Governor Cuomo Announces 10 Additional State-Run Mass Vaccination Sites to Open in Coming Weeks

 

Sites to Be Established in the New York City, Long Island, Hudson Valley, Capital, Southern Tier, Mohawk Valley and Western New York Regions

Further Builds on New York's Already Expansive Network of Vaccine Distribution Sites

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that as the federal vaccine supply continues to increase, New York will establish 10 additional state-run mass vaccination sites in the New York City, Long Island, Hudson Valley, Capital, Southern Tier, Mohawk Valley and Western New York regions to further grow New York's vast distribution network. The sites remain in development and are expected to launch in the coming weeks. Final details, including appointment scheduling information and hours of operation will be released in the coming days.  

"Thanks to increasing vaccine supply from our partners in Washington we can utilize more of our state's capacity to distribute doses, and once they are open, these new sites will allow us to continue to get shots into arms on a large scale," Governor Cuomo said. "We know the vaccine is the weapon that will win this war, but it's only effective if we all take it, which is why we are working around the clock to establish sites like these across the state to reach as many New Yorkers as possible. The more people we vaccinate, the more we can continue our progress in keeping the infection rate at bay, reopening our economy and defeating COVID once and for all."   

The 10 sites being established will open in the coming weeks at the following locations:

LONG ISLAND

SUNY Stony Brook SH Campus 
70 Tuckahoe Road  Southampton, NY 

Suffolk Community College Brentwood Campus 
502 Wicks Road Brentwood, NY

SUNY Old Westbury 
Clark Center - Gate C 
223 Store Hill Road  Old Westbury, NY 

HUDSON VALLEY

SUNY Orange 
Diana Physical Education Center 
9 East Conkling Avenue  Middletown, NY   

Ulster County Fairgrounds 
249 Libertyville Road  New Paltz, NY   

CAPITAL REGION

Queensbury Site 
50 Gurney Lane  Queensbury, NY  

MOHAWK VALLEY

SUNY Oneonta 
108 Ravine Parkway Oneonta, NY 

SOUTHERN TIER

Corning Community College 
Gymnasium and Wellness Education Center 
1 Academic Drive Corning, NY  

WESTERN NEW YORK

Conference Center of Niagara Falls                            
101 Old Falls Street Niagara Falls, NY 

NEW YORK CITY

Bronx Site
Final Location Pending 

The sites remain in development and are expected to launch in the coming weeks. Final details, including appointment scheduling information and hours of operation will be released in the coming days. Once appointments are opened, eligible New Yorkers will be able to schedule appointments by utilizing New York's 'Am I Eligible' website or by calling the state's COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline at 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829). 

The establishment of these 10 sites further expands New York's already vast vaccine distribution network. Not only has New York already established 13 other state-run mass vaccination sites, but in order to meet the Governor's mandate to ensure the fair and equitable distribution of the vaccine, numerous other sites have been established to ensure those New Yorkers living in underserved communities have direct access to the vaccine. This includes six joint state-FEMA community-based vaccination sites, the Yankee Stadium mass vaccination site, and more than 120 community-based pop-up sites in public housing developments, churches and community centers.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

We wonder if the Bronx site is not the Coop-City Mass Vaccination site which opened on Saturday, but no one told the governor.

WILLIAMS' STATEMENT ON THE PLAN TO REOPEN NYC HIGH SCHOOLS

 

"We all want to be able to reopen schools safely. What we do not want, and cannot have, is the existence of a vaccine creating a false sense of safety. I am apprehensive, but if re-opening schools is to move forward, it must be paired with increased vaccination for educators and strict adherence to safety standards, with a commitment to following science to protect students and parents, teachers and school staff. It is also critical that the move to reopen schools to some students does not detract from the effort or resources needed to support and improve remote learning for the vast majority of students learning from home - throughout this past year, a focus on in-person learning for a third of students has impeded work to enhance remote education for all students. Reopening buildings will require intentional, collaborative community engagement by the city in order to renovate old systems, innovate new strategies, and rebuild confidence in our ability to enact them.

