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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Emily Lee, Project Coordinator at Korean Community Services
7:43:44
ยท
120 sec
Emily Lee from Korean Community Services (KCS) testifies about the organization's work in hepatitis prevention and smoking cessation among Asian American immigrants in New York City. She requests funding for viral hepatitis prevention and immigrant health initiatives to address health disparities in these communities.
- KCS has screened over 4,250 people for Hepatitis B since 2014, identifying over 200 positive cases.
- Lee requests $4,240,000 for the viral hepatitis prevention initiative in FY 2026 to expand screening and care services.
- KCS is seeking $85,000 for the Immigrant Health Initiative to address higher smoking rates among Asian Americans.
Emily Lee
7:43:44
evening.
7:43:45
My name is Emily Lee, and I'm a project coordinator at Korean Community Services.
7:43:49
First, thank you for the opportunity to share our story.
7:43:53
Since 2014, KCS has been part of the Hepatitis Free New York City Coalition and dedicated itself to prevent Hepatitis B through widespread free testing education and providing culturally competent patient navigation services.
7:44:06
In the past eleven years, we screened over four thousand two hundred fifty people and identified over two hundred positive Hep B patients.
7:44:14
The vast majority of the community members we serve are Asian Americans of immigrant backgrounds, low income status, limited English proficiency, and uninsured or underinsured.
7:44:25
Over 314,000 New York City residents are currently infected with chronic hepatitis b and c.
7:44:30
Given this statistic, it is crucial to sustain and grow the viral hepatitis prevention initiative to address this largely overlooked health crisis.
7:44:39
I kindly ask the council to provide $4,240,000 to the viral hepatitis prevention initiative in f y twenty six to expand the capacity of hep b and c organizations to continue providing free screenings and streamlining medical care assets.
7:44:56
Increased funding is necessary for us to achieve New York City's Viral Hepatitis elimination goal by 02/1930 to prevent liver cancer and disease.
7:45:05
Secondly, KCS is seeking 85,000 for the Immigrant Health Initiative.
7:45:09
Despite declining New York City smoking rates, Asian Americans still face higher smoking rates compared to other ethnicities, and smoking remains a leading cause of death.
7:45:19
For the current fiscal year, KCS referred 12 smokers to quit lines and provided free nicotine patches and lozenge to 30 clients.
7:45:27
I want to thank the council's commitment to health equity for all New Yorkers and ask for their continued support in reducing various health disparities among New York City's immigrant communities.
7:45:37
CBO's like KCS have long standing ties with the community and are well positioned to deliver essential services to them.
7:45:44
Thank you.