The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Westchester

Rep. Mondaire Jones Votes to Lower Cost of Insulin for Working Families

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Today, Rep. Mondaire Jones voted for landmark legislation to deliver lower insulin costs for working families.  By capping out-of-pocket expenses, the Affordable Insulin Now Act will ensure that New Yorkers pay no more than $35 for a monthly supply of insulin.

“Today, the House took a key step forward in the fight to lower health care costs for working families,” said Rep. Mondaire Jones. “I proudly cast my vote for the Affordable Insulin Now Act to cap outrageous insulin prices at $35 per month. I will never forget how, in October 2019, I spoke with a mother in Tarrytown who drove to Canada each month just to buy insulin for her son, as she could not afford it in Westchester. This vote is for her.”

Congressman Mondaire Jones with the Parker family in White Plains.

Rising by 54 percent from 2014 to 2019,  the cost of insulin has created an affordability crisis for the 9.4 percent of New Yorkers living with diabetes.  Americans currently face an average price of $98.70 for a unit of insulin – ten times higher than in other wealthy nations.  One in four Americans who rely on insulin has been forced to ration doses due to high prices, a last resort with potentially fatal consequences.  

The Affordable Insulin Now Act will require private health insurance plans to cover insulin, limiting monthly cost-sharing to $35 or 25 percent of a plan’s negotiated price – whichever is lower.  It also requires Medicare prescription drug plans to limit cost-sharing for insulin to $35 per month.  This legislation comes as House Democrats continue working to advance comprehensive reform addressing the high cost of prescription drugs.

News from the Office of Congressman Mondaire Jones

Westchester County Office of Economic Development Announces Return of Launch1000

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The Westchester County Office of Economic Development announced Launch1000, an innovative, fully remote, self-paced program designed to turn concepts and ideas into business plans and startups, will return in 2022. New to the Program this year is the addition of a dual language cohort (English/Spanish) with a minimum of 100 seats available. All Launch1000 programming will be available in both English and Spanish, and bilingual participants will be supported by bilingual coaches and mentors. There will be workshops for just for the dual language cohort, as well as workshops combining the English-only and the bilingual Launchers.

(L to R): County Executive George Latimer, Deborah Novick, Jose Hidalgo, Bridget Gibbons, Carola Bracco and Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “Following the success of our inaugural Launch1000 program, we were inspired to give more residents the opportunity to get their ideas off the ground and turn them into de-risked businesses and nonprofits. We are excited to add a dual language cohort to the program and make this opportunity accessible to more residents.”

Born out of a global pandemic, Launch1000 offers Westchester County residents the opportunity to gain critical business knowledge, connect with mentors and help their idea gain traction. In 2021, 218 residents completed the program and launched a diverse range of small businesses and nonprofits. The program is led by entrepreneurial expert Pam Hoelzle, who has coached tens of thousands of early-stage entrepreneurs. Launch1000 requires a commitment of 10-hours per week and is designed for individuals who can commit to steadily working on their idea throughout the remainder of 2022. Launchers who successfully complete the program will receive a $1,000 grant to help defray startup costs.

Westchester County Director of Economic Development Bridget Gibbons said: “The Launch1000 program is an investment in growing and diversifying Westchester’s small business community. This program provides education, mentorship and a supportive community to help residents to take their ideas from concept to completion. And, it places a critical focus on de-risking to help participants bring viable and sustainable ventures to market.”

Westchester County Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Deborah Novick said: “In its first year, Launch1000 helped 218 business and nonprofits get off the ground. Sixty-five percent of these Launchers had no prior business experience. This program is proof that all it takes is an idea to start down the path to becoming your own boss and launching a new venture. We look forward to helping our 2022 Launch1000 participants become business owners and nonprofit leaders.”

Whether an individual is in the infancy of exploring an idea, hopes to create an avenue for working from home, aspires to create a business to support and improve their local community, or already has a concrete business concept, Launch1000 provides the tools to test ideas and move forward. As participants move through the phases of the program, they will receive feedback and coaching from experienced entrepreneurs, as well as introductions to relevant organizations and individuals within the Westchester business community. The program is completely online, so it can be completed from the safety of home, and is open to residents anywhere in the County. To ensure that a lack of technology does not prevent anyone from applying to the program, the Westchester County Office of Economic Development will provide laptops to residents who need them.

Applications will open this spring and interested individuals are encouraged to apply early. Potential participants can learn more about Launch1000 by visiting: WestchesterCatalyst.com/Launch1000. Organizations who would like to host an infosession (virtual or in-person) about the program and individuals who are interested in supporting Launch1000 by mentoring participants or otherwise sharing their expertise should contact Deborah Novick at 914-995-2998.

In addition to Launch1000, the Westchester County Office of Economic Development offers a suite of programs and resources to support businesses and entrepreneurs including: Westchester County Biosciences Accelerator, Element 46 Incubator, the RXR Volunteer Program, and other programs.

