Mayor's Message:
Changing Health Outcomes for our Black
and Brown Communities
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Dear Jazz,
We know that the COVID-19 pandemic had devastating effects, claiming over a million lives in the United States and 6.52 million around the globe. What was even more staggering was the demographic that was disproportionately affected. People of color account for about 13 percent of the U.S. population, a relatively small percentage, some might say. Yet the rate of infection and deaths of the black and brown population related to COVID-19 surpassed all other ethnic groups (source). Why is this?
Over the years, we have borne witness to many diseases claiming lives in black and brown communities at a higher rate than in other populations. It seems we've learned to accept it. Diabetes, hypertension, coronary disease, and certain cancers, such as prostate cancer, have become the bedside companions of black and brown families. It became second nature to live with these diseases. For the most part, hypertension is symptomless, cancer often goes undetected until close to the end stages, and it's often easy to take a pill in the morning to control any other issues.
The pandemic served as an eye opener to an already widely known fact of how disproportionally at risk our communities are compared to other demographics. Although the COVID-19 virus was equal in its approach, it was biased in its outcome. People of color were much more likely to experience adverse side effects due to the virus because of the comorbidities black and brown people experience. We have yet to discover the path of infection the COVID-19 virus takes when it enters a host, but we are confident that people with unhealthy or unchecked lifestyles are at a higher risk of mortality.
Just because we have a vaccine for the COVID-19 virus doesn't mean we should relax. Hypertension, diabetes, and coronary heart disease already elevate our mortality risk. Plainfield, we can begin to make a change and improve health outcomes for ourselves and our children's future.
Hypertension, characterized by elevated blood pressure, is commonly known in the medical field as the silent killer. Most people with hypertension are unaware of their condition because it usually appears with no warning signs. They present themselves as fatigue, headache, nausea, confusion, or anxiety; when symptoms occur, these can be quickly dismissed as irrelevant or attributed to a difficult day. Having uncontrolled hypertension leads to the hardening of the arteries, decreased blood flow, limited oxygen levels to the heart, and can cause a heart attack or stroke.
But you must know that hypertension is preventable. Although there may be a link to family history, hypertension is generally due to an unhealthy diet. Consumption of foods high in salts, high in saturated and trans fats, and the lack of fruits and vegetables can contribute to high blood pressure (source).
A great deal of healthy living is linked to what we put in our mouths. Food and water play a huge role in our lives. I know making a healthy choice isn't always easy. Plainfield is a melting pot of culture and mouth-watering cuisine; we can partake of the world's flavors at a moment's notice. But we must take everything in moderation. Enjoy your favorite meals, but take the time to add healthier choices daily. Spice up those recipes with options; use more beneficial cooking liquids like lemon juice, vinegar, fruit juice, or water. Replace deep frying practices with an air fryer or steam, and bake, grill, braise or boil your food. The possibilities are endless. Eating healthy doesn't mean sacrificing taste.
Now let's explore the next big elephant in the room. During the forced isolation caused by the pandemic, Ordering online became simpler. Most things we needed or desired were dropped at our door with the push of a button. This naturally led to a decrease in day-to-day activity. We adapted to remote learning and work, ordered food and groceries from our phones, and embraced the option of curbside pickup. Today the number of functions in our daily lives that demand activity has dwindled significantly. However, our bodies still require regular movement to function correctly. Imagine your body is a car; what happens when your vehicle is left unused for an extended period? The battery dies, parts get rusty, the tires begin to dry rot, and it begins to break down from lack of use. Our bodies are the same, and to live longer, healthier, more optimal lives, we must pay attention to them. Look for ways to implement some activity in your life, use the stairs, take short walking breaks at home, visit a gym, or research some quick and easy home workouts.
There is another significant change we must embrace if we don't practice it now. Keeping up with your regular doctor's appointments is the most significant change you can make. Regular checkups will help reduce your risk of having an untreated disease. You can detect potentially life-threatening health situations early, increase your chances of treatment and cure, and limit the risk of complications by closely monitoring existing conditions.
Because of these elevated risks in our black and brown communities, we started having our annual House Music Festival with a Purpose. The idea was first introduced by Recreation Division employee Linward Cathcart who had a personal journey with Prostate Cancer. He felt having a House music Festival would attract large crowds, and we could use that platform to spread awareness of the importance of getting regular screenings and health checkups, especially for black and brown men. The idea then grew into a larger one to highlight other health issues that affect our communities disproportionately. Last year we had over 6000 attendees, and I count that as 6000 people with a heightened awareness of prioritizing their health.
