Public Advocate's Corner

Recognizing World AIDS Day

Today, December 1^st , is World AIDS Day—a day to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS throughout the world. Although we have made great strides in this country to increase awareness through education and testing, it is estimated that over a million Americans are living with HIV. We must do more to educate the public – and urban communities in particular – about contraception and safer methods of sexual activity; expand access to testing; reduce the stigma of HIV and AIDS, and provide support for those who are afflicted.

Across the globe, we must also encourage governments to end discriminatory practices that hinder progress in reducing AIDS. In Uganda, for example, a new law will criminalize support for same-sex relationships and practices, cracking down on human rights organizations and increasing discrimination against the most affected groups. These efforts are shameful and do great damage to the objectives of this important day.

 

Gotbaum's Final Annual Report Reflects on Two Terms of Accomplishments

Today, Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum released her office’s 2009 annual report. In order to cope with a 40% budget cut sustained this year, the Office decided not to print and mail copies of the report. Instead, the annual report will be eco-friendly, available online and distributed through e-mail. Printed copies will be available to those without internet access upon request.

Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum said, “Improving access to city services has been the unifying theme of my tenure. During my two terms in office, my ombudsman unit alone has fielded calls from more than 90,000 New Yorkers, solving problems and advocating for some of  the city's most vulnerable -- its immigrants, its working poor, its special ed students, its women in need. I've introduced or co-sponsored more than 300 bills before the City Council. And my policy staff has conducted studies and investigations that led to lasting change. Over the last eight years, the Office of the Public Advocate helped improve the lives of New Yorkers. We identified needs. We offered solutions. And we got results.”

Read the Report

Increasing Shortages at Food Pantries

“Food pantries across the city are seeing longer lines”, reported the NY Times earlier this month. A  dramatic increase in the number of people visiting food pantries has caused severe shortages in pantries across the city. At locations like the St. Francis of Assisi food pantry in Morris Heights, families and individuals facing hard times form long lines at the door. Ines Gonzalez, the pantry coordinator for St. Francis, explained that some parents feed their families by bouncing from pantry-to-pantry on a weekly basis.

Unfortunately, the food shortage is no news to me. Back in August, along with emergency food providers and anti-hunger advocates, I visited a Staten Island food pantry to survey current emergency food programming. We observed exactly how much pantries struggle to feed their communities on meager funding.

In my two terms as Public Advocate, I have urged the city to increase funding for emergency food programs and support policies – like an increase in food stamps access – to fight hunger in the city. Although the city has made it somewhat easier for eligible people to apply for food stamps, much more still needs to be done.

(On November 10th, I will be honored at the West Side Campaign Against Hunger's 30th Anniversary Gala, where I will speak about the progress we have made and the work that is left to be done.)

New Report Reveals True Cost of Barriers to Benefits

Today, Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum released a new report which shows that the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA) is frequently in error when it takes actions such as denying applications for public benefits or sanctioning low-income clients. The report charges that HRA may be too aggressive in taking such actions, at a great cost to the city.

In New York State, welfare recipients have the right to challenge the termination or denial of public benefits in a court proceeding, or 'fair hearing'--the cost of which is shared by the state and local district. Since 2000, HRA has been charged $58.6 million for these hearings, yet its actions have rarely been affirmed by judges.

Public Advocate Gotbaum said: "If HRA would address the many barries between eligible low-income New Yorkers and the public benefits they deserve, a significant number of these hearings could be avoided."

Read the Report

Read the Full Release

What You Should Know About The H1N1 Flu Virus

During the fall and winter seasons in particular, New Yorkers are at risk for the flu. In addition to the typical seasonal flu, this year the H1N1 virus – also known as swine flu – is causing illness in people.

(For the most current information on the spread of H1N1 influenza throughout the city and on the distribution of the H1N1 vaccine in the five boroughs, visit: www.nyc.gov/flu. For information on the safety of vaccines, visit: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/flu/downloads/pdf/flu_vaccine_safety_faq.pdf) 

Below is a helpful Q&A about the H1N1 influenza virus to better prepare New Yorkers for the 2009 flu season. 

1. What is the H1N1 influenza virus?

According to the New York City Health Department, “similar to seasonal influenza, H1N1 influenza is caused by a virus which infects the nose, throat and lungs. Although it is generally mild, the illness can be severe in some cases. Its symptoms are: cough or sore throat that can last a week or more, fever, headaches, body aches, chills, tiredness, and sometimes diarrhea and/or vomiting.”

2.  How can I catch the H1N1 influenza virus?
According to the City Health Department, “infected people can spread the virus when they cough or sneeze into the air. People can get infected by breathing in droplets released when the infected person coughs or sneezes, or by touching something with flu viruses on it, then touching their mouth or nose.”

3. How can I prevent myself and others from getting H1N1?
To best prevent yourself and others from spreading the virus, cough or sneeze into your sleeve or tissue, wash hands frequently with soap and water, and use hand sanitizer. If you experience flu-like symptoms – particularly fever and cough or sore throat – stay home from work or school.

4. How can the H1N1 influenza virus be diagnosed?
The City Health Department does not recommend testing for the H1N1 influenza virus because all flu viruses are treated the same way, regardless of type. Testing for the influenza virus should be reserved for people who are critically ill. Only go to the hospital if symptoms worsen. Some critical symptoms to watch for are divided into two groups, adults and children.

