January 27, 2021

BRONX VOICE

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4th Year, No.14

FREE January 27 - February 2, 2021

RAGE OR ILLNESS? Man came at cops with knife shot dead Did mental illness play role in fatal shooting?

Page 4

The NYPD released this photo of a knife they recovered at the scene of a police shooting in Wakefield. Officials say cops shot a man who came at them with this knife.

Woman bit, beaten in love Page triangle smack 10 down Page 11

Bronx dad gets COVID-19 shot from daughter

Cash Cow Thieves steal $3,000 in meat

2• BRONX VOICE• January 27 - February 2, 2021

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By Dan Gesslein Cops are looking for a pair of bovine burglars who stole $3,000 worth of meat from the Hunts Point Market on New Years Day.

Police released surveillance video of a man who walked around the Hunts Point Market and stole $3,000 in meat products.

At around 11:25 am on January 1, cops say a pair of burglars entered 101 Food Center Drive through an unlocked door.

The NYPD released surveillance video from inside the Hunts Point Market of what appears to be the burglars. Wearing a white coat and a face mask, the thief is seen skulking around the warehouse.

Cops say he made off with $3,000 in meat products.

Investigators also released video of the

red Chrysler sedan the thieves drove into the market and then fled following the burglary.

Anyone with information is urged to call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the CrimeStoppers website at WWW.NYPDC R I M E S TO P P E R S .

COM, on Twitter @ NYPDTips.

All calls are strictly confidential.

Police are looking for Chrysler sedan involved in a burglary at the Hunts Point Market.

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4• BRONX VOICE• January 27 - February 2, 2021

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Did mental illness play role in fatal NYPD shooting?

By David Greene A man infuriated with rage after a woman refused to call him on the telephone-- attempted to chase her down in the street with a large knife, before eventually being shot to death by police in Wakefield. Family members say the man that was shot suffered from mental illness.

In a press confer- feed, NYPD's Chief vealed details after ence released on of Department Ter- a preliminary inthe NYPD's Twitter ence Monahan re- vestigation of the

The NYPD released this photo of a knife they recovered at the scene of a police shooting in Wakefield. Officials say cops shot a man who came at them with this knife.

David McFarlane, 51, was shot and killed by police in Wakefield. Cops say the man came at them with a knife. His sister says the man suffered from mental illness.

incident, reported at East 233rd Street and Barnes Avenue, at 6:15 p.m. on January 21.

According to Monahan, a sergeant and a detective assigned to the Bronx Narcotics Division were stopped at the

traffic light where they observed a dispute. Monahan said, "The sergeant and the detective quickly exit the vehicle with their police shields visible around their necks.”

Monahan continCONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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Did mental illness play role in Bx. fatal police shooting?

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

ued, "They then observe a woman on East 233rd Street with a man after her in the middle of the street, armed with a large knife.”

After repeated calls to drop the knife, Monahan added, "At this time the man turned around and ran towards the sergeant and detective, while

still armed with the large knife." Monahan stated that the sergeant and detective fired a total of 5 - 6 shots, striking 51-year-old David McFarlane.

The suspect was transported to nearby Montefiore Hospital North where he died a short time later. Police also released several photos of several

knives police recovered at the scene and at least one additional knife was recovered on the man's body at the hospital.

McFarlane’s sister, Sylvena cannot understand how the fatal shooting happened or why her brother had a knife.

“He had a mental health diagnosis, but it didn’t involve

him being violent with anyone. He’s never had a history of hurting anyone,” the sister told the NY Daily News.

Taking several questions from reporters, Monahan was asked if the suspect and woman had a relationship, Monahan replied, "They knew each other from the street, we talked to

her today and they had a dispute yesterday. He came up to her, threatening her. He said he was going to kill her for not calling him.

She got away yesterday and she sees him again today.”

Police say the woman was not injured during the incident. Police continue to investigate the incident.

6• BRONX VOICE• January 27 - February 2, 2021

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Woman claims she was struck by a hit-and-run ambulance

By David Greene An elderly woman's claims are currently being investigated after her allegation that an FDNY EMS ambulance struck her and left her on the ground in December.

Raqibah Basir, 64, claimed that at 5 pm on, December 10, she was pulling her laundry in a shopping cart and was crossing Third Avenue at East 183 Street, when she says she was sideswiped by an FDNY ambulance that was pulling out of St. Barnabas Hospital.

