To improve residents’ quality of life, NYCHA maintenance staff are helping to resolve apartment conditions in urgent need of repairs through a new Authority-wide initiative known as “Maintenance Cares.” Under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) new inspection model, the National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE), NYCHA is… MORE
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In recognition of National Electrical Safety Month, which is observed every May, NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department (EHS) would like to share the following safety tips for preventing electrical accidents and fires.
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NYCHA’s latest updates to its Heating Plant Technician (HPT) training program underscore the Authority’s commitment to workforce development, equipping workers with skills to manage heating systems across its housing portfolio. In January 2024, the Heating Management Services Department (HMSD) introduced a new, direct hire-to-training protocol, ensuring all new HPT appointees receive mentorship and specialized training.… MORE
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For those residents looking to quit or cut back on smoking this new year, Smoke-Free NYCHA’s Liaison team is ready to assist. Serving as community health workers, Smoke-Free Liaisons help create healthier environments across NYCHA by educating residents and staff about the Authority’s smoke-free policy (which reduces exposure to secondhand smoke), coaching smokers who want… MORE
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The Environmental Health and Safety Department (EHS) is dedicated to fostering a culture of safety across the organization, and this newsletter is a vital tool to keep you informed about important updates, safety protocols, and best practices that support a safe, healthy, and injury-free workplace.
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On November 12, NYCHA’s Healthy Homes Department and the Authority’s leadership came together at the Johnson Community Center to recognize the Healthy Homes team for their extraordinary work in the area of resident health and safety and their customer service efforts. The event marked the very first time the entire Healthy Homes roster had come… MORE
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On November 8, NYCHA presented its Annual Safety Symposium to recognize, educate, and promote current and future safety leaders across the city. Returning to a full educational symposium format for the first time since the COVID pandemic, the daylong event was held at the Johnson Community Center in East Harlem, where hundreds of NYCHA staff… MORE
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognize the third week of October as National Lead Poisoning Awareness Week to educate the public about the dangers and potential health impacts of lead at home and in the workplace.
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The first-ever National Urban Rat Summit in New York City called on a broad range of experts from cities around the nation to share best practices on rodent mitigation, including efforts to tackle urban rat challenges using innovative methods. Presented in partnership with the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and the State… MORE
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NYCHA’s Operations team has been very hard at work over the last year getting ready for the rollout of new inspection standards that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) implemented for public housing authorities. The National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE), which was unveiled in July 2023, marks… MORE
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From Vice President of Pest Management Josey Bartlett & Pest Management Technical Advisors Lashawn Wilson & Geeton Bowier The authors of this guest column – Josey Bartlett, Lashawn Wilson, and Geeton Bowier – lead a team of more than 300 people committed to reducing and eliminating pests from apartments, grounds, basements, and public spaces at… MORE
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September is National Preparedness Month. How prepared are you for an emergency? New Yorkers increasingly face greater risks from a multitude of extreme weather events and emergencies, especially if they live alone, are low-income or elderly, or have a disability. Be Informed Know Your Zone Plan Ahead Stay Informed Visit New York City’s National… MORE
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NYCHA employee Faye Peithman still remembers the damage left behind after Superstorm Sandy ripped through her community of Rockaway Beach. Among the New Yorkers who stayed home when the coastal storm struck the New York City area in October 2012, Ms. Peithman witnessed intense flooding on the streets and a fire just a block away… MORE
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Launched by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Safe + Sound Week is a nationwide event held every August that recognizes the successes of workplace health and safety programs and provides resources for keeping America’s workers safe. To commemorate Safe + Sound Week this year, NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Department is highlighting… MORE
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Robert Burgos is currently the Deputy Director of the Office of Mold Assessment and Remediation (OMAR) in NYCHA’s Healthy Homes Unit – but his NYCHA story began decades ago. “I first came to NYCHA when I was just 9 years old,” Mr. Burgos said. “The Authority opened its doors to my family at probably the… MORE
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For many men, discussing the topic of their health, both physical and mental, is best kept as a private matter. A new program of The Floating Hospital, however, is working to change that perception for some adult men from NYCHA’s Queensbridge Houses and the surrounding community. Partnering with NYCHA, the nonprofit Floating Hospital – which… MORE
