On World Diabetes Day….
“PRAY-IN” FOR DIABETES-RELATED AMPUTATIONS SCHEDULED AT NYS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
City Hall Rally to Follow to Launch PSA Campaign, “Mass Amputation Must Stop!”
WHAT & WHO:
News — On World Diabetes Day, November 14, as the New York City Council prepares to pass new diabetes-related legislation, South Bronx-based Health People: Community Preventative Health Institute will host a “Pray-In” at the New York State Department of Health’s New York City offices to mourn the untold number of needless diabetes-related amputations in the city and state. The Pray-In will also highlight the need for better data tracking of diabetes-related amputations and other complications.
Following the Pray-In, a rally to support pending NYC Council diabetes-related legislation will take place on the steps of City Hall. At the rally, a “burial” of amputated limbs will launch Health People’s new public service campaign, “Mass Amputation Must Stop!”
Leading the Pray-In with Health People executive director Chris Norwood will be the Reverend John Williams, President of New Creation Community Empowerment, a Brooklyn Faith-based health organization.
Upon arrival at City Hall, NYC Councilmember Mark Levine, chair of the Committee on Health, will address the crowd, as well as individuals who have either personally suffered diabetes-related amputation or have had a family member suffer, including:
聼 Malik Wright, a double amputee;
聼 Kendra Oke, host of BronxNet’s Crossover TV Live with Kendra, who has lost multiple family members to
diabetes; and,
聼 Sandra Marin, who has focused on diabetes education in homeless shelters where almost half the participants
assessed had diabetes-related foot problems.
New York City and Diabetes-Related Lower-Limb Amputations
According to a recent Health People report, New York City has experienced an astounding increase in diabetes-related lower-limb amputations for almost a decade. The most recent eight years (2009 to 2016) for which Prevention Quality Indicator data is available show that the city, overall, experienced a 55% rate increase in lower-limb amputations. Four of five boroughs had a more than 50% increase. The Bronx, with the highest rate of amputations, had an almost 60% increase. Disturbingly, in the face of this crisis, the state has refused to release amputation data for more than two years. Based on available numbers from 2009 – 2019, New York State had an estimated 36,000 diabetes-related amputations.
About the NY City Council Legislation
When passed, the new bill (Int 1361-2019) will require the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to report twice a year on the rate of diabetes-related health problems in New York City. The data will be collected by geographic area and demographic characteristics, where such data is available and while maintaining confidentiality on the individuals included in such data. The bill would also require DOHMH to compile a comprehensive report by 2020 and submit recommendations and a plan to reduce the occurrence of diabetes-related health problems and to implement the department’s recommendations.
WHEN and WHERE:
World Diabetes Day
Wednesday, November 14th
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Pray-In
New York State Department of Health Office
90 Church Street (between Barclay and Vesey Streets)
New York, NY 10007
11:30 – 12 Noon
50 “Amputated Feet” lead group to steps of City Hall
12 Noon – 1:00 p.m.
“Mass Amputation Must Stop!” Rally and Mock Burial
New York City Hall
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Chris Norwood
Health People
718-585-1064/347-327-3677
Cindy Carway/Stephanie Hornback
Carway Communications, Inc.
212-378-2020
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