New York City Council
Committee on Health
Dec 02, 2024
·
10:00 AM
3 hr 15 min
Summary
A hearing on Healthy NYC, a city initiative aimed at increasing life expectancy in NYC to 83 years by 2030, and related legislation.
Discussions focused on progress in areas like:
- COVID-19 mortality
- Persistent challenges in chronic diseases
- Racial disparities in health outcomes
The committee heard two proposed bills:
- Intro 641 on nutrition standards for children's meals in restaurants
- Intro 1047 on establishing a sleep apnea screening program
Features testimony from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Lynn Schulman opens hearing on Healthy NYC initiative and related legislation
Council Member Lynn Schulman, chair of the NYC Council's Committee on Health, opens the hearing on the Healthy NYC initiative and introduces two related bills under consideration. She provides context …
0:00:59
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4 min
Council Member Shaun Abreu introduces legislation for sleep apnea screening and awareness
Council Member Shaun Abreu introduces Intro 1047, a bill to establish a pilot program for sleep apnea screening and a public awareness campaign. He shares his personal experience with sleep …
0:05:42
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176 sec
Council Member Kevin C. Riley advocates for the Healthy Kids' Meals bill
Council Member Kevin C. Riley delivers remarks in support of Introduction 641, the Healthy Kids' Meals bill. He emphasizes that the legislation aims to provide families with healthier options when …
0:08:47
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94 sec
Council Member Lynn Schulman discusses the implementation of the Sweet Truth Act
Council Member Lynn Schulman informs the committee about the Sweet Truth Act, a landmark regulation that went into effect the previous day. The act requires food service establishments with 15 …
0:10:23
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28 sec
Introduction and overview of Healthy NYC initiative
Dr. Michelle Morse, acting health commissioner and chief medical officer at the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, introduces herself and her colleagues. She provides an overview of Healthy …
0:11:32
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77 sec
Goals and focus areas of Healthy NYC
Dr. Morse outlines the ambitious goals and key focus areas of the Healthy NYC initiative, emphasizing the aim to increase life expectancy and address major health challenges. - The primary …
0:12:50
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3 min
Progress in the first year of Healthy NYC
Dr. Morse highlights the significant progress made in the first year of the Healthy NYC initiative, focusing on partnerships, strategy development, and planned collaboratives. - Launched the Healthy NYC partner …
0:16:26
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114 sec
Release of 2022 health data for New York City
Dr. Morse introduces the release of the 2022 health data for New York City, explaining its significance and context within the Healthy NYC initiative. - The 2022 data provides the …
0:18:21
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35 sec
Life expectancy trends and racial disparities in New York City
Dr. Morse presents the latest life expectancy trends in New York City, highlighting overall progress and persistent racial disparities. - Life expectancy at birth in 2022 rose to 81.5 years, …
0:18:56
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80 sec
COVID-19 mortality trends and racial equity improvements
Dr. Morse presents the significant improvements in COVID-19 mortality rates and the narrowing of racial disparities in COVID-19 deaths. - From 2021 to 2022, there was a 48% decrease in …
0:20:17
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82 sec
Heart disease and diabetes mortality trends
Dr. Morse briefly addresses the trends in heart disease and diabetes-related deaths, noting the lack of significant progress in this area. - No statistically significant change was observed citywide in …
0:21:40
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19 sec
Overdose death trends and racial disparities
Dr. Morse presents alarming trends in overdose deaths, highlighting the rapid increase and significant racial disparities in these fatalities. - Overdose deaths more than doubled from 2019 to 2022 - …
0:22:00
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90 sec
Future focus and priorities for Healthy NYC
Dr. Morse outlines the future focus and priorities for Healthy NYC based on the insights gained from the 2022 health data. - The primary focus is on addressing deep inequities …
0:23:31
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64 sec
Discussion of Intro 641 on nutrition standards for children's meals
Dr. Morse addresses Introduction 641, which relates to nutritional standards and beverage options for children's meals served in food establishments. - The health department supports efforts to promote healthy eating …
0:24:36
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32 sec
Discussion of Intro 1047 on sleep apnea screening program
Dr. Morse addresses Introduction 1047, which relates to establishing a sleep apnea screening pilot program and public health education outreach campaign. - The health department is unable to implement this …
0:25:08
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23 sec
Implementation challenges and progress of Healthy NYC campaign
Council Member Lynn Schulman inquires about the challenges faced in implementing the Healthy NYC campaign to increase life expectancy for New Yorkers. Dr. Michelle Morse, Acting Health Commissioner, responds by …
0:25:37
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106 sec
Addressing cardiovascular health and diabetes challenges
