Borough President James Oddo recently announced his office’s collaboration with Staten Island artist James Cox to make “Thank You,” the artist’s tribute piece to frontline workers, available to the public. Constituents who contributed to the Staten Island Not For Profit Association COVID-19 Supplies Fund would receive a print of the piece, and all contributions would go to provide vital personal protective equipment (PPE) and other needed supplies for those who need it most. In response to the overwhelming support the collaboration has seen, Borough President Oddo is pleased to announce a second phase of the initiative.

The color illustration is being reproduced for the second phase as an 18.5”x 10" poster, and for a limited time is available to donors who contribute $25 or more to the COVID-19 Supplies Fund through the Staten Island Not-for-Profit Association, a local organization fielding donations for PPE and other supplies for local community-based organizations.

This second phase comes on the heels of the success of the first phase, where signed prints of the 13”x 20” piece were made available to the first 200 people who pledged a $50.19 or more donation to the Staten Island Not-for-Profit Association. Borough President Oddo is pleased to announce more than $10,000 has been raised from the completion of the first phase of the initiative.

Generous citizens who would like to support this effort can donate at www.sinfpa.org or by mailing a check directly to Staten Island NFP Association (950 W. Fingerboard Rd, Staten Island, NY 10305). Those who have contributed to the fund and are expecting one of the original 13”x 20” signed pieces will be receiving the print shortly, if they have not already gotten theirs.

“Staten Island, thank you! In just two weeks, you have helped us hit our goal of raising more than $10,000 to supply our frontline healthcare workers with critically needed PPE. We are so grateful to be able to bring this partnership with James Cox to the Staten Island community, and are even more grateful to see the response you have given it. Thank you to everyone who has supported this initiative, either by making a donation to the fund or by sharing this information so others may,” noted Borough President Oddo.

Thank you to Luke’s Copy Shop, who has agreed to provide prints of the illustration as their donation to the cause for both phases of the initiative. 

“Thank you to all that have donated so far. The poster version will continue this great collaboration between the Borough President’s Office, myself, Luke’s Copy Shop, and the SINFPA to raise money for the people that need it most. This whole experience is proving art can make a difference!” said Artist James Cox.

In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, Borough President Oddo has seen many Staten Islanders step up to show their support for the first responders and health care workers who have fought this crisis on the frontline. However, this story was one Borough President Oddo was particularly impressed by.

Cox, a 23-year old resident of West Brighton, with a gift for art illustration and a passion for community spirit, created his latest work of art as a tribute to health care providers and other front line workers fighting to save lives in the Coronavirus crisis. The illustration entitled “Thank You,” drawn in pencil, and then scanned into the computer where it was digitally colored-over in Photoshop, depicts frontline warriors in the Coronavirus battle holding up the Verrazano Bridge.

Cox’ mother, Renee, shared with Borough President Oddo her son’s work, stating that he hoped to support local healthcare heroes and essential frontline workers by using his artwork to raise money for needed PPE and other supplies for frontline workers. The Borough Hall team immediately fell in love with the drawing, its message, and the artist's goal, and got to work to make the concept a reality.

Borough President Oddo asked Emil Micha, a Borough Hall Graphic Designer with a long and distinguished career as art director for institutions like Sotheby's and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, to get in touch with Mr. Cox to offer his advice and expertise. After Emil spoke with the artist, Borough Hall went directly to Luke’s Copy Shop, a local small business, to make this concept a reality.

Cox explained that he came up with the idea for the piece after social distancing rules were put in place and he ventured out one night to buy food at Café Milano on Forest Avenue, realizing how fortunate he is to still be able to pick up pizza during a time like this. James lives close to Richmond University Medical Center. He shared that the night he went out for food, he felt inspired by the heroes outside his bedroom window, and began sketching the figures in the piece.

The illustration reflects his pride in being a New Yorker and a Staten Islander, and paid homage to the frontline heroes in this health crisis: from our hospital nurses and doctors and first responders and city workers to our small businesses and construction workers.
​
Cox is pursuing a Masters Degree in Arts Education at Brooklyn College. He received his BA in Art Illustration from Pratt Institute. His career goal is to be an Arts Education teacher, as well as a professional illustrator.

