ONE YEAR AFTER THE DOBBS DECISION NEW YORK CITY CONTINUES TO LEAD ON ABORTION ACCESS

 

NYC Abortion Access Hub Has Served Nearly 2,000 People Since November 2022

As the nation prepares to tomorrow mark one year since the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization — in which the nation’s highest court ruled to effectively overturn Roe v. Wade after almost 50 years of precedent and strip Americans of their right to access safe, legal abortions — New York City Mayor Eric Adams today highlighted the city’s work to expand access for anyone who wants and needs an abortion within the five boroughs, whether they reside here or not. As the right to abortion care has continued to face attacks around the country over the last year, the city has launched new services and supports for women and people in need of care, including the Abortion Access Hub, which has served nearly 2,000 people since November 2022, as well as the launch of no-cost medication abortion at the city’s sexual health clinics.

“One year ago, the highest court in the nation committed the ultimate assault on women’s rights as they sought to strip Americans of their right to control their own bodies. But in the one year since this battle on reproductive rights was lost, the war continues on, and New York City has stepped up and solidified its place as a safe haven for reproductive freedom,” said Mayor Adams. “While some may continually seek to strip women of the rights to control their bodies, their choices, and their freedoms, New York City will always stand on the side of ensuring women can make their own health decisions.”

“Health care is a human right and that extends to reproductive health care,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “Since the Dobbs decision, New York City has and will continue to stand up for reproductive health care for every person that needs it. Thank you to the dedicated and thoughtful teams at NYC Health + Hospitals and at DOHMH for putting the city’s values into practice and bringing critical services to New Yorkers and those coming to New York City for care.” 

“Reproductive health is health, and New York City is committed to protecting a person’s right to make decisions about their own body,” said New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “We know that rights and responsibilities are not the same as real-world access, which is why we’re bringing additional services and supports online, and created the first-of-its-kind for government New York City Abortion Access Hub to help people navigate potential barriers to abortion from wherever they come from -- especially from parts of the nation where reproductive rights have been restricted by Dobbs and are under continued attack. As the city’s doctor, I’m proud to be a part of an administration and a city that is a safe haven for abortion and unafraid to take bold action to support reproductive rights.”

“Despite the numerous attacks on our reproductive freedom, New York City and NYC Health + Hospitals continue to be a safe and supportive environment where New Yorkers can receive confidential, high-quality abortion care,” said Wendy Wilcox, MD, MBA, FACOG, chief women’s health officer, NYC Health + Hospitals. “No one should live in fear of seeking out the health care they need.  I thank the mayor and DOHMH for their continued commitment to reproductive health.”

 

NYC Health + Hospitals offers offer a wide range of services, including primary care, family planning, abortion care, prenatal through delivery care, midwifery services, postpartum care, breastfeeding and lactation services, breast exams, nutrition, behavioral health referrals, preventative care, and vaccinations. Recently, NYC Health + Hospitals expanded systemwide capacity to provide abortion care, increased the number of clinicians who provide abortions, created a systemwide Reproductive Health Working Group to create policies and provide support, and hired a Reproductive Health Navigator to support patients who need extra accompaniment in accessing abortion care.

The city also released new data on the first municipally-funded abortion access call line, launched in the fall of 2022, to connect callers both in New York City and across the country to New York City abortion providers. Since then, the Abortion Access Hub has connected over 1,900 callers to abortion services and resources through New York City abortion providers including NYC Health + Hospitals and other organizations on the ground. Anyone in need of abortion services or support in accessing care can receive assistance by calling 1-877-NYC-AHUB (1-877-692-2482), Monday through Saturday, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM. For individuals who prefer to start the conversation over text, there is now an online chat feature to connect you to the best phone operator.

New York City also released call data from the Abortion Access Hub’s first six months of operation:

• Most callers live in New York City; and
• More than 400 reported living outside the state, and more than a quarter of those callers were from Texas.

In August 2022, Mayor Adams signed legislation ensuring access to free no-cost medication abortion at the city’s Sexual Health Clinics, becoming the first health department in the country to offer this service. Medication abortion is currently available at the Jamaica Sexual Health Clinic in Queens and Morrisania Sexual Health Clinic in the Bronx, with plans to expand the service to the Central Harlem Sexual Health Clinic in the coming months.