Council Member Schulman inquires about DOHMH's strategies for addressing cardiovascular health and diabetes challenges. Dr. Morse outlines their approach and upcoming initiatives to tackle these chronic diseases. - Upcoming chronic …
0:27:24
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4 min
Collaboration with H+H and improving access to healthcare
Council Member Schulman inquires about DOHMH's collaboration with Health + Hospitals (H+H) on health initiatives. Dr. Morse elaborates on their partnership efforts to improve healthcare access for New Yorkers. - …
0:31:26
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3 min
Data collection and reporting for Healthy NYC annual progress
Council Member Schulman inquires about the timeliness and comprehensiveness of data in the Healthy NYC annual progress report. DOHMH officials discuss their efforts to improve data collection and reporting processes. …
0:35:25
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155 sec
Partnerships and community engagement for Healthy NYC
Council Member Schulman inquires about the roles and responsibilities of supporters and champions in the Healthy NYC initiative. Dr. Morse elaborates on the importance of partnerships and community engagement in …
0:38:00
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3 min
Update on opioid settlement money and overdose prevention efforts
Council Member Schulman requests an update on the status of the opioid settlement money. Dr. Morse provides a brief overview of DOHMH's efforts in overdose prevention and the use of …
0:41:35
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77 sec
Addressing racial disparities in maternal mortality
Council Member Schulman inquires about DOHMH's concrete actions to address persistent racial disparities in maternal mortality. Dr. Morse outlines the department's strategies and initiatives to tackle this critical issue. - …
0:42:53
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155 sec
DOHMH's goal to reduce homicide deaths by 30% by 2030
Council Member Schulman inquires about DOHMH's specific investments to address the goal of reducing homicide deaths by 30% by 2030. Dr. Morse outlines the department's initiatives in violence prevention. - …
0:45:28
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85 sec
Discussion of potential trauma hospital in the Rockaways
Council Member Schulman inquires about DOHMH's support and potential partnership for a trauma hospital in the Rockaways, highlighting the healthcare disparities in Southeast Queens. Dr. Morse provides a brief response …
0:46:54
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93 sec
Council Member Zhuang inquires about Asian representation in health data and lung cancer screening
Council Member Susan Zhuang questions DOHMH officials about the representation of Asian Americans in health data, particularly regarding life expectancy and lung cancer rates. The officials provide information on current …
0:48:28
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3 min
Youth involvement in Healthy NYC programs and school health initiatives
Council Member Mercedes Narcisse inquires about efforts to involve young people in shaping Healthy NYC programs and addressing their unique health needs. The DOHMH representative, Michelle Morse, discusses various initiatives …
0:52:05
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146 sec
Diabetes prevalence and prevention strategies in New York City
Council Member Narcisse raises concerns about the increasing prevalence of diabetes nationwide and inquires about the situation in New York City. DOHMH Acting Health Commissioner Michelle Morse acknowledges the rise …
0:54:31
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71 sec
Funding and resource allocation for Healthy NYC initiatives
Council Member Mercedes Narcisse inquires about the sufficiency of current funding levels to achieve Healthy NYC goals and what additional resources might be needed. DOHMH Acting Health Commissioner Michelle Morse …
0:55:43
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75 sec
Public education campaigns for Healthy NYC awareness
Council Member Narcisse inquires about public education campaigns conducted to increase awareness of Healthy NYC programs. DOHMH Acting Health Commissioner Michelle Morse describes a recent campaign and its distribution. - …
0:56:59
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55 sec
Community feedback and its impact on Healthy NYC
Council Member Narcisse requests specific examples of how community feedback has shaped or altered the direction of Healthy NYC. DOHMH Acting Health Commissioner Michelle Morse outlines various approaches used to …
0:57:54
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93 sec
Health surveys and data collection strategies in New York City
Council Member Narcisse inquires about active surveys in communities with the most health deficits and how to address the findings. DOHMH representatives Michelle Morse and Gretchen Van Wye provide information …
0:59:27
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123 sec
Council Member Riley discusses chronic disease, Intro 641, and fentanyl test strips with DOHMH
Council Member Kevin C. Riley engages in a Q&A session with DOHMH representatives, discussing chronic disease outreach in Co-op City, enforcement challenges with Intro 641 regarding nutrition standards for kids' …
1:01:35
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4 min
Council member inquires about sleep apnea prevalence in NYC
Council Member Shaun Abreu asks Commissioner Michelle Morse about the number of New Yorkers living with sleep apnea. Commissioner Morse explains that DOHMH does not currently track this data, citing …
1:06:22
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51 sec