When contacted by telephone at her home, Basir stated that she had suffered an asthma attack as well as internal injuries from the accident and doctors had not yet told her about her fractured shoulder. Already suffering from a heart condition, she claims that doctors at the time of the incident, had been concerned about her pacemaker.

Basir recalled, "I had the right of way and this guy came out of nowhere. I was trapped and there was no way I could get out of the way, because I had a cane and I had the shopping cart. So he was coming at me and he put the lights on and then he put the siren on and he was still coming in my direction.”

"I couldn't get out of the way fast enough," Basir recalled the seconds before the FDNY EMS ambulance, likely

a Ford F-550, allegedly grazed her.

Basir continued, "I swung the shopping cart and it hit into my chest and my left arm and it caused my body to twist." While leaning her body on her shopping cart, Basir added, "I hit the side of the ambulance with my cane... he paused, but then kept going. He didn't even stop to see how he injured me or anything.”

Basir had been seeking her police report from the incident for about two weeks, when the NYPD stated that Basir had the wrong report number.

In a brief statement, an unnamed NYPD official told the Bronx Voice, "A 64-year-old female reported that she was at the location when her grocery cart got struck by an unknown ambulance which left the location.”

The statement concluded, "She stated she sustained an injury of pain to her chest. She walked to St. Barnabas Hospital for medical treatment.”

Basir said of the police account, "That's misinformation and that means I'm going to have to go, I guess, above

Photo courtesy of Raqibah Basir

Raqibah Basir, 64, claims she suffered an asthma attack and doctors were concerned about her pacemaker after being struck by an FDNY ambulance on December 10, 2020.

their heads because I took the shopping cart to push in front of me to catch the brunt of the hit. I still got hit. By them hitting even the shopping cart caused injuries to my chest, my arms and it caused my body to twist.”

The borough has seen a noticeable uptick in recent hit-and-runs. On December 21, a 62-yearold woman pushing her 2-year-old grandson in a stroller was rundown as they crossed Mace Avenue at Eastchester Road.

On December 27, police announced the arrest of Otello Rapini, 69, of Mahopac, N.Y., who was charged with leaving the scene of an accident.

Police say that at 10:51 pm on January 2, a still-unidentified man was discovered lying in the roadway at East

140 Street and Bruckner Boulevard. The victim, was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials say the victim had no identification on him and the NYPD's Collision Investigation Squad continues to investigate.

In the latest statistics available from the Department of Transportation, from January 1 thru November 30, 2020 there were 225 traffic deaths and 40,486 injuries reported across the five boroughs compared with 218 deaths reported for the entire 2019.

In the first 11 months of 2020, the Bronx had 37 fatalities. Of the 37 victims 15 were motorists, 15 were pedestrians and 7 were bicyclists.

The Bronx also recorded 5,979 traffic related injuries.

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BRONX VOICE• January 27 - February 2, 2021• 7

Affordable housing rises near Bronx Zoo

8• BRONX VOICE• January 27 - February 2, 2021

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Camber Property Group (CPG) and Westhab announced the topping out of 913 East Tremont Avenue, a 100 percent affordable rental development in the West Farms The building includes 119 housing units, with 60 percent of the apartments reserved for formerly homeless residents requiring supportive services and the balance for low income individuals and families. The development also includes 6,500 square feet of commercial space.

“This development is transforming an underutilized lot in the West Farms neighborhood into best-in-class affordable housing, and we are thrilled to reach this milestone as we prepare to welcome more than 100 families to their new homes,” said Rick Gropper, Principal at Camber Property Group.

“Our city has a critical need for affordable housing, including supportive units for the formerly homeless, and we will continue our work to fill that need across the five boroughs.”

Construction of the $50 million project was funded through tax-exempt bond financing, Low Income Housing Tax Credit equity provided by Wells Fargo and public subsidies from the New York State Housing Finance Agency and New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR). The building was designed by Aufgang Architects and is being con-

structed by SD Builders.

“Westhab is thrilled about the topping off of 913 East Tremont, and very grateful for our partnership with Camber,” said Andrew Germansky, Senior Vice President of Real Estate at Westhab.