For more information on the city’s sexual health clinics, New Yorkers can visit DOHMH’s website.

 

State Senator Gustavo Rivera on Coverage For All Not Passing the New York State Assembly

 

"I am incredibly disappointed that Coverage For All did not pass the Assembly despite the herculean efforts of Assemblymember Gonzalez-Rojas and our group of dedicated advocates. Together, we had to fight back against misinformation and misguided apprehensions about our legislation in an urgent effort to move this bill.

This was our opportunity to expand much needed healthcare coverage in New York State without incurring any additional cost to the state and to prevent thousands of New York State residents from delaying necessary medical care or incurring detrimental medical debt. Our Coverage For All bill could have been fully paid for by federal passthrough funding under the 1332 waiver program, which the federal government confirmed two weeks ago. In fact, we amended our original bill to give the administration the flexibility to structure the program to ensure its fiscal viability, including the option to implement an enrollment cap.

As leaders of New York, historically a bastion for immigrants that built this state, I would have hoped that Assembly leadership would demonstrate the courage to bring the Governor to the table for this critical policy. Last year, the Governor expressly said that New York would seek federal funds to expand health coverage to eligible undocumented New Yorkers. It is extraordinarily distressing that she did not keep her word by supporting passage of this bill and instead publicly seeded doubt about its feasibility despite the federal government’s explicit guidance for New York to move forward. We were looking forward to working with her to bring millions of dollars to the State to cover this population. Instead, thousands of New Yorkers will continue to rely on the emergency room for healthcare at an incredibly steep cost to the State. I want to thank my fellow warrior, Assemblymember Gonzalez-Rojas, and every single advocacy organization who worked tirelessly to support this bill.” 

This fight is not over. On behalf of hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers who were depending on this policy, I am committed to persevering with our allies to achieve guaranteed healthcare for all.”

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE'S STATEMENT ON THE WORK REQUIREMENTS IN THE MAYOR'S HOUSING VOUCHER RULE

 

"Ending the 90-day rule is an important but incomplete part of addressing the voucher issues that exacerbate the housing and homelessness crisis in our city. The mayor’s executive action is not a substitute for the broad and lasting legislation passed by the City Council.

"By including work requirements in that order, the administration is actually moving us backward. Particularly given Albany’s inaction on the Housing Access Voucher Program, the city has even greater responsibility to provide housing support. Yet far from streamlining access to housing, this is conservative, counterproductive policy and philosophy that will shut out New Yorkers most in need. 

"I implore the mayor to rescind these requirements, and to enact the full package of legislation that was passed by the City Council and desperately needed by so many New Yorkers."

Team AOC - What’s going on with the Supreme Court?

 

What's going on with the Supreme Court?

There’s been so much news about the Supreme Court’s corruption lately, it’s been hard to keep up.

Just this week, it was revealed that Justice Samuel Alito went on an undisclosed fishing trip to Alaska paid for by billionaire, GOP megadonor Paul Singer — whose hedge fund then argued 10 cases in front of the Supreme Court, winning at least $2.4 billion in the process.

SCOTUS is in a legitimacy crisis.

As the Court’s term for the year draws to a close — and they soon issue pivotal decisions on affirmative action, gerrymandering, and student debt forgiveness — we wanted to take a minute to break down what we know:

• Justice Clarence Thomas has received luxury gifts nearly every year for decades without reporting them in financial disclosures.¹ These gifts, paid for by billionaire real estate developer Harlan Crow, include private jet trips around the world, vacations on Crow’s private superyacht, and at least two years of private school tuition for Justice Thomas’ grandnephew.² Crow also purchased the home of Justice Thomas’ mother. He allowed her to live there rent free, and has spent thousands of dollars on renovations to her home.

• Conservative judicial activist Leonard Leo made secret payments to Virginia ‘Ginni’ Thomas — wife of Justice Thomas — totalling over $80,000 from 2011 to 2012, specifically directing that her name be left off billing paperwork.

• Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch sold property in Colorado to the CEO of Greenberg Traurig, one of the country’s biggest law firms.³ Justice Gorsuch disclosed income from the purchase, but declined to identify that the CEO of Greenberg Traurig was the purchaser, leaving the box blank on the disclosure form. Since 2017, Greenberg Traurig has been involved in at least 22 cases before the Supreme Court.

