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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Alex Park, Project Coordinator at Korean Community Services
7:50:01
ยท
128 sec
Alex Park from Korean Community Services testifies about the importance of Access Health New York City initiative and requests continued funding to support healthcare access for marginalized communities. He emphasizes the impact of potential federal healthcare funding cuts on New Yorkers and healthcare facilities.
- Park highlights KCS's success in assisting 313 senior individuals with healthcare access through the Access Health NYC initiative.
- He describes the fear and uncertainty faced by seniors due to changing healthcare policies, especially those with language barriers.
- Park requests $4,500,000 for Access Health New York City in the FY 2026 budget to continue supporting low-income individuals' access to healthcare.
Alex Park
7:50:01
Good evening.
7:50:02
My name is Alex Park and I'm a project coordinator at Career and Community Services.
7:50:06
First, I wanna thank the council members of the health community for their commitment to ensuring the health of New York's New Yorkers and giving us the opportunity to speak on behalf of our community.
7:50:15
Access Health New York City is a citywide initiative that allows CBOs like KCS to help individuals access quality healthcare.
7:50:22
Through this initiative, we are able to provide education, outreach, and assistance regarding healthcare and coverage.
7:50:28
With the support of Access Health New York City, we have also expanded health fairs, enhanced outreach efforts, and conducted more healthcare related presentations.
7:50:37
During our current fiscal year, we have successfully assisted three thirteen senior individuals with access to healthcare, and continue to fill in the gaps of our strained healthcare systems.
7:50:48
As a project coordinator, I assist senior individuals with Medicaid, Medicare, and other state funded assistance program needs.
7:50:53
Working directly with individuals, I witness firsthand the fear and uncertainty they face under the current administration's changing policies.
7:51:02
When Medicaid, Medicare, and other essential programs at risk, so too is the health and well-being of those who rely on This uncertainty extends beyond their physical health.
7:51:11
It impacts their mental health as well.
7:51:13
When people are forced to live in fear and doubt about their access to health care, it hinders our ability as a CBO to foster an inclusive and supportive community.
7:51:21
This challenge is even greater for senior residents who face language barriers, which leave them isolated and neglected.
7:51:27
Access health is essential for educating and assisting marginalized New Yorkers on how to access healthcare and coverage.
7:51:34
The federal proposal to cut healthcare funding is expected to affect access to care for 8,600,000 New Yorkers.
7:51:40
Not only is this concerning for the community residents who rely on these programs, it is also putting operational stability of hospitals, clinics, community health centers, and long term care facilities at risk.
7:51:50
Therefore it is crucial that we advocate and protect the city's healthcare funding.
7:51:55
We kindly ask the city council to include 4,500,000.0 for Access Health New York City in the FY '20 '20 '6 budget to continue to support and fund our organization so that we can do our job in assisting low income individuals who have access to health care.
7:52:08
Thank you.