Last month, Borough President James Oddo partnered with FreshDirect to make an additional 400 meals available daily to Staten Islanders in need in light of the Coronavirus outbreak.  After the program, which was rolled out in all five boroughs, ended, the need for the additional meals was evident and FreshDirect has responded by extending their commitment.
Beginning today, 500 grocery boxes per day prepared by FreshDirect, will be delivered to community food pantries and disseminated by partner organizations, including Catholic Charities and Community Health Action of Staten Island. This number is up from 400 boxes daily from the initial launch of the program.
“FreshDirect is extremely thankful to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, New York City Sanitation Commissioner and current Food Czar Kathryn Garcia, and Staten Island Borough President James Oddo for his support of Operation 5-Borough Food Drive,” said Larry Scott Blackmon, Vice President of Public Affairs at FreshDirect.   “We are very grateful to continue the distribution of food to communities in Staten Island with Borough President Oddo, who has been partnership has proven invaluable.”
 
"The first phase of the FreshDirect Food Drive was so well received and we are so grateful for phase two, which is providing even more food to Staten Island’s food insecure population,” said Borough President James Oddo.  “Special thanks to FreshDirect and to CEO David McInerney for providing 500 meals daily to our community and to our partners, Catholic Charities and Community Health Action, for making sure this food gets to those who need it most."
Each grocery box, provided free of charge by FreshDirect, will contain the following:

• Rice (2 bags, 16oz)
• Pasta (2 boxes, 16oz)
• Canned beans (2 cans, 10-16oz)
• Canned meat/fish (2 cans, 3-5oz)
• Canned vegetables (2 cans, 8-15oz)
• Raisins/dried fruit (4 boxes, 2oz per box)
• Cereal/oatmeal (1 box, 10-20oz)
• Milk/milk substitute (1 container, 32oz)
• Corn (2 ears)
• 2 potatoes (two)
• 1 onion
• 1 carrot
• Orange/apple (2 in total)

 
ABOUT FRESHDIRECT:
FreshDirect is the Northeast's leading online fresh food grocer, delivering next day, same day and on-demand directly to customers throughout seven states, including the New York City and Philadelphia metropolitan areas, and the District of Columbia. FreshDirect is committed to sourcing the freshest and best-tasting meat, fish, produce, and specialty items through direct relationships with suppliers, growers, and farmers. Launched in 2002, FreshDirect is a privately held company headquartered in Bronx, NY. For more information, visit www.freshdirect.com or www.foodkick.com.

Borough President James S. Oddo announced today that his office has partnered with Richmond County Medical Society (RCMS) and the Staten Island Partnership for Community Wellness (SIPCW) to launch a COVID-19 content specific website for physicians and health care providers that offers resources for themselves and their practices, as well as for dissemination to their patients.
 
The extensive website offers telemedicine resources, malpractice guidance, updated guidelines on testing and PPE use, research studies and literature, community resources, along with wellness resources for doctors and their patients. Providers can access the healthcare webpage at www.covid19si.com. 
 
Telehealth (also known as virtual visits) has become an integral part of the healthcare system during the COVID-19 crisis. It is a useful and safe way practitioners can provide medical assistance to meet patient needs while maintaining social distancing. Given that many practices are just utilizing this technology now in light of the crisis, the site provides literature on regulatory, primary care, behavioral health and best practices from courses such as the federal government and American Medical Association (AMA).
 
“Our way of life has changed drastically during this crisis, and in turn so has the way medical care is provided. We want to be sure everyone has the tools they need to get through this crisis, which is why I am grateful to partner with the Richmond County Medical Society and the Staten Island Partnership for Community Wellness to provide our medical professionals with these resources. We will get through this challenging time, but we must continue to work together to do so,” said Borough President Jim Oddo.   
 
The website includes the ability for doctors, nurses, physicians assistants and other medical professionals to sign up to volunteer their expertise at the hospitals or nursing homes based on their skill/comfort level.
 