"Positivity rates are still high, new variants are emerging and vaccination rates remain relatively low, especially in communities of more color - while many high schools are currently serving as vaccination sites. We need adequate assurances from the de Blasio administration that the city will be able to reopen in a way that preserves safety and advances equity- which they have been so far unable to achieve in minimizing infection or maximizing injection. The learning loss from closing schools is real, but so too would be the loss of life if their reopening is similarly mismanaged or mistimed."

Governor Cuomo Announces More Than 40,000 COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Administered in New York Houses of Worship

 

More Than 22,500 First Doses and More Than 18,000 Second Doses Administered

Governor Calls on Religious Leaders to Partner with State and Establish Additional Sites; Interested Houses of Worship Should Contact New York State Here

Builds on New York State's Efforts for Equitable Vaccine Distribution Across the State

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that more than 40,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered at community-based pop-up sites in houses of worship throughout New York State. More than 22,500 first doses and more than 18,000 second doses have been administered. 48 pop-up sites have been established in houses of worship. Partnering with houses of worship builds on New York's efforts to bring the vaccine to underserved communities across the state. 

The Governor also called on religious leaders to partner with New York State to establish more pop-up vaccination sites. Interested houses of worship can contact the state here.

"Houses of worship have been vital partners in New York's effort to bring the COVID-19 vaccine to underserved communities across the state, and community-based pop-up sites are making real progress getting shots in arms," Governor Cuomo said. "We're using a range of methods to ensure equitable vaccine distribution, but this one wouldn't be possible without the partnership and hard work of our partners who administer houses of worship and their willingness to assure communities that the vaccine is safe and will save lives. Together, we'll combat vaccine hesitancy and build a safer, healthier future for all New Yorkers." 

New York State has continued to increase the number of pop-up sites deployed throughout the state. On March 4, Governor Cuomo announced 12 community-based pop-up vaccination sites are coming online this week at public housing developments, churches, community centers, schools and fire stations. These sites are expected to vaccinate more than 4,000 people throughout the week. Since January 15, 120 community-based pop-up sites administered more than 50,000 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. As has been the case with previous pop-up sites, these sites will be re-established in three weeks to administer second doses. 

The establishment of many of these vaccination sites was made possible through partnerships with multiple public and private health care providers. Host sites and partner providers conduct outreach within their communities and work with community leaders and organizations to identify eligible New Yorkers and schedule vaccination appointments.

This continued development of community-based 'pop up' vaccination sites furthers Governor Cuomo's mandate of ensuring the fair and equitable distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. In late 2020, the Governor announced the launch of New York's Vaccine Equity Task Force chaired by Secretary of State Rossana Rosado, Attorney General Letitia James, National Urban League President & CEO Marc Morial, and Healthfirst President & CEO Pat Wang. Since its establishment, the Task Force has continued work to ensure vulnerable and underserved communities are not left behind by breaking down the barriers to vaccination and ensuring there is equitable distribution of the vaccine across the state.

Asemblyman Jose Rivera Endorses Councilman Fernando Cabrera for Bronx Borough President

 

Sunday afternoon in front of the Kingsbridge Armory Bronx Borough President candidate Councilman Fernando Cabrera picked up another endorsement, this time from Assemblyman Jose Rivera, a veteran elected official who has seen the good times and the bad times of the Bronx which can be said of the current times. Rivera said that as Bronx Borough President Fernando Cabrera can guide the Bronx out of the Pandemic, and back to better times as the recovery takes place. 

It is little known that Assemblyman Jose Rivera a former Bronx Democratic Party Leader for many years, was a Bronx Borough President candidate himself in 1997 to replace then Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer who was running for mayor. Rivera was not given the opportunity to run when Ferrer decided not to run for mayor, but to run again for Bronx BP, this happening before term limits were instituted. Assemblyman Rivera had discussions with other candidates for Bronx Borough President before coming out with this endorsement of Councilman Fernando Cabrera for Bronx BP.

