Program will address high blood pressure concern among African American men in barbershops along the North Shore of Staten Island

​Borough President James Oddo announced today ‘Take the Pressure Off Staten Island’ (TPO SI), a pilot program offered within barbershops in an effort to increase the awareness and treatment of high blood pressure among black men in our community, will officially begin at Against da Grain Barber Shop (206 Bay Street) this weekend. TPO SI is a program offered through a partnership with the City Health Department and Dr. Joseph Ravenell, an expert in the field of hypertension, along with community partners.
 
The launch of the program will take place on August 8th from 12pm to 4pm and will also provide the opportunity to receive COVID-19 diagnostic testing through NYC Health + Hospitals. TPO SI will be expanded to Executive Cuts Barber Shop (382 Bay Street) in the coming weeks.  
 
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it may not show symptoms before causing a heart attack or stroke. Hypertension is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke among New Yorkers; more than one in four adult New Yorkers is diagnosed with high blood pressure. In New York City, the prevalence of hypertension is 1.5 times higher among African American adults than white adults, and African American men have a significantly higher rate of hypertension than white men. Individuals in communities with high health disparities have historically struggled to access care.
 
On Staten Island, the number of hospitalizations related to hypertension are higher than other boroughs. St. George/Stapleton ranks in the top ten neighborhoods in the City for hypertension hospitalizations and heart disease.
 
“From the first moment I saw Dr. Ravenell’s TED Talk about how barbershops could be used to help address hypertension among black men, Borough Hall has been working to set up a pilot program could replicate it on Staten Island. As we have heard government express such dismay at health disparities of COVID impacts across the city, we are grateful to be at this point in our effort to team up with Dr. Ravenell to expand his brilliantly simple yet effective plan of using barbershops to address tragically high hypertension rates among black men. The "Silent Killer" is wreaking havoc on Staten Island, too,” said Borough President James Oddo. “Going for a haircut has always been thought of - and rightly so - as contributing to a neat and clean appearance.  But now there is something more to it:  for some folks, it may be contributing to a longer life.”
 
Dr. Ravenell started a Men’s Health Initiative at NYU’s Langone Health to address high blood pressure by bringing together a diverse group of research assistants, community health workers, and volunteers—including barbers—to barbershops in various neighborhoods across New York City to take blood pressure readings of African American men and connect those who are at risk of hypertension with medical care. The results of the program show a significant improvement in blood pressure among barbershop customers who participated.
 
BP Oddo first discovered Dr. Joseph Ravenell’s work while reading “Who Can You Trust?” by Rachel Botsman. He subsequently watched Dr. Ravenell’s TED Talk on African American men and high blood pressure which detailed the barbershop pilot program. BP Oddo invited Dr. Ravenell to Borough Hall for a meeting with his staff and local clergy in June 2018 to talk about replicating the program on Staten Island. Over the past two years, Borough President Oddo and Dr. Ravenell have worked cohesively to replicate this program for Staten Island.

​Port Richmond High School will partner with CSI to begin this unique six-year program

​Borough President James S. Oddo, Department of Education Chancellor Richard Carranza, College of Staten Island President William Fritz and Port Richmond High School Principal Andrew Greenfield today announced the launch of the borough’s first “Pathways to Technology Early College High School,” or P-TECH, at the start of the 2020-2021 school year.  Previously, Staten Island had been the only borough without one.
  
P-TECH is a six-year program within Port Richmond that offers students the opportunity to receive a high school diploma from PRHS, a tuition-free Associate’s Degree from CSI, and perhaps most importantly, hands-on work experience and education from an “industry partner,” yet to be chosen.  This industry partner will be selected from one of a variety of specialized fields, including healthcare, technology, public utilities or finance, including Fortune 500 companies.  The partner will provide students with work-based learning activities including work site visits, mentoring and internships. 
 
The program will also feature a summer institute that will "bridge" learning in preparation for fall opening. Summer institute and general program information will be available at www.PortRichmondHS.org.
 
The initial request for a P-TECH on Staten Island was contained in a letter from Borough President Oddo to then newly-appointed NYC Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza.  Together, they have been working to bring the program to Staten Island high school students since Carranza visited with Oddo during City Hall in Your Borough in August of 2018.
  
“No longer will Staten Island be the only borough without a P-TECH school,” said Borough President James Oddo. “Starting in September, students will have a unique opportunity to start as normal high school freshmen, but by the time they finish the fourteenth grade, they will have a diploma, a degree, and, perhaps most importantly, the knowledge and skills necessary to move right into a specialized job. Getting us to this point has not been easy. Admittedly, there have been many fits and starts. I have to thank the Borough Hall team for their doggedness in not stopping their pursuit of P-TECH until we achieved our long-standing goal. I truly believe that all of our hard work is going to pay off in a big way.”
  
