Bronx Health REACH Welcomes Our New FoodCorps Member

 

Welcome Kadijah Spence, our new FoodCorps member! 

We welcome Kadijah Spence, our new FoodCorps member. Kadijah will dedicate a year of service to engaging students and teachers in creating a school wide culture of health through experiential learning. Her education background is in environmental education and environmental studies. Her current research focused on Jewish values within Jewish environmental education curricula and/or programs. During her research, Kadijah connected with Jews of color, queer Jews and female-identifying Jews who are thriving in the environmental field. While connecting with these individuals, she began to comprehend that the overlap of social identities of community members influence the values and concerns within the community. Kadijah looks forward to using this knowledge as a tool to build community, communicate with community members, and fulfill community needs.

When she’s not researching the environment, she can be found in the outdoors, usually by a body of water. As a New Yorker, the Hudson River and its tributaries teaches her so much and offers her a place to daydream. She looks forward to learning about the strong values that bring the PSX443/The Family School and PS114/Luis Llorens Torres School communities together as well as the social and economic challenges they are working to overcome.  Kadijah wants her students to understand the outdoors through hands-on activities and transformative learning discussions. She is proud to continue to serve her community as an educator. 

Men's Health a Priority for Bronx Health REACH

 

In January, a Men's Health Workshop was held at the Institute for Family Health's Stevenson Family Health Center. 

The untimely death of actor Chadwick Boseman (Black Panther) to colon cancer puts a spotlight on the American Cancer Society point that African Americans are 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer and 40% more likely to die from it than other groups (with Black men having the highest incidence). Mr. Boseman’s death at the young age of 43 makes it clear that it is vital that Black men have regular health checkups.

Recognizing the importance of encouraging men to make their health a priority, in January, the first Men’s Health Workshop was held at the Institute for Family Health's Stevenson Family Health Center. Launching such a workshop has been the vision of Bronx Health REACH Community Health Worker Joseph Ellis for some time. "Over the years, many of the men I have spoken with mentioned having struggles with health concerns like diabetes, being overweight, heart disease and being stressed about work and providing for their families. I wanted to do something to address these concerns," said Joseph. "If I could get them all together in a workshop and have their health concerns addressed by a doctor, maybe they would be more receptive to opening up about the challenges they have as men regarding being healthy." Men’s health has also been the concern of Dr. Eric Gayle, Vice President, Medical Services for the Institute for Family Health, who has been a long time doctor to many of the Institute’s Bronx patients.

For the workshop, Joseph and Dr. Gayle came up with several topics that encouraged an open discussion between the men attending. Attendees asked about diabetes, family history, discussing health concerns with your doctor, sexual health, prostate growth and cancer and more. The interaction between the men and Dr. Gayle was dynamic. The questions just kept on coming. The workshop hit home for the men and they were glad to have been given this forum to voice their health issues and concerns in the company of other men. "We had accomplished what we set out to do, which was to have a forum where men can have an open discussion about their health," said Dr. Gayle.

COVID-19 halted the holding of these Men’s Health Workshops. We hope to resume them as soon as it is safe to hold in person gatherings.

Kelly Moltzen Recognized as One of NYC Food Policy Center's 40 Under 40

 

Kelly Moltzen, Program Manager for the Creating Healthy Schools and Communities program at Bronx Health REACH, has been recognized by Hunter College's New York City Food Policy Center's as one of 40 individuals under 40 years old who are working to transform the food system.

Bronx Health REACH's Kelly Moltzen was recognized by Hunter College's New York City Food Policy Center as one of the 2020 class of 40 individuals under 40 years old who are working to transform the food system. The Center’s honorees include policymakers, educators, community advocates, farmers and innovators who are making significant strides to create healthier, more sustainable food environments and to use food to promote community and economic development. Kelly is the Program Manager for the Creating Healthy Schools and Communities program at Bronx Health REACH. Congratulations Kelly! We are honored to have you as part of the Bronx Health REACH team.

13 Faith Based Organizations Recognized for Completing Healthy Children, Healthy Families Program

 

Faith based partners were recognized for completing the Healthy Children, Healthy Families program at an event in February.

Right before the Pandemic struck and we all were required to stop meeting in person, 33 people representing 13 faith based organizations gathered at Pentecostal Temple of the Living God to recognize the impact of the Healthy Children, Healthy Families program, on the children, families and faith based organizations that participated in the program in 2019. The organizations honored include: St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Christian Community Neighborhood Church Inc., Creston Avenue Baptist Church, Water of Life-Mission Pentecostal Rehoboth, King of Glory Tabernacle, Williams Institutional Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Pentecostal Temple of the Living God, Fellowship Baptist Church and St. Augustine Our Lady of Victory Church. Members from Grand Concourse Seventh Day Adventist, Church of God-Soundview, Bronx Spanish Evangelical Church and New Life Rehoboth Church were unable to attend, but also completed the program in 2019.    

Bronx Health REACH Director, Charmaine Ruddock, welcomed the group by mentioning how important the Healthy Children, Healthy Families program is to the Bronx, as the Bronx is currently ranked 62 out of 62, the least healthy county in New York state based on the Robert Wood Johnson County Health Rankings and Roadmaps. She pointed out that by participating in the Healthy Children, Healthy Families program, the families were making strides towards a healthy life and would be part of improving the overall health of the Bronx.

Naiomie Michelle from King of Glory Tabernacle stated that the children from her church had so much fun in the workshops, they would invite their neighborhood friends to participate as well.  "This program helped to build community and had a huge impact not only on teaching the children about healthy eating, but making the connection between each workshop lesson and the spiritual values that are so meaningful to myself and the participants," she said. The Healthy Children, Healthy Families program ended this summer. 537 adults and children participated in the program.

