CM James Comments on the Proposed Closure of Long Island College Hospital

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
FEBRUARY 7, 2012

Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081

Council Member Letitia James Comments on the Proposed Closure of Long Island College Hospital
Interfaith Medical Center Hospital Announced Emergency Plans to Declare Bankruptcy In December

(New York, NY)— The State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Medical Center is set to propose the closure of Long Island College Hospital (LICH) in an effort to fund the network, which reportedly lost over $200 million in 2012, following a $276 million loss in 2011.

With the potential closure of Interfaith Medical Center, which serves the Crown Heights and Bedford-Stuyvesant communities, it is a particularly precarious time for LICH to have to close its doors.

On February 8, 2013, employees of LICH and Interfaith Medical Center plan to hold a joint press conference to discuss the proposed closures. Employees of both hospitals have criticized SUNY, and have suggested that the proposed closures will facilitate the transition to for-profit healthcare in Brooklyn, citing “an experimental ‘pilot program’ in the governor’s draft budget that would allow private investors to create a for-profit hospital in Brooklyn.”

“Long Island College Hospital is vital to the Downtown Brooklyn community, which it has served for over 150 years,” said Council Member Letitia James. “There is no justification for closing hospitals, instead of providing them with the resources they need to be successful. These proposed shutdowns are deeply upsetting and should concern all Brooklyn residents.”

Long Island College Hospital recently merged with Downstate, after formerly being owned by Continuum Health Partners. The Board of Trustees of SUNY is expected to propose at its meeting this Friday that the hospital be closed. By law, there has to be a Public Meeting and Hearing to begin the process. The hearing will take place today, Thursday, February 7th, from 3:00-5:00 P.M. at the Auditorium of the College of Optometry, 33 West 42nd Street in Manhattan. According to media reports, SUNY plans to sell the property to residential developers likely to create luxury condos.

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Council Member Letitia James’ Statement on Interfaith Medical Center: http://teamtish.blogspot.com/2012/12/cm-james-comments-on-interfaith-medical.html

ATTENTION: Crown Heights Mediation Center Hosts FREE Mammography Screening; 1/23

WHEN: Wednesday, January 23, 2013

WHERE: Crown Heights Community Mediation Center

256 Kingston Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11213

All insurance plans and accepted. Co-payments and deductibles are waived. Women should be aged 40 or older, and have been without a mammogram in the past year. Please call (800) 564-6868 to make an appointment.

CM James Comments on Interfaith Medical Center Hospital Recently Announced Plans to Declare Bankruptcy If Funding Is Not Secured

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
 DECEMBER 3, 2012

Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081

Council Member Letitia James Comments on Interfaith Medical Center Hospital Recently Announced Plans to Declare Bankruptcy If Funding Is Not Secured 

(New York, NY)— On Sunday, December 2, 2012, officials representing Interfaith Medical Center announced plans for the hospital to declare bankruptcy if necessary funding is not secured. Interfaith Hospital, which provides service to the Bedford-Stuyvesant and Crown Heights communities, has experienced significant financial hardship in the past few years, and has depended heavily on New York State aid.

In January 2012, the Medicaid Re-design plan (Berger Commission report) laid-out a number of existing issues in Brooklyn hospitals, and placed the bulk of the blame on hospital boards and management. The report found hospital boards failed to properly evaluate financial and clinical performance, or set strategic goals. In response to the findings, Wyckoff Hospital, Interfaith Medical Center, and Brooklyn Hospital Center (three of the hospital identified as ‘vulnerable’ in the report) seeked to agree to terms that would initiate a merger. Interfaith Hospital has expressed their interest in reconfiguring organizational operations to address current issues. However, Interfaith was not able to establish a reconfiguration plan that allowed them to maintain control over their functioning and leadership, and officials are deeply concerned that a merger that effectively folds one hospital into another will lead to the closure of Interfaith and the loss of those health resources in the Central Brooklyn community.

Interfaith needs New York State to guarantee an estimated $20 million in what is called ‘debtor-in-possession financing’ to underwrite its operating costs during the reorganization. According to media reports, hospital officials have stated that the State Dormitory Authority, which holds $130 million of the hospital's debt, refused to provide the financing unless Interfaith would first sign an agreement to merge with Brooklyn Hospital.

“New York State needs to step up and secure the $20 million needed to guarantee another year of health services for Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights residents,” said Council Member Letitia James. “Under the leadership of Governor Cuomo, I believe a merger that incorporates the vision of Interfaith can be established. It is imperative that we move towards that goal to save this comprehensive hospital, and the 1,600 jobs that would otherwise be eliminated.”