A full directory of businesses and nonprofits who have graduated from Launch1000 is available at: https://launch1000.orbelay.com/.

NEWS & Photo COURTESY OF  The Westchester County Office of Economic Development works to improve the County’s economic well-being and quality of life.  This includes a broad range of activities to attract, create and retain jobs, and to foster a resilient, pro-growth and inclusive economy. For information, visit https://westchestercatalyst.com/.

A Trip to NYPD’s 32nd Precinct “to Stand in Solidarity and Grief”

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The Westchester County and Hudson Valley law enforcement community said that it traveled ‘as one’ on Sunday to the 32nd Precinct in Manhattan ‘to stand in solidarity and grief with the NYPD’ and to mourn one of its fallen officers.

The following statement which appeared in social media was sent to the Inside Press by the Westchester County Police: 

“We mourn the loss of life that has occurred and stand united with the men and woman of the NYPD.

Our officers brought wreaths, food, cards and a contribution to the fund that will assist the families impacted by this enormous tragedy.

Our collective message to the NYPD was: We Stand With You. Different patches, same police family.

Dozens of agencies gathered this morning at the Westchester County Police Academy to travel in a caravan to Manhattan. The WCPD and Port Chester PD organized this gathering and we are grateful to the following agencies for their participation and support:

Ardsley PD, Bedford PD, Bronxville PD, Clarkstown PD, Dobbs Ferry PD, DC 10-13 Foundation of Hudson Valley, Dutchess County SD, Eastchester PD, Greenburgh PD, Harrison PD, Kent PD, Larchmont PD, Mount Pleasant PD, Mount Vernon PD, MTA PD, New Castle PD, New Rochelle PD, New York SP, North Castle PD, Orangetown PD, Pelham PD, Pelham Manor PD, Port Chester PD, Putnam County SD, Rockland County DA’s Squad, Rockland County SD, Rye Brook PD, Rye PD, Scarsdale PD, Sleepy Hollow PD, Stamford Police Assoc., Tuckahoe PD, Westchester Blue Foundation, Westchester County PD, Westchester County PSEF, Westchester County DES, White Plains PD, Yonkers PD and Yorktown PD.

Many PBAs and police organizations provided generous support to the fund-raising effort.”

 

Westchester County Employees Hold Donation Drive for Bronx Families Impacted by Fire

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 Donations Encouraged at County Office Building

Westchester County Executive George Latimer is commending County employees for coming together to donate what they can to help Bronx families impacted by Sunday’s devastating and deadly fire that claimed the lives of 17 people, including 8 children.

Latimer said: “We are grieving with our brothers and sisters in the Bronx. For years Westchester has had a strong connection to the Bronx and that link is undeniable. It is our duty to give back and help our neighbors who have lost so much. We want to help them heal, rebuild and let them know we are here for them. Our hearts are with the survivors and the families left behind as we share in this loss.”

Assistant County Attorney Irma Cosgriff approached the County Executive about setting up a donation drive to help the families after hearing of the tragedy.

Cosgriff said: “I had an overwhelming sense of sadness for the individuals and families affected by this tragedy and wanted to do something to help. We want to provide an easy and trusted way for County employees’ donations to be most effective. This is about us doing something.”

A donation box at Michaelian Office Building at 148 Martine Avenue in White Plains has been set up to receive donations beginning Friday, January 14 through January 21. Employees are asked to place their donations in large transportable plastic bags. The items will be donated to PS-85 Great Expectations School, where many of the children impacted by this fire, attended.

Essential items needed include: bottled water, pillows, blankets, non-perishable food, sanitizer, toiletries, feminine hygiene products, pet products, new and unworn clothing (sweatpants, sweatshirts, undershirts, socks, kids and     adult-sized underwear, kids and adult-sized pajamas), diapers and baby items and unused bedding.

County residents are encouraged to assist where they can. Monetary donations can be made via the links provided below: 

MONETARY DONATION LINKS: 

  • Gambian Youth Organization
  • NYC Mayor’s Office Victim Fund
  • BStrong
  • Bronx Fire Relief organized by community advocate Deepti Sharma
  • Bronx Community Foundation Fund
  • Please designate your donation as “Fire Community Relief Effort.”
  • Riverdale Jewish Center
    • Please note that the funds are meant for the victims of the Bronx fire in the “Payment Notes” section                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      News courtesy of the County Executive

November Events Offered by Northern Westchester Hospital & the Center for Healthy Living

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Part three of a three-part cooking series for reducing disease risk and a panel discussion focused on men’s health are November’s featured programs offered by Northern Westchester Hospital (NWH) and the Center for Healthy Living. In November, virtual events for parents and future moms include courses on breastfeeding and newborn care and a calming cooking class for school-aged children. Other virtual events to help people feel better and get healthier include chair yoga, smoking cessation and a Wellness Wednesday on spiritual wellbeing.

Located next to the Whole Foods Market at Chappaqua Crossing, the Center for Healthy Living supports health and wellness through education, health resources, diverse programing and referrals. For a full list of upcoming free events and registration, visit Eventbrite.com. All programs are currently offered virtually.

