A RECOVERY FOR ALL OF US: MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF TELE-MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES TO ADDRESS DISPARATE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON COMMUNITIES OF COLOR

 

'Communities Thrive' will bring culturally responsive mental health support to neighborhoods hardest-hit by COVID-19

 Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced the relaunch of Communities Thrive, a $3.7 million, two-year investment in addressing the mental health needs of underserved New Yorkers.  Through Communities Thrive, organizations representing Asian American and Pacific Islander, Black, and Latinx New Yorkers will develop community-driven strategies to promote mental health and will directly connect people who need care to tele-mental health services at NYC Health + Hospitals.   

 “COVID-19 has taken a tremendous emotional toll on communities of color across our city,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.  "To get people the help they need we must destigmatize and demystify mental health services. Communities Thrive will do just that, helping our hardest hit communities recover together."

 

"Now, more than ever, communities of color need support as COVID-19 has shaken their sense of stability and emotional well-being," said First Lady Chirlane McCray. "Communities Thrive is about bringing the mental health services people need, closer to where they live, in a setting where they feel comfortable. "With this program, we're breaking barriers to care to help communities of color come back healthier and stronger after this pandemic.

 

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, AAPI, Black and Latinx New Yorkers were at greater risk of mental health needs yet receive less mental health care than white New Yorkers. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these longstanding challenges and disparities, with widespread loss, economic hardship and exposure to discrimination or xenophobia contributing to increases in depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma.   

  

Communities Thrive, which will be overseen by the Mayor's Office of ThriveNYC, will address critical barriers to mental health care New Yorkers of color face, including neighborhoods with too few mental health providers, a shortage of providers trained to provide culturally or linguistically competent care, stigma, and lack of medical insurance. Greater consideration will be given to proposals that include a geographic focus within the 33 neighborhoods designated by the Taskforce on Racial Inclusion & Equity as disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and/or with significant racial and economic disparities in health outcomes, as well as other equity burdens identified by the City.

 

Communities Thrive will add mental health support to organizations New Yorkers already rely on for other needs. Studies show that locating mental health support in culturally responsive, community-based organizations and health care providers can mitigate barriers to care (source; source). By integrating tele-mental health into primary care practices and community-based organizations already serving Asian American and Pacific Islander, Black, and Latinx New Yorkers, Communities Thrive will offer trusted organizations new resources to address the mental health needs of their clients.  

  

The Mayor’s Office of ThriveNYC plans to award three contracts as part of this demonstration project. These contracts will go to three Community Anchors, one serving Asian American and Pacific Islander New Yorkers, one serving Black New Yorkers, and one serving Latinx New Yorkers. Each Community Anchor will serve as a project manager, leading a program to address the mental health needs of a sub-population particularly at risk of mental health issues and whose needs are unmet. Each Community Anchor will partner with five community-based organizations and five primary care practices already serving this sub-population into which the tele-mental health services can be embedded. Community Anchors will also oversee the development of a public awareness campaign to reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking behavior.  

 

Clients who need mental health support will be directly connected to NYC Health + Hospitals (H+H) for ongoing tele-mental health care. Tele-mental health services can be provided safely during the COVID-19 pandemic, and evidence shows that tele-mental health services can match in-person services both in terms of quality of care and patient outcomes. Tele-mental health services have also been shown to expand access to reduce stigma by allowing clients to access treatment where and when they feel comfortable, in privacy (source) and promote linguistic access by providing services in multiple languages. Asian adults, for example, have reported difficulty accessing mental health services due to systemic and linguistic barriers. 

 

The nation’s largest public health system, H+H began providing tele-health services early on in the COVID-19 pandemic and has since provided more than one million sessions remotely, including approximately 200,000 tele-mental health visits. Communities Thrive will help link this newly-developed capacity with the communities that need it most – through organizations they trust.  

While COVID-19 has had a profound and disparate impact on the mental health of New Yorkers, the need for more effective mental health support among communities of color was significant long before the pandemic:  

• In 2017, 76% of US-born Asian American/Pacific Islander New Yorkers with depression reported that there was a time in the past 12 months when they needed treatment for a mental health problem but did not get it.  
• Nationally, Black adults are 10% more likely to report serious psychological distress than white adults.  
• Latinx New Yorkers display higher rates of depression (12%) than white New Yorkers (8%). However, white New Yorkers suffering from depression are more likely to engage in treatment for mental health problems (58%) than Latinx New Yorkers suffering from depression (39%).  

Communities Thrive aims to support communities of color in shaping how and where mental health support is delivered and in exploring new ways to address longstanding barriers to care.  