“We are using technology to give the Staten Island Healthcare Community clinically accurate information to better serve our patients. The web site is designed to provide world class information with a local insight into the pandemic. Healthcare workers can sign up to volunteer to work on Staten Island in a setting where that healthcare worker is clinically comfortable. All financial donations made on the website are to the Staten Island Not for Profit Association and earmarked to provide equipment and medical supplies to those Staten Island organizations that are in need during this crisis,” said Dr. John Maese, Richmond County Medical Society (RCMS).
 
A key component of the website focuses on mental health resources for patients and wellness/self care for the health care providers themselves. In order for community health care professionals to effectively take care of their patients, they must be able to help themselves first, and make sure they are mentally and emotionally prepared to help their patients.
 
“COVID-19 is putting tremendous emotional strain both on the healthcare providers responding to the pandemic and to the larger community who are at risk of developing anxiety, depression and substance misuse. It’s important for health practitioners to have access to self-care tools and local behavioral health resources both for themselves and for their patients,” said Adrienne Abbate, Executive Director, Staten Island Partnership for Community Wellness (SIPCW).
 
Medical professionals can access ongoing clinical trials and scientific papers, as well as research from around the world, which give guidance on how to manage and treat COVID-19 patients using best practices and lessons learned. Additionally, due to ever changing and numerous guidelines on testing and PPE being distributed across various sectors, the COVID-19 SI site provides a central portal to access guidance for use from agencies such as the CDC, NYC DOHMH and NYS DOH.
 
Through the website, health care providers can also make donations to support the COVID-19 response efforts of the Staten Island Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) / Medical Ecosystem (MES), a coalition managed by the Staten Island Not-For-Profit Association, in which the Office of Staten Island Borough President has an active role.

On April 1, 2020, Borough President James S. Oddo announced his office partnered with the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, the United Federation of Teachers and local restaurants and caterers for “Feeding Our Frontline,” a program that provides grab & go meals to hospital staffs at Staten Island University Hospital (both the North and South campuses) and Richmond University Medical Center. 3,000 meals have been provided so far, with another 1,500 planned to be served this week.
 
To kick off the program, the Borough President, the United Federation of Teachers, Community Television, and the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce donated over $15,000 to feed hospital staff. The collaborative partnered with local businesses A&S Caterers & Luncheonette, A Taste of Honey Caterers, Aunt Butchies of Brooklyn, Beyar’s Market and The Stone House who have all stepped up to provide meals at $7 per meal. 
 
Today, the following local pizzerias will be providing meals to hospital staffs at Staten Island University Hospital (both the North and South campuses) and Richmond University Medical Center: 80 pies from Campania Coal Fired Pizza, 20 pies from Ciro Pizza Café, 65 pies from DiLeo’s Pizzeria and 100 pies from Millie’s of Staten Island.
 
The program has been able to continue thus far as a result of generous partners and members of the community who have made donations for the meals. As of Monday morning, $38,965 has been donated to the initiative, with donations beginning at a $35 contribution to feed five healthcare workers. Borough President Oddo, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, and UFT extend their gratitude to all those who have donated and those who have come forward as sponsors to ensure this program can continue.
 
The collaborative would like to thank the following corporate sponsors of the “Feeding Our Frontline” initiative: Former Deputy Mayor Howard Wolfson, UFT President Mike Mulgrew, The Staten Island Yankees, Sunrise Office Services, Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Plus, Miller's Launch/Miller's Tug & Barge, Former City Councilmember Sal Albanese, Ana Patricia Cosentino, C.B. Contracting Corp., Deputy Borough President Edward Burke, Former City Councilmember Fred Cerullo, Notre Dame Club of Staten Island - Bread of Life Food Drive, Richmond County Baseball Club, Rossana Pontecorvo, Joseph Simone, Anne Marie and Robert Rautenstrauch, Ashleigh Owens, Donald and Kathleen Helt, Jean Giobbie, M/M Frank  Coccaro, Robert Ryan, and the Sisters of St. Dorothy.
 
