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Tuesday, November 10, 2020
New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - 2020 HERO OF HOPE VIRTUAL BANQUET HONOREE
NEW YORK CITY ANNOUNCES NEW MENTAL HEALTH TEAMS TO RESPOND TO MENTAL HEALTH CRISES
For the first time in the city’s history, mental health and medical experts will be the default response to 911 mental health calls in two high-need communities
For the first time in the city’s history, Mayor de Blasio today announced that new Mental Health Teams of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) health professionals and mental health crisis workers will be dispatched through 911 to respond to mental health emergencies in two high-need communities.
“One in five New Yorkers struggle with a mental health condition. Now, more than ever, we must do everything we can to reach those people before crisis strikes,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “For the first time in our city’s history, health responders will be the default responders for a person in crisis, making sure those struggling with mental illness receive the help they need.”
"The most innovative breakthroughs in mental health services are often the result of multi-agency partnership, and today marks a new chapter in how the City responds to New Yorkers who are experiencing mental health crises, said First Lady Chirlane McCray. “This is the first time in our history that health professionals will be the default responders to mental health emergencies, an approach that is more compassionate and effective for better long term outcomes.
The overall number of mental health 911 calls fell by over 8,000 in 2019, the first decline following a decade in which 911 mental health calls increased every year and in every precinct in the city. This decline, which has continued into 2020, follows a concerted effort to strengthen how the City prevents and responds to mental health crises, including the introduction of new mobile intervention and treatment teams over the last several years.
Currently, NYPD officers and FDNY Emergency Medical Services Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) respond to nearly all mental health 911 calls, regardless of the severity of health needs, whether a crime is involved, or whether there is an imminent risk of violence. In the health-centered pilot announced today, new Mental Health Teams of health professionals and crisis workers from FDNY Emergency Medical Services will be the default response to mental health emergencies in two high-need precincts.
Beginning in February 2021, new Mental Health Teams will use their physical and mental health expertise, and experience in crisis response to de-escalate emergency situations, will help reduce the number of times police will need to respond to 911 mental health calls in these precincts. These teams will have the expertise to respond to a range of behavioral health problems, such as suicide attempts, substance misuse, and serious mental illness, as well as physical health problems, which can be exacerbated by or mask mental health problems. NYC Health + Hospitals will train and provide ongoing technical assistance and support. In selecting team members for this program, FDNY will prioritize professionals with significant experience with mental health crises.
In emergency situations involving a weapon or imminent risk of harm, the new Mental Health Teams will respond along with NYPD officers. Over 65% of all operational staff in NYPD patrol precincts across the City have now been trained in Crisis Intervention Team training, a state-of-the-art approach that continues to improve the way officers recognize and respond to behavioral health problems experienced by people they encounter. In all precincts other than the two precincts selected for this pilot, NYPD officers and FDNY Emergency Medical Services EMTs will continue to provide coordinated responses to mental health emergencies.
The pilot announced today is modeled on successful, alternative to police response programs in other cities. The CAHOOTS (Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets) program in Eugene, Oregon is embedded into the 911 system and includes teams of paramedics and crisis workers who have significant experience in the mental health field. Designed as an alternative to police response for non-violent situations, CAHOOTS teams responded to approximately 24,000 calls last year and addressed a wide range of mental health-related crises. In approximately 150 cases, CAHOOTS teams requested police backup. Similar approaches are also being pursued in cities such as Albuquerque, Denver, Los Angeles and San Francisco, among others.
