Today's Air Quality Index (AQI) Forecast for New York State

New York State Air Quality Hotline: (800) 535-1345

For Monday, July 17, 2023 (Updated 07/17/2023)

Air Quality Health Advisories in Effect For Long Island, NYC Metro, Lower Hudson Valley, Upper Hudson Valley, Adirondacks, Eastern Lake Ontario, Central, and Western Regions.

Region	Maximum AQI	Air Quality
Long Island	108  (Ozone)	Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
NYC Metro	120  (Fine Particles)	Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
Lower Hudson Valley	115  (Fine Particles)	Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
Upper Hudson Valley	151  (Fine Particles)	Unhealthy
Adirondacks	155  (Fine Particles)	Unhealthy
Eastern Lake Ontario	165  (Fine Particles)	Unhealthy
Central	160  (Fine Particles)	Unhealthy
Western	155  (Fine Particles)	Unhealthy

Governor Hochul Cautions New Yorkers as Air Quality Health Advisories Issued for Monday Across the Entire State

 

Air Quality Index Levels Forecast to Reach 'Unhealthy' Upstate

Emergency Cell Phone Alerts Will Warn New Yorkers When Air Quality Index Exceeds 200 Threshold For 'Very Unhealthy' Air

Hundreds of Thousands of N95-Style Masks Available to the Public Statewide

Hospitals Should Remain on Alert for Influx of Emergency Department Visits from Patients Experiencing Respiratory Issues

Transit Authorities Statewide Utilizing Public Address Systems, Bus Headway Signs, Social Media, and Other Electronic Signage to Provide Air-Quality Related Safety Information Directly to Customers

  Governor Kathy Hochul today announced air quality health advisories are being issued for tomorrow, Monday, July 17 for the entire state as smoke from wildfires in Western Canada continues to negatively affect air quality across the region. The smoke is expected to cause the Air Quality Index to reach levels in Upstate communities that are 'Unhealthy for All' New Yorkers. The forecast for the Lower Hudson Valley, New York City, and Long Island is expected to reach 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.'

"New Yorkers should once again prepare for smoke from the wildfires in Western Canada to impact our state's air quality this week," Governor Hochul said. "To help everyone stay informed and safe, we are activating emergency notifications on our roads and public transit systems and making masks available to counties for distribution. As forecasts continue to evolve, I encourage New Yorkers to stay up to date on the latest information and take the necessary precautions to protect yourselves and your loved ones."

Behind today's storm system, winds are expected to turn from the south to the southwest and west, potentially ushering an expansive plume of Western Canada wildfire smoke into New York State overnight Sunday and into Monday. Forecast models currently predict elevated levels of smoke-enhanced fine particulate matter (PM2.5) will spread across Upstate New York. The chemical compounds found in wildfire smoke are also expected to enhance ozone production Downstate. Forecasts for Tuesday show smoke slowly clearing out of the state. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is closely watching forecast models and data to determine if smoke or ozone will rise to levels that would trigger issuing Air Quality Health Advisories on Tuesday.

DEC and the State Department of Health (DOH) are issuing Air Quality Health Advisories for fine particulate levels that are unhealthy for any New Yorker due to smoke for the Western New York, Eastern Lake Ontario, Central New York, Adirondacks, and Upper Hudson Valley regions. Air Quality Health Advisories are also being issued for the Lower Hudson Valley and New York City Metro regions, where smoke is forecast to reach levels that are "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups," as smoke moves in later in the day. In addition, an Air Quality Health Advisory for ozone that is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups is forecasted for the Long Island and New York City Metro regions.

Emergency cell phone alerts will be used to warn New Yorkers if air quality index exceeds the 200 threshold for 'Very Unhealthy' air and sustained for longer than an hour. The alerts will be transmitted via the Wireless Emergency Alert system, managed by the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.

At the Governor's direction, hundreds of thousands of high-quality N95-style masks have been made available to New Yorkers to address air quality impacts and will continue to be made available to counties at State-run stockpiles for further distribution to the public.

Transit authorities across the state are utilizing public address systems, bus headway signs, social media, and other electronic signage to provide air-quality related safety information directly to customers, including:

• Metropolitan Transportation Authority
• Westchester County Bee-Line
• Broome County Transit
• Capital District Transportation Authority
• Central New York Regional Transportation Authority
• Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority
• Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority

The Governor encouraged New Yorkers to begin planning now for potential changes to outdoor activity on Monday, July 17, until conditions improve. Summer camp directors should know their local AQI forecast and alert level and follow DOH and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency AQI guidance, available here. DEC and DOH experts continue to monitor air quality, watching smoke and weather patterns closely.

Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "With unhealthy air quality affecting most of the state, DEC encourages all New Yorkers to make informed decisions and follow guidance that can prevent health issues related to poor air quality due to smoke and elevated ozone levels. DEC experts and our partners across the state will continue to closely monitor forecasts for air quality and keep the public informed."

New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, "New Yorkers who are especially sensitive to elevated levels of air pollutants, including children under 18, adults 65 and older, pregnant people and those with pre-existing conditions such as heart disease or asthma, should avoid spending time outdoors, if possible, in areas where the AQI is over 100. If you must go outdoors in areas that have air that is unhealthy or worse, consider wearing an N95 mask. Those who experience symptoms, or have symptoms that worsen, should consider consulting their health care provider."

DEC and DOH issue Air Quality Health Advisories when ozone or fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. To subscribe for advisories delivered by email, please click here.

The New York State Department of Health is advising precautions as necessary. Steps for individuals to take to reduce risk, include:

• When AQI is greater than 100 ('Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups'), New Yorkers in vulnerable groups should avoid exertion outdoors and watch for symptoms when exposed to the outdoors. Vulnerable individuals include those with cardiovascular disease (e.g., congestive heart failure, history of prior heart attack) or lung disease (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), as well as children under 18, adults 65 and older, and pregnant people.
• When AQI is greater than 150 ('Unhealthy'), all New Yorkers should avoid strenuous outdoor activities, and those in vulnerable groups should avoid exposure to the outdoors, especially pregnant individuals who may become short of breath more easily. In addition, some employees who are vulnerable should work indoors and camp directors should know their local AQI forecast and alert level and follow AQI guidance.
• When AQI is greater than 200 ('Very Unhealthy'), vulnerable groups should avoid all physical activity outdoors, and reschedule or move activities indoors. All others should avoid long or intense outdoor activities.
• When AQI is greater than 300 ('Hazardous'), all New Yorkers should avoid outdoor physical activities.

For people who spend time outdoors, when air quality is unhealthy, wearing a well-fitting face mask is recommended. A N95 or KN95 will work best. More information about New York State Air Quality forecast is available here. To check your location's current air quality, go to www.airnow.gov.

Assemblymember John Zaccaro - Reduced Fare OMNY Information Session this Friday

Dear friends, 

Together with our partners at RAIN Senior Center and The MTA, our Community Office will host an information session on the OMNY system on Friday, July 21st at 10:30AM at the RAIN Senior Center. Please join us and learn how to switch your reduced fare benefits to reduced fare OMNY. 

If you have any questions or would like to learn more please contact our Community Office at (718) 409-0109. We hope to see you there!

MAYOR ADAMS APPOINTS EDWARD CABAN AS NYPD COMMISSIONER, TANIA KINSELLA AS FIRST DEPUTY COMMISSIONER

 

Caban Becomes First Latino to Serve as Commissioner in NYPD’s 178-Year History 

Kinsella Becomes First Woman of Color to Serve as First Deputy Commissioner in NYPD History

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the appointment of Edward A. Caban as the 46^th commissioner and Tania Kinsella as 45^th first deputy commissioner of the New York City Police Department (NYPD). Caban is the first Latino to serve as commissioner of the NYPD in its 178-year history, and Kinsella is the first woman of color to serve as first deputy commissioner in NYPD history.

A 32-year veteran of the NYPD, Caban has served at several precincts across the five boroughs where he has held nearly every position within the Police Department, including police officer, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, executive officer, commanding officer, deputy inspector, inspector, and first deputy commissioner before being promoted today to commissioner. He became the NYPD’s first deputy commissioner in 2022 and was designated as acting police commissioner earlier this month.

A 20-year veteran of the NYPD, Kinsella has also served at several precincts across the five boroughs where she has held numerous positions such as captain, commanding officer, deputy inspector, and inspector. She became executive officer at the office of the chief of patrol in 2022, where she was subsequently promoted to deputy chief.