Council member stresses importance of sleep apnea data and intervention
Council Member Abreu emphasizes the lack of attention to sleep apnea in NYC and the importance of collecting data to inform interventions. He introduces his bill proposing free screenings for …
1:07:13
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91 sec
Discussion on current DOHMH initiatives addressing sleep apnea
Council Member Abreu asks about current DOHMH initiatives or informational materials on sleep apnea. Commissioner Morse responds by discussing the clinical importance of sleep apnea and explains why it's best …
1:08:44
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114 sec
Debate on sleep apnea as a public health priority in NYC
Council Member Abreu and Commissioner Morse debate whether sleep apnea should be a focus area for public health in NYC. Abreu argues for its importance based on national statistics, while …
1:10:39
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92 sec
Council Member Marmorato discusses kids' meal options and opposes needle exchange programs
Council Member Kristy Marmorato engages in a Q&A session with DOHMH representatives, discussing the implementation of Intro 641 regarding kids' meal options in restaurants and expressing her opposition to needle …
1:12:14
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147 sec
Council Member Narcisse discusses hypertension prevention and vaccination concerns with Health Commissioner
Council Member Mercedes Narcisse engages in a Q&A session with Acting Health Commissioner Michelle Morse, discussing topics including hypertension prevention, the implementation of a bill for accessible blood pressure monitoring, …
1:15:10
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3 min
Council Member Schulman questions DOHMH on Healthy NYC strategy and future plans
Council Member Lynn Schulman engages in a Q&A session with Acting Health Commissioner Michelle Morse about the Healthy NYC initiative. They discuss the public availability of strategy maps, the initiative's …
1:18:35
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157 sec
Council Member Feliz introduces concerns about needle exchange programs
Council Member Oswald Feliz opens the discussion by expressing concerns about needle exchange programs in his district. He acknowledges their life-saving potential but raises issues about their placement in sensitive …
1:21:12
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55 sec
Inquiry into the number and nature of needle exchange programs
Council Member Feliz questions Acting Health Commissioner Michelle Morse about the number of mobile needle exchange programs and whether they truly exchange needles or simply provide them. - Morse offers …
1:22:09
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46 sec
Discussion on the placement of needle exchange programs
Council Member Feliz inquires about rules for placing needle exchange programs, particularly near sensitive areas like children's libraries or schools. Acting Health Commissioner Morse responds by emphasizing the department's alignment …
1:22:55
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69 sec
Debate on potential rules for placement of needle exchange programs
Council Member Feliz presses Acting Health Commissioner Morse on whether there should be rules against placing needle exchange programs near children's areas. Morse struggles to provide a direct answer. - …
1:24:05
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68 sec
Concerns about public health and safety related to program placement
Council Member Feliz asks Acting Health Commissioner Morse about potential public health crises that could arise from placing needle exchange programs near children's areas. Morse struggles to address the specific …
1:25:13
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41 sec
Council Member Feliz expresses frustration and provides specific examples of problematic program placements
Council Member Oswald Feliz concludes the discussion by expressing his frustration with the placement of needle exchange programs in his district and provides specific examples of concerning locations. - Mentions …
1:25:54
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28 sec
Council Member Lynn Schulman's closing remarks and gratitude for Healthy NYC progress
Council Member Lynn Schulman concludes the session with positive remarks about the Healthy NYC initiative and expresses gratitude to various parties involved. She announces a brief recess before moving on …
1:26:23
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48 sec
Testimony by Dr. Pasquale Rummo, Associate Professor in the Department of Population Health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine
Dr. Pasquale Rummo, an associate professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, testifies in support of the proposed legislation to improve nutrition standards for children's meals in restaurants. He presents …
1:50:56
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130 sec
Testimony by Emily Lee, Project Coordinator at Korean Community Services
Emily Lee from Korean Community Services testifies about the hidden epidemic of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and its impact on children, particularly in Hispanic and Asian American communities. …
1:53:09
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117 sec
Testimony by Jacob Zychick, Community Advocacy Director of American Heart Association on Healthy NYC and Intro 641
Jacob Zychick from the American Heart Association testified in support of Intro 641 and the Healthy NYC initiative. He emphasized the high rates of childhood obesity in New York, particularly …
1:55:14
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124 sec
Testimony by Sara Kim, Program Director of Public Health Research Center at Korean Community Services