The new health-centered approach builds on significant work undertaken over the last few years to strengthen mental health crisis prevention and response. In partnership with the NYC Crisis Prevention and Response Task Force, the City is reducing the number of mental health crises that result in 911 calls by expanding the number of mental health teams who can intervene before crises occur and stabilize people in the weeks following a crisis. And to ensure those with the most serious needs stay connected to treatment, the City has also expanded intensive, mobile treatment for New Yorkers with serious mental illness. Key accomplishments include:
Improve Response Times for Mobile Crisis Teams
By January, Mobile Crisis Teams will be able to respond to urgent mental health situations within two hours citywide during the day and evening. Mobile Crisis Teams, often dispatched by NYC Well and operated by hospitals and community-based organizations, respond to urgent mental health needs approximately 21,000 times per year, often serving children and adults in their homes. Mobile Crisis Teams can include nurses, social workers, psychologists and psychiatrists, community liaisons and peers. Services can include assessment, crisis counseling and connection to ongoing services. Through the Crisis Prevention and Response Task Force, the City improved response times of our mobile crisis teams.
Continued Access to Care
Four new intensive mobile treatment teams will continue to provide ongoing, clinical care to New Yorkers with serious mental illness who have been poorly served by more traditional treatment models. Many clients are experiencing homelessness or have recently been involved in the justice system. These teams are effective at helping clients stay connected to care, increasing stability in clients' lives, and reducing homelessness.
The results of the pilot period will inform how the City responds to mental health emergencies in other neighborhoods. This pilot represents a concerted effort by FDNY, H+H, DOHMH, the NYPD, and the Mayor's Office of ThriveNYC to move towards a more health-centered approach. The Mayor’s Office of ThriveNYC will provide programmatic oversight for this pilot.
“Emergencies are not all the same and the skills needed to respond vary as well,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Dave A. Chokshi. “Expanding the role of mental health in emergency services means that people with urgent behavioral health needs can quickly get appropriate and effective help from trained health professionals.”
“NYC Health + Hospitals is excited to partner with other City agencies as we continue to meet the needs of New Yorkers experiencing mental health crisis more expediently,” said NYC Health + Hospitals Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Director of the Office of Behavioral Health Charles Barron, MD. “Mental health challenges can be extremely sensitive to address and proper training of all professionals is necessary to ensure trust and expert engagement are met into further support services. COVID-19 has proven to be difficult for everyone, with isolation and the anxieties that come with the uncertainty of the pandemic posing new challenges for everyone. No New Yorker should feel alone to navigate feelings of depression, anxieties, thoughts of suicide and more.”
"Bringing mental health support to New Yorkers where and when they need it is at the heart of all of ThriveNYC's work. We are working toward a city where fewer mental health needs become crises, and when mental health needs do become crises, we reach people quickly with the care they need", said Susan Herman, Director of the Mayor's Office of ThriveNYC. "The pilot announced today is a vital step forward, grounded in New York City's commitment to treat mental health crises as public health issues, not public safety problems."
“Responding to help New Yorkers in need of emergency medical care is the core mission of the FDNY. No one does it better than our dedicated and professional EMTs and Paramedics,” said Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro. “Working together with our partners at the Department of Health, Health and Hospitals, NYPD, and ThriveNYC, we will further improve that outstanding level of care through this pilot program that will create new EMS Mental Health teams to place a greater focus on the mental health crises of our patients. Our goal is simple: to be there for every New Yorker during their most difficult moments and provide critical mental health care.”
“The NYPD looks forward to participating in this important pilot program. The participation of mental health professionals is a long awaited improvement in the city’s initial response to people in crisis,” said Police Commissioner Dermot Shea. “Our officers applaud the intervention by health professionals in these non violent cases and as always stand ready to assist.”
Candidates for the 11th City Council District - Candidate Marcos Sierra says "No White Candidate Need Apply"
AuthorRobert Press
So you feel either of those contests can better benefit from an older white cis male running to represent a majority minority district huh? Governor Cuomo Announces Updated COVID-19 Micro-Cluster Focus Zones - NOVEMBER 9, 2020
Based on Progress Controlling COVID Spread, Brooklyn Red Zone will Transition to Orange Warning Zone
New Yellow Precautionary Zones in Erie, Monroe and Onondaga Counties
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced updated COVID-19 micro-cluster focus areas in New York State. Based on data metrics including testing results and hospitalization rates, Brooklyn's red zone will transition to an orange warning zone. The Governor also announced new yellow precautionary zone focus areas in Erie, Monroe and Onondaga Counties.