“It is my honor to announce the appointment of Edward Caban as the next commissioner of the New York City Police Department and the first Latino police commissioner in NYPD history, as well as Tania Kinsella as the next first deputy commissioner and first woman of color to serve in that role in NYPD history,” said Mayor Adams. “A Bronx native, with more than 30 years of experience as one of New York’s Finest, Commissioner Caban is the right choice at the right time. Not only has Commissioner Caban climbed the ranks, serving in nearly every role within the Police Department, but policing is in his blood, as he follows in the footsteps of his father, another veteran of the NYPD. As first deputy commissioner, Commissioner Caban worked side by side with Commissioner Sewell to deliver double digit decreases in shootings and murders in our first year — a downward trend that continues today. And I am confident that Commissioner Caban will continue that legacy of success while supporting our officers going forward every day. The same is true for First Deputy Commissioner Kinsella. The youngest daughter of immigrants from Jamaica and Guyana, her appointment today truly personifies the American Dream. In her 20 years with the NYPD, First Deputy Commissioner Kinsella has devoted herself to bringing the police and the community together, building bonds, and making our city a better, safer, and stronger place to live. Commissioner Caban and First Deputy Commissioner Kinsella are the best of the NYPD. They truly understand the importance of both safety and justice, and I look forward to continuing to work with them to help keep our city safe.”

“I want to thank Mayor Adams and my fellow New Yorkers for putting your faith and trust in me,” said NYPD Commissioner Caban. “I am humbled to be on your team and to lead the greatest police department on the globe. The NYPD is the most consequential police department in all of law enforcement. Its storied history is a living legacy of valor, bravery, and sacrifice — of ordinary New Yorkers who did extraordinary things. When a person in need rings the bell, you can always count on the NYPD to answer the call. Together, we will build upon our successes and continue to drive down crime and improve the quality of life in our communities.”

“Aside from being a mother, working as a police officer is the most deeply rewarding job I can imagine, and I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity to do even more for the city I love,” said NYPD First Deputy Commissioner Kinsella. “From the very first moment I joined the NYPD 20 years ago, it was love at first sight because being a police officer is about so much more than keeping people safe. It’s about building community, helping others from all walks of life, and making a difference in people’s lives, especially those in need. As a mother, I am always thinking of my children’s safety and well-being, and as the commanding officer at the 120^th Precinct — in my home borough of Staten Island — I have been determined to protect all our children and families and make a difference in the place I love and call home. The Bronx made me, and Staten Island raised me. As the daughter of two immigrants, this is the American Dream, and I want to thank Mayor Adams and Commissioner Caban for helping fulfill that dream. I am honored to take on this role and thankful for this opportunity to serve my fellow New Yorkers.”

“This is a historic moment for all of New York City, not just the NYPD,” said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III. “Commissioner Caban and First Deputy Commissioner Kinsella are both exceptional leaders, driven by their dedication to public service and deep understanding of our diverse communities. I look forward to continuing to work with them both toward a safer, more prosperous city.”

About Edward A. Caban

Police Commissioner Edward A. Caban began his career with the NYPD as a police officer in 1991, patrolling the streets of the South Bronx. He began climbing the NYPD ranks in 1994 with a promotion to sergeant. After several supervisory assignments in the Bronx and northern Manhattan, he was promoted to lieutenant in 1999.

 

Commissioner Caban entered the executive ranks in 2005 with a promotion to captain. He served as the executive officer of the 23^rd Precinct in East Harlem before being chosen to lead the 25^th Precinct as its commanding officer in 2006. He was promoted to deputy inspector in 2008, and served as the adjutant of Patrol Borough Brooklyn North, where he oversaw many public-safety programs. He was promoted to inspector in 2015.

 

In 2022, Caban became the NYPD’s first deputy commissioner, leading a broad range of agency functions according to the strategic vision of then Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell, including: policy development, personnel management, recruitment and in-service training, and overall supervision of the department’s discipline system. He was designated acting police commissioner by Mayor Adams on July 1, 2023.

 

Commissioner Caban holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from St. John’s University.

 

Caban’s father, Juan, was a New York City Transit Police detective, who also served as the president of the Transit Police Hispanic Society.

 

About Tania Kinsella

First Deputy Police Commissioner Tania Kinsella began her career with the NYPD as a police officer in 2003, patrolling the streets of the 120^th Precinct on Staten Island. In 2008, she was promoted to sergeant and assigned to the 68^th Precinct in Brooklyn. In 2013, she was promoted to lieutenant and assigned to the 13^th Precinct in Manhattan.