“We look forward to opening the building in 2021, and, thanks to funding from New York's Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI), to providing residents with high-quality, affordable housing and supportive services."

“This $50 million investment in 913 East Tremont Avenue is the latest example of Governor Cuomo’s commitment to expanding affordable housing opportunities and reducing homelessness in the Bronx,” said HCR Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas. I am proud that this partnership with the Camber Property Group and Westhab will provide 119 energy-efficient affordable apartments, supportive services and commercial space to the West Farms community. I look forward to that great day when we can welcome future residents to their new homes.”

“913 East Tremont is another example of Camber Property Group’s long-term commitment to ensuring Bronxites

have quality, affordable housing,” said New York City Council Member Rafael Salamanca. “With the official topping out of the building, the reality of 119 units of affordable housing, including a majority of units at the deepest affordability, is something the West Farms community is eagerly anticipating. I thank Camber and Westhab for their partnership on this project, and look forward to the building’s completion in the months ahead.”

“Keeping The Bronx affordable, and the development of new affordable housing units, has been a priority of mine from the day I first took office,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “The topping out of 913 East Tremont Avenue is a tremendous step towards providing much needed affordable units, including supportive units for

the formerly homeless and useful amenities for the residents. I want to thank Camber Property Group and Westhab for their investment in our borough, and I look forward to the completion of this project, which will provide new homes to many Bronx residents in need.”

913 East Tremont Avenue will feature a garden entrance alongside outdoor recreational space, a 1,300-square foot community room, as well as dedicated space for the provision of supportive services by Westhab, a leading community development nonprofit organization that provides a wide range of housing opportunities and social services.

Since its founding in 2016, Camber Property Group has made an impact developing innovative projects and preserving much-need-

ed affordable housing in communities across New York City. In 2020 alone, the firm opened The Strand, a 132 unit mixed-use development located in the heart of Ridgewood, Queens; completed 136 affordable units for seniors at Victory Plaza in Central Harlem and another 161 units of mixed-income housing in The Bronx at the Tiffany Street Apartments. Camber is currently rehabbing more than 1,000 affordable units at two major Bronx developments, West Farms and Baychester through NYCHA’s Rental Assistance Demonstration program. The company also recently closed on a portfolio of 384 affordable housing units across eight buildings in Flatbush, Brooklyn.

More information on Camber Property Group can be found at www.camberpg.com.

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10• BRONX VOICE• January 27 - February 2, 2021

Love Bites

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Woman bit, beaten in love triangle smack down in Pelham Bay

By David Greene Three people have been arrested during a love triangle smackdown in Pelham Bay in which the victim, was beaten, punched in the face and bit on the leg.

Police investigate an assault on Jarvis Avenue in Pelham Bay. Three people were arrested for allegedly beating and biting a woman.

According to Detective Annette Shelton, officers from the 45th Precinct were called to 1518 Jarvis Avenue at 5:58 p.m. on January 10, for a report of an assault in progress.

Police officials say the trio assaulted the 22-year-old victim who was punched in the face several times, bit on the leg and kicked in the head during the confrontation.

Police quickly arrested and charged the three, identified by police as Heav-

en Sanchez, 19, and Janieces Valles, 18, both of Westchester Square and Orlando Diaz, 18, of Halperin Avenue, all three were charged with assault.

One police source stated that Sanchez was the ex-girlfriend of the 22 year-old victim, whom she punched in the face.

Valles allegedly bit the victim on the leg and Diaz is accused of kicking the victim's new girlfriend and punching the victim in the face.

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BRONX VOICE• January 27 - February 2, 2021• 11

Health Matters

Bronx father gets COVID-19 shot from daughter

By David Greene Norwood dad Tarek Ahmad called it a "privilege" to get the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, but getting the shot administered by his daughter was a complete surprise.

Ahmad recalled his amazing moment with his daughter at the 168 Street Armory in Man-

hattan on January 22.

Ahmed recalled, "Initially I was scheduled in one of the city hospitals

Photos by David Greene

Members of the Army National Guard at Herbert H. Lehman College coordinate with drivers at a Jerome Park testing facility on January 11, 2021.

in the Bronx, but they called and cancelled my appointment," but added, "Thankfully, I was able to get an appointment at the armory.”