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National Window Safety Week, the first week in April every year, coincides with the arrival of spring, when people naturally want to open the windows and let in fresh air. Thousands of children fall from windows annually across the United States, so it’s important to learn about window safety and how you can keep your… MORE
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It’s National Poison Prevention Week, and NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department would like to provide the following poison prevention and safety tips to help you stay safe at work and at home. First, save the Poison Help number, 1-800-222-1222, in your phone and display it in your home and at work in case of emergency… MORE
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Veteran NYCHA employee Michael Jacocks has long made health a central focus in his way of life. A martial arts practitioner and teacher, the self-described health enthusiast said his choice to adopt a whole-food, plant-based diet goes hand in hand with his active lifestyle. “I consider myself an athlete and it really doesn’t work if… MORE
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Making sure that residents have access to clean, safe water is one of NYCHA’s top priorities. In late 2022, NYCHA’s Office of Water Quality (OWQ) was established to centralize and ensure the Authority’s control of water safety and quality issues in all of its developments. The OWQ assesses and addresses any level of bacteria detected… MORE
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Every year, the American Burn Association recognizes the first full week in February as National Burn Awareness Week; this year’s theme focuses on the burns caused by flammable liquids. We live in a world where flammable and combustible liquids are common and used frequently – gasoline, rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover, lighter fluid, hand sanitizer,… MORE
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The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is conducting random inspections of NYCHA apartments and buildings under a recently improved model that aims to reduce health and safety hazards. The National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) replaces the former Public Housing Assessment System (PHAS) inspections – the first significant… MORE
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On the afternoon of November 13, NYCHA’s Office of Mold Assessment and Remediation (OMAR) team was recognized for its many accomplishments since its founding in 2018. The event, held at 1200 Waters Place in the Bronx, provided NYCHA’s leadership an opportunity to thank the OMAR team directly for the difference they make in the lives… MORE
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Kenneth Worrell is a seasoned professional plumber and one of only two Supervisor Plumbers overseeing the resolution of all plumbing-related issues at NYCHA developments across Queens and Staten Island. “They go above and beyond in providing services to our residents,” said Cesar Gonzalez, NYCHA’s Vice President for Public Housing Operations in Queens and Staten Island.… MORE
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NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department and Emergency Management and Services Department want to help you and your family stay safe if you use portable heaters at home. Perhaps the most critical thing to keep in mind is that space heaters need space – so always keep anything that can burn at least three feet… MORE
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Shareef Rashid and Diogenes Umanzar take their mission seriously when it comes to pest control at NYCHA. The self-described “hit squad” for eradicating rats and other pests are two members of NYCHA’s newly formed Pest Management unit specifically targeting rat extermination across the Authority. The eight-member team, led by Program Manager Edwin Arroyo and supervisor… MORE
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Winter storms and extreme winter weather can bring cold temperatures, power failures, loss of communication services, and icy roads and sidewalks – and preparing for them before they’re at your doorstep is the best way to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. The Environmental Health and Safety Department would like to share the following… MORE
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Each year, government agencies and organizations like the National Safety Council (NSC), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Fire Protection Association, and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issue guidance to help ensure the public has a safe and joyous holiday season. NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department would like to share some… MORE
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The FDNY took fire safety education to the next level for NYCHA youth at Brooklyn’s Farragut Houses on October 24. Simulating a dark, smoke-filled environment, the FDNY’s mobile “Fire Safety House” aims to teach youth and other residents how to act in the event of a fire in their home. With the guidance of fire… MORE
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Every year, the National Safety Council and the National Elevator Safety Foundation recognize the third week of November as “Elevator Safety Week” to bring awareness to elevator safety. Elevators began revolutionizing daily life in the United States in the late 1800s, making it possible to build taller buildings in which many more people could safely… MORE
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On October 18, the New York City Fire Museum hosted NYCHA resident leaders from across the city to spotlight fire prevention and safety measures that can be applied in their communities. The inaugural NYCHA Fire Safety Symposium for resident association leaders featured exclusive access to the NYC Fire Museum, along with giveaways of educational materials,… MORE
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Each year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognizes the fourth week of October as “National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week” so individuals, organizations, government agencies, and others can come together to educate the public on ways to reduce exposure to lead. Get the Facts Lead Testing for Children Is Critical Preventing Lead Exposure The EPA… MORE