Facemasks Distributed to Bronx Faith Based Organizations

 

Over 5,000+ masks were distributed to Bronx Health REACH faith based partners.

Over 5,000+ facemasks were distributed to over twenty houses of worship in the Bronx after some of our faith based partners expressed an urgent need for personal protection equipment (PPE) at our June Coalition meeting. We would like to thank Trinity Church Wall Street and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for donating the facemasks. Also, thank you to Council Member Fernando Cabrera's office for donating hand sanitizer and thermometers to various Bronx churches.

#Not62 Steering Committee Hosts “A Discussion of Health Disparities and COVID-19 in The Bronx”

 

Dr. Jane Bedell was one of four panelists who spoke at the webinar, 

“A Discussion of Health Disparities and COVID-19 in the Bronx.”

On July 29th, the #Not62 Steering Committee, of which Bronx Health REACH and the Institute for Family Health are founding members, and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. hosted, “A Discussion of Health Disparities and COVID-19 in the Bronx.” This virtual panel discussion featured former NYC Department of Health and Mental Health Commissioner, Dr. Oxiris Barbot; Dr. Jane Bedell who was the Medical Director of The Bronx Neighborhood Health Action Center and the Assistant Commissioner of the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene; Dr. Lessie Branch from Metropolitan College and Dr. Denise Nunez from SOMOS Community Care Network.

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. was the moderator of the event, introducing panelists and asking questions about the work being done to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Dr. Oxiris Barbot spoke briefly about a COVID-19 mobile testing site in the Bronx. It was set up in Tremont where NYCDOHMH knew that not many people were getting tested, and the ones that were getting tested were testing positive for COVID-19. They were hoping to use this data in other parts of the Bronx so more people could be tested.

Dr. Bedell's presentation, "Building a Healthier Bronx," began with data about the Bronx: population, breakdown of age, race, number of parks, libraries, etc. "The policies and practices of yesterday are determining the health outcomes of today. COVID-19 is a case study of how past practices and current inequities converge in an emergency. The Bronx has the highest rate of COVID-19 cases and deaths." To improve the health of Bronx residents Dr. Bedell advised that we all get out and vote and complete the 2020 Census so the Bronx gets more federal money to support much needed services.

Dr. Lessie Branch spoke about defining systemic racism and how it makes people sick. She highlighted how COVID-19 disproportionately affects Black and Latino communities in the Bronx. "COVID-19 has made policy violence leveled against Black and Brown communities visible in the same way that smart phone cameras and police body cameras have made the disproportionate police violence against Black and Brown communities visible." Dr. Branch also noted the importance of everyone completing the census. "For every individual that is uncounted in the census, New York will lose $2,687 in federally funded programs."

Dr. Denise Nunez is a pediatrician for the SOMOS Community Care Network in the Bronx. She spoke about the importance of educating younger children to take control of your health. "We teach the younger children how to eat healthy. And by doing that, the children are also educating their families about the importance of having regular wellness visits with a doctor."

Panelists fielded questions for the remainder of the webinar and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. wrapped up the webinar by advising everyone to remain vigilant in preventing the spread of COVID-19. "Practice social distancing, use hand sanitizer, wash your hands, and be sure to wear your mask anytime you leave your house. We do not want a second wave of COVID-19."

Click here to view "A Discussion of Health Disparities and COVID-19 in the Bronx.

Racism and Our Families’ Health: Connecting the Dots Webinar Held in June

 

Milta Vega Cardona gave a presentation, "Health Disparities as Symptoms of Structural Racism."

In the summer, members of the Bronx Health REACH Faith Based workgroup hosted a two part webinar, "Racism and Our Families' Health: Connecting the Dots." The two part webinar featured experts on undoing racism and advancing health equity. The goals of the webinar were to create  awareness of the role of racism in health outcomes, facilitate a community conversation on race and racism, and provide resources for those wanting to address racism and health inequities.

Speakers for the first session included: Charmaine Ruddock, BHR Project Director, Pastor John Udo-Okon, from Word of Life International, Dr. Uche Blackstock, Founder/CEO of Advancing Health Equity, and Milta Vega Cardona from The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond.

Charmaine provided a background on how Bronx Health REACH was formed, our mission and the history of the Bronx Health REACH Coalition. She also spoke about #Not62 - The Campaign for a Healthy Bronx! Pastor John Udo-Okon not only provided information on the important work that his church, Word of Life International is doing by feeding the community, but his experience being a Black man in America. "When I arrived in the U.S. years ago I visited a store in Dallas. The staff would follow me around the store. I asked my wife, 'Why is the staff doing this?' She said the staff was following me because I was a Black man. She spoke to them and told them we are not here to steal, and asked them to stop following us. That experience made me realize that being Black [in America] is a liability, and the racism we face every day is a challenge."

Dr. Uché Blackstock's presentation provided background on the social determinants of health, and the impact on people of color. "Inequities exist because of differences in the quality of care, access to healthcare, and differences in opportunities. Policies, economic systems, and social hierarchies impact health outcomes." She also made the connection between the devastation that COVID-19 has brought upon Black and Latino communities. "Housing segregation and income inequality have led to overcrowding and increased transmission of COVID-19, and the pandemic has unveiled underlying inequities that contribute to racial and ethnic health disparities." Dr. Blackstock offered some short-term strategies to overcome COVID-19 such as targeted testing, contact tracing and hazard pay and personal protection equipment for essential workers.