Borough President Oddo, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, and UFT also extend their gratitude to those who have used their respective platforms to promote the “Feeding Our Frontline” Initiative, including the Staten Island Advance for covering the program on multiple occasions, as well as those in the Staten Island Delegation and all community partners and constituents who have shared the donation link to help get the word out to the greater Staten Island universe.
 
“We are so grateful to everyone who has contributed to help us serve free meals for our nurses and frontline healthcare workers in order to show our appreciation for their daily strength and caring. As we fight each day to get them the supplies they need, the least we can do is continue to get them some food to eat. We appreciate A&S Caterers & Luncheonette, A Taste of Honey Caterers, Aunt Butchies of Brooklyn, Beyar’s Market and The Stone House, as well as Campania, Millie’s of Staten Island and DiLeo’s Pizza, for working with us to get to a price point that makes this program doable,” said Borough President Jim Oddo.
 
“You can always count on Staten Islanders to come together when you need them the most. It’s been wonderful to see so much generosity as both businesses and residents continue to contribute to this initiative. We send a big thank you to all of our essential workers who have been working tirelessly to take care of our community,” said Linda Baran, President & CEO of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce.  “The Chamber thanks Borough President Oddo and our partners, we are honored to take part in an effort that supports our hospital workers while supporting our local businesses as well.”
 
“I want to thank everyone who has stepped up to support this initiative.  Our frontline workers during the pandemic deserve all the support we can give them,” said UFT President Michael Mulgrew.
 
Click here to make a donation or join the program as a sponsor. 

​In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, Borough President Oddo has seen many Staten Islander step up to show their support for the first responders and health care workers who have fought this crisis on the frontline. However, there was one story Borough President Oddo was particularly impressed by.
 
James Cox, a 23-year old resident of West Brighton, Staten Island, with a gift for art illustration and a passion for community spirit, created his latest work of art as a tribute to our health care providers and other front line workers fighting to save lives in the Coronavirus crisis. The illustration entitled “Thank You,” drawn in pencil, and then scanned into the computer where it was digitally colored-over in photo-shop, depicts our frontline warriors in the Coronavirus battle holding up the Verrazano Bridge.
 
A week ago, James Cox’ mother, Renee, shared with Borough President Oddo her son’s work, stating that he hoped to sell prints in order to raise money to buy needed PPE (personal protective equipment) and other supplies for frontline workers. The Borough Hall team immediately fell in love with the drawing, its message and James’ goal, and got to work to make the concept a reality.
 
Borough President Oddo asked Emil Micha—a Borough Hall Graphic Designer with a long and distinguished career as art director for institutions like Sotheby's and the Metropolitan Museum of Art—to get in touch with Mr. Cox to offer his advice and expertise. After Emil spoke with Mr. Cox, Borough Hall went directly to Luke’s Copy Shop, a local small business, to make this concept a reality.
 
Borough President Oddo is pleased to announce his staff has collaborated with Mr. Cox to make “Thank You” available to the public. Prints of the 13 X 20 piece, signed by Mr. Cox, will be sent to the first two-hundred people who make a donation of $50.19 or more to the Staten Island Not-for-Profit Association, a local organization fielding donations for PPE’s and other supplies for local community-based organizations. Luke’s Copy Shop will provide prints of the illustration as their donation to the cause.
 
Generous citizens who would like to support this effort and help James with his goal of getting these urgently supplies into the hands that need them can donate at https://bit.ly/SINFPAdonate or by mailing a check directly to Staten Island NFP Association (950 W Fingerboard Rd, SI, NY 10304).
 
Artist James Cox explained that he came up with the idea for the piece after social distancing rules were put in place and he ventured out one night to buy food at Café Milano on Forest Avenue, realizing how fortunate he is to still be able to pick up pizza during a time like this:
 
“I live close to Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC), where sirens can be heard almost all day, every day, since the coronavirus outbreak worsened. The same night I went out for food, feeling inspired by the heroes just outside my bedroom window, I began sketching the figures in the piece.
 