New York State requires vulnerable hospitals seeking to apply for public funding or merge to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) outlining the terms of the agreement.

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CMs James & Viverito Call on DOE to Combat Youth Obesity Through Expanded PE in Public Schools

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
August 6, 2012

Contact: Joe Taranto (CM Mark-Viverito): (917) 535-5531 | jtaranto@council.nyc.gov
Aja Worthy-Davis (CM James): (212) 788-7081 | aworthy-davis@council.nyc.gov

COUNCIL MEMBERS MELISSA MARK-VIVERITO AND LETITIA JAMES CALL ON DOE TO COMBAT YOUTH OBESITY THROUGH EXPANDED PHYSICAL EDUCATION IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS 
LETTER SIGNED BY 34 COUNCIL MEMBERS CALLS ON CHANCELLOR WALCOTT TO BRING PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM UP TO STANDARDS, REDUCE DISPARITIES IN LOW-INCOME COMMUNITIES

(New York, NY)— As the Bloomberg administration promotes its proposed ban on the sale of large sugary drinks, Council Members Melissa Mark-Viverito and Letitia James have spearheaded a letter to New York City Department of Education (DOE) Chancellor Dennis Walcott highlighting deficiencies in the City’s physical education (PE) program. The letter, which was signed by 32 other Council Members, points to several studies indicating that the city’s children, particularly in low-income communities of color, are not receiving the minimum required gym classes, despite the important role that regular physical activity plays in reducing obesity.

“With all the attention being placed on the Bloomberg administration’s proposed soda ban, we felt that there was a larger story to tell about how other policy choices by this administration are contributing to the obesity epidemic in this City,” said Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito. “The disparities between our city’s neighborhoods when it comes to physical education are unacceptable. We look forward to working with the DOE to achieve a marked improvement in the City’s physical education program, particularly in low-income communities of color.”

“Unlike the administration’s ‘soda ban’, the expansion of physical fitness activities and education in schools will go far to teach the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle from an early age.” said Council Member Letitia James, who has been working with “Let’s Move Brooklyn” (part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s national youth fitness campaign) this summer, speaking at their educational panel as well as hosting the “Brooklyn Olympic Fun Day Events” in Bedford-Stuyvesant last month.

According to a recent New York Times article, one in five city high school students reported not having gym class in an average week. Additionally, none of the 31 elementary schools visited by the NYC Comptroller’s Office last year met New York State standards on PE. And a 2012 study conducted by the NYC Strategic Alliance for Health found only 6 out of 74 elementary schools studied were meeting state requirements.

The New York State Education Department requires that PE classes be held every day for students in grades K to 3, and three times a week for grades 4 to 6, for a minimum of 120 minutes a week; and at least 90 minutes a week for grades 7 and 8. Three gym classes a week are required for grades 7 through 12 in one semester, and twice a week in another.

The communication to the Chancellor requested that his office provide the Council with data on the City’s PE program; clarification on the DOE’s policy on PE in co-located schools; and information regarding the DOE’s strategy to improve PE in schools and reduce PE disparities across neighborhoods.

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ATTENTION: BK Hospital Hosts 'Saturday In The Park' Health Day; 6/9; FG Park

WHAT: Brooklyn Hospital Center Health Fair, which will include FREE Health Screenings

WHEN: Saturday, June 9, 2012
10AM- 3PM

WHERE: Fort Greene Park
DeKalb Avenue and Washington Park

For more information, call (718) 250-8344.

ATTENTION: Mobile Mammography Available In Crown Heights; 6/13; CrH Mediation Center

Crown Heights residents are encouraged to take advantage of a FREE digital mammogram/ clinical breast exam at a mobile clinic!

It is important that women 40 years and older undergo annual mammograms as early detection of breast cancer can save lives!

Look for the Mobile van at: Crown Heights Community Mediation Center

WHERE: Crown Heights Community Mediation Center
256 Kingston Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11213

WHEN: Wednesday, June 13, 2012
10AM- 5PM

AN APPOINTMENT IS NECESSARY Call 1-877-628-9090 Eligibility Criteria: Women age 40 and older with a New York City mailing address, and no mammogram in the past 12 months.

ATTENTION: CM James To Speak at "Lunch With Legislators" by Women's City Club NYC; 4/23; 12:30PM

On April 23, 2012, Council Member Letitia James will participate in “Lunch with Legislators”, hosted by the Women’s City Club of New York.

The Council Member will be speaking on her accomplishments and future goals; and following her presentation, she will answer questions concerning health, education, and social welfare issues. The event is free: however, seating is limited.