Milta Vega Cardona from the People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond made a presentation, "Health Disparities as Symptoms of Structural Racism" focusing on the root causes of health disparities. Milta provided key facts on health and health care by race and ethnicity. She also asked, "If health disparities are a symptom, what is the underlying cause?" She covered topics such as implicit or cognitive bias, structural and social racism. "Many of these inequities are man-made situations. If we created them, we can undo them," said Milta.

Speaking at the second session was Immaculada Moronta from Bronx Health REACH, Badr Fuad from the United States Census, Adolfo Abreu and Shen'naque Sean Butler from the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition, and Milta Vega Cardona from the People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond. Immaculada spoke about the significance and influence faith based organizations have, not only on their members, but on the community as well. "Houses of worship serve as a powerful medium for social, economic and political change. They continue to be key players in improving the health and well-being of their members and the community that have been historically underserved."

Badr Fuad spoke about the importance of completing your census form. "Responding to the census is important to ensure an accurate count of community members, so that adequate funding can be brought into communities. If people do not respond to the Census, we will not have the funding we deserve for another ten years. We want to make sure all are counted in the 2020 census so we have funding for better schools, hospitals and many other services that we are currently missing in the Bronx."

Adolfo Abreu and Shen'naque Sean Butler gave an overview of the work the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition (NWBCCC) has been doing. "NWBCCC advocates for safe, affordable and energy efficient housing, healthy communities with green space, high-quality public schools, community-led economic development, living wages, green jobs, and immigrant rights. We provide Social Determinants of Health training, where community members learn the roles and responsibilities of the health system, communities, and governments in addressing the social determinants of health, and identify local resources to address these challenges," says Adodlfo.

Milta Vega Cardona from the People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond continued from the previous session with her presentation, "Race/Racism, Implicit Bias: the Road Towards Structural Racism." In this presentation Milta spoke about the types of racism, the dynamics of implicit bias and the principles for doing anti-racist work. "Everyone has implicit bias which needs to be overcome to address systemic racism. It is automatic, involuntarily activated, and below our consciousness. Anti-racism entails knowing and sharing history and culture, using a common language, practicing accountability, developing leadership, understanding the manifestations of our socialization, and valuing our humanity and the humanity of others."

You can view Part I  and Part II  of the webinar.

COVID-19 as Experienced in the Bronx Discussed at June and September's Coalition Meeting

"Community Conversations on COVID-19 as Experienced in the Bronx" was the theme of the June and September Bronx Health REACH Coalition meetings. 

On June 5th the topic of discussion at the Bronx Health REACH Coalition Meeting was, "Community Conversations on COVID-19 as experienced in the Bronx." The meeting featured Pastor John Udo-Okon, from Word of Life International, Bronx Health REACH Community Outreach Worker Cheikhou Ann Oumar, Gladys Roman from Manna of Life Ministries, Assistant Principal Nicole Smith from The Family School-PS 443, and Dr. Eric Gayle, Vice President, Medical Services at the Institute for Family Health.

Word of Life International runs a weekly food pantry serving hundreds of clients, and was forced to close after family and staff working at their food pantry became infected with COVID-19. They were able to re-open in May, but to better serve the influx of Bronx residents returning to the pantry, Pastor John spoke about the need for personal protection equipment (PPE) to protect the staff from getting sick again. "If our staff gets sick, we will have to close our doors again, forcing many Bronx residents to seek other places for food." Manna of Life Ministries also has a food pantry and soup kitchen that now has 300 people coming in daily for food. "We serve a large undocumented population and there is a need for more food to meet the demand," says Gladys Roman.

Bronx Health REACH Community Outreach Worker, Cheikhou Ann Oumar spoke on how the Muslim community are at a higher exposure to COVID-19 due to many performing essential jobs such as cab drivers. Cheikhou also mentioned other challenges COVID-19 has brought upon the community. "There have been many at-home deaths and families are unable to send their deceased family members home for burial," said Cheikhou.

“We are building the plane as we are flying it,” has been Family School-PS 443 Assistant Principal Nicole Smith's experience running a Bronx public school during COVID-19. She added, "There has been some push-back from educators about remote-learning, but the pandemic has also made us re-imagine how to best teach our students in a remote setting."

Dr. Eric Gayle, from the Institute for Family Health shared how there has been a lack of awareness surrounding telehealth and virtual visits with the IFH health centers. "Better messaging is needed. Even in the current healthcare crisis, physicians are still available to treat and serve patients."

Also speaking at the Coalition meeting were Maria Angela Soto and Jaime Gutierrez, from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Division of Disease Control. Maria provided stats on COVID-19 deaths and current cases in New York State and New York City, and steps to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. Jaime spoke about NYC's Contact Tracing initiative and tracking those diagnosed with COVID-19.

At the September 11th Coalition meeting the conversation continued around COVID-19. Joining the conversation were Dennis Derryck, CEO of the Corbin Hill Food Project, Anita Reyes from the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, Bronx Health REACH's Mike Johnson, Alison Hirsh from the New York City Department of Education, Principal Rowena Penn from PS443 and Parent Gloria Corsino from the Citywide Council on Special Education.   

Dennis Derryck spoke about COVID-19 through the lens of racial equity. Corbin Hill Food Project provides an opportunity for low income communities to purchase fresh, farm grown food while supporting farmers of color. "Out of the 57,000 farmers in New York state, 139 are Black farmers. Even though the food industry in NY State is a $42 billion industry, the net income for a white farmer is $42,000 and the net income for a black farmer is -$900. To change this we are asking people to make larger financial investments over longer periods of time to make our program sustainable."

