On Dec 15, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano announced the formation of the City of Yonkers’ Healthy Equity Task Force, missioned to improve the health of Yonkers’ most vulnerable citizens, including minority communities, immigrant populations, and those who have experienced health disparities by enhancing access to efficient health care services, with a focus on prevention.
“The Health Equity Task Force will prove to address the needs of Yonkers’ most vulnerable communities effectively,” said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. “Across the country, the current health pandemic has highlighted the significant health disparities in minority, immigrant, and disabled residents. Working with the Westchester County Department of Health and other community stakeholders, this task force will support access to efficient health care services and address the health inequity.”
Mayor Spano appointed at 12-member task force including two advisors ranging in backgrounds and experiences of those who can best address the issues concerning Yonkers’ most vulnerable citizens. Consisting of local community stakeholders, health professionals, health activists, and local area not-for-profits, the Health Equity Task includes:
Members- Dr. Suzanne Greenridge Senior Attending, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Errol Pierre, Senior Vice President, State Programs, Healthfirst, Gladys Alvarez, Community Program Coordinator, Nepperhan Community Center,Carol Blakney, School Program Coordinator, Nepperhan Community Center, Linda Bohan, Nurse & Yonkers Community Health Activist, Kimberly Bryant, Program Specialist, Westchester County Department of
Health, Kelly Chiarella, Director Office for the Aging, City of Yonkers,
Esmeralda Hoscoy, Regional Director, Catholic Charities, Westchester County, Maria Lugo, Senior Program Coordinator, Mount Sinai Hospita, Dr. Bob Morrow, Independent Medical Practice, Faculty, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Michael Sabatino, Director of Community and Government Affairs, City of Yonkers, Beryl Weaver, School Program Coordinator, Nepperhan Community Center.
Advisors: Lucria Ortiz, President & CEO, Yonkers Family YMCA, Cheryl Brannan, President, Brannan Solutions Group. “I commend Mayor Spano,” noted Cheryl Branann, President of Brannan Solutions Group. “This Health Task Force is cutting edge for the City of Yonkers and will assist us in recommending innovative ways to expand access to health care for the most vulnerable residents of our city, many of whom have already been stricken by COVID.”
“The YMCA has been a champion of health equity for over a decade. We are thrilled to help elevate the conversation during a time when disparities in health outcomes are so glaring. In order to truly tackle systemic issues, a cross section of health care professionals, community leaders and the medical field should continuously come together to have intentional conversation that leads to action. I am thrilled to work with the Task Force and guide the work here in Yonkers,” stated Lucria Ortiz, President & CEO of the Yonkers Family YMCA.
The Health Equity Task Force will focus on the goals and priorities of:
I Educating stakeholders on the need for health equity data and how it can be used as a management tool to decrease health disparities in the City of Yonkers among its increasing, most vulnerable population.
II To acknowledge and more effectively manage racial and ethnic disparities in health care by understanding who the providers are, offerings, quality, and accessibility to the most vulnerable populations in the City of Yonkers.
III To analyze the health equity data related to the incidence of COVID-19 in zip codes 10701 & 10705 and its disproportionate impact on Black, Hispanic/Latinx, and immigrant populations. Also, to make recommendations on health care providers, access and levels of care that will assist in preventing future disease outbreaks.
IV To make short term recommendations to the City of Yonkers to improve outcomes related to the elimination of health disparities and adverse impacts on Black, Hispanic/Latinx and immigrant residents
V To create a list of health care providers in the City of Yonkers, services provided, population seen (gender, race, ethnicity, age) and how they determine success related to patient care.
VI Working with the Westchester County Department of Health, assess and review the data on COVID-19 cases in the City of Yonkers and their impact on Black, Hispanic/Latinx and immigrant populations; also, how did affected residents access care and how are they being managed.
VII To create a Health Equity Score Card that will highlight key indicators related to the health of all citizens in Yonkers, highlighting gaps and opportunities to close health disparities, adversely affecting Black, Latinx, and immigrant populations.
Health Equity Task Force members will serve two-year terms. The Task Force is scheduled to host its first meeting in January 2021.
