CORONAVIRUS

Live with Jessica González-Rojas

Links to Important Resources

Previous Webinars

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HOUSING IS A RACIAL JUSTICE ISSUE

LGBTQ+ Roundtable

The Safest Way to Vote

”Why you should vote by mail, how to request your ballot, & relevant deadlines” New York State Deputy Director Sharon Cromwell, Working Families Party The safest way to vote in the upcoming June 23rd primary election is to vote-by-mail. Working Families Party New York State Deputy Director Sharon Cromwell will join us to talk about why it's so important to vote by mail, how to request your absentee ballot, and relevant deadlines. Recorded on May 17

Disproportionate Impact of COVID-19 on Immigrant Communities 

We are at the epicenter of the epicenter of the coronavirus crisis, and it is no coincidence that our community is predominantly immigrants. We are joined by Julissa Bisono from Make the Road Action to discuss the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on our immigrant community, the shortcomings of the federal relief package & lack of action by the State, and how we can fight for justice and recovery for our communities. Recorded on May 13th.

Mother’s Day Special: Electing Moms 

A special Mother’s Day conversation with Liuba Grechen Shirley about why electing more mothers to elected office will improve the lives of everyone. We discuss efforts to expand free high quality child care options, improve public schools, and how to achieve pay equity. Recorded on May 10th.

Positive Thinking: Incorporating a Gratitude Practice into Your Life

The stress associated with the coronavirus crisis can greatly impact our mental health, but it’s important we find ways to cope. Kayla Axelrod, LMSW, a Forensic Social Worker at the Legal Aid Society, joins us to discuss the mental health benefits of having a gratitude practice. She discusses its history and cultural intersections and how to incorporate one into your daily life. Recorded on May 6th.

Quarantine Kitchen: Pastelón

Learn how to make something delicious with Cristina Gonzalez, our amazing member of Team JGR and cooking enthusiast. Recorded on May 3rd.

FOOD ACCESS: Meeting the Challenges of Hunger during COVID-19 and how to help

Many members of our community are also struggling with food access. We are joined by Pedro Rodriguez is the Founder and Executive Director of the Queens food pantry La Jornada will discuss La Jornada's impact, challenges of food access during COVID-19 and the communities that are impacted most. We are also joined by Sandy Nurse, a community organizer in Brooklyn who is running for City Council, to discuss efforts to feed the hungry. Recorded on April 29th.

Earth Day Webinar on Environmental Justice

“The Impact of the Climate Crisis on Communities of Color” Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr. is the President & Founder of Hip Hop Caucus. As a national leader and pacemaker within the Green Movement, Rev Yearwood has been successfully bridging the gap between communities of color and environmental issue advocacy. On Earth Day, we discussed the impacts of the climate crisis on communities of color. Recorded on April 22nd.

CENSUS WEBINAR [ENGLISH & SPANISH]

Social worker and community activist Ingrid Gomez joins Anthony Alarcon, Make the Road, to discuss about all things census: why it's so important to fill out the census and get counted, how our data is protected, and the timeline for filling it out. This webinar is bilingual in English and Spanish! Recorded April 15th.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: IMMIGRATION

New York's immigrant population is especially vulnerable to this health crisis, and District 34 is over 60% foreign-born. Many are not able to qualify for relief due to immigration status, live in multi-family households where isolation is near impossible, or don't have the privilege of being able to work from home. Join Immigrant Rights activist Whitney Hu who will discuss the challenges facing our immigrant populations, what resources are out there, and what we must continue fighting for. Recorded on April 12th.

New York State Budget: What Happened? WITH NEW YORK WORKING FAMILIES PARTY DIRECTOR

The most recent budget passed was shameful and included rollbacks to bail reform, cuts to medicaid, and no increase to Foundation Aid for public education - all amidst a health crisis. We were joined by NYWFP State Director Sochie Nnaemeka who will guide us through how the NYS budget process works, what advocates were fighting for, and what the fight looks like now. Recorded on April 9th.