On that note, I invite you to join the City of Plainfield and me at our Third
Annual House Music Festival on Saturday, September 17th, from 12-9 PM at Cedar Brook Park. Bring your loved ones, families, and friends and be an anchor that helps to save a life. This year we will dance to raise awareness for the health issues affecting black and brown communities like Prostate Cancer, Heart Disease, High Blood pressure, and Covid-19. History has shown that we are healthier and live longer, more fulfilled lives when we prioritize our health.
I look forward to seeing you there. Let's dance for a GREAT cause, for a healthier Plainfield and a healthier you!
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Creating One Plainfield. One Future | | |
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Mayor Adrian O. Mapp
City of Plainfield
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Cambiando Los Resultados de Salud Para Nuestras Comunidades Negras y Marrones | |
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Querido Plainfield,
Sabemos que la pandemia de COVID-19 tuvo efectos devastadores, cobrándose más de un millón de vidas en los Estados Unidos y 6.52 millones en todo el mundo. Lo que fue aún más asombroso fue el grupo demográfico que se vio afectado de manera desproporcionada. Las personas de color representan alrededor del 13 por ciento de la población de los Estados Unidos, un porcentaje relativamente pequeño, algunos podrían decir. Sin embargo, la tasa de infección y muertes de la población negra y marrón relacionada con COVID-19 superó a todos los demás grupos étnicos (fuente). ¿Por qué?
A lo largo de los años, hemos sido testigos de muchas enfermedades que cobran vidas en comunidades negras y marrones a un ritmo más alto que en otras poblaciones. Parece que hemos aprendido a aceptarlo. La diabetes, la hipertensión, la enfermedad coronaria y ciertos tipos de cáncer, como el cáncer de próstata, se han convertido en los compañeros de cama de las familias negras y marrones. Se convirtió en segunda naturaleza vivir con estas enfermedades. Por la mayor parte, la hipertensión es asintomática, el cáncer a veces no se detecta hasta cerca de las etapas finales, y a menudo es fácil tomar una pastilla por la mañana para controlar cualquier otro problema.
La pandemia sirvió como una revelación a un hecho ya ampliamente conocido de cuán desproporcionadamente en riesgo están nuestras comunidades en comparación con otros grupos demográficos. Aunque el virus de COVID-19 fue igual en su enfoque, fue imparcial en su resultado. Las personas de color eran mucho más propensas a tener efectos secundarios adversos al estar enfermos con el virus debido a las comorbilidades que experimentan las personas negras y marrones. Todavía tenemos que descubrir el camino de infección que toma el virus de COVID-19 cuando ingresa a un huésped, pero estamos seguros de que las personas con estilos de vidas poco saludables o sin control tienen un mayor riesgo de mortalidad.
El hecho de que tengamos una vacuna para el virus COVID-19 no significa que debamos relajarnos. La hipertensión, la diabetes y la enfermedad coronaria ya elevan nuestro riesgo de mortalidad. Plainfield, podemos comenzar a hacer un cambio y mejorar los resultados de salud para nosotros y el futuro de nuestros hijos.
La hipertensión, caracterizada por una presión arterial elevada, se conoce comúnmente en el campo de medicina como el asesino silencioso. La mayoría de las personas con hipertensión no son conscientes de su condición porque generalmente aparece sin signos de advertencia. Se presentan como fatiga, dolor de cabeza, náuseas, confusión o ansiedad; cuando se presentan síntomas, estos pueden descartarse rápidamente como irrelevantes o atribuirse a un día difícil. Tener hipertensión no controlada conduce al endurecimiento de las arterias, disminución del flujo sanguíneo, niveles limitados de oxígeno al corazón y puede causar un ataque cardíaco o un derrame cerebral.
Pero debes saber que la hipertensión es prevenible. Aunque puede haber un vínculo con los antecedentes familiares, la hipertensión generalmente se debe a una dieta poco saludable. El consumo de alimentos alto en sal, altos en grasas saturadas y trans, y la falta de frutas y verduras pueden contribuir a la presión arterial alta (fuente).