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In recognition of Fire Prevention Month, NYCHA’s Fire Safety Department would like to provide the following information to help keep you and your family safe. Cooking with Caution Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, do not use the oven or stovetop. Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, boiling,… MORE
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Each year, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recognizes the second week of October as National Fire Prevention Week. This year’s theme involves cooking safety and the simple steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of fires. In the spirit of Fire Prevention Week, NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department (EHS) would like… MORE
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Electricity makes our lives easier, but we need to be cautious and keep safety in mind when using it. In recognition of Fire Prevention Month, NYCHA’s Fire Safety Department would like to provide the following information to help keep you and your family safe. Electrical Fire Safety Tips • Only plug one heat-producing appliance (e.g.,… MORE
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The Environmental Health and Safety Department’s (EHS) Employee Safety Oversight Unit (ESOU) monitors NYCHA’s compliance with regulations and standards governing employee safety. ESOU also investigates reports of unsafe conditions at workplaces. As a part of their work, ESOU performs activities such as: One of NYCHA’s critical safety programs is its Confined Space Safety Program. Confined… MORE
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Strategies for a Healthy Fall Fall can be an enjoyable time of the year, and it’s also a good time to be mindful of how you can maintain a healthy lifestyle. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes September as “Fall Safety Awareness Month” – an opportunity to learn about strategies… MORE
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A veteran fire protection engineer was recently appointed as NYCHA’s first Director of Fire Safety. After more than five years as Engineering Manager for fire protection systems at MTA-Long Island Railroad (LIRR), the nation’s busiest commuter railroad, Joe Terranova has joined NYCHA to oversee the new Fire Safety Department. Mr. Terranova – who previously served… MORE
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Launched by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Safe + Sound Week is a nationwide event held every August that recognizes the successes of workplace health and safety programs and provides resources for keeping America’s workers safe. In observance this year, NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department (EHS) would like to share the following… MORE
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Even though July has been designated UV Safety Month by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sun safety is always in season! The sun is a natural source of ultraviolet (UV) radiation; while it can be beneficial, the sun can also cause health risks. NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department would like to… MORE
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As the supervisor city laborer for mold remediation at NYCHA, Arturo Vargas was ready to take on the challenge of battling mold. He knew that by helping to rid apartments of mold growth, he would be ensuring a healthier environment for residents in their homes and improving their quality of life. “I was ready for… MORE
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes the third week of May as “Heat Awareness Week.” Extreme heat is defined as outdoor temperatures that are much hotter and/or humid than average. Heat-related issues are preventable – NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department (EHS) would like to share the following safety tips for beating… MORE
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Every spring, during Air Quality Awareness Week, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) partners with federal agencies such as the National Weather Service, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the U.S. Department of Energy to raise awareness about efforts to protect and improve air quality, highlight available resources, and encourage people to incorporate… MORE
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March 22 is World Water Day – an opportunity tofocus on the responsible use of water and access to safe water for everyone. Water is one of the planet’s most precious resources and holds an immense value in our daily lives. Every day, people use water in different ways, including drinking, agriculture, industry, recreation, hygiene,… MORE
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Chemicals are an important part of the workplace, from specialized industrial chemicals to everyday cleaning products. However, for everyone’s safety, they must be handled properly. In recognition of National Poison Prevention Week, which is March 19 to 25, NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department would like to share the following guidance on properly handling and… MORE
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NYCHA’s work is being recognized at the federal level for helping to ensure that apartments where children under 6 years old live or routinely visit are being cleared of any lead hazards. In a message to NYCHA Healthy Homes management on February 2, a representative of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)… MORE
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The American Burn Association (ABA) is dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by burn injury. Each year, the ABA recognizes the first week of February as National Burn Awareness Week; this year’s theme is “Hot Liquids Burn Like Fire!” A burn is defined as damage to your body’s tissues caused by heat, chemicals,… MORE
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Happy New Year!