Because she was working, Ahmad's daughter can not be identified publicly, but Ahmed said he knew his daughter was working at the armory, where 1,500 to 2,000 people a day are still getting the vaccination despite some locations having already exhausted their supplies.

Explaining his luck of the draw, the proud pop recalled, "I was very surprised. I did not plan on getting it from my daughter, my turn came and my daughter was available.”

"I am a little bit worried," Ahmad continued, "hearing that they are running out of vaccines, because I would really like my son who As some COVID-19 vaccination distribution centers are re- is at high risk of getting portedly running out of vaccines, testing at one Grand Con- COVID, to get it. And if course Urgent Care canceled testing on January 24. there is a shortage he will

not be able to get it.”

Ahmad, who already had the virus, continued, "I am also worried that if there's a shortage, I will not be able to get the second dose, but I was able to get an appointment for the second dose in February.”

Now one year since the first confirmed case of the coronavirus was announced in Washington state on January, 21, 2020, as of January 26, more than 95 million people have been infected worldwide and the death toll now stands at just over 2 million.

The current death toll in America is approaching 400,000 and in New York City, the number of dead stands at 26,499 and 69 New York City residents died yesterday according to records from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As deaths and hospitalizations continue to fall as talk of Governor

Andrew Cuomo possibly loosening some COVID-19 restrictions, the New York City Department of Health's website reports that currently the highest rate of infection in the Bronx is Charlotte Gardens and Hunts Point at 12.73%, followed by Fordham, Kingsbridge and University Heights at 12.2% and Allerton, Pelham Parkway and Williamsbridge currently at 11.36%.

The COVID-19 vaccine, if available, is currently being administered to anyone over 65 years of age, teachers and school staff, child care workers, Department of Corrections staff, first responders, public transit workers, grocery store workers and those working and living in group homes and homeless shelters.

For more information call 311 or visit the city's website at: https://vaccinefinder. nyc.gov/

12• BRONX VOICE• January 27 - February 2, 2021

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Surgical robots help replace joints at Montefiore

Montefiore Health System just launched its new Robotic Joint Replacement Program, led by Dr. Carlos Alvarado who recently joined the Department of Orthopedic Surgery.

Montefiore is one of the first programs in the area to utilize the new surgical robot

called ROSA - Robotic Surgical Assistant.

Over one million total hip and to-

tal knee replacement procedures are performed each year in the United States.

Dr. Alvarado, director of Robotic Hip and Knee Surgery, uses the new technology at Montefiore to make a 3D model of the patient’s bone anatomy by taking x-rays - as opposed to most robotic devices which require CT scans.

CT scans can be more costly and difficult to access, so by using x-rays, more patients may be eligible for this state of the art ap-

proach.

ROSA is used under the direction of the surgeon, to tailor the placement of each patient’s knee implant. The robotic arm is guided by the surgeon to help improve the precision of the surgery and reduce the need for revisions.

Montefiore has one of the highest volume joint replacement programs in our area, providing care for the most complex cases. Typically patients are able to return home the day after their surgery.

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Overdose uptick leads to more outreach in NYC

14• BRONX VOICE• January 27 - February 2, 2021

The Health Department released new data on drug overdose deaths in New York City. Consistent with nationwide trends, overdose deaths rose during the first quarter of 2020.

From January March 2020, there were 440 overdose deaths, 41 more deaths than the previous highest quarter. To address the recent uptick, the City has pledged an additional $2 million in outreach and overdose prevention resources that includes expanding access to buprenorphine treatment, increasing naloxone distribution through community-based organizations, and establishing harm reduction vending machines to make naloxone readily available.

To ensure New Yorkers can access life-saving, overdose prevention resources throughout the pandemic, the City has continued to invest in innovative strategies, ranging from methadone home delivery to launching a pilot program that makes naloxone freely available in 16 pharmacy locations across the five boroughs.

“Even before the COVID-19 pandem-

ic gripped New York City, overdose deaths were at record levels, consistent with national trends,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Dave A. Chokshi.

“This has been a tragedy leading into a crisis.

Every fatal overdose is preventable and we will continue our work to keep our fellow New Yorkers alive.”

The provisional Epi Data Brief shows that drug overdose deaths in New York City remained at epidemic levels in 2019, with evident disparities. There were 1,463 drug overdose deaths in 2019, an increase of 11 deaths from 2018.

