Bronx BP Calls for Policy Changes to Improve Black Maternal Mortality

By JULIAN NAZAR

To mark Black Maternal Health Week, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson joined a host of mothers and advocates fighting for access to safe childbirth support on the steps of Bronx County Courthouse on Wednesday, April 13. The group were gathered to demand policy changes at State level to combat the high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity seen in the borough. According to data published by Fatoumata Diallo, city research scientist for the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, The Bronx had the highest severe maternal morbidity (SMM) rate among all five boroughs as of

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Olivia and Liam remain America’s most popular baby names, based on newly released 2021 data from the U.S. Social Security Administration. Liam has been the top choice for new parents for five years in a row, while Olivia has topped the list for three years. During what was described by the agency as an unprecedented time, parents chose to stick with familiar names. Out of both Top 10 lists combined, only one name changed, with Theodore replacing Alexander in popularity. The name Theodore joins the Top 10 list for the first time. “Welcome to the club Teddy!” agency representatives

By DR. AMANDA ZAYDE and DR. OLIVIA DERELLA

Parents have been asked to carry a heavy load – balancing work demands, childcare, changes in school format, and worries about COVID-19. Many people have noticed changes in how they feel and respond to others. Stress can affect mood, leading to irritability, anxiety, or withdrawing from close relationships. When your mind is crowded with many different priorities and worries, and your body is drained from poor sleep or limited self-care time, parenting can feel more challenging. Stress can lead you to a “reactive” mode where frustration takes over. When overwhelmed, it’s hard to tune in to what children need

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Among a record number of healthcare entities which participated in the compilation of the 15th Human Rights Campaign health equality index (HEI), Montefiore Health System scored a perfect 100, and earned the designation of “LGBTQ+ healthcare equality leader.” The HEI serves as the gold standard in benchmarking healthcare institutions on policies and practices dedicated to the equitable treatment and inclusion of their LGBTQ+ patients, visitors, and employees. Montefiore has received this top designation now for eight years in a row. The 2022 HEI scorecard evaluated healthcare institutions on criteria related to four key areas, and Montefiore received the top score in each one:

By SÍLE MOLONEY

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced on April 18 the launch of ‘Summer Boost NYC,’ a new Bloomberg Philanthropies program that will support summer learning at public charter schools in New York City. The program targets approximately 25,000 K-8 students who have fallen behind and face significant learning gaps that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. For two years, in-person learning disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the accompanying social and health-related effects have resulted in significant learning loss, particularly for students of color from low-income families, according to

By SÍLE MOLONEY

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) is reminding applicants that the deadline for the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is Friday, May 6, 2022. The nation’s largest summer youth employment initiative is offering 90,000 jobs this summer, with an additional 10,000 opportunities available through other city agencies. The push is part of the mayor’s blueprint strategy to attain safer streets and to end gun violence, alongside other initiatives like the Saturday Night Lights program. City officials say there is still time for both SYEP applicants and SYEP

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Schools Chancellor David Banks and Mayor Eric Adams announced the expansion of New York City Department of Education’s (DOE) Gifted & Talented program for the school year 2022-2023 on April 14. The public school program offers accelerated instruction to eligible elementary school students in New York City. With the addition of 100 kindergarten seats, and 1,000 third-grade seats, both these entry points to the program are being expanded to all 32 school districts for the first time, bringing the total number of available seats to 2,500. Applications for both programs open on May 31. “Expanding our Gifted and Talented program to

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Local People Reported Missing in Recent Weeks A 68-year-old man was reported missing in the Fordham Heights section of The Bronx. Click here for more details. A 71-year-old woman was reported missing from the Bedford Park section of The Bronx. Click here for more details. A 65-year-old woman was reported missing from the East Bronx. Click here for more details. A 13-year-old boy was reported missing in the Fordham Manor section of The Bronx. Click here for more details. A 12-year-old girl was reported missing in the Allerton section of The Bronx. Click here for more details. A 21-year-old woman was

Editor’s Pick The Annual Bronx Week festival takes place from May 5 to May 15, this year. As usual, there will be a series of events from every sector of the community including senior activities, small business networking, family, health, finance, and more. Bronx Week will culminate with a Black-tie gala honoring this year’s Bronx Walk of Fame inductees on Saturday, May 14. To purchase tickets and/or journal advertising online click here. To complete a form and mail a check, click here. EVENTS To celebrate the 125th anniversary of DeWitt Clinton High School, two events will be held, and