The complete Request for Proposals is available here. Proposals are due on April 23, 2021 at 2:00pm. Questions regarding this project should be emailed to thrivenyc@cityhall.nyc.gov by April 2, 2021 at 2:00 pm. A request for proposals the Communities Thrive demonstration project was initially issued in March 2020 and paused in April 2020 due to the fiscal climate and public health emergency. 

“By integrating tele-mental health support into the practices of community health providers and social service organizations New Yorkers already turn to for assistance, Communities Thrive will expand mental health services to more New Yorkers in need,” said Susan Herman, Director of the Mayor’s Office of ThriveNYC.   

 

“The City’s public hospital system is proud to continue to partner with sister agencies to further provide critical mental health support to all who need the support during these trying times,” said NYC Health + Hospitals Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Director of the Office of Behavioral Health Charles Baron, MD. “We’ve unfortunately been witness to a number of crises during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the current mental health crisis we are committed to combat. By utilizing new tools, like telemedicine, we will meet New Yorkers where they are and eliminate barriers to such important care.”

 

Governor Cuomo Announces New York Yankees and New York Mets to Start the Season with Fans in the Stands Beginning April 1

 

Professional Sports in Large Outdoor Stadiums Reopen at 20 Percent Capacity; Attendees Must Show Proof of Recent Negative Test or Immunization; Venues and Events Subject to Strict State Guidance

Regional Sports Venues That Hold 1,500+ People Indoors or 2,500+ People Outdoors Can Reopen; Capacity Limited to 10 Percent Indoors and 20 Percent Outdoors

Large Outdoor Performing Arts Venues That Hold 2,500+ People Can Reopen at 20 Percent Capacity

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that New York's Major League Baseball teams, the New York Mets and New York Yankees, can resume play with spectators in the stadiums, beginning April 1. Professional sports in large outdoor stadiums that hold 10,000 people or more will be allowed to reopen at 20 percent capacity. Attendees must show proof of a recent negative test or completed vaccination series prior to entry and are subject to strict state guidance on face coverings, social distancing, and health screening. The New York State Department of Health will re-evaluate the testing and vaccination entry requirements in May, and if the public health situation continues to improve, they may be discontinued in mid-May. Vaccinations will continue to be administered at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field during the MLB season.

Building on the recent reopening of large professional sports arenas, the Governor also announced that smaller, regional sports venues that hold 1,500 people indoors or 2,500 people outdoors can also reopen, beginning April 1. Initial capacity will be limited to 10 percent indoors and 20 percent outdoors. Attendees must show proof of a recent negative test or completed vaccination series prior to entry and are subject to strict state guidance on face coverings, social distancing, and health screening.

Governor Cuomo also announced that large outdoor performing arts venues, including stadiums, that hold more than 2,500 people can reopen at 20 percent capacity, beginning April 1. Venue capacity will continue to increase as the public health situation improves with more New Yorkers receiving vaccinations and fewer COVID-19 cases in the community. Attendees must show proof of a recent negative test or completed vaccination series prior to entry and are subject to strict state guidance on face coverings, social distancing, and health screening.

"New Yorkers love to root for the home team, and it was especially difficult to see great professional sports teams close down as we implemented restrictions necessary to protect the public health," Governor Cuomo said. "As New York's COVID situation improves, we're giving New Yorkers the opportunity to cheer on the Yankees and Mets in person as long as they stay safe. I look forward to seeing our beloved teams open Citi Field and Yankee Stadium again as we continue to recover from this pandemic."  

To re-open professional sports with spectators at large outdoor stadiums, each venue must adhere to strict health and safety protocols, including: 

• Obtain NYS DOH approval for ALL venues and events
• Institute a 20 percent capacity limit
• Ensure spectators and public-facing event staff present proof of a recentnegative COVID-19 test result or proof of vaccination prior to the event
• Mandate face coverings, social distancing, and temperature checks for all those in attendance
• Mandate assigned, socially distanced seating
• Collect contact information from all those in attendance to help inform contact tracing efforts
• Meet enhanced air filtration, ventilation, and purification standards for any indoor areas
• Ensure retail, food services and athletic activities abide by all State-issued guidance

"We're really excited about the season ahead and welcoming the best fans in baseball back - safely - to Citi Field," Mets Owner, Chairman and CEO Steve Cohen said. "We thank Governor Cuomo and the state's Department of Health for their efforts in this significant step in New York's recovery from COVID and look forward to continuing to work with them as capacity restrictions and testing requirements hopefully ease in the months ahead - to allow as many fans as possible to have a safe and great time with us."