 

First Deputy Commissioner Kinsella was promoted to captain in 2016 and began her executive career as the executive officer of the 120^th Precinct. She was designated as the commanding officer of Housing Police Service Area 1 in 2018 and was promoted to deputy inspector in 2019. In 2020, Kinsella was designated as the commanding officer of the 120^th Precinct. She was promoted to inspector in 2021.

 

In 2022, Kinsella was assigned as the executive officer of the Office of the Chief of Patrol, where she was subsequently promoted to deputy chief. There, she focused on the deployment of the Patrol Services Bureau's approximately 13,000 members, monitoring crime, crime statistics, crime trends, and domestic violence crimes. 

 

First Deputy Commissioner Kinsella holds a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies and a Master of Arts in Police Leadership and Criminal from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. She is a member of the NYPD Running Club.

Electronic Health Records Vendor NextGen Healthcare Inc. to Pay $31 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations

 

 NextGen Healthcare Inc. (NextGen), an electronic health record (EHR) technology vendor, has agreed to pay $31 million to resolve allegations that NextGen violated the False Claims Act (FCA) by misrepresenting the capabilities of certain versions of its EHR software and providing unlawful remuneration to its users to induce them to recommend NextGen’s software. 

“Electronic health records are an essential part of our health care system” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department's Civil Division. “Every day, millions of patients and health care providers across the country rely on such records to accurately identify and transmit vital health information. The Civil Division is committed to protecting the integrity of the electronic health records software that is available to providers and the process by which they decide which software to select.” 

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 established the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Program to encourage health care providers to adopt and demonstrate their “meaningful use” of EHR technology. Under the program, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) made incentive payments to eligible health care providers that adopted certified EHR technology and met certain requirements relating to their use of the technology. To obtain certification for their product, companies that develop and market EHR technology are required to demonstrate that their product(s) satisfies all applicable HHS-adopted certification criteria; the company must also identify any software components on which their EHR relies to perform the criteria. Developers must first pass testing performed by an independent, accredited testing laboratory authorized by HHS, and then obtain and maintain certification by an independent, accredited certification body authorized by HHS.

In a complaint filed in conjunction with the settlement, the United States contends that NextGen falsely obtained certification for its software in connection with the 2014 Edition certification criteria published by HHS’s Office of the National Coordinator. Specifically, the government alleges that NextGen relied on an auxiliary product designed only to perform the certification test scripts, which concealed from the certifying entity that NextGen’s EHR lacked critical functionality. The government alleges that, consequently, the EHR that NextGen ultimately released to its users lacked certain required functionalities, including the ability to record vital sign data, translate data into required medical vocabularies, and create complete clinical summaries. 

In its complaint, the government also alleges that NextGen violated the Anti-Kickback Statute, which prohibits anyone from offering or paying, directly or indirectly, any remuneration to induce referrals of items or services covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and other federally funded programs. In its complaint, the government contends that, notwithstanding this prohibition, NextGen knowingly gave credits, often worth as much as $10,000, to current customers whose recommendation of NextGen’s EHR software led to a new sale. The government alleges that other remuneration, including tickets to sporting events and entertainment, was also provided to induce purchases and referrals.

“Electronic health records play a pivotal role in the provision of safe, effective health care, and the testing and certification process of the EHR Incentive Program was intended to provide assurances to providers that their EHR can perform certain important functions,” said U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest for the District of Vermont. “With this settlement, our office has now resolved five investigations into misconduct by EHR companies, demonstrating our commitment to ensuring that EHR companies are held responsible for their misrepresentations.”

“Medical providers must be able to rely on electronic health records systems to correctly document and process important health data for continuity of patient care,” said Special Agent in Charge Maureen R. Dixon for the HHS, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “We will continue to work with our valuable law enforcement partners to evaluate allegations brought under the False Claims Act and ensure the integrity of Medicare programs.”

The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Toby Markowitz and Elizabeth Ringold, health care professionals at a facility that used NextGen’s software. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery.  The whistleblowers in this case will receive $5,580,000. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Markowitz et al. v. NextGen Healthcare Inc., Case No. 2:18-cv-195 (D. Vt.).

The investigation and pursuit of this matter illustrate the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud, including in the health care technology arena. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the FCA. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont. Investigative support and assistance was provided by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Counsel to the Inspector General and OIG Office of Investigations.

The matter was handled by Fraud Section Attorneys Christelle Klovers and Kelley Hauser and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Almquist Lively for the District of Vermont.

The claims in the relators’ and the government’s complaints are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.