Una gran porción de tener una vida saludable está vinculada a lo que nos llevamos a la boca. La comida y el agua juegan un papel muy importante en nuestras vidas. Sé que tomar una decisión saludable no siempre es fácil. Plainfield es un crisol de cultura y cocina deliciosa; podemos participar de los sabores del mundo en cualquier momento. Pero debemos tomar todo con moderación. Disfrute de sus comidas favoritas, pero tómese el tiempo para agregar opciones más saludables todos los días. Condimenta esas recetas con opciones; use líquidos de cocina más beneficiosos como jugo de limón, vinagre, jugo de frutas o agua. Reemplace las prácticas de fritura profunda con una freidora de aire o vapor, y hornee, asar, estofar o hervir su comida. Las posibilidades son infinitas. Comer sano no significa sacrificar el sabor.
Ahora exploremos el próximo elefante en la habitación. Durante el aislamiento forzado causado por la pandemia, los pedidos en línea se volvieron más simples. La mayoría de las cosas que necesitábamos o deseábamos se dejaban caer en nuestra puerta con solo un botón. Esto naturalmente condujo a una disminución en la actividad diaria. Nos adaptamos al aprendizaje y al trabajo remotos, pedimos alimentos y comestibles desde nuestros teléfonos y nos adoptamos a la opción de recoger en la acera. Hoy en día el número de funciones en nuestra vida cotidiana que demandan actividad ha disminuido significativamente. Sin embargo, nuestros cuerpos todavía requieren un movimiento regular para funcionar correctamente. Imagina que tu cuerpo es un coche; ¿Qué sucede cuando su vehículo se deja sin usar durante un período prolongado? La batería se agota, las piezas se oxidan, los neumáticos comienzan a pudrirse y comienza a descomponerse por falta de uso. Nuestros cuerpos son los mismos, y para vivir vidas más largas, más saludables y más óptimas, debemos prestarles atención. Busque formas de implementar alguna actividad en su vida, use las escaleras, tome descansos cortos para caminar en casa, visite un gimnasio o investigue algunos entrenamientos en casa rápidos y fáciles.
Hay otro cambio significativo que debemos aceptar si no lo practicamos ahora. Mantenerse al día con sus citas médicas regulares es el cambio más significativo que puede hacer. Los chequeos regulares ayudarán a reducir su riesgo de tener una enfermedad no tratada. Puede detectar situaciones de salud potencialmente mortales a tiempo, aumentar sus posibilidades de tratamiento y curación, y limitar el riesgo de complicaciones al monitorear de cerca las afecciones existentes.
Debido a estos riesgos elevados en nuestras comunidades negras y marrones, comenzamos a tener nuestro Festival anual de Música en Casa con un Propósito. La idea fue introducida por primera vez por el empleado de la División de Recreación Linward Cathcart, quien tuvo un viaje personal con cáncer de próstata. Sintió que tener un Festival de Música de Casa atraería a grandes multitudes, y podríamos usar esa plataforma para difundir la conciencia de la importancia de hacerse exámenes regulares y chequeos de salud, especialmente para hombres negros y marrones. La idea luego se convirtió en una más grande para resaltar otros problemas de salud que afectan a nuestras comunidades de manera desproporcionada. El año pasado tuvimos más de 6000 asistentes, y cuento eso como 6000 personas con una mayor conciencia de priorizar su salud.
En ese sentido, los invito a unirse a la Ciudad de Plainfield y a mí en nuestro Tercer Festival Anual de Música de Casa el sábado 17 de septiembre, de 12 a 9 PM en Cedar Brook Park. Traiga a sus seres queridos, familias y amigos y sea un ancla que ayude a salvar una vida. Este año bailaremos para crear conciencia sobre los problemas de salud que afectan a las comunidades negras y marrones como el cáncer de próstata, las enfermedades cardíacas, la presión arterial alta y el Covid-19. La historia ha demostrado que somos más saludables y vivimos vidas más largas y plenas cuando priorizamos nuestra salud.
Espero verte allí; ¡bailemos por una GRAN causa, por un Plainfield más saludable y un tú más saludable!
Creando Un Plainfield. Un Futuro
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Alcalde Adrian O. Mapp
Ciudad de Plainfield
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Join us for the 2022 House Music Festival | |
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The City of Plainfield is proud to present its 3rd Annual House Music Festival on Saturday, September 17th from 12pm - 9pm in Cedar Brook Park. In addition to great music, food, community and FIREWORKS, this event promotes awareness, information and resources for health issues affecting black and brown communities like prostate cancer, heart disease and long COVID symptoms.