Sara Kim from Korean Community Services testified in support of Introduction 641, emphasizing the urgent need to address children's health issues in New York City. She highlighted alarming statistics on …
1:57:20
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118 sec
Testimony by Sean Haley, Professor at CUNY School of Public Health, on Alcohol Policy and Public Health
Professor Sean Haley's testimony, delivered by proxy, highlights the significant public health impact of alcohol consumption in New York City and State. He emphasizes the need for increased attention to …
1:59:21
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3 min
Discussion on CUNY School of Public Health's involvement in Healthy NYC
Council Member Lynn Schulman confirms that CUNY School of Public Health is a partner in the Healthy NYC initiative. She advises the representative to discuss including alcohol as a standalone …
2:02:36
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34 sec
Inquiry about Korean Community Services' involvement in Healthy NYC
Council Member Lynn Schulman inquires about Korean Community Services' (KCS) involvement in the Healthy NYC initiative. She advises KCS to contact the Department of Health if they are not already …
2:03:11
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31 sec
Discussion on alcohol tax proposal and budget considerations
Council Member Lynn Schulman expresses interest in the alcohol tax proposal and requests more information for budget considerations. She mentions that the council looks for ways to save money and …
2:03:42
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48 sec
Testimony by Monica Bartley, Deaconess of United Methodist Church, on Intro 641
Monica Bartley, a deaconess in the United Methodist Church, testified in support of Intro 641, which aims to improve children's health by requiring restaurants to offer healthier meal options. She …
2:06:06
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125 sec
Testimony by Sheikh Undal, Imam from Melrose in the Bronx
Sheikh Undal, an Imam from the Melrose neighborhood in the Bronx, strongly supports Introduction 641, which proposes improved nutritional standards for kids' meals in New York City restaurants. He emphasizes …
2:08:18
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3 min
Testimony by Emily Hiron, Student from Beacon High School
Emily Hiron, a junior at Beacon High School and intern at Chili's on Wheels, testified in support of Introduction 641, which proposes nutrition standards for children's meals in food service …
2:11:53
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99 sec
Testimony by Tiffany Lee, Executive Director of Altagracia Faith and Justice Works, on Intro 641
Tiffany Lee, Executive Director of Altagracia Faith and Justice Works, testifies in support of Intro 641, which aims to improve nutrition standards for kids' meals at restaurants in New York …
2:13:37
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138 sec
Testimony by Rabbi Yonah Berman, Dean of Rabbinic Initiatives at YCT Rabbinical School
Rabbi Yonah Berman, Dean of Rabbinic Initiatives at YCT Rabbinical School, expressed gratitude for Intro 641 and emphasized the importance of health initiatives for New York City residents, especially children. …
2:15:57
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82 sec
Testimony by Ed Chinery, Associate Rector and Executive Director of Church of the Ascension and Ascension Outreach Incorporated
Ed Chinery, representing Church of the Ascension and Ascension Outreach Incorporated, testified in support of Intro 641 and related Healthy New York initiatives. He shared experiences from their food pantry …
2:18:17
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139 sec
Testimony by Kelly Moltzen, Founding Co-convener of Interfaith Public Health Network (IPHN)
Kelly Moltzen, a registered dietitian and founding co-convener of the Interfaith Public Health Network (IPHN), testifies in support of Intro 641, which would require nutrition standards for kids' meals in …
2:20:38
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114 sec
Testimony by Dr. Sanjivan Patel, Chairman of Department of Pediatrics at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, on Nutrition Standards for Kids' Meals
Dr. Sanjivan Patel, Chairman of Department of Pediatrics at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, testified in support of Intro 641, which would require improved nutrition standards for kids' meals in New …
2:22:46
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173 sec
Testimony by Sylvia Serene, Public Health Advocate from IPHN
Sylvia Serene, a Bangladeshi community public health advocate from IPHN, offers strong support for Intro 641, which requires better nutrition standards for kids' meals in NYC restaurants. She emphasizes the …
2:25:44
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111 sec
Testimony by Carolina Espinosa, Program Director of SNAP-Ed at BronxWorks
Carolina Espinosa, Program Director of SNAP-Ed at BronxWorks, testified in support of a bill to increase healthy options in kids' meals at restaurants. She shared her experience in nutrition education …
2:27:38
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115 sec
Council member inquires about BronxWorks' partnerships and diabetes programs
Council Member Lynn Schulman engages in a brief Q&A session with Carolina Espinosa from BronxWorks and Dr. Patel. She inquires about BronxWorks' collaboration with the borough president's office and their …
2:29:33
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44 sec
Testimony by Sara Ribakove, Representative of Center for Science in the Public Interest on Intro 641
Sara Ribakove from the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) strongly supports Intro 641, which aims to ensure healthy food options are available on kids' menus in restaurants. …