Fentanyl— an opioid 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine — was detected in 68% of drug overdose deaths in 2019 compared with 60% in 2018. For the third consecutive year, fentanyl was the most common substance identified in overdose deaths. NYPD laboratory testing has identified an increased presence of fentanyl in heroin, cocaine, ketamine and methamphetamine, as well as in benzodiazepines and opioid analgesics acquired from non-pharmaceutical sources.

2019 Epi Data Brief highlights:

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The rate of overdose death remained the same in 2019 as 2018 (21.2 per 100,000 residents).

In 2019, opioids were involved in 83% of overdose deaths.

For the third year in a row, fentanyl was the most common substance involved in drug overdose deaths, present in 68% of overdose deaths in 2019.

Mixing substances remains an issue of critical concern. Half (51%) of all overdose deaths involved multiple central nervous system depressants, such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, and opioids.

The Health Department advises New Yorkers who use drugs to avoid mixing sub-

stances.

For the second consecutive year, Latino/a New Yorkers had the highest rate of drug overdose death.

From 2018 to 2019, rates of overdose death increased among Latino/a New Yorkers (25.5 to 26.1 per 100,000 residents) and Black New Yorkers (22.5 to 23.0 per 100,000 residents). Among White New Yorkers, the rate of overdose death decreased for the third consecutive year, to 23.2 overdose deaths per 100,000 residents.

The neighborhoods with the top five highest rates in 2019 (Hunts Point-Mott Haven, Highbridge-Morrisania, Crotona-Tremont, Fordham-Bronx Park, East Harlem) are con-

sistently among the neighborhoods with the highest overdose rates in New York City.

“These data tell a consistent story,” said Senior Director of Research and Surveillance Dr. Denise Paone. “Year after year, residents of the South Bronx and East Harlem have among the highest rates of drug overdose death in New York City. Although we eagerly await overdose mortality data from the second quarter of 2020 to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on overdose deaths, we have already implemented several interventions, including work focused in neighborhoods that are disproportionately imCONTINUED ON PAGE 15

Overdose uptick leads to more outreach in NYC

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pacted, to help address the unique impact this pandemic has on overdose risk.”

In recognition of the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic presents for people who use drugs or have a history of substance use, the Health Department has implemented several new interventions aimed at reducing overdose risk, including: Launched a methadone delivery system in partnership with the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) after pandemic-related changes in federal regulations around methadone.

The program helps ensure patients can access their life-saving medication without putting themselves or the community at risk for COVID-19.

As of September 30, the MDS program has made 1,755 deliveries.

Secured personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies for Syringe Service Programs (SSPs) to safely operate as an essential service during the pandemic. SSPs serve communities that experience health inequities including disproportionate im-

pact of COVID-19.

Launched targeted messaging to inform New Yorkers at risk of overdose options for accessing Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) including a targeted postcard mailing campaign detailing ways to access methadone and buprenorphine during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Disseminated low tolerance guidance to provide information about how changes in tolerance impacts overdose risk and provide steps people can take to reduce the risk of overdose.

Published a fentanyl fact sheet to provide information about the drug's potency, its role in increasing overdose risk, signs of a fentanyl-involved overdose, and overdose prevention strategies for people who use drugs.

Re-launched the “I Saved A Life” campaign which encourages New Yorkers to have naloxone, a life-saving medication to reverse an opioid overdose.

Since the launch of HealingNYC in March 2017, the Health Department has: Distributed 395,509 naloxone kits throughout the city. 156,836 kits were distributed

to Opioid Overdose Prevention Programs (OOPPs) in 2019.

To increase access to naloxone during COVID-19 in neighborhoods with high overdose rates, the Health Department recently launched a pilot program to make naloxone available for free at 16 pharmacy chain locations across all five boroughs, including four of the top five neighborhoods with the highest overdose rate.

Launched Relay, a nonfatal overdose intervention, currently at 13 emergency departments. Following a nonfatal overdose, Relay sends a peer advocate to emergency department sites to provide naloxone, overdose risk reduction support, and connections to other services and care. From launch through June 30, 2020, Relay has received 2,581 eligible referrals, of which 1,748 (68%) accepted Relay services, and distributed 2,687 naloxone kits.