Reserve your seat today!

WHEN: April 23, 2012
12:30PM

WHERE: Women’s City Club of New York
307 Seventh Avenue, Suite 1403
New York, NY 10001

A Message from CM James: LGBT Legislative Updates

I would like to make you aware of my recent work on behalf of New York City’s LGBTQ community—

City Council Resolution Calling on the Medical Professionals to Treat and Provide Appropriate Healthcare to Transgender Persons

I have recently introduced a resolution into the New York City Council calling on medical and health professional to treat, and provide appropriate healthcare, to transgender individuals. This resolution follows a statement recently released by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

While the LGBTQ community as a whole experiences greater disparities in relation to access to health insurance and healthcare, there is a specific need for transgender individuals to have access to health plans and services for transgender-related care, as well as for healthcare professionals to receive appropriate training on how to treat transgender patients. ACOG noted a concern for the gynecological health of transgender men, who may still require female (breast and cervical) cancer screenings as well as other forms of care. According the the National LGBT Cancer Network, “Trans men are less likely to get regular medical/gynecological care than heterosexual women or lesbians.” Some trans men have noted feeling healthcare professionals are not aware of available treatment options for transgender persons, not sensitive to their individual preferred pronouns, and/or presumptive concerning their sexual activities. All of these real or perceived issues may prevent transgender individuals from seeking appropriate healthcare.

Furthermore, there is a need to ensure medical and health care providers do not engage in gender identity discrimination, and where necessary refer patients to healthcare professionals that are best able to treat them. The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA) has issued clinical guidelines for medical professionals when providing care to LGBT persons. The resolution I introduced into the New York City Council recently, Resolution 1244-2012, urges that medical and health professionals adhere to similar guidelines to provide appropriate healthcare to transgender persons.

Resolution 1244 : http://tiny.cc/bm47aw

City Council Resolution Calling on the NYC Health Department to Repeal Requirement that Transgender Persons Undergo Surgery to alter gender marker of Birth Certificates

As you well know, in New York City many transgender individuals are unable to change the ‘gender marker’ listed on their birth certificate due to New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (‘Health Department’, under the New York City Office of Vital Records) rules that are inappropriate, presumptive, intrusive, and unclear in their intentions. The Health Department’s requirements are also out-of-step with the requirements of the federal government (as outlined in the Department of State’s gender marker passport updates), which seek to make it simpler for transgender individuals to update their passport.

[On June 9, 2010, the United States Department of State updated their passport policy. A passport applicant must only provide certification from an attending medical physician stating that the applicant has undergone appropriate clinical treatment for gender transition, for the passport to reflect the desired gender. It is also possible to obtain a limited-validity passport if the physician’s statement shows the applicant is in the process of gender transition. No additional medical records will be required. Sexual reassignment surgery is no longer a prerequisite for passport issuance.]

The Health Department currently requires individuals to undergo genital surgery (also commonly referred to as “bottom surgery”) before changing the gender or sex-identifier on their birth certificates. The agency is unspecific about the nature of the genital reassignment surgery, as there are multiple types of bottom surgery available for both male-to-female (MTF) and female-to-male (FTM) transgender persons. This ambiguity creates confusion for those seeking to update their birth certificate to their identified gender, as these kinds of surgeries can be very costly. Furthermore, it is difficult to find information about the process on the department’s website.

Many transgender individuals can't afford bottom surgery for financial reasons; a high number of these individuals may be receiving hormone therapy through their medical care provider to address masculinization or feminization of physical features. Finally, not all transgender individuals— even those identifying in their current gender in all areas of life, as well as those on hormone therapy— are interested in genital reassignment surgery. It is highly inappropriate for the Health Department to make decisions that imply generalizations about transgender individuals and their personal, medical choices.

As one moves from locality or state, a person may be required to present their birth certificate to prove identity; this becomes an issue when the gender marker or sex-identifier on the birth certificate is different from that on the state identification. New York State has a specific process for amending the gender or sex-identifier on a state ID or driver’s license, but individuals moving from New York State to another state may encounter difficulty if their birth certificate is also required to receive a state ID there. Additionally, many employers require access to an individual’s birth certificate to apply for health insurance, and transgender individuals may not want their employer to know about their biological sex or medical/surgical history.