2:31:07
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124 sec
Testimony by Elaine Perlman, Executive Director of Waitlist Zero
Elaine Perlman, Executive Director of Waitlist Zero and a kidney donor, testified about the potential health risks associated with fruit juice and yogurt in children's menus. She emphasized the harmful …
2:33:18
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127 sec
Testimony by Rebecca Johnson, Partnerships Manager at Plant Powered Metro New York
Rebecca Johnson, a chef nutrition educator and partnerships manager at Plant Powered Metro New York, testified in support of the bill to improve nutrition standards for children's meals in restaurants. …
2:35:27
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156 sec
Testimony by Kiara King, Intern at Teens for Food Justice on Introduction 641
Kiara King, a high school senior and intern at Teens for Food Justice, testified in support of Introduction 641, which aims to promote healthy eating habits for children by requiring …
2:38:07
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103 sec
Testimony by Benjamin Koenigsberg, Healthcare Professional
Benjamin Koenigsberg, a native New Yorker with 12 years of healthcare experience, testifies in support of Bill 641, which aims to improve nutrition standards for children's meals. He emphasizes the …
2:39:56
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130 sec
Council Member Schulman's remarks on hydroponic farming and food labeling
Council Member Lynn Schulman discusses the importance of hydroponic farming in schools and the need for careful reading of food labels. She highlights the educational and community benefits of school …
2:42:06
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35 sec
Testimony by Tammy Switzer-Haigler, Masters Candidate at CUNY School of Public Health, on Intro 641
Tammy Switzer-Haigler, a masters candidate at CUNY School of Public Health, testifies in support of Intro 641, which proposes changes to beverage options in children's meals at restaurants. She argues …
2:45:02
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86 sec
Testimony by Dr. Natalie Greaves-Peters, Researcher at Laurie M. Tisch Center For Food, Education, and Policy on INT 641
Dr. Natalie Greaves-Peters, a researcher and registered dietitian nutritionist, expresses strong support for INT 641, which aims to ensure healthier kids' meals in NYC restaurants. She highlights the current lack …
2:46:34
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92 sec
Testimony by George Nierenberg, Documentary Filmmaker on Sleep Apnea Screening Bill
George Nierenberg, a documentary filmmaker, testifies in strong support of bill number 1047, which proposes a screening pilot program for sleep apnea. He shares his personal experience with undiagnosed sleep …
2:48:13
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133 sec
Testimony by Hussein Yatabarry, Executive Director of Muslim Community Network
Hussein Yatabarry, Executive Director of Muslim Community Network, testifies in support of Intro 641, which aims to improve nutrition standards for children's meals in restaurants. He emphasizes the importance of …
2:50:29
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129 sec
Testimony by Shen'naque Sean Butler, Community Health Advocate from Fresh Healthy Food Initiative
Shen'naque Sean Butler, a community health advocate from the Fresh Healthy Food Initiative, testified about the importance of access to healthy food in the Bronx. He shared his personal motivation …
2:52:43
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3 min
Testimony by Eloisa Trinidad, Executive Director of Chilis On Wheels, on Intro 641
Eloisa Trinidad, Executive Director of Chilis On Wheels, passionately advocates for Intro 641, which establishes nutrition standards and beverage options for children's meals in NYC food service establishments. She emphasizes …
2:56:38
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3 min
Testimony by Sharon Brown Jeter on Nutrition Standards for Children
Sharon Brown Jeter provides testimony opposing restrictions on children's food choices in schools. She argues for providing ample food options and allowing children to eat according to their needs and …
3:00:05
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128 sec
Testimony by Ji Yoo Lee, Masters Student at CUNY School of Public Health, on Nutrition Standards for Children's Meals
Ji Yoo Lee, a master's student at CUNY School of Public Health, testified in support of Introduction 641, which aims to address childhood obesity by requiring healthier options on children's …
3:02:59
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162 sec
Testimony by Lianna Levine Reisner, Cofounder and Network Director of Plant Powered Metro New York
Lianna Levine Reisner, representing Plant Powered Metro New York, testified in support of the Healthy NYC Plan and provided recommendations for improving Intro 641 regarding nutrition standards for children's meals. …
3:05:57
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146 sec
Testimony by Raul Rivera, Member of the Public, on Food Preservatives and Health
Raul Rivera testified about the health risks associated with certain food preservatives and artificial sweeteners, urging the committee to draft bills to ban these substances from the food supply. He …
3:08:42
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91 sec
Testimony by Elise Kohl Grant, Member of the Public, on Nutrition Standards for Kids' Meals
Elise Kohl Grant, a mother of two living in New York City, testifies in support of the bill to improve nutrition standards for kids' meals in restaurants. She emphasizes the …
3:11:52
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123 sec