I hope this latest edition of the Environmental Health and Safety Department’s (EHS) newsletter finds you and your family well.
Because we all play a part in creating and maintaining a healthy and safe environment at NYCHA, EHS engages with residents, colleagues across the Authority, and the Federal Monitor to develop long-term solutions that address any environmental health and safety-related issues.
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The past year was a productive one for NYCHA’s Healthy Homes Unit as it increased its efforts to provide safe and healthy homes for residents, through projects such as roof fan replacement and collaboration with other NYCHA departments to clean up mold and stop leaks. In 2022, the Healthy Homes Unit’s Office of Mold Assessment… MORE
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes the first week in December as National Handwashing Awareness Week. According to the CDC, regular handwashing is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others. Germs can spread when you: Touch your eyes, nose, and… MORE
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Over the past two years, NYCHA’s Office of Mold Assessment and Remediation (OMAR) replaced 6,188 roof fans across the Authority. Engineers determined that the balance of NYCHA’s roof fans – 2,248 roof fans – are fully functional and safe and can be left in place. The roof fans replacement project is part of a larger… MORE
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Every year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) partner to raise awareness about the risks of lead poisoning during National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (October 23-29 this year). This year’s theme, “Get the Facts, Get Your Home Tested, and… MORE
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For the first time, both winners of NYCHA’s Safety Awards are from the same department: Pest Management Department (PMD) Supervisor Jeffrey Sanders won for Safety Leadership and PMD Seasonal Worker Program Manager Reana James won for Safety Innovation. “Mr. Sanders and Ms. James work tirelessly to ensure a culture of safety in the Pest Management… MORE
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On October 6, the NYCHA Environmental Health and Safety Department’s Fire Safety Oversight Team (FSOT) was recognized with this year’s Excellence in Customer Service Award from the Mayor’s Office of Operations. The annual awards, which are presented across City agencies, recognize “outstanding City workers and teams that demonstrate their dedication and commitment to New York… MORE
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The theme of this year’s Fire Prevention Week – Fire won’t wait; plan your escape – highlights the importance of creating a home fire escape plan. In observation of this national event and to promote your family’s safety, NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department would like to provide the following information. NYCHA Fire Safety Notice: … MORE
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Every year, the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognizes a week in September as Pollution Prevention Week. This year it’s September 19 to 25, and it’s an opportunity to celebrate practices that reduce or prevent pollution from being released into the environment prior to recycling, treatment, or disposal activities. We each have a role in… MORE
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NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department’s (EHS) Lead Oversight Team (LOT) oversees all lead-based paint (LBP) activities to identify, prevent, or correct any non-compliance with the applicable requirements. The team consists of three U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-certified Risk Assessors who are led by a certified Field Supervisor. As part of NYCHA’s Lead Compliance Assurance program,… MORE
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Every August, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a federal agency, leads “Safe + Sound Week,” a national event to recognize the successes of workplace safety and health programs and offer information and ideas on how to keep America’s workers safe. In recognition of “Safe + Sound Week,” which is August 15-21 this year, NYCHA’s… MORE
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NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department’s (EHS) Integrated Pest Management Oversight Team (IPMOT) oversees pest mitigation and extermination measures to ensure compliance with best practices and existing standard procedures, in accordance with the principles of NYCHA’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach. As part of its work, the IPMOT: Conducts oversight inspections of staff providing pest… MORE
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines extreme heat as summertime temperatures that are much hotter and/or humid than average. Heat-related illness, like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, can happen when the body is not able to properly cool itself. While the body normally cools itself by sweating, during extreme heat, this might… MORE
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In celebration of National Safety Month, which is every June, NYCHA is re-launching the Safety Awards Program. This year’s theme is “Safety Starts with Me,” which reaffirms the Authority’s commitment to preventing workplace injuries and to promoting workplace safety awareness. NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department (EHS) is accepting nominations for the NYCHA Safety Awards… MORE
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Read the Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Department’s Spring/Summer 2022 Newsletter, which features the Building Systems Safety Unit (BSSU).