“This program brings Staten Island students rigorous, career-oriented instruction and a clear path to a free Associate’s degree that will provide high-quality education, stability and certainty as we continue to navigate a global pandemic,” said Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza. “This is what Equity & Excellence for All is about, and I am grateful to Borough President Oddo for his partnership and advocacy in bringing P-TECH to the borough for the first time.”
 
“This is an amazing opportunity for the students of Port Richmond High School and the entire Staten Island community,” said Port Richmond High School Principal Andrew Greenfield. “I am thankful to the Borough President, the Department of Education and the College of Staten Island for collaborating to make this program a reality. Members of this year’s incoming freshman class will have the opportunity to graduate with a high school diploma from Port Richmond High School and an Associate’s Degree in Computer Science from the College of Staten Island.
 
College of Staten Island President William J. Fritz commented: “The College is excited about this unprecedented opportunity to partner with Port Richmond High School to create the borough’s first P-TECH school with the support of the Borough President and the Department of Education. This major academic initiative will advance the success of our future students in alignment with CSI’s focus on high school collaborations through the 30,000 Degrees Initiative, local economic development, and its growing role as an anchor institution.”
  
"The pandemic has accelerated the advance of the digital economy and increased the importance of initiatives like the Grades 9-14 model, which provides students with significant advantages in preparing for college and successful careers" said Kathryn Wylde, President and CEO of Partnership for New York City.

​Borough President James Oddo and District Attorney Michael E. McMahon announced today they are encouraging small, organized groups who are interested in hosting clean ups in their neighborhoods to do so.
 
“We’ve had several groups reach out to our office who are interested in doing clean ups,” said Borough President Oddo. “I’m heartened by these groups – Scouts and others – who are willing to go out and clean up. I’d like to encourage those who are willing and able to do so to send us pictures of their work so we can thank you for doing your part to correct this self-inflicted problem.”
 
The Borough President and District Attorney want to caution groups to hold clean ups only where it is safe to do so, exercise safety at all times, and only clean on good quality air days.
 
“Litter is a problem of our own doing, yet too many of our neighbors continue to carelessly dispose of their trash on our sidewalks, streets, and parks. Not only does this selfish behavior become an eyesore and is punishable by law, we know unkept public spaces can become magnets for far more serious criminal activity,” said District Attorney McMahon. “I’m proud to join Borough President Oddo in encouraging and supporting considerate Staten Islanders to clean up after their less-thoughtful neighbors. While it should not have to be this way, together we can make our Island a cleaner and safer place.”
 
Local groups who are interested in hosting a cleanup and need a site to clean or need support with supplies – including masks, garbage bags, and/or gloves – should email Irene Maiello at imaiello@statenislandusa.com or Lisa Thompson at Lisa.Thompson@rcda.nyc.gov.
 
Groups are asked to organize themselves and take necessary safety precautions, including:

• Keep groups to 10 people or less
• Practice social distancing
• Wear a mask and gloves
• Stay hydrated
• Do not handle illicit drug paraphernalia or potentially dangerous items, report them to 311

 
Those who participate are encouraged to post before and after photos on social media with the hashtag #SILitterHero to be re-posted by both office’s social media accounts.

​Borough President Oddo announced today a litter PSA video featuring local kids (Borough Hall staff families) expressing their disgust for litter.
 
The PSA video shows that “even the kids know” litter is bad for where we live, but “they know what to do”: pick it up and throw it in the trash can.
 
“Staten Island listen up. Our litter problem is a self-inflicted one that Staten Islanders are doing to other Staten Islanders, one that Staten Islanders are doing to kids who are calling on you to help them keep their home clean. We hope these Staten Islanders grow up to be less inclined to act selfishly and demonstrate a greater appreciation for their neighbors and our Island,” said Borough President Oddo.
 
This first video features the children and grandchildren of Borough Hall staffers sharing the message to keep Staten Island clean. This is meant to kick off the new campaign and the Borough President is asking Staten Island parents to share videos of their kids sharing their messages to properly dispose of garbage and keep our borough clean. If interested in your child taking part in our anti-litter campaign, please contact Renee Sarno at RSarno@statenislandusa.com for details.
 
Borough President Oddo last week announced the resurgence of “Own the 18,” an anti-litter program, which encourages home and business owners to remove litter from their property, as well as 18 inches into the street, as required by NYC Administrative Code: Section 16-118(2)(a). During the weekend of July 18 (July 17-18), Borough President Oddo is asking Staten Island property and business owners to commit to taking a few moments to clean in front of their properties. Those who participate are encouraged to post before and after photos on social media with the hashtag #OwnThe18 to be re-posted by the office’s social media accounts.

​Borough President Oddo announced today the resurgence of “Own the 18,” an anti-litter program. “Own the 18” encourages home and business owners to remove litter from their property, as well as 18 inches into the street, as required by NYC Administrative Code: Section 16-118(2)(a).
 