Anita Reyes gave a presentation about the Test and Trace program and the importance of stopping the spread of COVID-19 by wearing a facemask, washing your hands, and getting a COVID-19 test. Mike Johnson spoke about Bronx Health REACH being one of 38 community-based organizations that have been selected to distribute signage and information about where people can go to get a COVID-19 test.

Alison Hirsh from the New York City Department of Education gave an update on what steps are being taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in schools for those students, teachers and staff returning to NYC public schools. "We have established a rapid response team comprised of members from the NYCDOHMH Test and Trace team and NYCDOE staff so that if any DOE staff or student tests positive, we have a communications plan and process to address it. If a person in a single class tests positive, then all others that were in that classroom will be quarantined for 14 days. If there is more than one case in a school, then that school will close for a minimum of 24 hours to determine if the spread happened in the school or elsewhere."

PS443 Principal Rowena Penn spoke about the many challenges COVID-19 has brought about for her school, especially for those students trying to access the internet for remote learning. "We have the highest number of shelter students in our school district. Even though many of my students have a laptop, there is no internet access in the shelters."

Parent Gloria Corsino from the Citywide Council on SpecialEducation recommended a 3 point plan for the NYC DOE to enact so students, teachers and school staff can safely return to the schools. "We want to make sure all school staff has personal protection equipment and classrooms have proper ventilation. I encourage all families to continue wearing masks and to get a COVID-19 test."

Morrisania WIC Celebrates National Breastfeeding Month 2020

 

"It was a wonderful event to participate in and celebrate our cultural roots and reclaim black breastfeeding as a community." - Charline and Sofia-Michele.

This article was written by Judy Fram, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).

The NYC Bronx Morrisania WIC Baby Café had a wonderful time celebrating National Breastfeeding Month in August. To raise awareness and galvanize action on themes related to breastfeeding, World Breastfeeding Week kicked off on July 31st with a virtual Global Big Latch event. Breastfeeding families and breastfeeding supporters joined via computer screen, as babies latched onto the breast, or were closely held, drinking the nutritious milk lovingly expressed for them. After the event, one mother emailed that the event was “awesome.” During our first August Baby Café session, we discussed a Kindred Bravely article called “Eight Ways to Celebrate World Breastfeeding Week” and the history of World Breastfeeding Week. Our second Baby Café session was sponsored by our partner, Bronx Health REACH. We reviewed the history of National Breastfeeding Month. All sessions took place in English and Spanish. 

Singing events were held the first and third Wednesdays in August. Attendees sang along to “Mi Familia,” in Spanish and sign language. Also shared were “Pata,” in Xhosa, a language spoken in South Africa, with clapping, and the old Sesame Street favorite, in English and Spanish, “Baa Baa Bamba.”  During the second week of August, breastfeeding families participated in virtual story reading with their baby that took place in 4 languages (Bambara, French, Spanish and English). Classics like We Like to Nurse, as well as newer texts such as C’est Pas Moi, a French book and Criados y Acariciados –a Spanish book, were read by various participants. A new favorite was Say Hello, which follows a little girl saying “hello” in ten different languages to her neighbors from many cultures. Many mothers attended every event of the month. One mother even brought her current favorite book, which she shared by reading to the group with her baby on her lap. 

The final week of August was Black Breastfeeding Week, which centers on the breastfeeding experiences and challenges unique to Black Breastfeeding families. It began nine years ago to highlight the experiences and challenges of Black breastfeeding mother-baby dyads including issues of bias and health inequities.

For our last Baby Café event of August we offered attendees the option to participate in our yearly African Breastfeeding Mothers’ Fashion show, as well as a new event, Show Your Beautiful Black or Brown Baby.  We shared a slide show based on Black International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant Kim Durdin’s 2019 article, “It’s Black Breastfeeding Week- Here’s Why It Matters.” We acknowledged the hard truths about these biases and inequities, and then moved into celebrating. We sang and clapped to Amawolé, a song from the Ivory Coast, and twirled for each other in African-inspired clothing. Nursing moms held their babies up to their computer screens to share their sweet gorgeousness. In a time of global pandemic, with growing visibility of the poison of systemic racism and health disparities, events like Black Breastfeeding Week seek to center those that are often on the margins, and provided an opportunity for all of us to share and really see each other, to celebrate, and lift each other up.

Over the course of that long and full month, we celebrated the ways that nourish brains and bodies. From breastmilk, to reading, singing, and moving. We were thrilled to have highlighted the importance of education, individual and especially the societal support, as coupled with the professional and cultural humility needed to help families meet their breastfeeding goals.

Active Transportation and Complete Streets Webinar Recap

This post was written by Kelly Moltzen, Program Manager for Bronx Health REACH’s Creating Healthy Schools and Communities.

On April 27th, Bronx Health REACH and Dan Suraci from Urban Cycling Solutions hosted a webinar about Active Transportation and Complete Streets and how Bronx stakeholders could get involved with advancing this work in the Bronx. Active Transportation is any self-propelled, human-powered mode of mobility, such as walking and bicycling. We reviewed the benefits of active transportation for increasing physical activity, thereby addressing one of the risk factors for obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Medical costs of obesity are high, at over $11.8 billion in New York State alone.  Pedestrian and bicycle fatalities have not changed much over the past decade, so there is therefore much room for improvement to make streets safer for all.

