GrowNYC - Happy Earth Month

 

Happy Earth Month from GrowNYC!

For over 50 years GrowNYC has worked to protect the environment, create beautiful green spaces, help people stay healthy, and give them opportunities to make a positive impact.  

Our work is more important than ever.

According to a major new climate report by the Intergovernmental Panel On Climate Change, climate change is actively harming our planet more than ever before. Rising temperatures are directly connected to disasters like wildfires and extreme flooding that displace and kill humans, plants, and animals. Climate change threatens the food and water security of millions across the globe and poses significant health risks to all.  

GrowNYC is leading the way.

This Earth Month and beyond, GrowNYC is leading the way in educating, empowering, and supporting New Yorkers on how they can take action to fight climate change for their city and their planet. Please support our efforts to make NYC healthier and more sustainable for all. 

Earth Month Climate Action Help us spread the word about how GrowNYC is fighting climate change during Earth Month and all year long! Make sure to follow GrowNYC on social media, and share this message with your friends!

New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - College of Mount Saint Vincent - Career Fair

 

DEC ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF IN-PERSON HUNTER EDUCATION COURSE OPPORTUNITIES

New Hunters Planning for Spring Turkey Season Must Complete Mandatory Hunter Education

 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced that in-person hunter education classes are being offered throughout New York State this spring in advance of the May 1 opener of spring turkey season.

“Turkey hunting remains one of DEC’s most popular hunting seasons and these courses, taught by our very knowledgeable volunteer instructors, are key to another successful year,” Commissioner Seggos said. “As we continue to safely resume in-person courses, I am excited for new hunters to learn the necessary safety techniques and responsibilities to safely enjoy turkey hunting season.”

All new hunters planning to go turkey hunting this season in May are reminded that they must first complete a mandatory hunter education course before they can purchase a hunting license. DEC works closely with thousands of dedicated DEC-certified volunteer instructors statewide to provide these in-person training courses free of charge.

All in-person hunter education courses require students to complete homework prior to attending the classroom and field session. Proof of the completed homework is required to attend the course. Students should register for the course well in advance of the course date to allow time to complete the homework requirement, which takes approximately three hours. All in-person courses require successful completion of a field day to earn certification for the course.

DEC's online registration system makes it easy to view a list of all available in-person or online courses. Students can register from any device - smartphone, tablet, or computer - 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To locate a nearby hunter education course visit https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/92267.html

File footage of a DEC hunting course can be found here https://www.dec.ny.gov/fs/programs/press/HunterEd/. Please Courtesy NYSDEC if used.

MAYOR ADAMS RENOMINATES AND NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS’ BOARD OF DIRECTORS CONFIRMS MITCHELL KATZ, MD AS PRESIDENT AND CEO OF NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS

 

In Letter to the Board, Mayor Adams Fully Endorsed Dr. Katz

 

Dr. Katz NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO Since September 2017

 Following New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ renomination, the NYC Health + Hospitals’ Board of Directors today, by unanimous vote, confirmed its support for Mitchell Katz, MD, to continue as president and CEO of the New York City health system. As a public benefit corporation, the NYC Health + Hospitals (H+H) Board of Directors votes on and appoints the health system president and CEO. Dr. Katz has served in his current roles since September 2017, and throughout his tenure, Dr. Katz has financially stabilized the health system, closing a deficit of approximately $2 billion; invested in ambulatory care to ensure everyone has access to a primary care doctor; and led the health system through the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Katz sees patients at Gotham Health/Gouverneur every week.

 

“As a key member of my health team, I trust Dr. Katz’s opinions and advice when it comes to protecting the health of New Yorkers,” said Mayor Adams. “The COVID-19 pandemic showed the vital role our public health system plays in the city, and Dr. Katz has shown his commitment to NYC Health + Hospitals and all the New Yorkers who rely on its health care services. It’s just a fact, Dr. Katz ‘Gets Stuff Done,’ which is why I fully support his ongoing leadership of H+H.”