13th City Council candidate John Perez the former Male District Leader of the 87th A.D. also endorsed Fernando Cabrera for Bronx BP. Ms. Shelia Sanchez President of the Northwest Bronx Democrats pledged the clubs support to Bronx BP candidate Fernando Cabrera. Also at the endorsement by Assemblyman Jose Rivera was Sheikh Musa Drammeh an immigrant from Gambia who is a religious leader and community activist. Sheikh Musa Drammeh has been a leading figure in immigrant and Muslim communities in the Bronx for many years. He is the CEO of the Parkchester Times which has endorsed Fernando Cabrera for Bronx BP, and is also the publisher of the Muslim Community Report Newsletter.

(L-R) Northwest Bronx Democratic Club President Ms. Shelia Sanchez, Bronx Borough President candidate Fernando Cabrera, Assemblyman Jose Rivera, and Sheikh Musa Drammeh.

13th City Council candidate John Perez stands next to Bronx BP candidate Fernando Cabrera with other supporters.

Assemblyman Jose Rivera even brought his daughter former 80th Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera (left with the red scarf) with him to endorse Councilman Fernando Cabrera for Bronx Borough President.

TONIGHT: VNNA MARCH MONTHLY ZOOM MEETING—Candidates Forum for City Council District 15

 

Van Nest Neighborhood Alliance invites you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

VNNA MARCH MONTHLY ZOOM MEETING

Candidates Forum for City Council District 15

Time: March 8, 2021 7:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2592510029?pwd=TnlMeFhVYUtvWUF6NEFUZ0NMOEcwUT09

Meeting ID: 259 251 0029

Passcode: 2021

Dial in: 1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbCinpq0y

News, updates and more from NYC Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Jr.

 

SALAMANCA ON OUR STREETS After numerous complaints of garbage pile up and illegal dumping in Melrose, Council Member Salamanca hosts a walking tour with NYC Department of Sanitation to address areas of concern and the need for increased street cleaning.

HUNTS POINT GIVES BACK Council Member Salamanca joins Bronx Community Board 2, NYPD 41st Precinct Community Council, The Hunts Point Community Partnership and other local community based organizations to distribute school supply kits, food and PPE to local families.

KEEPING HOPE ALIVE Council Member Salamanca swings by The Hope Program in Hunts Point to donate a dozen suits and ties for students in the career building program who will soon head into the workforce in style.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!  Council Member Salamanca continues to call out the illegal, harmful and irresponsible use of City streets by employees of the Juvenile Detention Center in the Third Ave HUB. Salamanca has called on NYPD to begin issueing summonses and towing vehicles that abuse street parking rules.

Council Member Salamanca continues to partner with NYC Health & Hospitals to utilize his District Office to host a COVID testing site where Bronxite can get no-cost testing, face masks, hand sanitizer and resources on how to help #StopTheSpread.  Next testing date will be: Thursday, March 11, 2020 from 9 AM to 4:30 PM

Comptroller Stringer Announces 2021 MWBE University Webinar Series To Create Access and Expand Economic Opportunity for New York City Small Businesses

 

Announces six webinars from March to July 2021 as part of Comptroller’s Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) University Series to train and support MWBEs and help small businesses grow

Trainings will feature topics including how to prepare for credit and capital, fueling the demand for diversity on boards, how to implement a chief diversity officer, how to increase MWBE purchase method opportunities for City agencies, investment relationships with pension consultants post-COVID and doing business with the Comptroller’s Office

  New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer announced a continuation of his Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) University Series — an initiative first launched in 2018 — to expand access and opportunities for minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs) seeking to do business with the City. MWBE University will be a year-long series of workshops designed to help MWBEs get certified with the City, navigate the procurement process, and gain access City contracts. While City agencies are making important strides in delivering contracts to M/WBEs, major gaps remain. In 2019, the City awarded only 4.9 percent of all awards to MWBEs.

