Res. No. 590

Resolution calling upon the Mayor of New York City to promote greater health equity in the City.

By Council Members James, Barron, Foster, Gerson, Gonzalez, Liu, Quinn and Recchia

Whereas, On July 15, 2004, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) released a report, entitled “Health Disparities in New York City” (the “Report”), which found that there are substantial inequalities with respect to healthcare that remain among NewYorkers of different economic and racial/ethnic groups; and

Whereas, The Report also states that poor New Yorkers, as well as black and Hispanic New Yorkers, bear a disproportionate burden of illness and premature death and are more likely to have diabetes, HIV and other diseases, and are also at greater risk of dying prematurely; and

Whereas, Additionally, the Report notes that poor health is concentrated in certain City neighborhoods, and that “factors associated with poor health, such as lack of access to medical care, unhealthy behaviors, and sub-standard living conditions, are more common among certain economic and racial/ethnic groups;” and

Whereas, The Report makes recommendations to promote greater health equity in the City, including 1) expanding partnerships for health improvement beyond health care and public health communities to include education, housing, employment and other sectors of society, 2) combining such expansion with specific, proven public health policies and interventions and 3) targeting resources and interventions to communities bearing the heaviest burdens of illness and premature death; and

Whereas, Eliminating health disparities in New York City would save thousands of lives each year; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the Mayor of New York City to promote greater health equity in the City.

DP

LS# 1456

8/5/04