This event will provide a fun, informal atmosphere that could potentially have life saving conversations. This is part of of how we show LOVE in PLAINFIELD.
Tell your friends and bring your friends to the can't miss event of the year! See you on Saturday.
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Update from Union County Prosecutor's
Public Awareness About Car Thefts
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Medical Services Return to Former
Muhlenberg Hospital Site
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Great News - a new ambulatory Surgical Center Facility has been proposed for the former Muhlenberg Hospital site. The facility will comprise of four (4) operating rooms, eight (8) pre-op beds and twelve (12) post-ops beds and is intended to accommodate 95 occupants at a time and is projected to perform approximately 5000 procedures per year.
Local Plainfield physicians as well as visiting physicians will have access to the surgical center with procedures ranging from orthopedics to general surgery to endoscopy, pediatrics and dental surgery.
This much needed resource will offer Plainfield residents a state of the art facility that is closer to home and more convenient. As this project progresses updates will be provided.
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Queen City Hosts First Community Baby Shower | |
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On Wednesday, September 14th, the City of Plainfield in partnership with Calvary Plainfield and North Jersey District Missionary Baptist Association (NJDMBA) hosted a community baby shower at the Plainfield Performing Arts Center.
The event was open to Plainfield residents six (6) months plus pregnant or families with babies three (3) months or younger. They were provided with local resources and information, prizes, education and baby essentials. Members of the Plainfield Rescue Squad provided life saving information along with a CPR demo for infants.
Thank you to Plainfield Action Services for coordinating this event for our community!
Creating One Plainfield. One Future.
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New Rule Makes Clear that Noncitizens who Receive Health or Other Benefits to which they are Entitled will not Suffer Harmful
Immigration Consequences
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Accessing Children’s Health Insurance Program and Most Medicaid Benefits Will Not Affect Immigration Status
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a final rule applicable to noncitizens who receive or wish to apply for benefits provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and States that support low-income families and adults. The rule, which details how DHS will interpret the “public charge” ground of inadmissibility, will help ensure that noncitizens can access health-related benefits and other supplemental government services to which they are entitled by law, without triggering harmful immigration consequences. By codifying in regulation the “totality of the circumstances” approach that is authorized by statute and which has long been utilized by DHS, the rule makes it clear that individual factors, such as a person’s disability or use of benefits alone will not lead to a public charge determination.
The final rule applies to noncitizens requesting admission to the U.S. or applying for lawful permanent residence (a “green card”) from within the U.S. When assessing whether a noncitizen is “likely to become primarily dependent on the government for subsistence,” DHS will not penalize individuals who choose to access the vast majority of health-related benefits and other supplemental government services available to them, including most Medicaid benefits (except for long-term institutionalization – such as residing in nursing home – at government expense) and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). DHS will also not consider non-cash benefits provided by other government agencies including food and nutrition assistance such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); disaster assistance received under the Stafford Act; pandemic assistance; benefits received via a tax credit or deduction; and government pensions or other earned benefits. Receipt of cash-based benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and other similar programs, will not automatically exclude an individual from admission or green card eligibility, and will instead be considered in a “totality of the circumstances” analysis.
“People who qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, and other health programs should receive the care they need without fear of jeopardizing their immigration status,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “As we have experienced with COVID, it’s in the interest of all Americans when we utilize the health care and other services at our disposal to improve public health for everyone.”
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REMINDER - Hurricane IDA Recovery Registration Survey
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New Jersey residents are encouraged to participate in the Hurricane Ida Survey, which is currently required if you want to apply for future Ida recovery programs.
The State of New Jersey has been awarded $228 million in Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assist with the recovery from Hurricane Ida. The funds will create housing recovery and mitigation programs to help individuals and communities.
To access these federal recovery funds, the State must develop an Action Plan for how it will use these funds and submit it to HUD for approval. Developing the Action Plan and recovery programs will take several months to complete.
CLICK HERE to read full article.
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Mark Your Calendars - Upcoming Events | |
September Planning Board Meeting Tonight | |
Love Plainfield Initiative | |
¿ How Do You Show Love For Plainfield? | |
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A MESSAGE FROM UNION COUNTY:
Protect Yourself During Flu Season - Get
Your Free Flu Shot for 2022
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Available for Union County residents starting September 24th
The Union County Board of County Commissioners encourages all residents to get their seasonal flu shot as soon as possible this year. Free flu shots will be dispensed at clinics run by the Office of Health Management at locations throughout Union County beginning on Saturday, September 24th. Persons with health insurance are advised to visit their local pharmacy or doctor’s office to receive their flu shot.