FEATURED EVENTS:

Cooking for Reducing Disease Risk, Part 3: Diabetes

Thursday, November 4, noon – 1 pm, live over Zoom

Cost: Free

Join Registered Dietitian Amy Rosenfeld to learn about cooking balanced meals that reduce your risk of diabetes. Amy will explain the guiding principles of a diet that lowers your risk for diabetes as recommended by the American Diabetes Association.

Register at: Cooking for Reducing Disease Risk, Part 3: Diabetes

Man to Man: A Conversation about Men’s Health

Wednesday November 17, noon – 1 pm, live over Zoom

Cost: Free

Did you know men are much more likely than women to skip doctor’s appointments, routine screenings, and avoid seeking help for mental illness? Join us for a panel discussion focused on men’s health. Physical therapist Gerald Loehr will discuss fitness and healthy training tips. Dr. Richard Catanzaro will debunk mental health myths and offer real life coping strategies for stress. Dr. Warren Bromberg will discuss prostate and testicular health, including the latest recommendations on cancer screenings.

Register at:   Man to Man: A Conversation about Men’s Health

 

Chair Yoga
Mondays & Thursdays, November 1, 4, 11, 15, 18, 22 and 29, 11 am – Noon, live over Zoom

Cost: Free
Chair Yoga is one of the gentlest forms of yoga available, adapting poses through the creative use of a chair. Emphasis will be on breathing, balance, and taking things at your own pace. This workshop is led by Toni Russo, MS, RN AHN-BC, RYT-220, a leader on NWH’s Integrative Medicine Team.

Register at:     Chair Yoga

 

Smoking Cessation
Wednesdays, November 3 and 10 & Tuesday, November 16, 6 – 7 pm, live over Microsoft Teams
Cost: Free

Cigarettes are one of the leading causes of preventable death in the United States. We know it’s challenging to quit, and we are here to help. This support group is facilitated by a NWH respiratory therapist. For more information, contact NWHSmokingCessation@northwell.edu or call (914) 666-1868.

Register at:    Smoking Cessation

 

Virtual Breastfeeding Class

Monday, November 8, 6 – 8 pm, live over Microsoft Teams

Cost: $30 per couple

This comprehensive class is taught exclusively by our International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) for women who are considering or have decided to breastfeed. The class will cover advantages of breastfeeding; building and maintaining your milk supply; strategies for success; breastfeeding techniques; diet considerations; nipple care; and tips for partner feeding. Plenty of time is allotted for Q&As, and couples are encouraged to come together. For more information, please call the Mother-Baby Navigator Office at (914) 666-1840

Register at: Virtual Breastfeeding

 

Kids in the Kitchen: Calming Cooking Class

Thursday, November 11, 2 – 3 pm, live over Zoom (schools are closed for Veteran’s Day)

Cost: $30

Cooking is a wonderful experience for kids and can be a great opportunity to relax, relieve stress, and learn a skill. Join Registered Dietitian Amy Rosenfeld and Licensed Clinical Social Worker Rachel Merchan for a cooking class and relaxation workshop. Participants will learn how to make festive-for-fall apple nachos and pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, while engaging their senses to feel calm and lower stress. This class is appropriate for school aged children – younger children will require parental supervision and assistance.

Register: Kids in the Kitchen: Calming Cooking Class

 

Newborn Care Class

Wednesday, November 19, 6 – 8 pm, live over Zoom

Cost: $30

Topics include newborn care, feeding patterns, common parental concerns, and the role of pediatricians during your baby’s stay at the hospital. Upon availability, a pediatrician will join at the end of class for a Q&A session.  Please note, this support group is for mothers who have already delivered their baby. For more information, please call the Mother-Baby Navigator Office at (914) 666-1840 or email NWHMotherBabyNavigator@northwell.edu
Register at:   Newborn Care Class

 

Childbirth Preparation Class

Saturday, November 20, 10 am – 2 pm, live over Microsoft Teams

Cost: $30

Our experienced nurse educators will discuss the process of labor and birth, relaxation and breathing techniques, the role of the partner and coaching skills, hospital admission policies and procedures, anesthesia/analgesic options, vaginal and cesarean births, and postpartum expectations.

Register: Virtual Childbirth Preparation Class

 

Wellness Wednesdays – Spiritual Wellbeing with Rev. Angela Maddalone

Wednesday, November 24, 11 – 11:30 am, by phone.

Cost: Free

This month’s Wellness Wednesday will focus on spiritual wellbeing.

Register at the link below or simply dial 1-929-436-2866 to join the program.

  • When prompted, enter the Webinar ID 994 8502 3594, followed by the # sign.
  • You will hear music until the program starts promptly at 11 am.
  • There is a 100-person limit for this webinar.

Register at:   https://nwhwellnesswednesday.eventbrite.com

News Courtesy of Northern Westchester Hospital