 

“The Board of Directors voted unanimously to confirm their support for Dr. Katz as our president and CEO,” said Jose Pagan, chair, Board of Directors, NYC Health + Hospitals. “Through the pandemic, under his leadership, hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers entrusted their care to NYC Health + Hospitals. New Yorkers saw a vital and vibrant health system, which Dr. Katz has strengthened and stabilized during his tenure here. The board looks forward to continuing our great relationship with Dr. Katz.”

 

“New York City has made important strides in the fight against COVID-19 thanks to dedicated leaders like Dr. Mitch Katz, who continue to lead us along the road to recovery,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “Dr. Katz's renomination as the president and CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals will strengthen our city's ability to provide comprehensive, high-quality, and affordable health care services and improve the health and wellbeing of all New Yorkers.”  

 

“I thank Mayor Adams and the entire NYC Health + Hospitals Board for entrusting me with the helm of this amazing health system,” said Dr. Katz. “Every week, when I see my patients, I see the trust they give us and the great responsibility we have to them. It’s an honor to serve all New Yorkers who need our care.”

 

“Throughout his career, Dr. Katz has proven himself as a committed servant to his patients and to the public,” said New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “Over the past several months I have had the pleasure of working alongside him and observing his commitment first-hand. I look forward to continuing my work with him and his fantastic colleagues at our first-class public hospital system, to protect and promote the health and wellbeing of all New Yorkers.”

 

“As we emerge from this unprecedented crisis, we are ever grateful for the invaluable role our health care workers have played in saving lives and the leadership that informed New York City’s robust pandemic response, one of the most comprehensive and effective in the nation,” said New York City Department of Social Services Commissioner Gary P. Jenkins. “As I congratulate Dr. Katz on his renomination, I want to recognize his critical role in shaping this response while also revitalizing the country’s largest municipal health care system. We rely on the guidance of veteran experts like Dr. Katz to ensure the health and safety of vulnerable New Yorkers and I look forward to continuing to strengthen our partnership to support our neighbors in need.”

 

“On behalf of the SBH Health System, I would like to congratulate Dr. Katz on his renomination. His vision, innovation, and collaborative leadership are the driving factors in providing quality health care to millions of New Yorkers, regardless of their immigration status or ability to pay,” said David Perlstein, MD, president and CEO, SBH Health System. “It has been my honor to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Dr. Katz as we battle a global pandemic. We have worked collaboratively to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 within underserved communities and establish new ways to serve our patients without compromising the quality of health care. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with Dr. Katz and his team.”

 

“As president and CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals, Dr. Mitchell Katz is one of New York’s respected voices and exemplary leaders in health care,” said Kenneth Davis, CEO, Mount Sinai Health System. “During his time, NYC Health + Hospitals has broadened health care access for New York City residents, and he has led the country’s largest public health system through very challenging times. I am honored to call him a friend and I value his partnership in ensuring every New Yorker has access to high-quality, equitable care.”

 

“We are delighted to congratulate Dr. Mitchell Katz on his renomination as NYC Health + Hospitals president and CEO,” said Steven J. Corwin, MD, president and CEO, New York-Presbyterian. “Dr. Katz is a skilled and caring physician and a transformative leader of public hospital systems who is committed to improving the health of all New Yorkers. We commend him for his extraordinary dedication to New York City, particularly his leadership through the pandemic, and look forward to his continued service.”

 

“The renomination of Dr. Mitchell Katz as NYC Health + Hospitals’ president and CEO is a testament to his stellar leadership of the nation’s largest public hospital system, especially throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Kenneth E. Raske, president, Greater New York Hospital Association. “He is the embodiment of NYC Health + Hospital’s mission to deliver high-quality care with compassion, dignity, and respect to all, and New York’s entire hospital community is grateful for his continued service.”

 

About Dr. Mitchell Katz

 

Dr. Mitchell Katz joined NYC Health + Hospitals from the Los Angeles County Health Agency, where he served as director. For five years he served as the director of the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, the second largest public safety net system in the United States, during which he created the ambulatory care network and empaneled over 350,000 patients to a primary care home. Earlier in his career, he was the director and health officer of the San Francisco Department of Health for 13 years, best known for funding needle exchanges, creating Healthy San Francisco, outlawing the sale of tobacco at pharmacies, and winning ballot measures for rebuilding Laguna Honda Hospital and San Francisco General Hospital.