SAVING LIVES BY RELEASING VULNERABLE PEOPLE FROM JAIL & PRISON

Despite advice from health experts to social distance, social distancing is near impossible in jails and prisons, where the rate of infection is over 8 times higher than NYC. Mark Shervington, an activist for criminal justice reforms who is fighting to release elders and other vulnerable populations from jails and prisons, joined us to discuss.  Recorded on Wednesday April 8th

Health & Healing - Exploring Inner and Outer Growth with Ayurveda and Yoga

Shweta Parmar is an Ayurvedic Practitioner who will offer perspectives and practical tips rooted in Eastern medicine (Ayurveda, Yoga) to build lasting immunity. Lessons from COVID19 can teach us to start or deepen your inner armor for personal and community change. She will focus on anature-based wholistic perspective, including gut health tips, easy sound meditation for adults and kids, affordable spice remedies, and more for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual vitality. Recorded on April 5th.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: HOUSING - Understand the Impact for Tenants and Mortgage Holders

For most New Yorkers, rent is due April 1st, and with thousands of people losing their income as a direct result of the coronavirus, many don't know how they'll pay. Housing lawyers Lina Lee and Shekar Krishnan will talk us through what the current housing landscape is, what your rights are, and how we can all fight for justice for tenants. Recorded on 4/1/20

QUARANTINE KITCHEN WITH CRISTINA GONZALEZ

Learn to Cook Lentil Soup and Chocolate Pudding

Come and learn how to make a delicious lentil soup and chocolate pudding with Cristina Gonzalez, our amazing member of Team JGR and cooking enthusiast. Recorded on Sunday, March 29th 6pm

Managing Mental Health with Alpana Choudhury, LMHC

Alpana Choudhury, LMHC is a Jackson Heights resident, parent, and psychotherapist in NYC. She is the founder and clinical director of Wove Therapy, a deeply inclusive practice that brings intersectionality and systems into the therapy space. She has a background in applied psychology research, presented at the Association of Psychological Sciences and managed projects funded by the U.S. Dept of Education, the National Institutes of Health, and the National Science Foundation. Recorded on Wednesday, March 25th 8pm

TEACHING & LEARNING AT HOME: TIPS FROM A HOMESCHOOL PARENT WITH LEONTINE GREENBERG

Watch our webinar with Leontine Greenberg for a discussion about teaching and learning at home. Leontine will provide practical and real-world tips and best practices as a homeschool parent for many years.

Leontine Greenberg is an educator, artist, and community organizer in Queens. She has a BFA in Illustration and an MSEd in Special Education from Hunter College, where she focused on the cognitive benefits of free play and time in nature for neuro-diverse children. She has been homeschooling her daughter for five years - from 4th grade through 8th grade. She'll be joined by Aurora DeLuca, who home-schools her 7-year-old and 11-year old, and can give some perspective on educating younger children at home. Recorded on March 22nd

THE FACTS ABOUT CORONAVIRUS with Expert - DR JON EPSTEIN

Jackson Heights resident and Coronavirus expert Dr. Jon Epstein joined us for live webinar to discuss the outbreak. A veterinarian and disease ecologist, Dr. Epstein is the Vice President for Science and Outreach at EcoHealth Alliance. His research focuses on the ecology of emerging zoonotic viruses such as Coronavirus, Nipah and Ebola virus, along with SARS, Midde East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), and others that have emerged within Asia and Africa. The goal of this research is to better understand the factors that cause outbreaks of these lethal viruses and to develop strategies that both prevent spillover and protect biodiversity. Learn more about Dr. Epstein and the latest coronavirus research at EcoHealth Alliance, visit: www.ecohealthalliance.org — Recorded on March 18th

IMPORTANT CORONAVIRUS UPDATES:

Residents should:  

• Remain indoors; 

• Go outside for solitary exercise only;

• Pre-screen all visitors by taking their temperature; 

• Wear a mask in the company of others;

• Remain at least 6 feet from others at all times; 

• Refrain from taking public transportation unless urgent and absolutely necessary. 

The City has issued the following mandates and is prepared to enforce them with fines: 

• All non-essential businesses in New York City are now closed. 

