Q&A
Health trends in Lower Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn
0:31:26
·
3 min
Council Member Mercedes Narcisse inquires about notable health trends requiring inpatient services in Lower Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn over the past two years. Dr. Michelle Morse explains that the state health department monitors this data closely, while the city health department issues community health profiles. Dr. Laura Iavicoli emphasizes NYC Health and Hospitals' commitment to serving all New Yorkers regardless of circumstances.
- Respiratory viral seasons have been particularly challenging in recent years
- Chronic disease-related hospitalizations are among the most common reasons for hospitalization
- NYC Health and Hospitals is prepared to meet challenges, including potential hospital closures
Mercedes Narcisse
0:31:26
So You get gonna answer questions.
0:31:29
Alright.
0:31:31
First, I have to say I'm very, very happy that you're able to make it here with us.
0:31:38
And my question.
0:31:46
Over the past 2 years, what are the most notable health trends requiring in patient services that you have observed The hospitals, clinics, and other medical service providers located in Lower Manhattan And Downtown Brooklyn are decently equipped to address those health trends if Beth Israel and Sony Downstate are close.
Dr. Michelle Morse
0:32:14
I'll get started, and then I'll pass to Doctor Yavacoli.
0:32:19
The first thing that I would say is that the state health department does really monitor that data most closely.
0:32:26
The health department does issue community health profiles for every community district across the city that are updated regularly, and those are publicly available.
0:32:36
And the health department does track trends in needs for healthcare using those community health profiles and state health department data.
0:32:48
Over the past couple of years, we know for sure, of course, that respiratory viral season has been an intense and challenging time every winter, every fall, and winter across the city.
0:32:59
And I would encourage everyone who's listening today to get their updated COVID vaccination and flu shot and RSV shot if you're eligible.
0:33:08
And you can find out where to get those on the New York City Health Department vaccine finder website.
0:33:13
I would also so say that in addition to respiratory viral season being very, very busy over the past couple of years, several years since the pandemic started, we certainly also are looking closely at trends in chronic disease and chronic disease related health hospitalizations.
0:33:29
Those are 2 of the most common reasons for hospitalization across New York City.
0:33:34
However, again, it's the state health department that really looks at that data more closely and more regularly than we do.
0:33:40
I'll pass to doctor Yavacoli to share more.
Laura Iavicoli
0:33:46
Can you hear me?
0:33:48
Okay.
0:33:49
So New York City Health And Hospitals is the safety in that system of New York City.
0:33:57
And we are committed to serving all New Yorkers no matter race ethnicity, gender, ability to pay insurance, uninsured status, and that is our commitment.
0:34:11
So no matter what the fallout from a hospital closing.
0:34:17
We are here to serve.
0:34:19
We have done it before.
0:34:20
We have stood up.
0:34:21
We have met the challenge in COVID, and that is what we're here to do.