• Jane Roberts — wife of Chief Justice John Roberts — solicited $10.3 million in commissions as a legal recruiter in the 8 years after her husband’s Court appointment.⁴ The fees were paid to Roberts by corporations and law firms, at least one of which argued a case before the Supreme Court.

And when asked to participate in a congressional inquiry into these potentially illegal ethical violations, Chief Justice Roberts and the Court refused to comply.

A court that rejects accountability for itself erodes its own ability to hold others accountable.

Alexandria called for the impeachment of Clarence Thomas for the most egregious of these violations — and she wants Justices to be held to the same ethical standards of other elected officials to stop this corruption in the future.

We will keep you posted as more on the Supreme Court develops.

In solidarity,

Team AOC

1 - ProPublica: Clarence Thomas and the Billionaire

2 - ProPublica: Clarence Thomas Had a Child in Private School. Harlan Crow Paid the Tuition.

3 - Politico: Law firm head bought Gorsuch-owned property

4 - Business Insider: Jane Roberts, who is married to Chief Justice John Roberts, made $10.3 million in commissions from elite law firms, whistleblower documents show

Older Adults Among Those at Highest Risk for Heat-Related Illness

 

Extreme Heat Kills More Than 600 People in the U.S. Every Year, Though Serious Health and Safety Effects Are Preventable

The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) and the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) are urging older adults, their family members and caretakers to be prepared for high temperatures and excessive heat this summer. NYSOFA and NYSDOH also offer tips and resources for older adults and loved ones to stay safe.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), older adults and those with chronic diseases are at the highest risk for heat-related illness. While serious health and safety effects are preventable in many cases, more than 600 people in the United States are killed by extreme heat every year.

“As summertime weather starts, it is vital that older adults know the dangers and how to be prepared for extreme heat and humidity,” said NYSOFA Director Greg Olsen. “Now is also an important time for family, neighbors, and friends to check in with older adults as a precaution, especially in advance of a forecasted heat wave. This is particularly important for older adults who are most at risk, such as individuals who are low-income, live alone, have chronic conditions or who take certain medications.”

New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “High temperatures coupled with high humidity, particularly over an extended length of time, can be a dangerous combination, especially for older adults, the very young, those who work outside, and individuals with preexisting health conditions such as diabetes, obesity or heart disease. I urge all New Yorkers to be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses, take appropriate precautions such as staying hydrated, and know what to do if you or someone you encounter is experiencing health issues due to extreme heat."

Association on Aging in New York Executive Director Becky Preve said, “Older adults and their families may be unaware of the significant dangers of extreme heat, especially in individuals with chronic health conditions. It is paramount for the health and safety of the community to understand heat-related illness, and to be knowledgeable of programs and services to alleviate and diminish the impact of extreme heat.”

According to the CDC, factors that might increase your risk of developing a heat-related illness include: 

• High levels of humidity
• Obesity
• Fever
• Dehydration
• Prescription drug use
• Heart disease
• Mental illness
• Poor circulation
• Sunburn
• Alcohol use 

What should I do before a heat wave?

• Know the symptoms of heat-related illnesses.

• Make sure that you can open your windows and/or that your air conditioner is working properly.

• Find out where to cool down – ask local officials about cooling centers in your area. If there are none, identify air-conditioned buildings where you can go (such as libraries, malls, supermarkets, or friends' homes). The New York State Department of Health has information about cooling centers here.

• Choose someone that you can call for help or who can check on you.

• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about medications that might make you sensitive to the sun or heat.

What can I do during a heat wave?

• Use air conditioning to cool down or go to an air-conditioned building.

• If you don't have air conditioning in your home, open windows and shades on the shady side and close them on the sunny side to try to cool it down. 

• Drink plenty of fluids but avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks.

• Beat the heat with cool showers and baths.

• Take regular breaks from physical activity.

• Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day (between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.).

• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing to help keep cool.

• Stay out of the sun as much as possible.

• Wear sunscreen and a ventilated hat (e.g., straw or mesh) when in the sun, even if it is cloudy.