"The entire Yankees organization — and especially our players on the field — feed off the energy that our loyal and dedicated fans bring to Yankee Stadium," said Yankees Managing General Partner Hal Steinbrenner. "Our fans have made our home a preeminent worldwide attraction, and their excitement is the catalyst for the championship goals we set every season. We are thrilled to be able to have them back in 2021 and promise them the highest standards for health and safety this season and beyond. We are heartened by the Governor's decision to allow us to begin the season at Yankee Stadium with a 20% capacity and offer our deep appreciation for his office's diligent work and guidance. This will be a very special year in the Bronx, and we will continue to work together with the State of New York, Mayor Bill de Blasio and the City of New York, Major League Baseball, and other health and safety experts to utilize the best and most responsible practices in our facility. We are fully committed to providing a world-class experience at Yankee Stadium in every respect."

On February 10, Governor Cuomo announced that, building off the successful Buffalo Bills pilot program, sports and entertainment events in major stadiums and arenas with a capacity of 10,000 or more people can re-open with limited spectators, beginning February 23. Today's announcement reflects an increased capacity limit from 10 to 20 percent for large outdoor venues which may host professional sporting events or live entertainment, starting April 1.

On March 3, Governor Cuomo announced that smaller scale performing arts and live entertainment could resume at event venues with a 33 percent capacity, up to 100 people indoors and up to 200 people outdoors, beginning April 2. If all attendees present proof of recent negative COVID-19 test or vaccination prior to entry, capacity can increase up to 150 people indoors and up to 500 people outdoors. Today's announcement reopens larger outdoor performing arts centers permitting up to 20 percent of total capacity in large entertainment venues for concerts and other major performances.

Mayor Bill de Blasio Gets Vaccinated During His Morning Press Conference

 

During his Thursday morning press conference Mayor Bill de Blasio with his wife Charlene next to him took the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccination from New York City Department of Health Commissioner Doctor David Chokshi. 

Doctor Chokshi wiped the mayor's arm clean before administrating the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine which was done quickly. After the vaccination was administered Mayor de Blasio joked "Any time now Dr. Chokshi, you can give me the vaccination shot". Mayor de Blasio then returned to his press conference which included the latest COVID-19 indicators.

NYC Department of Health Commissioner Dr. David Chokshi gives Mayor Bill de Blasio the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

289 Days and Counting

 

I like these video press conferences, because I have a moderator who calls on the reporters I want to hear questions from, and I take questions from only eight reporters.

Defendant Charged In $1.4 Million Covid-19 Fraud Scheme

 

Elvin German Arrested for Submitting in Excess of 250 Fraudulent COVID-19 Unemployment Benefit Applications

 Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Michael C. Mikulka, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (“DOL-OIG”), and Patrick Freaney, Deputy Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the U.S. Secret Service (“USSS”), announced the unsealing of a complaint charging ELVIN GERMAN with wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with a COVID-19 unemployment benefit scheme that resulted in the loss of more than $1.4 million from the New York Department of Labor (“NY DOL”).  GERMAN was arrested on March 16, 2021 in the Bronx, New York, and will be presented this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave.    

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “As alleged, Elvin German used the identities of over 250 unknowing victims to file false claims in order to receive over $1.4 million in COVID-19 unemployment benefits. But investigators were able to detect a pattern to his alleged scam, partly because German typically used the same IP address and security question and answer – the name of family dog, Benji – to illegally submit applications on the DOL’s website. We thank our partners at DOL and Secret Service for alertly detecting German’s attempt to profiteer from funds earmarked to provide relief for families struggling with financial hardships resulting from the ongoing pandemic.”

DOL-OIG Special Agent in Charge Michael C. Mikulka said: “Investigating fraud involving the Unemployment Insurance Program is an important part of the mission of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, particularly now when our nation is providing billions of dollars in unemployment benefits to American workers in need due to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to vigorously investigate unemployment insurance fraud.”

USSS Deputy Special Agent in Charge Patrick Freaney said:  “It is a priority of the U.S. Secret Service to investigate and hold responsible those who manipulate financial programs for their own personal gain. In this case, the defendant allegedly used personally identifiable information of over 200 individuals to file fraudulent unemployment insurance claims resulting in over a million dollars of loss.  The Secret Service looks forward to our continued partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor as we collectively pursue those who seek to commit unemployment insurance fraud.” 