• Essential businesses that remain open include grocery stores, pharmacies, internet providers, food delivery, banks, financial institutions, and mass transit. Businesses that provide essential services must implement rules that help facilitate social distancing.

• No non-essential gatherings of any kind are allowed.  

• Short bouts of exercise are allowed. You and your family may remain together, but no social/group activities are permitted.  

• Always practice social distancing in public (6 feet or more). 

• Limit use of public transportation to only when absolutely necessary.  

• Sick individuals should not leave home except to receive medical care. 

Here is the latest news on NYC Parks: 

• City parks remain open to provide New Yorkers an opportunity to exercise, but you must practice social distancing among people who do not live in your household. 

• To prevent further spread of the virus, I am asking the de Blasio administration to close all NYC playgrounds (but not parks.) 

• NYPD and Parks Enforcement Patrol officers are monitoring activities, and NYC Parks is installing new signage to warn adults/parents/guardians and children to maintain social distancing.

• Over the next week, the Parks Department will evaluate compliance and institute more stringent rules if needed. 

• NYC Parks has banned team sports and suspended all permits for organized sports and large gatherings, and has installed advisory signage at all athletic fields and courts.  

• Parks has closed all nature centers and recreation centers, and many concessions, including ice rinks, amusement parks, carousels, tennis facilities and public courts.   

• All Shape Up NYC fitness classes, Urban Park Ranger tours, and outdoor events including the annual Street Games festival have been cancelled until further notice.  

• For all updates on park service changes and closures, go to: https://www.nycgovparks.org/about/health-and-safety-guide/coronavirus.

It is important that we share reliable and scientifically accurate information. I want to keep our community informed about how the Coronavirus (COVID-19) can be prevented, who is at-risk, how to report harassment, and how we can help our neighbors at this moment of need.

First, I want to share this important information from NYC Department of Health:

Prevention

As of March 2020, the NYC Health Department recommends the following precautions to slow the spread of COVID-19:

• Stay home if you are sick. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when sneezing or coughing — do not use your hands.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Do not touch your face with unwashed hands.

• Do not shake hands. Instead, wave or elbow bump.

• If you have family or friends who are elderly, have compromised immune systems or chronic respiratory or coronary issues, do not visit them if you feel sick. Stay home and keep your loved ones safe.

• Consider telecommuting, biking or walking to work if possible.

• Consider staggering working hours. For example, instead of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., change some work hours to 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or disinfecting wipes.

• Get your flu shot. Although the flu shot will not protect you from COVID-19, it will help prevent the flu which has similar symptoms to this coronavirus.

People who are at most risk for severe illness are those who have health conditions including:

• Chronic lung disease

• Heart disease

• Diabetes

• Cancer

• A weakened immune system

What Should I Do about Harassment or Discrimination Related to Coronavirus? 

• It is important to separate facts from fear and guard against stigma. A lot of information circulating about coronavirus on social media and in some news reporting is not based in the facts. 

• Support your friends, neighbors and colleagues by sharing this fact sheet to counter misinformation. Obtain information from trusted sources like the NYC Health Department. 

• If you are being harassed due to your race, nation of origin or other identities, call 311 to report discrimination or harassment to the NYC Commission on Human Rights. 

• If you are experiencing stress or feeling anxious, contact NYC Well at 888-NYC-WELL (888-692- 9355) or text “WELL” to 65173. NYC Well is a confidential help line that is staffed 24/7 by trained counselors who can provide brief supportive therapy, crisis counseling, and connections to behavioral health treatment, in more than 200 languages.

With a health crisis like Coronavirus, it is a clear illustration of why I’m fighting for: 

• The New York Health Act, so that every New Yorker, regardless of income or immigration status has access to treatment if they are experiencing symptoms. 

• Paid Sick Leave. Workers who have no choice but to go to work sick put themselves and others at risk. Every person should be able to take time off when they are sick. 

• Childcare for All. If schools are closed, parents who cannot take off work will be left without an option for childcare.

• Releasing again people in prison, so that those who are most vulnerable are not exposed to risk in prison.