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

 Joint statement by Borough President Oddo, Congressman Max Rose, District Attorney Michael E. McMahon, Senator Diane Savino, Senator Andrew Lanza, Assemblyman Michael Cusick, Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis, Assemblyman Mike Reilly, Assemblyman Charles Fall, Councilman Steven Matteo, Councilman Joe Borelli, and Councilwoman Debi Rose:
 
“As elected officials during the time of COVID-19, our shared and primary focus is ensuring those on the front lines of this fight are equipped with the equipment and support necessary to continue their inspiring, life-saving work. We are proud to supply 5,000 N95 masks to Richmond University Medical Center and Staten Island University Hospital, to be given directly to the heroes working around the clock to treat our family members, loved ones, and neighbors suffering from this terrible illness.”
 
The 5,000 N95 masks were purchased with funds from District Attorney McMahon Office’s NYS Asset Forfeiture Fund. When the district attorney’s office prosecutes crimes against revenue (benefits fraud, unemployment fraud, etc.), a percentage of the money is provided to the NYS Asset Forfeiture Fund for use in a variety of ways.
 
PPE DONATIONS NEEDED:
 
Staten Island’s elected official delegation will continue to work in close coordination to continue directing PPE to the places they are most needed. On March 21, 2020, the Staten Island Delegation put out a call to any dentists or 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 delegation has now extended this to all small businesses that are closed or seeing fewer patients during this time. Any offices interested in donating should visit www.statenislandusa.com/PPE and fill out the intake form. A staff member from Borough Hall will be in touch shortly to arrange pick up of your donations.

​Borough President James S. Oddo announced today that his office has partnered with District Attorney Michael E. McMahon to launch a campaign called “Hiya Neighbor,” bringing the principles of New York State’s Strive for Five Challenge to our community.
 
The “Hiya Neighbor” campaign encourages Staten Islanders to check on the senior citizens in their neighborhoods, making sure they are doing OK, all the while practicing social distancing.
 
The Strive for Five Challenge was created as a way for New Yorkers to look out for their fellow New Yorkers, continuing social connections as we work our way through COVID-19. The challenge consists of the following: find five people who you will check-in with by phone, video, chat or social media each day for the next 30-days, with an emphasis on prioritizing people who may be isolated, live alone, are in recovery, or who are feeling anxious or fearful.
 
The Strive for Five Challenge reminds people to remember the key elements of empathy as they reach out to their friends and family: I am in this with you; I am not here to fix you; I am not here to feel it for you; But I AM here to feel it with you and let you know you are not alone.
 
“A population that really concerns us right now in the wake of this coronavirus outbreak is our elderly friends and family members, as we unfortunately know that this virus has the potential to be very dangerous to them,” noted Borough President Oddo. “We want to make sure that people have what they need right now, but can’t stress enough the importance of being as safe as possible. With that in mind, I am asking neighbors to check in with the older adults on your blocks. Give them a call, ring the bell and jump back 6 feet to say hello, do your part to make sure everything is OK. We will get through this, but we have to work together to do so.”
 
“COVID-19 has impacted every American in one way or another, however its effects are felt most acutely by elder Americans, particularly those who live alone. The Hiya Neighbor campaign encourages Staten Islanders to check in on those who may be struggling getting basic supplies, battling loneliness, or are just missing out on their daily activities." noted DA McMahon. "We are asking every Staten Islander to “Strive for Five,” and safely check in on five individuals who might be in need or at advanced risk from COVID-19. Thank you to Borough President Oddo for his outstanding leadership on behalf of our borough during these difficult times.”

​Borough President James Oddo has partnered with FreshDirect to make an additional 400 meals available daily to Staten Islanders in need in light of the Coronavirus outbreak.
 
FreshDirect, in partnership with all five of New York City’s Borough Presidents, Ruben Diaz Jr. from the Bronx, Gale Brewer from Manhattan, Eric Adams from Brooklyn, Sharon Lee from Queens, and Borough President Oddo announced yesterday the launch of  “Operation 5-Borough Food Drive,” a citywide food initiative to assist New York families in need. Beginning Tuesday, the program consists of weekly (Monday through Friday) deliveries of 10,000 grocery boxes across the city.
 
“As a Bronx-based business, it is imperative that we do our part to provide support and assistance to our fellow New Yorkers in need,” said David McInerney, CEO, FreshDirect. “At FreshDirect, our mission is to deliver fresh, quality food and now more than ever, through these trying times of uncertainty, our neighbors are concerned about where their next meal will come from. We must band together with our local leaders and leverage our resources to take away that concern.”
 