"COVID is surging across the country and the globe, and we expect the rates will continue to go up through the fall and into the winter," Governor Cuomo said. "The long-term prognosis is get a vaccine as quickly as possible, and administer the vaccine as quickly, fairly and equitably as possible. In the meantime, we manage the increase by doing more testing and targeted restrictions where necessary, and being more aggressive on enforcement. I know people are tired - COVID fatigue is real. But the virus isn't tired. The red, orange and yellow zones are our way of saying the virus is making headway and we're going to increase restrictions and we're going to increase enforcement. When we see a small increase, we attack that small increase - and the numbers show it works. If we stay smart and disciplined, we can manage this - but it will take all of us being New York Tough."
Modifications to Current Focus Zones
Brooklyn - Red Zone Changes to Orange Warning Zone
Last week, Brooklyn's Red Zone was reduced in size by 50 percent based on progress. Metrics demonstrate continued progress controlling COVID spread and the zone will be transitioned to Orange, allowing many businesses to reopen.
New Focus Zones
Erie County - New Yellow Precautionary Zone - Click Here for Map
Over the past ten days, parts of Erie County have had 7-day average positivity rates above 2.5%, and cases per 100,000 and new daily hospital admissions have increased, meeting the metrics for a yellow zone designation.
Monroe County - New Yellow Precautionary Zone - Click Here for Map
Over the past ten days, parts of Monroe County have had 7-day average positivity rates above 3%, and cases per 100,000 and new daily hospital admissions have increased, meeting the metrics for a yellow zone designation.
Onondaga County - New Yellow Zone - Click Here for Map
Over the past ten days, parts of Onondaga County have had 7-day average positivity rates above 3%, and cases per 100,000 and new daily hospital admissions have increased, meeting the metrics for a yellow zone designation.
The Governor reminded New Yorkers yellow zone restrictions include a 25-person maximum capacity on mass gatherings, 4-person to a table maximum while dining and 20 percent weekly testing of in-person students, faculty in schools. Bars and restaurants located in Yellow Precautionary Zones must close at midnight.
The positive testing rate in all focus areas under the state's micro-cluster strategy is 4.32 percent, and outside the focus zone areas is 2.69 percent. Within the focus areas, 8,899 test results were reported yesterday, yielding 384 positives. In the remainder of the state, not counting these focus areas, 102,517 test results were reported, yielding 2,760 positives.
Today's data is summarized briefly below:
- Patient Hospitalization - 1,444 (+48)
- Patients Newly Admitted - 185
- Hospital Counties - 47
- Number ICU - 282 (-13)
- Number ICU with Intubation - 125 (-6)
- Total Discharges - 80,764 (+118)
- Deaths - 26
- Total Deaths - 25,973
Governor Cuomo Announces New Efforts to Increase Highway Safety and Prevent Low-Bridge Strikes by Trucks
$3.8 Million Bridge Replacement in Albany County Includes Safety Upgrades Such as Higher Clearance for Highway Traffic and Widened Bridge Shoulders
Project Completed Within Budget and One Month Ahead of Schedule
Governor Also Launches Enforcement and Education Campaign to Prevent Trucks From Striking Low Bridges
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the completion of the $3.8 million bridge replacement project of the Old State Road Bridge over the NYS Thruway (I-90) in Albany County. The project, which began in March, was completed within budget and a month ahead of schedule for the approximately 5,300 vehicles which utilize the Old State Road Bridge each day. Since 2016, the Thruway Authority's capital program has supported the replacement or rehabilitation of 133 bridges across its 570-mile system.
Additionally, to prevent future bridge strikes, the Governor directed the New York State Police, the New York State Department of Transportation, and the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee to launch a collaborative enforcement and education effort that will take place from Monday, November 9, through Sunday, November 15. New York State averages about 220 bridge strikes per year, resulting in the potential for injury for the truck driver and nearby motorists, costly repairs to the bridge itself, and substantial traffic disruptions. There have been more than 1,100 bridge strikes on New York roadways since 2015.