Smart Growth America defines Complete Streets as “[Streets] designed and operated to enable safe access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities.”  Complete Streets balance health, economic vitality, equity, safety, environment, choice, mobility, and livability. They maximize efficiency and space, and encourage climate-friendly transportation options. When planning complete streets, people’s preferred routes are taken into consideration. Reduced traffic speeds save lives, and narrowed lanes help reduce speed of vehicles. Bike lanes and crosswalks with visible paint are safer than those where the paint is worn off; curb extensions and pedestrian islands allow pedestrians to cross streets that aren’t as wide; and ensuring bike parking is available encourages more riders to use their bikes.

Community members can conduct a walk audit of their neighborhood to identify areas of opportunity for Complete Street improvements. On the webinar, we took virtual walk audits to four dangerous intersections in the Bronx – Connor & Provost & Boston Road; 183rd & Grand Concourse; Westchester & Prospect Avenues; and 138th Street and Alexander Avenue. Dan walked us through safety features already existing on some of these streets and areas of opportunity for improvement.

Communities can work with their local municipalities to pass Complete Streets policies, which represent an official mandate to work toward an integrated transportation network for all users, as well the establishment of a reporting framework.  NYC has a “Vision Zero” policy which guides Complete Streets work through the NYC Department of Transportation, however, communities can work with their local Community Boards to advocate for additional changes, or to pressure the city to push a Complete Streets project higher up on the priority list. Some examples of policies that can be implemented in NYC include School Zones and NYC Neighborhood Slow Zones. Successful Complete Streets advisory groups consist of diverse stakeholders as well as a Chamber of Commerce or Business Association, Department of Public Works or Transportation, and the local transit agency. Studies show that more walkable and bikeable communities increase commercial activity and business satisfaction, so it can be especially valuable to get the local business community on board with the proposed changes.

If planned properly, complete street improvements can be no/low cost, and folded into other projects  or utility projects. Measurements to evaluate success can include number of crashes, volume of vehicles, traffic speed, economic vitality, user satisfaction, environmental outcomes, public health outcomes, and public safety. This training was supported by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH).

DATA2GO.NYC – Providing Insight on the Health of Bronx Residents

  Figure 1
 Note: Sample table showing human developmental index (HDI) scores (0-10) for Community Districts 1 (D1) through 12 (D12) in the Bronx, NY. From DATA2GO.NYC by the Social Science Research Council. Retrieved May 4, 2020 from https://www.data2go.nyc.

This post was written by Mickelder Kercy, Evaluation Assistant for Bronx Health REACH.

DATA2GO.NYC is an online tool integrating federal, state, city and non-profit agencies data from 2000 to 2017. Data are available at the community districts and census tracts levels. Using the “Maps” button on the top left corner, a geomap can be generated to visualize on a map the percentages of Bronx residents with specific health indicators or characteristics (e.g., demographics and educational level), behaviors (e.g., fruits and vegetable consumption and exercise), outcomes (e.g., obesity and diabetes) and related mortality rates (e.g., diabetes deaths and heart disease deaths) for each county district. Data are also provided on additional determinants of health such as the environment and food system.

Data reported on DATA2GO.NYC reveals that Bronx residents have major challenges in living healthy, productive and long lives. The American Human Development Index (HDI), a scale of 0 to 10 combining three indicators (educational level, income level and life expectancy), ranges from 2.98 to 6.26 across all 12 Bronx community districts. Currently, Bronx Community Districts 1 through 7 have the lowest human developmental index scores (Figure 1 above) among all 12 Bronx community districts (Figure 2 below) and 59 New York City Community Districts. Comparatively, the NYC Community District with the highest Human Developmental Index score, is  District 7 in Manhattan with 9.29.

Figure 2
Note: Map of Bronx community districts. From NYCdata: Population & Geography by Baruch College Zicklin Schoool of Business. Retrieved May 4, 2020 from https://www.baruch.cuny.edu/nycdata/population-geography/maps-boroughdistricts.htm.

Based on DATA2GO.NYC, the number of bodegas per one supermarket ranges from 7 to 37 across all 12 Bronx Community Districts. The district with the lowest ratio of bodegas to supermarket (7:1) is Bronx Community District 10. The district with the highest ratio of bodegas to supermarket (37:1) is Bronx Community District 6.

The percentage of Bronx residents who are food insecure (i.e., cannot consistently access adequate, affordable, minimally processed and nutrient-rich fresh foods) is above the national household average (11.1%). Food insecurity level varies from 11.90% to 23.70% across all 12 Bronx Community Districts.

Other statistics include:

• The percentage of adults drinking one or more sugary drinks daily ranges from 20% to 39% across all 12 Bronx Community Districts. Bronx Community District 9 (39%) ranks highest among all 59 NYC Community Districts.

• The percentage of adults who reported not having consumed any fruits or vegetables ranges from 12% to 22% across all 12 Bronx Community Districts with Community Districts 5 (22%), 6 (19%) and 3 (19%) ranking in the top 10.

These data continue to underscore the need for Bronx Health REACH’s continued partnership with Bronx bodegas and Corbin Hill Food Project to provide more healthy food options to Bronx residents on a regular basis.

According to DATA2GO.NYC, the percentage of public parks, open space and recreational areas available for use ranges from 0.80% to 33.80% across all 12 Bronx Community Districts. Bronx Community District 6 (33.80%) is the only district in the Bronx ranking among the top 10 highest-ranking NYC community districts that have large public parks, open space and recreational areas for physical activity. As recommended by the National Parks and Recreation Association, cities should allocate a sizeable portion of their land to public parks, open spaces and recreational areas equivalent to 10 acres of land for every 1,000 individuals. The consensus among researchers is that, in addition to the existence of supervised activities, the greater the percentage of public parks, open spaces and recreational lands available to community members within one and two miles of their residential spaces, the more likely community members will engage in physical activities. In the Bronx, there seems to be an association between land use availability for recreational and physical activity and level of physical activity among residents. Throughout all Bronx Community Districts, lack of exercise is one of the most frequent unhealthy behaviors and obesity is the most prevailing health outcome among adults.