Conducted targeted overdose prevention and education outreach through the Rapid Assessment and Response (RAR) initiative. RAR has interacted with and

provided supplies, education and resources to people at community venues, substance use treatment centers, pharmacies, and shelters in Washington Heights – Inwood, Central Harlem – Morningside Heights, East Harlem, and the Lower East Side – Union Square in Manhattan; Hunts Point – Mott Haven, Highbridge – Morrisania, and Crotona – Tremont in the Bronx; and Downtown – Heights – Park Slope, Bedford Stuyvesant – Crown Heights, East New York, and Williamsburg – Bushwick in Brooklyn.

Expanded funding to 14 syringe service programs across the city who provide critical services to people who use drugs including sterile drug use supplies, overdose prevention education and harm reduction counseling.

Expanded access to effective treatment for opioid use disorder by training 1,817 new buprenorphine providers from launch through June 30, 2020; implementing a Buprenorphine Nurse Care Manager Initiative at 27 federally qualified health care center sites; and es-

tablishing buprenorphine induction at 14 emergency departments. From 2018 to 2019, the number of NYC residents who filled at least one buprenorphine prescription increased by 8% (15,174 to 16,383).

Disseminated several citywide public awareness campaigns in print, social media, and on TV: “Fentanyl,” “Overdose is Preventable,” “I Saved a Life,” and “I am Living Proof that Buprenorphine and Methadone Work.”

Launched Health Engagement and Assessment Teams (HEAT) to provide a public health-focused approach to serving New Yorkers presenting with substance use and mental health concerns to reduce the footprint of these persons in the criminal justice system.

Individuals seeking support or treatment for substance use issues for themselves or their loved ones can contact NYC Well by calling 1-888-NYCWELL, texting “WELL” to 65173, or going to nyc.gov/ nycwell. Free, confidential support is available at any hour of the day in over 200 languages.

16• BRONX VOICE• January 27 - February 2, 2021

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Lincoln mural brightens day of those on front line, patients

community-based mural by Mexican artist Arantxa X. Rodriguez, was unveiled to the public at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln. It is part of a community mural-making project to provide A

(Right) Consul General of Mexico, Community Advisory Board Alice Simmons, Dr. Eric Wei, SVP at H+H, Rick Luftglass of the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund, the funder, Mr. Nunez, CEO, and Patient Advisory Council Stacey Ellis are speakers at the ceremony unveiling a new mural at Lincoln Hospital.

comfort and reduce stress for frontline medical workers, communities and patients, and to provide a space for emotional healing.

The murals build upon a long tradition of murals at NYC hospitals dating back to the 1930’s.

Lincoln Hospital’s staff, patients and surrounding community were deeply involved with the concept and creation of the mural.

Focus groups were held to determine themes within the

mural, which reflects the multi-cultural aspects of the community.

The mural will provide comfort and reduce stress for staff, medical workers, our community and patients, and will provide a space for emotional healing.

Research shows that the arts can play a significant role in “healing the healers”, as well as improving patient outcomes and forging community awareness and partnerships.

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Health insurer helps restaurants feed essential workers, needy

By David Greene One of the most miraculous things to come out of the coronavirus pandemic has been the coming together of the private sector in filling a vacuum created by a lack of government assistance, Now health plan provider Fidelis Care has teamed up with Rethink Food and have joined in a partnership with Essen Health Care and on Monday's in December have been providing free gourmet meals and free rapid COVID testing to the general public and local healthcare professionals.

Having kicked off on December 4, the coalition hopes to distribute 2,400 meals before the end of the month, with 300 meals distributed at two Essen Health Care locations in Mott Haven and in the Melrose sections on each day of the four Monday's of the month.

According to a Fidelis Carr representatives, Fidelis provided a small grant to both "Taste So Good" and the "Mott Haven Bar and Grill" to provide the meals, but concedes, "They did a lot of the heavy lifting.

"We're promoting them as much as possible because they're both

Photos by David Greene

Members of the new Rethink Program distribute free meals outside of the Essen Health Care at 542 East 138 Street.

local Bronx restaurants that we're supporting for the community they serve.”