 

He is the deputy editor of JAMA Internal Medicine, an elected member of the National Academy of Sciences (previously the Institute of Medicine), and the recipient of the Los Angeles County Medical Association 2015 Healthcare Champion of the year.

 

Dr. Katz is a graduate of Yale College and Harvard Medical School. He completed an internal medicine residency at UCSF Medical School, and he was an RWJ Clinical Scholar.

 

ASSEMBLYMAN KIM SEEKS NEW DEAL FOR THE NFL's BUFFALO BILLS

 

As Governor Hochul pushes to hand over more than $1 billion of public money to the billionaire Pegulas family, Assemblyman Ron Kim and Senator Jabari Brisport have proposed new legislation that would require any professional sports team that received 51% or more in public funding for a new stadium give the public the ability to purchase 51% or more of the team. This legislation is based on a simple principle: if the public is spending money on a sports franchise, it is the public that should benefit. Accordingly, if more than half of a new stadium is financed with public support, then the public should have the opportunity to purchase more than half of the sports franchise. This will ensure that billionaire sports franchises cannot extort the public, and that the true stakeholders — the people of New York who support the team — benefit from any public expenditures. Assemblyman Ron Kim:“Governor Hochul has portrayed handing $1 billion of taxpayer money to the Buffalo Bills billionaire owners, the Pegulas, as a necessity for keeping the team in our state. If she is genuinely concerned about them leaving New York, our proposal ensures that the team stays in Buffalo. It would convert any use of taxpayer money by a team to an ownership stake for the public. If they try to take their money and leave, it would give the community and city a chance to keep the team." Senator Jabari Brisport: “We cannot keep giving away public funds to massive corporations and billionaires while getting little to nothing in return for New Yorkers. It is appalling that a billionaire is attempting to hold hostage a team that would be nothing without the fans who have uplifted it – and funded it – for generations. It’s time to stop catering to the rich and powerful at the expense of everyday New Yorkers.”

MAYOR ADAMS TO DISTRIBUTE 6.3 MILLION AT-HOME COVID-19 TESTS, AS FEDERAL GOVERNMENT STALLS ON PROVIDING BILLIONS IN EMERGENCY FUNDS

 

Absence of $15 Billion in Ongoing Funding Could Lead to Increased Demand on City-Run Services to Test, Treat, and Vaccinate New Yorkers

 

City Stepping Up, Distributing At-Home Test Kits to Boost Ongoing Preparedness

 New York City Mayor Adams and city health leaders today called on all members of Congress to appropriate more than $15 billion in emergency funding for COVID-19. While New York City will continue providing testing and vaccine services to New Yorkers at no cost through NYC Health + Hospitals, gridlock in Washington, DC has threatened the health of communities across New York and the rest of the nation. Earlier this week, Mayor Adams met with the New York City congressional delegation and urged them to push for immediate passage of the COVID-19 aid package. As the city and the nation wait for action from certain members of Congress to protect Americans’ health, New York is taking action to bolster preparedness efforts. Specifically, the NYC Test & Trace Corps will provide an additional 6.3 million free at-home tests in April to over 2,500 community organizations, libraries, cultural institutions, houses of worship, and elected offices across the city.

 

“We have more tools than ever to fight COVID-19, but now is not the time to scale back,” said Mayor Adams. “As we step up and provide more than 6 million at-home tests to keep our residents safe, we need our federal government to continue pushing for much-needed resources. We remain committed to assisting the New York City congressional delegation as they work to secure COVID-19 supplemental funding, but inaction by certain members of Congress right now puts the whole country at risk. We need federal action now before we left to fend for ourselves if another surge hits our city.”

 

Test & Trace has distributed nearly 11 million at-home tests to date, with approximately 7 million tests delivered to New York City schools. Test & Trace currently maintains a stockpile of tens of millions of tests that can be rapidly distributed in the event of a surge.

 

Making at-home testing widely available ensures New Yorkers can test themselves immediately if they have symptoms so they can safely head to work, school, or other gatherings with family and friends, or quickly receive treatment, if needed.