• The percentage of adults who reported not having exercised in the past 30 days ranges from 25% to 35% across all 12 Bronx Community Districts. Bronx Community Districts 1 (35%), 2 (35%) and 4 (35%) rank among the top 10 highest-ranking NYC community districts for this behavioral indicator.


• The prevalence of obesity ranges from 24% to 42% across all 12 Bronx Community Districts. Bronx Community Districts 1 (42%) and 2 (42%) rank highest among all 59 NYC Community Districts for this health outcome.

Compounding the lack of physical activity among one third of Bronx residents and access to healthy foods in a county that has one of the largest produce markets in the world, Hunts Point Produce Market, Bronx residents were also dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic limiting free movements of residents within and outside the Bronx and their ability to stay healthy. These data paint a somber picture of the Bronx that reveals the borough has been suffering a public health crisis for a long period of time, even before the data provided by the Robert Wood Johnson County Health Rankings & Roadmaps report, where the Bronx has been persistently ranked the unhealthiest county, 62 out of the 62 New York City counties in the 11 years of the report.

The Bronx Health REACH Coalition founding since 1999 and its collaborations over the years with federal and state agencies, community leaders, faith-based organizations, other organizations and residents has had as its singular focus on the elimination of these health disparities and inequities. It is imperative that all stakeholders mobilize all available resources to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in this vulnerable county and continue to strengthen the socio – political and economic environment and infrastructures that will increase access to, and utilization of, goods and services promoting healthy behaviors and outcomes among all Bronx residents.

COVID-19 Information; Emergency Food Services for School Children, Seniors and the Community; plus Other Resources

APRIL 3, 2020

We understand you may be concerned about COVID-19, the Novel Coronavirus that has spread worldwide and is now here in America with New York being the epicenter of it. Your risk of being exposed to the virus is greatest if you have had close contact (within 6 feet) of someone who has COVID-19. If you are having symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath, call your health care provider. If you are severely ill, call 911.

What You Can Do to Stay Healthy

• Wash your hands often. Use soap and warm water and scrub for at least 20 seconds before rinsing. If you can’t wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
• Don’t touch your face (especially your eyes, nose or mouth) unless your hands are clean.
• Don’t shake hands! Greet people with a bow or an elbow bump.
• Avoid places where there are large groups of people. Try to stay six feet away from others.
• If you feel sick, stay home. Call your health care provider if you need advice.

How to Get the Health Care You Need

The Institute for Family Health has health centers in New York City and in Ulster and Dutchess Counties. We offer primary medical care, mental health care, and dental care to people of all ages, regardless of ability to pay. Our centers are open and we can offer many services by video or phone – please call us. Click here for a complete list of locations and phone numbers.

Emergency Food Services for School Children

The Office of School Food and Nutrition Services is working around the clock to ensure that students have access to nutritious meals every day. Adults, parents, students and young people under 18 can access breakfast/lunch grab and go bags from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at any of these NYC school sites (Food Hubs).  Text "FOOD" or "COMIDA" to 877-877. Signage indicating food service may not be visible, so students and parents should knock loudly on the front door. The security guard should provide you with a to-go bag. There are Regional Enrichment Centers in NYC where children of first responders, healthcare and transit workers can receive educational programming and 3 hot meals daily.

Food Services for Seniors

These locations are serving free meals to seniors:

• PSS Andrew Jackson, (356 East 156th St), 9AM-10AM and 11:30AM-1PM
• BronxWorks Heights Neighborhood, (200 West Tremont Ave), 11AM-1PM
• Hope of Israel, (1068 Gerard Avenue), 12PM-2PM
• Mid-Bronx Senior Center, (900 Grand Concourse), 11AM-4:30PM
• PSS Morrisania Air Rights, (3135 Park Avenue), 12PM-1PM
• PSS Highbridge Gardens, (1155 University Avenue), 12PM-1:30PM
• PSS Highbridge (1181 Nelson Avenue), 12PM-1:30PM
• RAIN Findlay House NORC (1175 Findlay House), 11:30AM-1PM
• William Hodson (1320 Webster Avenue), 1PM-2PM 

Food Services for Community Members

Farmer’s markets and Fresh Food Box sites.

Red Rabbit provides emergency grab-and-go meals delivered to daycares, schools and community organizations.

FoodHelp NYC Map of food pantries and community kitchens.

COVID-19 Food Hub NYC.

How to Stay Informed

Only get your information from trustworthy sources like the CDC, the New York State Department of Health and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. For updates on the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases and fatalities in New York City, click here. Also, you can call the New York coronavirus hotline at 1-888-364-3065. In NYC, text COVID to 692692 for text updates from Notify NYC.

Community and Faith-Based Leaders

The City is actively monitoring and responding to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. As a community and faith-based partner, you play an important role in helping keep New Yorkers safe and informed.

The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and NYC Emergency Management hosts a weekly COVID-19 informational call for community and faith leaders. Each week they will provide updates from various city agencies.

Below is the conference call information to join the call:
The dial in number is (800) 832-0736.
The room number (access code) is 5245195.

New York City needs your help. Here’s how individuals, businesses, and non-profits can help the City and fellow New Yorkers during this COVID-19 crisis:

Share Your Space: If you own or manage a large space, then take the Share Your Space Survey. The survey identifies spaces in your community that could potentially support the City’s emergency operations, such as their response to COVID-19.