"While maintaining strong, safe transportation infrastructure is critical for keeping our roadways safe, it's also an important piece in growing local economies and this is why New York has made the strengthening of bridges and roadways a top priority," Governor Cuomo said. "Not only does the new Old State Road Bridge improve the safety and reliability of the Thruway, but by increasing its clearance, we are helping prevent troublesome traffic delays which impact travel and commerce. When you combine this progress along with our new enforcement and education initiative, New York is taking a proactive approach towards improving safety for all those who travel our roads."
The overpass bridge, located between Exit 24 (Albany - I-87) and Exit 25 (Schenectady - I-890), had been subject to numerous over-height truck hits throughout the past several years causing traffic disruptions on the Thruway mainline. The new bridge height will prevent similar incidents in the future with an increased clearance of 16 feet, 6 inches for traffic traveling on the NYS Thruway (I-90).
The bridge was constructed using 260,000 pounds of American-made structural steel and its new driving surface and approaches utilized 1,000 cubic yards of concrete, as well as 1,000 tons of asphalt. To further strengthen safety, wider travel lanes and shoulders, and new safety guiderails were implemented.
DMV Commissioner and Chair of the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee Mark J.F. Schroeder, said, "Bridge strikes not only tie up traffic and damage vehicles, but they can also compromise the safety of our infrastructure. We support the efforts of our partners in law enforcement and at DOT and are committed to educating drivers about how to safely navigate New York's bridges and tunnels."
Since 2013, the New York State Department of Transportation has participated in a regional Bridge Strike Task Force in the Hudson Valley. Because of this multi-agency effort, NYSDOT added new signage and pavement markings along the Hutchinson River, Saw Mill River, Cross County and Sprain Brook parkways and ramp entrances. Over-height vehicle detection systems have been installed at multiple locations across New York State. `
New fines and penalties for those driving commercial vehicles on New York State parkways went into effect September 3, 2020. Penalties for commercial vehicles on parkways are broken down by weight class, and there are also penalties for over-height vehicles. The maximum fines and penalties are as follows:
Less than 10,000 pounds:
- First violation - $250 and/or 15 days in jail
- Second violation within 18 months - $500 and/or 45 days in jail
- Third or subsequent violation within 18 months - $750 and/or 90 days in jail
Between 10,000 and 26,000 pounds:
- First violation - $350 and/or 15 days in jail
- Second violation within 18 months - $700 and/or 45 days in jail
- Third or subsequent violation within 18 months - $1,000 and/or 90 days
Over 26,000 pounds:
- First violation - $700 and/or 15 days in jail
- Second violation within 18 months - $1,500 and/or 45 days in jail
- Third or subsequent violation within 18 months - $2,000 and/or 90 days in jail
New fines and penalties for over height vehicles are as follows:
- First offense - $1,000 and/or 30 days in jail
Second or subsequent offense - $2,000 and/or 60 days in jail
Monday, November 9, 2020
Kossuth Playground Ribbon Cutting
Friday was the Ribbon Cutting for the new Kossuth Playground located on Mosholu Parkway North at Kossuth Avenue. Councilman and newly elected State Supreme Court Justice Andrew Cohen, NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver, Bronx Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Assembly members Jeffrey Dinowitz and Nathalia Fernandez, and the Friends of Mosholu Parkway were on hand for the event.
There are new amenities such as a giant swing, adult exercise equipment, various water sprinklers, new basketball courts, new tables and seats, with one table that is wheelchair accessible.
Above - The Giant swing being tested out.
Below - Assembly members Dinowitz and Fernandez talk while Councilman Cohen tries out one of the many adult exercise units.
Below - The brand new basketball courts.
Below - The new Multi sprinkler system.
Bronx Jewish Community Council - SAVE THE DATE: PROJECT HOPE CHANUKAH
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