 

The more than $15 billion in funding Congress has yet to authorize has the potential to:

• Impact the federal supply of vaccines and treatments;
• Eliminate federal reimbursement to private providers for vaccination, testing, and outpatient treatment provided to uninsured people;
• Reduce immediate access to services for testing, treatment, and vaccination, which could lead to delays in testing and care; and
• Put the country at risk of losing its ability to develop and distribute vaccines for new variants in the future.

 

Last night, rumors began to surface that Congress may soon consider an aid package valued at approximately $10 billion — less than half of the $22.5 billion President Joseph Biden had initially sought to continue the fight against COVID-19. 

 

“New York City is well positioned to respond to the increase in cases through a robust testing network, including the distribution of over 6 million at home tests through community-based partnerships” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “I urge all New Yorkers to take the necessary precautions, including getting vaccinated, boosted, and wearing a mask, in order to protect their health, the health of their families, and school communities.”

 

“Cases are rising, and we expect to see a steady increase in transmission as BA.2 continues to circulate around the city,” said New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “We’ve all been through so much the last couple years and we need every tool available to us. It’s crucial we all take the steps we know work to keep us safe and healthy, like getting vaccinated, boosted, tested, and wearing masks in settings where the vaccination status of those around you are unknown. ”

 

“At NYC Health + Hospitals, we believe that health care is a human right and we serve every New Yorker regardless of their ability to pay or their immigration status,” said Dr. Mitchell Katz, president and CEO, NYC Health + Hospitals. “The COVID-19 federal funding pool helped us take care of hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers without disrupting our non-COVID care. This funding ensures that everyone can access a COVID-19 test and a vaccination so they can remain healthy.”

 

“We want every New Yorker to have access to home tests so you can know if you have COVID before you go to work, school, or see friends and loved ones,” said Dr. Ted Long, executive director, NYC Test & Trace Corps; senior vice president of Ambulatory Care and Population Health, NYC Health + Hospitals. “Thanks to our thousands of program partners, we are prepared for the BA.2 variant with at-home tests accessible at locations for all the city’s diverse communities. I urge the federal government to renew emergency funding so that they can continue to assist us with our critical mission to provide ready access to testing, treatments and vaccination, and to end the pandemic.”

 

Earlier this week, President Biden warned there may not be enough vaccine supply to guarantee free access to vaccines for those who want them this fall, just as the federal government approved a second booster dose for adults aged 50 and older, making this federal funding even more dire. In addition, the federal government is already scaling back allocations for COVID-19 treatments, like monoclonal antibody treatments and oral antivirals. These treatments have been a lifeline for many vulnerable New Yorkers, and without them, severe outcomes due to COVID-19 infection will increase.

 

Any New York City-based community organization that would like to participate as an at-home test distribution partner is encouraged to sign up online. New Yorkers can find an at-home test distribution location most convenient to them by visiting the city’s coronavirus testing page.  New Yorkers with a disability who need assistance or have questions regarding at home test kits or otherwise should call 311. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing and use American Sign Language can call via video phone at 646-396-5830.  

 

Senator Biaggi's Week in Review: 3/28/22-4/1/22

 

Dear Community,

April marks the beginning of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This month is dedicated to raising public awareness and educating our community on how to help prevent violence. Sexual violence remains a pervasive public health, human rights, and social justice issue, and we observe this month to emphasize the need for greater prevention efforts and support for survivors. 

We all have a responsibility to support survivors and prevent sexual violence. Below is a list of local resources and organizations to support:

Hotlines:

• NYC Sexual Assault Hotline: 212-267-7273
• Safe Horizon Hotlines: 
  • Domestic Violence: 1-800-621-4673
  • Sexual Assault: 1-212-227-3000
• NY State Hotline for Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence: 1-800-942-6906

Victim Assistance Programs:

• NYC Family Justice Center, Bronx: 718-508-1220
• Safe Horizon Bronx Family Justice Center: 718-508-1275
• North Central Bronx Hospital-Sexual Assault Treatment Program: 718-519-3100
• The Hebrew Home for the Aged at Riverdale (The Weibberg Center): 718-581-1472
• Crime Victims Support Services, North Bronx: 718-823-4925

Organizations:

• New York State Anti-Trafficking Coalition: nysatc.weebly.com
• National Organization for Women - NOW-NYC: nownyc.org; 212-627-9895
• Restore NYC: restorenyc.org; 212-840-8484
• New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NYSCASA): nyscasa.org; 518-482-4222

The evening of April 1st also marks the start of the holy month of Ramadan. I’d like to wish everyone observing a blessed and fulfilling month! 