DonateNYC: DonateNYC, a program of NYC Department of Sanitation, has resources for individuals, businesses, schools, and agencies to give and receive donated items.

HelpNow NYC: HelpNow NYC can connect New York State licensed medical professionals for potential surge staffing shifts in response to COVID-19.

New York Cares: If you are not a licensed medical professional, you can still help the COVID-19 response through New York Cares.

You can give back by giving blood. New York City needs approximately 2,000 people to donate blood every day to maintain its supply. Find a New York Blood Center near you.

Fresh Food, Fresh Attitude! Increasing Access to Healthy Grab-and-Go Items at Bronx Bodegas

William is the owner of Makey Deli, located at 2704 Third Avenue in the Bronx.

This post was written by Kelly Moltzen, Program Manager for Bronx Health REACH’s Creating Healthy Schools and Communities.

On average, Americans eat more than 3,400 mg. of sodium daily – more than double the American Heart Association’s recommended daily limit of 1,500 mg. 77% of the sodium that Americans consume comes from processed foods and food served in restaurants.

In the Bronx, items that people often buy at bodegas are processed foods high in sodium, including chips, deli meats, and cheese. Bronx Health REACH, Montfiore Medical Center and City Harvest are part of the Bronx Bodega Partners Workgroup, offering healthy food retail initiatives to encourage stores to stock healthier items, such as low-sodium deli meats and healthy snack alternatives. The Workgroup launched the Don’t Stress, Eat Fresh healthy bodega marketing campaign to increase awareness of these healthier options throughout the Bronx community.

Bronx Health REACH, with support from the American Heart Association’s NYC Community Impact Grant, is collaborating with the Bronx healthy food advocate, Shen’naque Sean Butler and his “FRESCH” campaign to expand the number of bodegas selling healthy grab-and-go items. To date, Sean has organized taste tests at bodegas, schools, and in the community, offering hummus, three-bean salad, a vegan salad, and pico de gallo. Future taste tests include cut vegetables with dip, fruit cups, and overnight oats. We hope the combination of taste tests and increased access to these healthy items for sale in the community, coupled with the Don’t Stress, Eat Fresh healthy bodega marketing campaign will offer Bronx residents new items they will get excited about and support their health!

Montefiore Medical Center is collaborating with the Jerome Gun Hill Business Improvement District (BID)  to support bodega owners selling healthy foods such as The Bronx Salad and other healthy grab-and-go items. By partnering with NYC Small Business Services, the Jerome Gun Hill BID offers bodegas compliance consultations, financial education, trainings, advertising and promotional support, and other business support resources.

City Harvest has established a relationship with Fairway to get healthy grab-and-go items sold in supermarkets and corner stores in the Bronx. After an initial pilot phase, the following seven Bronx stores are participating in the grab-and-go program:

1. Borinquen Supermarket, 436 Brook Avenue
2. Met Food Supermarket, 649 Jackson Avenue
3. Real Supermarket, 795 Prospect Avenue
4. Makey Deli, 2704 Third Avenue
5. D & D Deli, 100 West 168th Street
6. Moe’s Quick Deli, 469 Brook Avenue
7. Wanda’s Deli, 104 Elliot Place

Consuming less sodium and more fruits and vegetables – including the items promoted through the grab-and-go program – are part of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet plan, and is an important step in reducing the risk of diet-related diseases such as hypertension and stroke.

For more information, contact Kelly Moltzen via email or call (212) 633-0800 x 1328.

Men’s Health Workshop Debuts at the Institute for Family Health Stevenson Family Health Center

Eight men attended the Men’s Health Workshop at the Institute for Family Health’s Stevenson Family Health Center. Joseph Ellis, author of this article, is fourth from the left.

This post was written by Joseph Ellis, a Community Health Worker at Bronx Health REACH.

As a Community Health Worker for Bronx Health REACH and the Men’s Department Coordinator for my church, Bronx Deliverance Center of Faith, I have been working and communicating with men in the community and the churches for several years. Our conversations have been on various subjects such as spiritual growth, finances, community involvement, and health.

I’ve noticed that when we begin to talk about our health, we come up with many reasons why we are not giving our health top priority in our life. For example, we work, we are tired when we get home, we have no desire, we are not interested in exercising because it takes too much time, we eat whatever our partner cooks, or we do not have time to go to the Doctor.

Normally men have a difficult time discussing issues concerning our health. Our perception of ourselves is often: whatever we face, we can handle. Irrespective of the challenge, men believe they are indestructible, and can address any issue on their own, even if it’s a health one. But this is not always the case.

Many of the men I have spoken with mentioned having struggles with health concerns like diabetes, being overweight and losing the weight, being stressed about work and providing for their families. As a Community Health Worker, I wanted to do something to address these concerns. If I could get them all together in a workshop and have their health concerns addressed by a doctor, maybe they would be more receptive to opening up about the challenges they have as men regarding being healthy.

With the help of Ms. Tabasa Ozawa, one of the interns at Bronx Health REACH, we created a Men’s Health survey that we distributed to men to get a broader idea of the other health topics they are concerned about. Using this survey, I was able to outreach to 160 men from different ethnicities and ages in the community, churches, and masjids. It took a couple of months to gather all this important information together.

From the information gathered, I organized a Men’s Health Workshop at the Institute for Family Health’s Stevenson Family Health Center in the Bronx. Dr. Eric Gayle, the NYC Regional Medical director for the Institute for Family Health, led this first Men’s Health Workshop on Saturday, January 18, 2020.