“I wanted to create an illustration that reflected my pride in being a New Yorker and a Staten Islander, and that paid homage to the front line heroes in this health crisis: from our hospital nurses and doctors and first responders and city workers to our small business and construction workers.”
 
“We are so proud of James, who sets a shining example for Staten Islanders about how art can inspire and heal and rally us to good causes. I also applaud his mom and family who brought his idea to my attention. James’ illustration will help to raise funds for supplies for our front line workers and reinforces that Staten Islanders are all in this together. I cannot wait to see more great work from James as he follows his heart and talents toward a teaching career,” said Borough President James Oddo.
 
James is pursuing a Master Degree in Arts Education at Brooklyn College. He received his BA in Art Illustration from Pratt Institute. His career goal is to be an Arts Education teacher, as well as a professional illustrator.

​Borough President James S. Oddo announced today that his office has partnered with Richmond County Medical Society (RCMS), Community Health Action of Staten Island (CHASI) and New York Chapter of the American College of Physicians (NY ACP) to launch “10,000 Calls,” an initiative aimed at physician offices that encourages outreach to patients, and/or their caregivers, to provide quick “wellbeing/social check-in” call. Calls will be prioritized to those living alone and over 65 years of age first.
 
The 10,000 Calls Initiative is being led by Richmond County Medical Society, in partnership with Borough Hall and Community Health Action of Staten Island. Similar projects have been supported by the New York Chapter of the American College of Physicians on a statewide basis.
 
The 10,000 Calls Initiative arms physician offices and their staff members with questions to ask patients, and/or their caregivers, concerning relevant critical areas related to the COVID-19 outbreak. Physician staff will ask patients about:
-          Patient’s overall health, such as how a patient is feeling and if there are any pressing health concerns;
-          Need for medication assistance, such as refills, picking up meds, assisting with medication deliveries;
-          Concerns related to pandemic, such as when and where to get tested, who needs to be tested, when to go to emergency department;
-          And concrete help related to social support, such as those related to food (list of pantries, pick up, delivery of food and/or grocery stores) and mental health.
 
“We want to make sure that people have what they need during this trying time, which is why I am grateful for Richmond County Medical Society and Community Health Action of Staten Island for partnering with us to bring this 10,000 Calls Initiative to Staten Island. We will get through this crisis, but we have to continue to work together to do so,” noted Borough President James Oddo.
 
During initial rollout phase, multiple patients needed medication refills, few needed follow-up due to feeling overwhelmed and anxious, and most had a family member or friend checking up on them.
 
"Primary Care Physicians are part of the fabric of our patients’ lives.  We are privileged to be invited to share in patients' celebrations and sorrows, and to advise in times of challenge and fear. As such the office teams are frequent sources of information and comfort, especially in trying times as we are experiencing with COVID19. The 10,000 Calls Project seeks to access the bonds of kinship between patients and their Primary Care Physicians. We believe patients will be honest about their needs and that the physician's office recommendations will be perceived as secure and safe by patients. This is an easy social outreach that brings caring for the individual to a new and more meaningful level,” said Dr. John Maese, Richmond County Medical Society (RCMS).
 
“Community Health Action welcomes this innovative collaboration with Borough Hall, the Richmond County Medical Society and the Staten Island provider community. We stand ready to support their efforts to connect people to critical services,” said Diane Arneth, Executive Director, Community Health Action of Staten Island.
 
If a call results in a patient needing further assistance to additional resources, the physician’s office will ask for consent for a partner to reach out to CHASI who will offer additional support to the patient. CHASI will offer telephonic support on a variety of fronts, such as daily check-ins via a CHASI case manager/counselor if a patient assessment warrant, as well as non-medical needs such as care navigation, emergency food, assistance with benefits, housing, and/or domestic violence issues.
 
CHASI will also be connecting people to drug treatment, harm reduction programs and recovery services as needed. Issues surrounding mental health, such as anxiety, depression, suicide ideations etc., will be connected to 1-800-NYC-WELL, suicide hot line, or RUMC’s new crisis help line at 718-818-6300.
 
