Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Jason Beltre, Director of Community Initiatives and Impact at OnPoint NYC
2:34:45
ยท
131 sec
Jason Beltre, representing OnPoint NYC, testifies in opposition to Intros 868 and 1169. He highlights the essential services provided by their mobile teams and overdose prevention centers, including syringe collection, distribution of supplies, and connecting people to care.
- OnPoint NYC's efforts have significantly reduced syringe litter in parks and near schools
- They collaborate with schools on various programs, including work-based learning opportunities for students
- Beltre argues that the proposed legislation would hinder their ability to support community health and safety
Jason Beltre
2:34:45
I serve as the director of community initiatives and impact at HomePoint NYC.
2:34:49
I'm testifying today in opposition to intros zero eight six eight and one one six nine.
2:34:55
My program, the outreach and public safety team at HomePoint provides essential mobile services in Upper Manhattan and The Bronx.
2:35:03
And, of course, we're also operating the city through overdose prevention centers.
2:35:06
Our mobile teams play a vital role in supporting community needs, including responding to areas of need near school and playgrounds.
2:35:15
Not only are we collecting syringes, but we're distributing much needed supplies like food, clothing, and connecting people to care.
2:35:22
Schools and partners throughout the community and area can easily access our services through our public safety hotline, allowing us to provide support often immediately.
2:35:33
I wanna highlight how our overdose prevention center also aligns with our shared goal of keeping our streets and parks free of syringe litter and hazardous waste.
2:35:42
When we first opened our our overdose prevention center in Washington Heights, our partners in the parks department reported a a a decrease in syringe litter from 13,000 syringes monthly to less than a thousand syringes monthly.
2:35:55
Additionally, since September 2024, we've collected over 2,000 syringes from one school location alone.
2:36:03
We visit schools twice a day before drop off and dismissal to help ensure an environment that is safe for students.
2:36:10
Beyond the syringe collection, we're working in collaboration with schools in other meaningful ways.
2:36:14
For example, at our Washington Heights Wheel School, we've partnered with their stool crew, their green corridor lab, and their work based learning program for multiple years at this point.
2:36:23
The work based learning program has been a unique opportunity for us to employ interns whose lives have been impacted by addiction or for those interns who are interested in pursuing careers in the medical field.
2:36:34
Both the Stool Crew and Green Corridor focus on community cleanup and overall well-being.
2:36:40
In conclusion, the work that we do in this community is vital for public and safety for public health and safety.
2:36:47
We strongly oppose the proposed legislation and that this would hinder our ability to support the community in these essential ways.
2:36:55
Thank you.