With Gratitude,

State Senator Alessandra Biaggi

Governor Hochul Announces Eligibility for Second COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters - APRIL 2, 202 - No Update on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 from the Governor On Saturday and Sunday.

 

New Yorkers 50 Years and Older Who Received First Booster At Least Four Months Ago Are Eligible; Adults 18 - 49 Years Who Received the Johnson & Johnson Vaccine and Immunocompromised New Yorkers 12 Years and Older Also Eligible for an mRNA Booster Four Months After First Booster

State Department of Health and CDC Continue to Strongly Recommend Initial Booster Doses for Eligible Adults and Adolescents

Schedule Your Free Booster Appointment at Any State-Run Mass Vaccination Site Here or Find a Nearby Location Here

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced eligibility for second COVID-19 vaccine booster doses. Booster doses are free and widely available statewide, including at all state-run mass vaccination sites. Eligible New Yorkers may receive an mRNA vaccine—either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine—for their second booster shot.

"Second boosters are now available to eligible New Yorkers statewide, including at all of the State's mass vaccination sites," Governor Hochul said. "Getting vaccinated and staying up-to-date with all recommended doses is the most effective way to prevent severe illness and hospitalization, and move safely forward through this pandemic."  

The State's Department of Health released new clinical guidance on the administration of second booster doses for all providers enrolled in the New York State vaccination program. The guidance follows the Federal Drug Administration's (FDA) approval of Emergency Use Authorization for a second booster and the updated recommendation from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to allow adults 50 years and older to receive a second booster of an mRNA vaccine at least four months after their first booster. Additionally, adults ages 18 - 49 years who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for their primary vaccine and initial booster dose now may receive a second booster four months after their first booster dose. Also eligible for the second booster are New Yorkers 12 years and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised.  

State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said, "Providers statewide, including at the state's mass vaccination sites, are ready to administer second booster doses for eligible New Yorkers. For each of us, vaccination remains our personal best line of defense against COVID. As we have seen with the recent increase of the Omicron sub-variant BA.2, COVID is still with us. These safe and effective vaccines remain free, including the second booster."

The New York State Department of Health continues to share CDC's recommendation that all eligible adults, adolescents, and children five years and older get fully vaccinated and receive an initial COVID-19 booster when eligible. For eligible New Yorkers, a first booster dose is safe and continues to provide strong protection against severe outcomes. According to CDC data from the recent Omicron surge, those who were boosted were 21-times less likely to die from COVID-19 compared to those who were unvaccinated, and 7-times less likely to be hospitalized. In accordance with CDC's recommendation, the State's updated guidance acknowledges the increased risk of severe disease for certain populations, making a second mRNA booster available for those who may choose to increase their protection further.  

The State's booster and additional dose website includes information for New Yorkers about first and second boosters, additional doses, eligibility, frequently asked questions, and resources for providers on-the-ground. The State will continue its outreach to booster-eligible New Yorkers through SMS-based messages, traditional and digital marketing efforts, and push notifications through the State's Excelsior Pass platform.  

All New York State mass vaccination sites are administering second booster doses to eligible New Yorkers. To schedule an appointment at a state-run mass vaccination site, New Yorkers can visit the Am I Eligible page or call 1-833-NYS-4-VAX. People may also contact their pharmacy, local county health department, or healthcare provider to schedule appointments where vaccines are available. New Yorkers can also visit vaccines.gov, text their ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find nearby locations. New Yorkers should make sure providers are administering second booster doses when scheduling their appointments.