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NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department’s Indoor Air Quality Oversight Team (IAQOT) identifies and addresses hazards that impact air quality, such as mold, leaks, asbestos, toxic gases, and other airborne contaminants. The IAQOT includes one administrator and five specialists, who perform a range of health hazards investigations and oversight of mold remediations to ensure that… MORE
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Most of the time, major apartment repairs can be completed while NYCHA residents still live in their apartment. But on the rare occasions when NYCHA residents need to temporarily move to another apartment or hotel due to necessary renovation or repair work, the relocation unit in NYCHA’s Family Partnerships Department comes to their aid. In… MORE
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NYCHA’s Office of Emergency Management’s (OEM) Field Coordinators program improves the coordination of response efforts to emergency incidents across the Authority. Before becoming a permanent program, the initiative was launched in 2019 as a six-month pilot program, with 12 on-call field coordinators managing day-to-day communications between different responding departments (and, in some cases, other City agencies).… MORE
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May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, which is a good reminder that taking care of your health includes taking care of your mental health. This month also serves as a time to raise awareness, provide education and resources, support people with mental illness, and reduce the stigma regarding mental illness. It is always okay to… MORE
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Be Air Aware & Prepared Air Quality Awareness Week is May 2 to 6 this year, and NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department is celebrating the national “Be Air Aware & Prepared” campaign by providing the following information on how you can check the air quality in your community and look out for triggers that… MORE
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NYCHA residents from Harlem, the Upper East Side, and Queens can now check their prostate health at the Mount Sinai Robert F. Smith Mobile Prostate Cancer Screening Unit. The mobile van – which is the result of collaboration between NYCHA, the “One Hundred Black Men” non-profit, and Mount Sinai’s Department of Urology – was launched… MORE
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Plan – Prepare – Prevent Now that it’s spring, we need to be aware of unpredictable weather patterns. Temperatures can swing back and forth between balmy and frigid. Sunny days may be followed by a week of stormy weather. Sometimes extreme weather changes can occur even within the same day. That’s why the Centers for… MORE
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March 22 is World Water Day, an opportunity to reflect on the importance of access to safe, fresh water. Stormwater management solutions, for example, are a vital part of NYCHA’s Sustainability Agenda, and several initiatives focused on this important work are currently underway. One of them is NYCHA’s Climate Adaptation Plan, which outlines the Authority’s approach to… MORE
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On March 5, NYCHA’s Health Initiatives team, in partnership with over 20 organizations, hosted a Baby Shower Resource Fair at Ingersoll Houses in Brooklyn. Expecting and pregnant NYCHA residents from across the city received baby and child supplies such as diapers, blankets, books, baby bouncers, pajamas, stuffed animals, baby bags, medicine kits, gift cards, baby… MORE
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In recognition of Burn Awareness Week, NYCHA’s Environmental Health & Safety Fire Safety Oversight Team wants to let you know that cooking safety awareness is one way to prevent fires, and that fires are not the only burn hazard (boiling water, frying, or grilling can also cause burns). The theme of this year’s Burn Awareness… MORE
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