As alleged in the Complaint[1]:

From May 2020 through March 2021, ELVIN GERMAN engaged in a scheme to obtain COVID-19 unemployment benefits by fraudulently filing and verifying applications using the names and social security numbers of more than 250 other people.  The NY DOL was alerted to the suspicious activity based on metadata associated with the applications (the “Applications”), which indicated that the Applications were either submitted and/or verified on a weekly basis from the same internet protocol (“IP”) address.   Additionally, the Applications had the same security questions and responses, including that the applicant’s first pet was named “Benji.”  After identifying the residence assigned to the IP address, DOL-OIG and USSS conducted a joint search of the residence, locating, among other items linked to GERMAN, approximately $7,000 in cash, a computer loaded to the NY DOL unemployment benefits page with the personal identifying information of four individuals named in the Applications open in an adjacent computer file, and, consistent with the security question used in the fraudulent applications – a dog wearing a collar inscribed with the name “Benji.”  As a result of GERMAN’s scheme, the NY DOL authorized the release of more than $1.4 million of COVID-19 unemployment benefits. 

ELVIN GERMAN, 41, is charged with (1) wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and (2) aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory two-year consecutive sentence. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the assigned judge.

Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of DOL-OIG, the USSS, and the NY DOL.

The case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit.  Assistant United States Attorney Danielle M. Kudla is in charge of the prosecution.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint, and the description of the Complaint set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation as to the defendants charged in the Complaint.

Governor Cuomo Announces More Than 7 Million Total COVID Vaccine Doses Administered Across New York State

 

Public Facing Essential Workers from Governmental and Nonprofit Entities Are Eligible for COVID Vaccine Beginning Today 

148,564 Doses Administered Across New York State in the Last 24 Hours       

More than 1 Million Doses Administered Over Past Seven Days       

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

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced more than 7 million total COVID vaccine doses have been administered across the state. Beginning today, public facing essential workers from governmental and nonprofit entities are eligible for the vaccine. 148,564 doses have been administered across New York's vast distribution network in the last 24 hours, and more than 1 million doses have been administered over the past seven days.   

"New York's ability to fight the COVID virus is only as strong as the state's vaccination program, and that's why we're constantly expanding our distribution network and getting shots in arms across the state," Governor Cuomo said. "We're opening new sites large and small and making sure the vaccine gets to underserved communities, and New Yorkers should practice safe behaviors until it's available to a wider pool of people. New York is making progress on vaccinations and we'll continue to push the envelope to reach more residents and their families." 

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 'Am I Eligible' screening tool has been updated for individuals with comorbidities and underlying conditions with new appointments released on a rolling basis over the next weeks. New Yorkers can use the following to show they are eligible:

·     Doctor's letter, or

·     Medical information evidencing comorbidity, or

·     Signed certification

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 1PM today is as follows.                

STATEWIDE BREAKDOWN

Total doses administered - 7,003,834     

Total doses administered over past 24 hours - 148,564

Total doses administered over past 7 days - 1,048,858

Percent of New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 23.5%

Percent of New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 12.2%     

A RECOVERY FOR ALL OF US: MAYOR DE BLASIO, LABOR UNIONS, INDUSTRY LEADERS AND ADVOCATES CALL ON THE STATE TO PASS COMMUNITY HIRING LEGISLATION

 

Community Hiring legislation will allow the City to address economic disparities exacerbated by COVID-19 by connecting low-income people and economically disadvantaged communities to good jobs and apprenticeship opportunities; Once implemented, the program would create an estimated 200,000 jobs over five years for these individuals and communities

 Mayor Bill de Blasio, labor unions, industry leaders and advocates today called on the State Legislature to pass Community Hiring legislation, which will harness the City’s economic power and help ensure a fair and equitable recovery by providing employment and apprenticeship opportunities for low-income people and residents of economically disadvantaged communities or NYCHA. 133 organizations recently sent a letter to the State Legislature in support of the Mayor's plan.

 

“COVID-19 has had a disproportionate impact on low-income communities and communities of color,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “A recovery for all of us will be built by focusing on these communities and creating good jobs for the people who need them the most. Community hiring legislation will put more money in the hands of working people by creating new opportunities for New Yorkers in need to succeed. I urge the State Legislature to join the cause and pass community hiring into law.”

 

"Community Hiring has long been a demand from communities of color in New York City. A key way we can lift people out of poverty is to bring job opportunities to those who haven't had them," said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives J. Phillip Thompson. "I stand alongside the coalition of over 130 advocates in labor and advocacy to call on the State to pass Community Hiring. As I have said in the past, City dollars can do more than get work done, they can lift people out of poverty. A good job is the best anti-poverty program we can support."

