POLICY ISSUES: PUBLIC HEALTH

Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. has made significant progress in improving the health of Bronx residents. Borough President Diaz ’s health agenda is guided by the principles of promoting a healthy lifestyle; ensuring financial support and sufficient resources for health institutions; increasing patient access to health care; and educating the public about treatment and prevention.

PROMOTING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

In partnership with the health insurance company Group Health Incorporated (GHI), the Borough President's Office created a new pilot program for 700 students. This program encouraged exercise and a proper diet to avoid childhood obesity and reduce the risk of future obesity-related diseases.

The Borough President is also currently working with the Department of Education to increase the amount of gyms in Bronx public schools, based on findings from the 2008 Borough President report, “More Than Child’s Play”. The report documented the severe lack of physical education programs and recreational space in Bronx schools and how this contributes to high childhood obesity rates in The Bronx.   

INCREASING ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE & DISEASE PREVENTION

Increasing Access to Health Care

To provide health insurance to uninsured Bronx residents, the Borough President's Office has worked with the New York City Office of Health Insurance Access  and a coalition of community organizations, health providers and private partners. As a part of this effort, the Borough President has hosted the annual “Bronx Health Fair”, where residents learn out about different health providers and how to obtain health insurance.

Advocating for Bronx Hospitals

The health care industry is one of the largest employers in the Bronx. City, State and Federal budget cuts to health care seriously impact the local economy and the health of Bronx residents. The Borough President has consistently fought to stop cuts in the budget to Medicare and Medicaid, and to Bronx hospitals and nursing homes.

Raising Awareness about HIV/AIDS

Though the Bronx does not have the highest HIV/AIDS rates in the City, however, Bronx residents die at a higher rate from the virus because they often find out they are positive when the virus is very advanced. With the support of the Borough President's Office, the City launched a new innovate program, called “The Bronx Knows”, to make HIV testing part of routine health care. To help reduce the spread of HIV/ AIDS, the Borough President's Office also hosted the first National Latino AIDS Awareness Day in the Bronx in 2004. The event included HIV testing and counseling sessions, an HIV legal clinic, and an HIV/AIDS panel discussion. 

Funding School-Based Health Centers

In 2007, the Borough President's Office provided $325,000 in funding to establish School-Based Health Centers in two Bronx public schools. The health centers will provide underserved students with access to health care.

MEETING THE NEEDS OF THE FUTURE

Access to Fresh Fruits & Vegetables

Fresh fruits and vegetables are not readily available in many Bronx neighborhoods. This can result in higher rates of diseases related to poor diet in those neighborhoods. Borough President Diaz, Jr. is working with the City to bring more Green Markets and Green Carts to the neighborhoods that need them the most.

Increasing Physical Activity

According to a recent Health Department survey, more than 1 in 4 adults in the South Bronx is considered obese and more than 40% of South Bronx residents get no physical activity. Consequently, there are many residents at risk for chronic disease. The Borough President has made it a goal to equip individuals, families and communities with the tools they need to improve their health through increased physical activity.