney General is standing up for New Yorkers’ right to access care with dignity. PPGNY is committed to fostering a safe environment that honors everyone’s right to access the full range of sexual and reproductive health care — which will always include abortion services. We are proud to continue to work with the Attorney General and lawmakers on long-term solutions to maintain safe and dignified access to our health centers, no matter what.”