Numerous transgender-rights advocacy agencies, as well as the National Association of Social Workers, have encouraged City and State agencies to abandon surgical requirements for changing identity documents. For instance, in 2009 the state of Illinois agreed to develop new standards for how much surgery is required before a person is eligible to switch the gender or sex-identifier on a birth certificate. City and State agencies are recognizing that any regulations in regards to updating gender identification on documents must be based on the standards set by the physicians actually treating these individuals. The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) is the major health association that sets the standards for medical treatment of transgender individuals. WPATH has stated “No person should have to undergo surgery or accept sterilization as a condition of identity recognition. Genital reconstruction is not required for social gender recognition, and such surgery should not be a prerequisite for document or record changes.”

In 2006, the Health Department considered dropping their requirement for gender reassignment surgery before switching a birth certificate's gender or sex-identifier, but did not do so citing identity fraud concerns.

The resolution I introduced into the New York City Council last year, Res. 1099-2011, urges the Health Department to abandon these confusing and intrusive requirements.

Resolution 1099 : http://tiny.cc/yc47aw

It is imperative that we treat LGBTQ persons with dignity and respect in all areas of society. We need to ensure that our laws and public agencies do not isolate anyone from fair access to basic rights like housing, healthcare, and employment. I consider myself a strong advocate for the LGBTQ community, and I will continue to work on the issues that affect the gay community in New York City.

Sincerely,
Letitia James
Member of the City Council

ATTENTION: Columbia Univ. Summer Public Health Scholars Program

Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons is hosting the Summer Public Health Scholars Program (SPHSP), a ten-week summer program for underrepresented minority students to increase interest and knowledge of public health and biomedical science careers.

The Summer 2012 Program spans May 28th to August 3rd.

Eligible Participants are:
-Students who have completed at least two years of college or recent college graduates
-African American/Black, Hispanic /Latino, American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian American, Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander and/or economically disadvantaged

SPHSP offerings include:
● Public Health field experience
● Seminars and lectures with public health leaders
● Faculty mentoring
● Visit to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
● Stipend upon program completion

For more information and the program application please visit
www.oda-ps.cumc.columbia.edu, or e-mail sphsp-ps@columbia.edu. The application deadline is February 14, 2012.

ATTENTION: Cumberland D&TC Hosting Free Dental Screenings; 2/22; FG

In Celebration of National Children’s Dental Health Month, Cumberland Diagnostic and Treatment Center will be hosting a FREE Dental Screenings for Children on Wednesday, February 22, 2012--

Screening visit includes:
-Short visual exam to identify any trouble spots in gums, teeth, and mouth
-Consultation with parents to answer questions; find out how to prevent oral disease and get tips on developing good habits for kids
-Dental goody bag with toothbrush!
-Raffle for a FREE Dental Sealant

WHEN: Wednesday, February 22, 2012
2:00PM to 6:00PM

WHERE: Cumberland Diagnostic & Treatment Center
100 North Portland Avenue
Brooklyn NY 11205

For more information, please call 718-260-4851.

ATTENTION: Planned Parenthood Hosts Screening of Short Doc "A Vital Service"; Event Hosted by CM James and SVU Actor Tamara Tunie; 2;27; NYIT

On February 27, 2012, Planned Parenthood is hosting a screening of "A Vital Service: African American Stories of Reproductive Health". The event will be hosted by Council Member Letitia James and Law and Order: SVU's Tamara Tunie. Vital Service is a documentary short exploring reproductive health issues in the African American community.

WHEN: Monday, February 27, 2012
6:30PM- 8:30PM

WHERE: New York Institute of Technology, Auditorium
1871 Broadway (between 61st and 62nd Streets)
New York, NY

Those interested in attending must RSVP here: http://avitalservice.eventbrite.com/. The event password is "good health".

Boro Pres Markowitz and SUNY Downstate Offer FREE Flu Shots; 11/2

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz in conjunction with SUNY Downstate Medical Center is offering FREE Flu Shots.

WHEN: Wednesday, November 2, 2011
11:00AM- 2:00PM
WHERE: Brooklyn Borough Hall, Grand Rotunda
209 Joralemon Street
Brooklyn, NY 11209

You must schedule an appointment- please do so at (718) 802-3831 or email iguerrero@brooklynbp.nyc.gov.

ATTENTION: FREE Flu Shots; Cumberland Diagnostic Center; 10/18; FG

The Cumberland Diagnostic & Treatment Center is providing free flu shots--

WHEN: Tuesday, October 18, 2011
WHERE: Cumberland D&TC
100 North Portland Avenue (Main Lobby)
Brooklyn, N.Y. 11205

No appointment necessary. For more information, please call (718) 388-5889.

Medicare Open Enrollment

Open enrollment for the Medicare program begins October 15, 2011 and continues to December 7, 2011. Eligible participants are encouraged to take advantage of the program; late enrollment may result in penalties.