The packages will arrive by FreshDirect vehicles to Community Health Action of Staten Island and Catholic Charities, who will facilitate getting the food to needy families.
 
"We have seen so many community members and organizations step up during this difficult time. We are grateful to FreshDirect and to CEO David McInerney for providing 400 meals daily to our community while many of the food pantries struggle to meet the need. This influx of food will surely help so many on Staten Island. Thank you to Fresh Direct and to our partners, Catholic Charities and Community Health Action, for making sure this food gets to those who need it most," said Borough President James Oddo.
 
“We at Catholic Charities of Staten Island are so grateful to FreshDirect for helping us stem the tide of hunger in our needy population - especially at this difficult time on Staten Island,” said Vincent M. Ignizio, CEO of Catholic Charities of Staten Island.  “We will continue to work with any and all Staten Island’s  non-profit organizations to ensure it gets directly in the hands of those in need.”
 
“Community Health Action of Staten Island welcomes this amazing partnership with FreshDirect to bring additional food to those in need. Last week, visits to our Community Food Pantry more than doubled. These added resources will help us meet the challenge as those most vulnerable to economic and food insecurity struggle with the effects of this crisis,” said Diane Arneth, Executive Director of Community Health Action of Staten Island.
 
Each box, which is being 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 to 5 oz
•         Canned Vegetable, 2 cans, 8 to 15 oz
•         Raisins / Dry Fruit, 4 boxes, 2 oz per box
•         Cereal/Oatmeal, 1 Box, 10 to 20 oz
•         Milk / Milk Substitute, 1 container, 32 oz
•         Corn, 2 ears
•         2 Potatoes
•         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. 

​Joint statement by Borough President Oddo, Congressman Max Rose, District Attorney Michael E. McMahon, Senator Diane Savino, Senator Andrew Lanza, Assemblyman Michael Cusick, Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis, Assemblyman Mike Reilly, Assemblyman Charles Fall, Councilman Steven Matteo, Councilman Joe Borelli, and Councilwoman Debi Rose:
 
“Surge; Supplies; Staffing. These are the three overarching concerns we continue to be focused on. Our offices have been and will continue to do all we can to ensure that our local hospitals, clinicians, not-for profits, community-based organizations (CBOs), and anyone else who needs supplies, does in fact have what they need. We are in an all-out effort to work every level of government and every other possible source to acquire the supplies and equipment needed for our healthcare professionals.”
 
After hearing directly from a few local organizations about the supply shortages they were facing, the Staten Island Delegation worked with Super Health Pharmacy to purchase a limited amount of  masks, gloves, thermometers, and hand sanitizer to distribute directly to our healthcare professionals in need.
 
This week, supplies were distributed directly to those on the front line at the following organizations:
 

• CHASI – masks and hand sanitizer
• Community Health Center of Richmond (CHCR) – masks, gloves and hand sanitizer
• Meals on Wheels – masks, thermometers and hand sanitizer
• Jewish Board – masks, gloves and hand sanitizer
• Seamen's Society – masks, gloves, thermometers and hand sanitizer
• CPA – masks, gloves and thermometers
• Brielle – masks and gloves
• A Very Special Place – masks, gloves, thermometers and hand sanitizer
• Eden II – masks and gloves
• Beacon – masks, gloves and hand sanitizer
• Goodhue – gloves and hand sanitizer
• Project Hospitality – gloves and hand sanitizer

 
Hand sanitizer was also distributed to Richmond University Medical Center, Eger Nursing Home and Golden Gate Rehabilitation Center.
 
Staten Island’s elected official delegation will continue to work in close coordination to continue directing PPE to the places they are most needed. On March 21, 2020, the Staten Island Delegation put out a call to any dentists or 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 delegation has now extended this to all small businesses that are closed or seeing fewer patients during this time. Any offices interested in donating should visit www.statenislandusa.com/PPE and fill out the intake form. A staff member from Borough Hall will be in touch shortly to arrange pick up of your donations.

