(Online Educational Forum)

Combatting COVID & Building Resilience: 
Health, Jobs, and Homes

Tuesday, May 19, from 7:00-9:00 PM via Zoom

(Zoom details will be emailed to those who RSVP)

You can see past forums here: https://www.pnhpnymetro.org/past_forums

Speakers: Daniel Neghassi, M.D., Family physician, HRHCare Community Health (Yonkers); supervising physician at Columbia-Harlem Homeless Medical Partnership; advisory board member of Physicians for a National Health Program – NY Metro Joe Loonam, Housing Coordinator for VOCAL-NY (Voices Of Community Activists & Leaders), grassroots organization that builds power among low-income people affected by HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, the drug war, homelessness, and mass incarceration

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to underscore the fragility of our institutions, particularly those that provide vital social services to our most vulnerable members of society. We invite you to our next monthly forum on May 19 to discuss the intersections between health, employment and housing that this pandemic has highlighted.

The record number of U.S. workers who've lost their jobs exposes the disastrous consequences of linking health insurance to employment.  For those involuntarily unemployed or furloughed, this often means no more health coverage and extreme financial hardship. At the forum, speakers will relate their experiences of trying to maintain their health during an economic depression. They will discuss the many disadvantages for both workers and employers of maintaining this linkage, and will highlight the increased urgency of moving to a universal, single-payer healthcare system for all, regardless of employment status.

The pandemic and its economic repercussions have also left countless people nationwide struggling to make their rent and mortgage payments so they can remain in their homes. Meanwhile, people experiencing longtime or new homelessness have few choices for protecting their health while seeking safe shelter. The city’s refusal to simply provide appropriate apartments, dormitory space, and hotel rooms for homeless New Yorkers has permitted the rampant spread of COVID-19 in shelters and in the streets where many still live. Our invited speakers will discuss the intimate connections between adequate housing and good health. They'll also explain several organizing initiatives by tenants and unhoused people to ensure safe, affordable housing for all New Yorkers.

We look forward to the valuable lessons our speakers will provide. We hope you'll join us in amplifying their calls for systemic change to provide healthcare and healthy living conditions for all.

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