Adults: trouble breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or stomach, sudden dizziness, confusion, or severe vomiting that won’t stop.

Children: fast breathing or trouble breathing, bluish skin color, fever with a rash, refusing to drink fluids, vomiting or diarrhea that won’t stop, not waking up or not interacting, being too irritable to be held, or having flu symptoms return with fever and worse cough after starting to get better.

As a rule of thumb, consult your doctor about whether you or your child should be tested.

5. Is there Antiviral medication available to treat H1N1 virus?

Yes, the CDC recommends the use of Oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) or Zanamivir for the treatment of the H1N1 influenza virus. You can get a prescription from your health care provider. Before you fill the prescription, call the pharmacy to check its supply.

6. Who should get vaccinated?
The Center for Disease Control recommends that the following groups should receive the H1N1 vaccine first: pregnant women, people aged 6 months to 24 years old, medical and health care workers, people aged 25 to 65 years old with underlying health conditions, and people who care for or live with children younger than six months.

As part of its H1N1 city prevention plan, the City will provide free H1N1 vaccinations for public and non-public school children.  Because children are particularly susceptible to the virus, the Department of Health (DOH) does not want them to go without vaccination due to cost. Therefore, in late October, public school children will be sent home with H1N1 information packets containing permission forms. In November and December, elementary children will be vaccinated at their schools during the school day, while weekend vaccine clinics set up in each borough will provide vaccines for middle and high school children. 

For the Center for Disease Control’s most current information on the 2009 H1N1 flu season, visit: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu

For the New York State Department of Health 1009-2010 flu monitor, visit: http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/influenza/surveillance/2009-2010/

Or, call the H1N1 Influenza Hotline for the Public: 1-800-808-1987 - available 24/7

And, health care personnel with questions about influenza vaccination requirements please call: 1-800-808-1987

Recognizing Disabled Workers

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and I want to express New York's deep appreciation for the contributions made by people with disabilities to America's workforce. 

For my entire life, I have fought for equal employment opportunities for women--and I will defend the same protections for people with disabilities. The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) deserves our full support as it seeks to create a more inclusive environment in the American workplace.

All Americans should have access to the support and services they need to succeed; and employers across the nation must work together to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Reiterating Support for Paid Sick Leave

Last week, on Make the Road's Annual Democracy Day, elected officials joined together in support of the Paid Sick Leave Bill.

It’s fitting that this gathering occurred on Annual Democracy Day, since its goal was to recognize the needs of ordinary New Yorkers who have no protection under the law. On August 20^th, I joined Councilmember Gale Brewer to introduce legislation that will make earned paid sick leave a right for everyone.

The Paid Sick Leave Bill will require paid sick days for all workers to care for themselves or a loved one. This will give caregivers the option to use sick leave to care for a family member. Caregivers deserve rights, too, and I will continue to fight to protect them against employment discrimination.

With swine flu cases set to rise during the Fall season, we need a bill that allows sick workers to stay home without losing pay—limiting the spread of flu in the workplace. This is more important than ever.

For the health of our city, and for the protection of

New York City

’s parents and caregivers, I urge the Council to pass the Paid Sick Leave Bill.

Senator Edward Kennedy

Today, we mourn the loss of a tremendous Statesman and a member of one of our nation's prestigious political families. Senator Ted Kennedy did more during his lifetime to create positive change, including fighting for health care reform, social justice for all and improvements in education, than perhaps any other. He will long be respected for his bi-partisan efforts to pass legislation in our nation's capital, and his legacy will serve as a reminder that our elected officials must not only serve, but also lead.

Make 'Paid Sick Leave' A Right For Everyone

At a press conference yesterday, Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum voiced support for the Earned Paid Sick Leave Bill. The bill, which she co-sponsored with Councilmember Gale Brewer, would allow employees to earn up to 9 paid sick days--making earned paid sick leave a right for everyone. This would include low-wage earners and most food service employees. 

Gotbaum said, "New Yorkers should not be forced to choose between their well-being and their paycheck, but too many workers are forced to come to work sick because they can't afford to lose a day's wages." Gotbaum thanked the New York State Paid Family Leave Coalition, and A Better Balance for their work on the issue.

Good News

Intro 859-A, the Language Access in Pharmacies Act (LAPA), that I introduced was voted on today in the Health Committee and passed by a vote of 9-0! This means that this bill will be voted on by the full City Council on Thursday.

The bill will require city chain pharmacies to give individuals who speak limited or no English access to free language assistance, oral interpretation, and translation services when filling prescriptions.
Clearly understanding the label on a prescription bottle is a basic right, yet many pharmacies all around the city are allowing New Yorkers to take home medication with instructions they can’t understand.

The bill stipulates that the chain pharmacy must translate medical instructions into the seven languages most commonly spoken by LEP individuals in New York City, as determined biennially by the Department of City Planning based on data from the American Community Survey.

We cannot continue to allow so many New Yorkers to be put in danger every time they fill a prescription. In a city that prides itself on diversity, pharmacies should provide these needed translation services. If even a few words of a vital medical instruction are lost on a patient, the result can be tragic.

We owe it to New Yorkers to pass this bill and I urge the Council members to vote in favor of it this Thursday.