During the weekend of July 18 (July 17-18), Borough President Oddo is asking Staten Island property and business owners to commit to taking a few moments to clean in front of their properties.
 
“We have tried everything under the sun that a local government office can, yet Staten Island seems to as filthy with litter as it ever has been. We fully understand there is a pandemic, an economic and budgetary crisis that has resulted from it, as well as a whole host of street and mental and physical implications from them. None of this justifies the litter we see or prevents us from each doing our small role in addressing the litter we see. So while I would hope Staten Islanders would do their part every day, we are designating one weekend when each of us pledge to remove litter near our homes and begin to reclaim part of our quality of life. Meanwhile, our team is back 'in the lab' crafting new initiates, including a couple designed for children in hopes they grow up to be less inclined to act selfishly and demonstrate a greater appreciation for their neighbors and our Island,” noted Borough President Oddo. “Our litter problem is a self-inflicted one that Staten Islanders are doing to other Staten Islanders. While the majority of Staten Islanders are not engaging in it, we need the majority to help us with the solution.”
 
Those who participate are encouraged to post before and after photos on social media with the hashtag #ownthe18 to be reposted by the office’s social media accounts.

RSVP on our Facebook Event Page to tell your Staten Island friends and neighbors you will #OwnThe18 the weekend of July 18th! 

​Due to anticipated inclement weather, Saturday’s Drive-In Movie at Pouch Camp has been rescheduled to take place on Sunday, June 27th.  Gates will open at 7:30 p.m. for "Star Wars IV: A New Hope." The movie starts at 9 p.m.
 
Anyone who purchased tickets will get an email with the change.
 
The cost of admission is $40 per car, which includes a choice of four snack and four drinks. To purchase tickets, please visit www.camppouch.org/driveinmovie. Tickets are limited, and movie goers must prepay online for entry.

Borough President James S. Oddo announced today that his office has launched the social media campaign #outSIdeEATS to support local eateries that have shifted to outdoor dining, as designated by Phase 2 of the State’s re-opening plan.
 
This social media campaign follows the successful #DeliverSI campaign, which supports eateries that shifted to delivery and takeout during COVID-19 PAUSE order.

The #outSIdeEATS campaign offers Staten Islanders the following comprehensive spreadsheet of local restaurants, bars and cafés with curb lane, sidewalk, backyard and/or patio seating. It can be found at: https://bit.ly/outSIdeEATS. This constantly updated list is designed for those who wish to partake in an outdoor dining experience.
 
“Our Borough Hall team is looking to replicate the success we had with our #DeliverSI initiative we started when restaurants were first forced to close. We unveiled #outSIdeEATS to tell you all the great Staten Island joints that are open and ready to serve with outdoor dining options. We continue to host the #DeliverSI list for takeout and delivery. But if you are among those who want to get to a restaurant now, we will have you covered,” said Staten Island Borough President Oddo.
 
Staten Islanders are encouraged to tag the Borough President’s Office @StatenIslUSA in the places they are dining and use the #outSIdeEATS hashtag to show support and raise awareness of those open for outside dining.
 
Any restaurant, bar or café that would like to be featured in the list are asked to contact Lauren Lefkowitz at llefkowitz@statenislandusa.com with the following information: zip code; restaurant name; address; phone number; type of dining (patio/sidewalk/street/parking lot); reservation requirements; takeout/delivery availability; days and hours; social media handles; website.

​Borough President Oddo is pleased to announce his office has partnered with the Boy Scouts of America to sponsor the first drive-in movie in a summer-long series to be held at William H Pouch Boy Scout Camp (1285 Manor Rd), adjacent to the entrance to the Staten Island JCC. The first drive-in movie will take place on June 27th, featuring Star Wars IV: A New Hope.
 
“I am happy to partner with the Boy Scouts to provide Staten Islanders of all ages this opportunity to get out for a night of fun and entertainment, but while remaining safe in your cars,” said Borough President Oddo.
 
The summer long series schedule is as follows:
June 27 – Star Wars IV: A New Hope
July 4 – Jaws
July 11 – Raiders of the Lost Arc
July 18 – The Fly
July 25 – Jurassic Park
August 1 – Young Frankenstein
August 8 – E.T.
August 15 – Coco
August 22 – The Princess Bride
August 29 – Up
 
"We’re excited to share our amazing facilities with our Staten Island community and provide a venue for families,” notes Matt Gaor, Pouch Scout Camp Chair.
 
The cost of admission is $40 per car, which includes a choice of four snack and four drinks. To purchase tickets, please visit www.camppouch.org/driveinmovie. Tickets are limited, and movie goers must prepay online for entry.
 
Movie goers will be instructed no smoking will be permitted at the site, including inside cars. Additionally, attendees will be instructed to stay within their own car, no idling of cars will be allowed, and to take all garbage with them when they leave.