 

Economic disparities have widened due to the economic and health effects of COVID-19. State legislation would allow the City to develop and implement a Community Hiring Program to help reverse that trend. For construction and building service labor, hiring goals are based on geographic areas that are economically disadvantaged. For other work, such as a technology or inspection services contracts, hiring is based on an individual’s income. This plan would generate an estimated 40,000 jobs annually for target individuals and communities, and would provide an estimated $1 billion in wages and benefits for newly hired individuals during the first full year of the program. Over the next five years, the City estimates the Community Hiring Program will generate nearly 200,000 jobs for low-income people and residents of economically disadvantaged communities.

 

This legislation enables the City to connect contractors with apprenticeships and referral sources such as workforce development programs that will help them meet their hiring goals by training and referring qualified talent. Such workforce development programs could include ones that typically serve NYCHA residents, people with disabilities, justice-involved individuals, CUNY graduates or immigrants.

 

“We’re proud to work with our partners at both the city and state level to ensure this Community Hiring legislation serves as a pathway to not just jobs, but real middle-class careers for New Yorkers from historically underserved neighborhoods. This legislation recognizes the fundamental role of union pre-apprenticeship and direct-entry programs in launching the careers of working people, and ensures that the immediate economic impact of shovel-ready New York City construction projects will benefit minority New York neighborhoods with opportunity, investment, and good middle-class careers with benefits. We’re thankful for the City’s leadership in advancing this important legislation, and we will continue to advocate for its passage through the New York State Senate and Assembly,” said Gary LaBarbera, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York

 

“Community Hiring legislation will ensure that New Yorkers in underserved neighborhoods have a pathway to middle-class career opportunities and that those most heavily impacted by the pandemic can get back to work. This legislation recognizes that apprenticeship and workforce programs are an investment in the future of our city and that the economic impact of building activities needs to be felt in every neighborhood across the five boroughs. The Building Congress is proud to partner on this effort with City leadership and the building industry, and we urge the State Senate and Assembly to pass this measure, which will help our city recover from the impact of COVID-19.” said Carlo A. Scissura, Esq., President & CEO, New York Building Congress.

 

Attorney General James and DEC Commissioner Seggos Announce Conviction of Illegal Shark Trafficker

 

Joshua Seguine Kept Live Sharks in a Pool at His Home; Offered Them for Sale on the Internet

Seguine Ordered to Pay $5,000 fine and Sentenced to a Conditional Discharge

 New York Attorney General Letitia James and New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced the conviction and sentencing of Joshua Seguine, 40, of the Hamlet of LaGrangeville in Dutchess County. Seguine pleaded guilty in the Town of LaGrange Justice Court to Illegal Commercialization of Fish, Shellfish, Crustaceans, and Wildlife for the illegal possession with intent to sell seven sandbar sharks, a protected species under New York law. Seguine was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and sentenced to a conditional discharge.

“The tide has turned for Joshua Seguine, who was convicted and held accountable for his unlawful acts,” said Attorney General James. “Let this serve as a loud and clear message: We will not tolerate anyone who preys on protected species to line their pockets. My office will continue to enforce the laws that safeguard our wildlife, and we will hold accountable those who violate them.” 

“I applaud the work of our environmental conservation police officers, who spearheaded the investigation that resulted in Joshua Seguine being brought to justice,” said DEC Commissioner Seggos. “It is critical that we work to protect endangered species that are taken from their natural habitats and sold for profit. I thank Attorney General James and her staff for their work on this case and hope that it serves as a reminder to everyone that New York state will continue to crack down on these crimes, and prosecute those responsible.”

Seguine first came to the attention of DEC law enforcement in July of 2017, when he was arrested in the state of Georgia by Department of Natural Resources Investigator John Evans for driving without a license and for possessing five undersized sharks in a large circular tank in the back of his truck. Seguine admitted that he was transporting the sharks to New York state, where he intended to sell them, and that he possessed additional live sharks at his house in New York. After Investigator Evans sent this information to the DEC, investigators researched and discovered that Seguine — who was conducting business under the name Aquatic Apex Life LLC — had offered sharks for sale as recently as June 29, 2017, on the website MonsterFishKeepers.com.  

Equipped with this information, DEC police obtained a warrant to search Seguine’s house in LaGrangeville. DEC officers — accompanied by biologists from the Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead, New York, and the Wildlife Conservation Society’s New York Aquarium at Coney Island — conducted the search and discovered an above-ground pool in Seguine’s house that contained seven live sharks. The sharks were subsequently identified as sandbar sharks, the possession of which is prohibited by New York law without a special license. The search also uncovered two dead leopard sharks, one dead hammerhead shark, and the snout of a smalltooth sawfish (an endangered species). 

Biologists from the two aquariums assessed the sharks and transferred them to the Riverhead facility. The sharks were subsequently moved to the New York Aquarium at Coney Island.