It is important to note that this is not a tele-health visit, nor is it aimed to duplicate social determinants of health templates already within the community. The 10,000 Calls Initiative is a program instituted to offer emotional and social support to a community in need during this time. 

In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Borough Hall staff has been working closely with The Staten Island Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) to assess the needs of local community healthcare and social organizations. This coordination has allowed the Staten Island Delegation to accurately allocate supplies and resources to our community's frontline healthcare workers and providers of critical services.
 
The Staten Island Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) / Medical Ecosystem (MES) coalition, managed by the Staten Island Not For Profit Association (SINFPA), was developed after Superstorm Sandy to better prepare our local community organizations for disasters and/or emergencies, be it an act of nature or man-made. In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the SI COAD has been activated for the last several weeks to provide outreach, communications, resources, connections, guidance and coordination between/among nonprofits, the health care community and public officials/government agencies.
 
In partnership with the Borough President’s Office, SINFPA’s COAD coalition has been collecting status on operations, challenges and the needs of our healthcare and social services providers, nonprofits and community organizations in order to help address any critical needs and serve as a resource for information and assistance. Local organizations are encouraged to fill out this survey to share how they are being impacted and request supplies: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SInfpCOVID-19.
 
“The Staten Island delegation continues to work collaboratively to find supplies our community organizations on the front line desperately need during this crisis. We know the surge is coming; we’ve got to have the supplies and staffing when it does, which is why we are grateful for the compassion and expertise the Staten Island COAD has provided in our efforts to support our community's first responders and frontline healthcare workers. We will get through this, but we have to continue to work together to do so,” noted Borough President James Oddo.
 
As of March 30, 2020, the COAD had received more than 50 responses from local organizations with information on how they have shifted operations as well as requests for supplies. As hospitals and nursing homes remain on the priority list for supplies including personal protective equipment (PPE) from NY Emergency Management, the COAD is working with local public official to meet the needs of our other healthcare and social services providers.
 
COAD staff, board and volunteers have been working in partnership with Borough Hall, local medical, community-based and faith-based partners as well as grassroots networks, to self-source the necessary supplies. These supplies enable our community's frontline healthcare workers to continue caring for our most vulnerable in group homes and other organizations providing essential services such as food delivery, home visits, and other crucial social services.
 
The SI COAD has also assisted in promoting the request for PPE donations the Staten Island elected official delegation announced on March 21, 2020 by actively contacting pharmacies, medical/dental offices and other small businesses that may have supply to share that match the need in the community. The Delegation put out a call to dentists and physicians who may be closing their offices during this time to donate their PPE so that healthcare professionals on the front lines of this crisis can continue to safely care for ill patients. The call has now extended to all small businesses that are closed or seeing fewer customers during this time. Those interested in donating should visit www.statenislandusa.com/PPE and complete the intake form.
 
“It has been invaluable to have Borough President Oddo's not only support, but complete team's engagement and efforts to lead our local response and relief efforts on Staten Island.  No other borough has this type of leadership, public official support all around working in partnership with our community-based nonprofit organizations, social service, healthcare and medical providers. It's amazing what we have been able to do together. Literally, in a matter of 36 hours we sourced needed medical supplies from generous community partners like local pharmacies and got them in the hands of our frontline healthcare workers at our group homes and other healthcare and social services providers.  This is truly a model of cross-sector collaboration and collective impact. The BP, his staff and this coalition of leaders came together to quickly assess the critical needs of our communities source supplies, coordinate securing them; and get them where they needed to go.  This was no easy feat, but one we needed to do seeing the need of our community groups and frontline providers,” said Sharmila Rao Thakkar, MPH, MPA, Executive Director, Staten Island Not For Profit Association / SI COAD.
 
ABOUT STATEN ISLAND NOT FOR PROFIT ASSOCIATION:
 
Since 2005, the Staten Island Not For Profit Association, Inc. (SINFPA) has provided resources, support and advocacy for the borough’s nonprofit community. The Association was created to provide a single "voice" for nonprofits in Staten Island, and to enhance the economic impact that nonprofits provide to Staten Island communities. Members include 100+ cultural institutions, faith-based organizations, health care providers, senior & youth service providers, and local community groups that provide services and programs for our diverse Staten Island communities and neighborhoods. Through educational workshops, group trainings and facilitated conversations, SINFPA strives to make sure nonprofits have what they need to continue being a service provider, employer, volunteer opportunity, and active part of the Staten Island community.
 