“Please protect yourself and your family, and help prevent unnecessary trips to a doctor or hospital emergency room by getting a free flu shot,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “Protection against seasonal flu is more important than ever before, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health experts are concerned that medical resources could be overwhelmed if a seasonal flu outbreak combines with the COVID-19 crisis.”
The free flu shot clinics are open to all Union County residents ages 9 and up. Children ages 4 through 8 can also use Union County’s free flu shot clinics if they have previously received 2 flu shots, in accordance with guidance from the CDC. Appointments are strongly encouraged, and residents can schedule an appointment online by visiting www.ucnj.org/flu or calling 908-613-7829. Walk-ups will be seen on a time-allowing basis.
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A MESSAGE FROM THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY:
Murphy Administration and Legislative Leaders Encourage Eligible Homeowners & Renters to Apply for Historic Property Tax Relief through New ANCHOR Program
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Application Instructions Being Mailed to Thousands of Residents; Also Available Online & By Phone
TRENTON – Important instructions on how to file for the new Affordable NJ Communities for Homeowners and Renters (ANCHOR) program have started being mailed out today to eligible residents, officially launching the largest property tax relief initiative in New Jersey history.
“The ANCHOR program will deliver real, tangible property tax relief to both homeowners and renters, a historic step toward making New Jersey a more affordable state,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “By working closely with the Senate President and the Speaker we were able to fully fund the program in its first year, allowing us to provide direct relief to over 1 million homeowners and 900,000 renters. I am incredibly proud of this program and encourage all eligible residents to apply.”
“We’re grateful to be in a strong fiscal position that made it possible for us to deliver historic property tax relief to more New Jerseyans than ever before,” said State Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio. “Though unprecedented in scope, at its core ANCHOR demonstrates the commitment this Administration made since day one to build a more affordable New Jersey. This program pushes us closer to that goal.”
“We are providing a record level of tax relief to homeowners and renters that will help ease of the burden of property taxes,” said Senate President Nick Scutari. “The support goes directly to residents, helping to make their lives more affordable. I want to thank the Governor, the Assembly Speaker and our legislative colleagues for making this a priority and for fully funding the program.”
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A MESSAGE FROM THE WHITE HOUSE:
Biden-Harris Administration Making "Back to School" Drive to Help Students and Families Get Free High-Speed Internet
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As America’s kids get back to school and continue to recover from the challenges of the pandemic, ensuring that all families have access to affordable high-speed internet is more important than ever. Access to high-speed internet is a necessity, especially for students whose classes and homework assignments increasingly require internet access. Still, too many families and students go without high-speed internet because of the cost, making it difficult to participate equally in school and to combat learning loss from the impacts of the pandemic. That’s why President Biden and Vice President Harris worked with Democrats, Republicans, and Independents to create the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The ACP provides eligible households up to $30/month (or $75/month on Tribal lands) off internet bills, as well as a one-time $100 discount off a connected device. To further lower costs, the Administration secured commitments from internet service providers across the country to offer high-speed plans that are fully covered by the ACP—meaning millions of working families can now get high-speed internet without paying a dime.
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HELP US TAKE CARE OF OUR CITY!
DOWNLOAD THE REPORT- IT APP
Available in IOS and Android Mobile Phones
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Exercise your civic duty-- be the eyes and ears of our City! Your reports can greatly increase the quality of life in our Plainfield community. Let's work together to keep our city safe- If you see it, say it with ReportIt. | |
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Use the app, or text
reportit to 63975
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Mayor Adrian O. Mapp and the City of Plainfield are committed to making it as easy as possible to report concerns in our city. To that end, we've partnered with REPORT IT, which is now live in Plainfield and ready to be used as an important supplemental reporting tool.
Report it makes community reporting easier than ever! Residents and visitors can download the app by scanning the barcode above or by going to your phone's app store. Your reports will be submitted to the appropriate City department to be resolved.
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Sign up for our weekly newsletter and stay informed on the latest projects, and events around our Queen City!
Call us at: 908.753.3015 or
E:communications@plainfieldnj.gov
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|THE CITY OF PLAINFIELD NJ|
515 WATCHUNG AVENUE | 908-753-3310| MONDAY-FRIDAY | 9 A.M.- 5 P.M.|
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Creating One Plainfield. One Future | | | | |