• Never leave children, pets or those with special needs in a parked car, even briefly. Temperatures in the car can become dangerous within a few minutes.

• Check on your neighbors, family and friends, especially those who are older or have special needs.

Places to Get Cool

New York State pools and beaches across the New York State Park system are available for individuals to cool off during hot days this summer. View the full list of statewide swimming lakes, ocean beaches and pools. Call ahead to confirm hours.

Additionally, the New York State Department of Health collects information about seasonal cooling centers from local health departments and emergency management offices. For more information and to find a Cooling Center near you, go here.

For further information on how to stay safe during periods of excessive heat, please visit the New York State Department of Health website or the CDC website.

Lastly, for information on long term care services and supports for older adults and caregivers, please visit NY Connects or call 1-800-342-9871.

VCJC News & Notes 6/23/23

 

Van Cortlandt Jewish Center News and Notes

Here's this week's edition of the VCJC News and Notes email. We hope you enjoy it and find it useful! Reminder Shabbos Shabbos information is, as always, available on our website, both in the information sidebar and the events calendar. Here are the times you need:   Shabbos Candles Friday 6/23/23 @ 8:13 pm Shabbos morning services at 8:40 am.  Please join the services if you can do so safely.  Shabbos Ends Saturday 6/24/23 @ 9:16 pm Kiddush by Dr. Ken Siva in commemoration of his mother, Gertrude Siva's yahrzeit.  Van Cortlandt Jewish Center 3880 Sedgwick Ave Bronx, NY 10463

Statement from Governor Kathy Hochul on Expected Rainfall

 

"Nearly every region across the State will experience thunderstorms or heavy rainfall over the coming days, putting many communities at risk of isolated flash floods. Localized flooding is possible in the New York City, Long Island, Mid-Hudson and Southern Tier regions. Upstate regions including the Capital Region, North Country, Mohawk Valley and Central New York are also at risk for excessive rainfall and isolated flash floods. State personnel are constantly monitoring forecasts and I encourage all New Yorkers to take responsible precautions: be aware of local forecasts, sign up for emergency alerts, monitor any road closures and prepare a bag of supplies in the unlikely event that a rapid evacuation is needed."

DEC ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH BEARWISE CAMPAIGN

 

Campaign Will Help New Yorkers Live Responsibly with Black Bears

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced that DEC is joining the BearWise campaign as a cooperative member state. BearWise was developed by biologists from state conservation agencies across the U.S. to ensure people, regardless of location, learn to live responsibly with bears. Using the “BearWise basics,” residents are encouraged to take simple steps at home or when recreating outdoors to avoid negative interactions with black bears.

“DEC biologists and technicians respond to hundreds of human-bear conflicts each year that are nearly all preventable,” Commissioner Seggos said. “As New Yorkers head into the summer months, which is a busy time for bears, DEC encourages the public to practice the BearWise basics by removing things bears find attractive like pet food and trash to help reduce the potential for negative interactions.”

Black bears are most active throughout the spring and summer months and can be attracted to human-created food sources, especially during dry weather periods when natural food sources are scarce. The BearWise campaign recommends people take six basic steps to avoid attracting bears to areas around homes or neighborhoods:

• Never feed or approach black bears;
• Secure food, garbage, and recycling;
• Remove bird feeders when bears are active;
• Never leave pet food outdoors;
• Clean and store grills and smokers; and
• Alert neighbors to bear activity.

BearWise also recommends six basics when recreating or vacationing in bear country:

• Stay alert and together;
• Leave no trash or food scraps behind;
• Keep dogs leashed;
• Camp away from dense cover;
• Secure food and cook as far away from tents/living quarters as possible; and
• Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and know how to respond if you see a bear.

For more information on how to live responsibly with black bears and how to be BearWise visit DEC's webpage or Bearwise.org.

WATCH DEC’s videos ‘Backyard Bears’ and ‘Camping with Bears’ here:

Camping with Bears: https://youtu.be/hZTJBB8O5BY

Backyard Bears: https://youtu.be/xM2Et5xAg14

If a bear is damaging property or is reluctant to leave the area, but the situation is not an emergency, call DEC’s regional wildlife office during business hours, or call the DEC Law Enforcement Dispatch Center at 1-844-DEC-ECOs (1-844-332-3267).