The Staten Island Community Organizations Active in Disaster (SI COAD) facilitates ongoing collaboration within the Staten Island nonprofit sector to enhance and strengthen its state of readiness in times of crisis and disaster; interfaces with response organizations on the federal, state and local level; and provides opportunities for learning and sharing resources to promote a culture of preparedness in the borough. The Medical Ecosystem (MES) subcommittee of the COAD brings the voice and expertise of our local hospitals, nursing homes, mental health providers, volunteer EMS and other health care organizations that provide assistance in the event of a large-scale emergency into the network.  COAD participants include representatives of our public officials, human service agencies, service providers, educational organizations,  hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and private ambulances, including Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health, Richmond University Medical Center, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Meals on Wheels, Project Hospitality, SI Long Term Recovery Organization, JCC of Staten Island, Eden II Programs, Staten Island Partnership for Community Wellness, Snug Harbor, IlluminArt Productions, Volunteer Heart Ambulance, Gotham Health, Visiting Nurse Service, and Port Richmond CERT. Response agencies such as the NYC Department of Health & NYC Emergency Management are also members. Visit us at www.sinfpa.org.

Borough President James S. Oddo announced today that his office has partnered with the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, the United Federation of Teachers and local restaurants and caterers for a new program “Feeding Our Frontline.”
 
Beginning today, “Feeding Our Frontline” will provide grab & go meals to hospital staffs at Staten Island University Hospital (both the North and South campuses) and Richmond University Medical Center.
 
To kick off the program, the Borough President, the United Federation of Teachers, Community Television, and the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce have donated over $15,000 to feed hospital staff, partnering with local restaurants and caterers who have stepped up to provide meals at $7 per meal.  Each mealtime, 1,400 total meals will be served.
 
Additionally, the collaborative is making it possible for community partners and members of the community to contribute as well. The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce will accept monetary donations for the meals on their website. Anyone who wishes may make a donation to help feed our dedicated hospital staff. The donations begin at a $35 contribution, which will feed five healthcare workers.
 
The United Federation of Teachers also has begun its own separate program, providing free meals three times a week to its 1,000 nurse members at Staten Island University South and NYU Brooklyn.
 
“What our nurses and front line healthcare workers are doing each day is nothing short of heroic. As we fight each day to get them the supplies they need, the least we can do is get them some food to eat at the hospital or maybe take home,” said Borough President Jim Oddo. “We are thrilled to partner with the Chamber, CTV, the UFT and local restaurants to meet this need.”
 
“The Chamber is privileged to take part in the Feeding Our Frontline initiative.  This collective effort is a small gesture to show our appreciation for all the essential workers who are selflessly taking care of our community.  At the same time, it also allows us to support our local businesses when sorely needed,” said Linda Baran, President & CEO of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce.
 
UFT President Micahel Mulgrew said, "I want to thank everyone who has stepped up to help.  It’s important that we do all that we can to support our nurses and other healthcare workers during this crisis."
 
“Borough President Oddo has been a solid partner with us, supporting our healthcare heroes at RUMC since the very beginning,” RUMC president and chief executive officer, Daniel J. Messina, PhD, FACHE, said. “On behalf of everyone at RUMC our tremendous thanks to the borough president, Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, the United Federation of Teachers and our local restaurants for thinking of us. You will be forever in our hearts.”
 
“It has been a relief to know that we can count on our Borough President, Chamber, local delegates and unions during such a difficult healthcare challenge. They have been a true partner and support system to Staten Island University Hospital,” Dr. Brahim Ardolic, Executive Director of Staten Island University Hospital.
 
To make a donation or join the program as a sponsor, please visit https://statenislandnycoc.wliinc19.com/events/Feeding-Our-Frontline-265/detail