Joint statement by Borough President Oddo, Congressman Max Rose, District Attorney Michael E. McMahon, Senator Diane Savino, Senator Andrew Lanza, Assemblyman Michael Cusick, Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis, Assemblyman Mike Reilly, Assemblyman Charles Fall, Councilman Steven Matteo, Councilman Joe Borelli, and Councilwoman Debi Rose:
 
“We are joining together to thank the Global Hero Foundation for coming forward at this time of need. Founders Gary Kong and Staten Island native Billie Mitchell remind us that as New Yorkers and Americans, we come together in times of need. This donation of 40,000 surgical masks and 600 N95 masks will immediately help safeguard those on the front lines of this imminent crisis. We are working closely with medical personnel in our hospitals and nursing homes to meet their needs. Additionally, we want to be sure that bus drivers who are transporting essential personnel to and from their jobs have the much needed protection, as they drive their routes.”
 
Deliveries of these masks will be made to support the needs of both of our hospitals, Staten Island University Hospital and Richmond University Medical Center. The supplies will also be distributed to members of 1199SEIU and Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU). The following nursing homes and community-based organizations (CBOs) specializing in helping our special needs population will be receiving the personal protective equipment (PPE): Silver Lake Specialized Care Center, Staten Island Care Center, Richmond Care Center, Stella Orton Home Care, Richmond Home Needs Services, A Very Special Place, Person Centered Care Services (PCCS), Heartshare, Community Resources, Catholic Charities of SI, On Your Mark, Crossroads Unlimited Inc., Eden II, AHRC, Meals on Wheels, SIDDSO, Eger Nursing Home and Harbor House, and Detectives Endowment.
 
Additionally, Staten Island’s elected official delegation will continue to work in close coordination to continue directing PPE to the places they are most needed. On March 21, 2020, the Staten Island Delegation put out a call to any dentists or 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 delegation has now extended this to all small businesses that are closed or seeing fewer patients during this time. Any offices interested in donating should visit www.statenislandusa.com/PPE and fill out the intake form. A staff member from Borough Hall will be in touch shortly to arrange pick up of your donations.
 
ABOUT THE GLOBAL HERO FOUNDATION www.globalherofoundation.org:

Founder Sir Gary Kong, also the owner of Classic New York beer and the 1 wine www.the1wine.com, sits as co-chair for the Sino Chamber of Commerce.  Staten Island native, Billie Mitchell who is the CEO of the 1 Wine & Classic New York Beer is also the co-founder of the Global Hero Foundation along with Co- Founder Ying Zhu. It is a self-funded organization with a goal of saving lives, creating a better world and honoring those people who dedicated their lives to helping others. 
 
The mission of the Global Hero Foundation is to help ordinary people do extraordinary things. The Foundation achieves that goal by providing financial support, medical supplies, payment of medical bills, and travel expenses for those tasked with assisting others whenever and wherever disaster or crisis occurs. The Global Hero Foundation defines Global Heroes as: Doctors, Nurses, Medical Professionals, First Responders and members of point of contact organizations.
 
With the goal of helping to eradicate the spread of COVID-19 in China, the Global Hero Foundation recently sent more than 26,808 pounds (40 pallets) of medical supplies to the Red Cross Society of China, Fujian Branch to be distributed throughout nine provinces across the country to help protect the people and contain the virus, and to help eliminate the spread to other countries. 
 
Recognizing that New York City is experiencing a shortage of the N95 masks, the Global Hero Foundation has acquired 600 N95 Masks, and 40,000 cloth masks which will be distributed to local health care providers who are risking their lives to save and help individuals who may be afflicted with the coronavirus.

​As the entire Staten Island Delegation continues to work together to address the COVID-19 outbreak, Borough President James S. Oddo announced today he has appointed disaster management guru Brad Gair to serve as a pro bono Special Advisor to Borough Hall and the entire Staten Island Delegation.
 
Brad Gair, a disaster recovery expert with more than 25 years of emergency management experience in areas hit by natural and man-made disasters, served as director of housing recovery operations under Mayor Michael Bloomberg in the wake of Superstorm Sandy. Prior to this, Brad served as Deputy Commissioner with the New York City Office of Emergency Management as well as a FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer, including serving as Federal Recovery Officer in New York City after 9/11 and in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina.
 
"Governor Cuomo announced yesterday he’s bringing back to his team some trusted old hands who had previously worked for his Administration. We think that is a smart approach, and we are happy to tell Staten Island we are partnering again with Brad Gair; he will be a pro bono Special Advisor to Borough Hall and the Staten Island elected delegation,” noted Borough President Oddo.
 
“Brad and Staten Island walked many of those initial long miles after Sandy, and although there were some animated moments in those early days, a deep respect was earned and built. Brad is a cool head, an experienced voice, has a perspective from 20,000 feet, and yet still has the ability to see the minutiae on the ground. He will join our daily conference calls, and will be available around the clock for guidance.”