Dr. Eric Gayle led the workshop and answered questions about Men’s health.

Several health topics were chosen that we felt would encourage a dialogue among the men.
Those topics were:

a. Age Dependent Preventive Health
b. Health
c. Wellness
d. Interacting with your Primary Provider
e. Cancer Screenings


The interaction between the men and Dr. Gayle was dynamic. He talked to them and not at them. As they warmed up to him, the questions just kept coming. This workshop was designed to get the men to open up about their health concerns, and they did. Scheduled for two hours, the workshop easily went another half an hour.

Questions were addressed about diabetes, family history, discussing your health concerns with your doctor; (the doctors are here to help you but need you to communicate to them what is bothering you), sexual health, prostate growth and cancer, what are the options to combat these concerns and more.

The workshop hit home for the men and they wanted to know when we would be holding the next one. When the workshop ended, a couple of the men hugged Dr. Gayle and prayed for him. Wow! What a positive response to a dynamic workshop.

Attendees were encouraged to be proactive in managing their health.

As a Community Health Worker, I am encouraged that having these Men’s Health Workshops will be a tremendous help in assisting the men in our communities to take charge of their health and become more proactive. With the help of Dr. Gayle and other providers at the Institute for Family Health, we will continue to organize more workshops to provide a forum where men can have an open discussion about their health.


If you would like more information about the Men’s Health Workshop, contact Joseph Ellis at (212) 633-0800, ext. 1341.

Bronx Health REACH Meets with Senator Alessandra Biaggi

Left to right: Maxine Golub from the Institute for Family Health; New York State Senator Alessandra Biaggi; Kelly Moltzen and Moria Byrne-Zaaloff from Bronx Health REACH; Jacqueline Chiofalo from the Institute for Family Health.

On December 12th, Bronx Health REACH's Kelly Moltzen and Moria Byrne-Zaaloff from our Creating Healthy Schools and Communities program, along with Maxine Golub and Jacqueline Chiofalo from the Institute for Family Health met and spoke with State Senator Alessandra Biaggi. Kelly and Moria discussed the WELL Campaign (Wellness, Equity & Learning Legislation) which asks for a New York State model school wellness policy, and funding to go to the New York State Education Department for school districts to develop and implement wellness policies based on the model state wellness policy.

As a supporter of the WELL Campaign, she was surprised to learn that even though other states have school wellness statutes in place, New York does not. Senator Biaggi is also a sponsor of the New York State Health Act [A.5248, S.3577], and was pleased to know that Institute for Family Health and Bronx Health REACH staff testified at hearings in the Bronx and in Kingston, NY, in support of the Act.

CMSP 327 Students Create Healthy Eating Guide

On October 24th, CMSP 327, a partner school in Bronx Health REACH's Creating Healthy Schools and Communities program held their official release of 'Snack Attack, How Can Students Make Healthy Snack Choices in School?' The 16-page booklet was created by CMSP 327 students with guidance from the Center for Urban Pedagogy and Bronx Health REACH. The students presented on their experiences creating the booklet during an event held at the BronxNet.

In 2018, Bronx Health REACH created a program for teachers to learn about countermarketing and how to implement a curriculum on the topic modeled on the CUNY Urban Food Policy Institute’s Youth Food Educators program. In Spring 2019, Bronx school partners had the opportunity to participate in a countermarketing competition based on the campaigns they created using the curriculum. As the winner of the competition, CMSP 327 students attended a course led by the Center for Urban Pedagogy and Bronx Health REACH. The final project that resulted from the students’ work was the booklet.

At the event, students shared their thoughts on creating the booklet. "They learned precisely what we hoped they would learn about the foods sold in schools and their communities. Unhealthy food marketing is targeting Black & Latino youth in low-income communities," said Kelly Moltzen, Program Manager for  Creating Healthy Schools and Communities at Bronx Health REACH. "They understand the challenges their community faces and seem motivated to keep spreading the word and advocating for change."

Click here to read Snack Attack, How Can Students Make Healthy Snack Choices in School?'

Bronx Health REACH Testifies in Support of New York Health Act

On October 23rd, Bronx Health REACH's Charmaine Ruddock provided testimony in support of the New York Health Act at the public hearing held in the Bronx. Charmaine was one of sixty individuals providing testimony in support of the New York Health Act. Charmaine took questions from State Senator Alessandra Biaggi and Assemblymember Kevin M. Byrne.

The joint New York State Senate and Assembly public hearing held at the Bronx Library Center was part of a series of hearings that provided input from New York State residents and organizations. If passed, the New York Health Act would provide comprehensive single-payer health coverage for all New York State residents, removing out of network fees, deductibles and copays that are charged to patients from traditional health insurance coverage.

See: https://www.nysenate.gov/calendar/public-hearings/november-25-2019/joint-public-hearing-new-york-health-act.

You can view Charmaine testifying here.

Yo Bronx! Eat Fresh Events held at Two Bodegas

In November, Bronx Health REACH held two Yo Bronx! Eat Fresh Bronx Bodega tasting events. The events took place at G Deli, (551 East 178th Street) and Green Earth Food Deli Grocery (382 East 205th Street). The Fresch team, partners in this effort which is partly funded by the American Heart Association (AHA) Community Impact Grant awarded to Bronx Health REACH in the Fall, offered healthy food samples to bodega customers. Many customers answered surveys on the taste tests at both events. 36 surveys were collected from both events. Results from the surveys will determine which food items will be sold at our partner bodegas. At the Yo Bronx! Eat fresh event at G Deli, customers reported that they found the samples very delicious. "This is my third sample of the three bean salad," said Jonathan.