This is the only time of the year current enrollees will have the chance to make changes to their plans. See more information here: http://www.medicare.gov/open-enrollment/index.html.

ATTENTION: WellCare Sponsors Free Comedy Show for Seniors; 10/28; BK Museum

Representative Yvette Clarke, State Senator John Sampson, State Senator Eric Adams, Assembly Member Hakeem Jeffries, and Council Member Letitia James present a comedy show for seniors!

Wellcare Health Plans, Inc. is sponsoring a FREE comedy show and entertainment show for Brooklyn's senior citizens!

WHERE: Brooklyn Museum
200 Eastern Parkway
Brooklyn, NY

WHEN: Friday, October 28, 2011
2:00PM- 5:00PM

For more information, please contact (347) 834-0802 or carol.martinez@wellcare.com.

ATTENTION: FDNY Hosts CPR Trainings; FG

The NYC Fire Department (FDNY) is providing mobile CPR training in the Fort Greene community.

October 4, 2011
WHERE: Woodhull Medical Center
760 Broadway (10th Floor Solarium)
Brooklyn, New York 11206
WHEN: 6:30- 7:30PM

October 5, 2011
WHERE: Cumberland D&TC
100 North Portland Avenue (Main Lobby)
Brooklyn, N.Y. 11205
WHEN: 11:00- 12:00PM

October 12, 2011
WHERE: Cumberland D&TC
100 North Portland Avenue (Main Lobby)
Brooklyn, N.Y. 11205
WHEN: 11:00- 12:00PM

Please call (718) 963-8640 for more information.

Job Opportunity- Queens Hospital Center Hiring Clerical Assistants

Queens Hospital Center (a NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation institution) has two part-time Clerical Associate positions available.

The hourly rate for the positions is $16.80-$19.31, and they require 35 hours per week. The positions may require supervision of clerical activities. All applicants must be bilingual (fluency in Spanish required). Candidates must also possess a four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent, as well as and eighteen months of full-time satisfactory clerical experience.

Those interested may apply online at the portal employment.nychhc.org.

ATTENTION: FREE Prostate Cancer Screening Today; 9/21; Manhattan

The Clinical and Translational Science Center (CTSC) (affiliated with the Weill Cornell Medical Center) is hosting their 5th Annual Free Prostate Cancer Screening today. The event is sponsored by New York Presbyterian.

WHEN: Wednesday, September 21, 2011
7:00AM- 5:00PM

WHERE: Clinical Translational Science Center
525 East 68th Street
2nd Floor, Room F260, Payson Elevators
New York, NY

The screening is for men over the age of 40. Please contact (212) 746-5450, or see here for more information.

ATTENTION: NYU College of Dentistry Offers FREE Oral Health Screenings

The New York University College of Dentistry is offering FREE Oral Health Screenings.

The screenings will be available for the following dates:
Wednesday, September 21, 2011 and Thursday, September 22, 2011 from 8:30am to 7:00pm
Friday, September 23, 2011 from 8:30am to 4:00pm
Saturday, September 24, 2011 from 9:00am to 1:00pm

The following services are available—
- Free Dental Screenings
- Vouchers for free oral examinations and polishing
- Free oral cancer screening for adults
- Vouchers for free dental sealants and free custom-made mouth guards for children 6-16 years of age
- Free diabetes and blood pressure screenings
- Special lecture "Diabetes and your oral health"

The NYU College of Dentistry is located at 345 East 24th Street (on the corner of 1st Avenue) in Manhattan. Please call (212) 998-9800 with any questions or concerns.

ATTENTION: Queens of All Saints Sponsors Health and Wellness Fair; 10/1; 12N-4PM; Clinton Hill

Queen of All Saints Church invites you to attend their 4th Annual Health & Wellness Fair!

Date: Saturday, October 1, 2011
Time: 12 Noon– 4:00 P.M.
Admission Free
Place: 300 Vanderbilt Avenue (Clinton Hill, Brooklyn)

Speak with the invited Health Care Professionals!
(All information and services will be conducted in strict confidence)
Health affiliates providing products and services:
Health Insurance, Assisted Living, Banks, Home Health Care, Pharmacies, Medical Equipment & Supplies, Home Security, Nursing/Rehabilitation Centers, Physical Therapy, Migration Information, Blood Drive and many more

FREE Health Screenings:
Blood Pressure, Blood Glucose, Cholesterol, PSA Testing, Hearing & More

This event is sponsored by Queen of All Saints Church. For more information, contact (718) 638-7625 or Office@qasrcc.org.