Public Employee Press

Members help New Yorkers get healthier

“Public Health in New York City 2004-2006,” a 72-page report issued in December by the city Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene, highlights gains in the health and well-being of New Yorkers that have been achieved over the last three years.

The triennial report focuses on Take Care New York, an initiative launched by the agency in March 2004. TCNY has helped improve access to health services and expand preventive approaches to dealing with health concerns such as HIV, lead poisoning, domestic violence and substance abuse.

Last year TCNY established a network of public hospitals, health clinics, community organizations and city agencies to improve New Yorkers’ health by working together in initiatives to increase rapid HIV testing and expand the availability of flu shots and colonoscopy screenings for colon cancer.

The report reads like a tribute to the members of many DC 37 locals — such as hospital employees in Local 420, clerical workers in Local 1549 and health services staff in Local 768 — who have been front and center in these efforts.

“We are very proud of the role of union members in improving the health of New Yorkers,” said Local 768 President Darryl Ramsey. “Take Care New York has helped focus the efforts of DOHMH and the city and address many of our toughest problems,” said Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg in the report’s introduction.

According to the report, TCNY has made progress in campaigns against the leading causes of preventable illness in the city. The share of New Yorkers over 50 who had a colonoscopy in the last 10 years increased from 42 percent in 2003 to 60 percent in 2006, halfway to the goal of 80 percent by 2011. The number of smokers also decreased by more than 240,000, and the number of HIV deaths dropped by 508.

However, the report revealed a growing crisis affecting New Yorkers across economic and racial lines — the rise in obesity and diabetes in adults and children, a nationwide trend. Approximately 26 percentof city adults and 24 percent of grade schoolchildren are obese. During the last 10 years diabetes has more than doubled, andanother 200,000 people don’t know they have it.

While the report finds a lot of work to be done, it shows a significant improvement in the health of New Yorkers. “We’re proud to be on the front lines,” said Carmen Charles, president of Municipal Hospital Employees Local 420. “Working together for a healthier New York is our mission.”