“As thousands of businesses struggle to stay afloat amid the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis, my office is doing everything in our power to help small businesses and MWBEs rebuild stronger than ever. Seven years ago, we started analyzing and holding agencies accountable for how – and to whom – it delivers contracts. What we found were deep inequities and an unequal playing field. But City Hall continues to fail our MWBEs as long-standing gaps in access remain ignored in the bureaucratic procurement process. If we’re going to rebuild to a true five-borough economy, we have to make sure our MWBEs are successful,” said Comptroller Stringer. “This year, we’re relaunching a series of online workshops in twelve different languages to expand aid and opportunities for small businesses and MWBEs impacted by COVID-19. I’m proud that last year our workshops ultimately connected 80 minority and women asset managers with City pension consultants, and this year we hope to exceed that success. Local community wealth creation depends on giving these businesses a fair shot.”

The year-long series of workshops will address a variety of topics including how to hire a Chief Diversity Officer, how to attain seats on boards, and how to navigate Minority Depository Institutions, among other issues. Along with opening the doors to City contracting, MWBE University will provide businesses with opportunities in contracting directly with the Comptroller’s office.

The list of workshops include:

March 23, 2021 – 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

How to Prepare for Credit and Capital (Even in a Pandemic)

Where businesses can learn best practices from Minority Depository Institutions to access capital, even during crisis.

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4BwwP8edRuirdqYO6DkF6g

April 22, 2021 – 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM

Fueling the Demand for Diversity on Boards: For M/WBEs and Young Professionals

Where business owners and young professionals can learn what it takes to become a board director at a public company.

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nWdoFuvZTQedKmZtimXyug

May 12, 2021 – 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

How to Implement a Chief Diversity Officer

Where corporations, colleges/universities and NYC agencies can learn how to operationalize diversity within the heart of how they do business – and where college students can learn how to do the job.

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_biJkcil7RceINYLbFrJDPQ

June 9, 2021 – 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

How to Increase M/WBE Purchase Method Opportunities: for NYC Agencies

Where NYC Agency Contract Officers, M/WBE Officers, and Chief Diversity Officers can learn how to plan procurements with diversity in mind.

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_y_fnhHBcTpiE1Cjodk2D7A

July 14, 2021 – 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Investment Relationships with Pension Consultants Post-COVID

Where M/WBE investment managers can learn and build relationships with NYC’s pension consultants.

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5gNeDydsRJe27X2JBNrAqQ

August 4, 2021 – 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM

Doing Business with the Comptroller’s Office

Hear directly from the Comptroller’s Office about opportunities for professional services, legal services, standard services, and goods contracts, and learn procurement best practices from M/WBE trailblazers in their industries.

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qWg3dCdyREKMJX0bL1nCCA

Save the Date: December 2021

Annual Emerging & M/WBE Manager Conference 

We highly encourage CEOs, Senior Partners, and Portfolio Managers of Public Equity, Public Fixed Income, Private Equity, Real Estate, Infrastructure, Hedge Funds, Alternative Credit, and Economically Targeted Investment Firms and Broker/Dealers to attend.

To RSVP, visit http://Comptrollerdiversity.eventbrite.com or email diversity@comptroller.nyc.gov. Interpretation will be available in Cart translation, Arabic, Bengali, Cantonese, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Mandarin, Nepali, Russian, Spanish, and Urdu. Please request interpretation services upon RSVP at least two days before each session.

If you are a business owner and need help navigating City procurement opportunities and resources, make an appointment with the Comptroller’s Office by emailing diversity@comptroller.nyc.gov. If you are a constituent and need assistance with complaints or inquiries about government services, please email the Comptroller’s Community Action Center at action@comptroller.nyc.gov.

To read the full “Making the Grade” report, click here.

To see the schedule of MWBE University events, click here.

299 Days and Counting

 

For seven years now I have been dumping on the Bronx. I had to open this Mass Vaccination Center in Coop-City if I have any chance of getting Speaker Heastie's support when I run for governor. By the way where was Speaker Heastie?