On December 14, Termisha Henry, who owns the Taste So Good restaurant on Lafayette Avenue in the Soundview section, was outside of Essen Health Care on East 138 Street and St. Ann's Avenue as she passed out her specialty Carribean soul dishes. Since the pandemic, Henry said, "Business has been good, I can't complain.”

Henry continued, "Today I'm here to support Rethink as a partner with them. What we do is give back food and we help the Bronx community and I love to cook and I love to give back." She added that local residents had grabbed the free meals to go, but many would

later leave positive reviews on the restaurant's website.

Rosa Garcia, owner of the Mott Haven Bar & Grill which is located at 1 Bruckner Boulevard, is also a member of the Rethink Program and was also passing out meals to passersby on December 14. Garcia explained, "They pretty much hired restaurants like ours, to make these meals where they're able to distribute them to essential workers throughout the Bronx.”

On that day Garcia helped distribute 250 flounder dinners with brown rice and vegetables and an additional fifty vegetarian meals.

Asked how many cooks, Garcia responded with a laugh, "One person cooks everything, my mama.”

According to a press

release, Rethink Food is a non profit founded in 2017, whose mission had been to reduce food insecurity, but since the COVID outbreak, has been to "feed communities and keep restaurants in business."

Since its launch in April, the program has invested $10 million in more than 35 independent restaurants, who have provided over 2 million meals.

Essen Health Care was founded in 1999 and currently has 40 offices across the Bronx that employs 150 physicians and over 100 clinicians, who provide care to 150,000 vulnerable and under-served residents of the borough annually.

Fidelis Care is a health care plan with over 2.1 million members across New York State.

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How to improve child’s medication when returning home from the hospital

Many children need to take medication at home after being discharged from the hospital.

Recent research conducted at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM) and Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that 70 percent of caregivers either mismanage or don’t fully understand hospital discharge medication instructions, leading to problems such as wrong dosage or confusion about side effects. Now, the same CHAM investigators looked at ways to correct this issue and published their results in Pediatrics. They found medication-related failures can be reduced by almost 50 percent when there is a standardized approach to discharging patients with medications.

“When caregivers are responsible for giving their children medicines at home, it can be confusing and stressful,” said lead author Kaitlyn Philips, DO, assistant medical director of Pediatric Quality, CHAM, and assistant professor of pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine. “We want children to continue to get better in the comfort of their own home, so it’s vital that caregivers can con-

fidently and safely give medications. Our research shows that when we have a consistent way of educating caregivers, we can reduce the chance that mistakes will be made.”

Dr. Philips is part of a dedicated quality improvement team at CHAM, created to identify issues and implement sustainable fixes to reduce preventable harm and improve patient safety. Supported in part by National Institute of Health grants, Philips and several other CHAM and Einstein investigators are studying problems affecting patient-care delivery and developing solutions for them.

Dr. Philips is also a scholar in the Learning Health System Center of Excellence at Einstein and Montefiore, which provides mentoring and training on how to use data to continuously improve the delivery of care.

For the Pediatrics study, Dr. Philips sought to improve parental knowledge about their child’s medication needs and create clearer instructions to follow at home.

She developed and implemented a program called MEDRITES, which stands for:

Medication name Engagement with the family Dose, Route, Indications and Timing Expected Effects and side Effects Storage counseling and Syringe for accurate administration Over the 12-month intervention period, caregivers received bedside medication counseling where the provider discussed each topic in MEDRITES in depth.

The family also took home improved documentation with clear instructions.

Within a week of being discharged, investigators held phone interviews with 249 caregivers, asking how well they understood and were able to follow the discharge instructions. Compared to the 157 patient caregivers interviewed before the program, people who discussed MEDRITES and received improved take-home documentation had better understanding of their child’s medication needs.

MEDRITES has been incorporated into another quality initiative at CHAM called “SAFER Care,” led by Audrey Uong, M.D., attending physician, CHAM, and assistant professor of pediatrics, Einstein.

Dr. Kaitlyn Philips, assistant medical director of Pediatric Quality, CHAM.

This initiative provides additional discharge guidance for families on topics including: how to prepare children to go back to school; when to follow up with their pediatrician; and what symptoms could indicate signs of relapse.

Additionally, MEDRITES is incorporated into annual education for new doctors and several subspecialty providers are adopting a similar process for discharge medication counseling and documentation for their patients.

“The MEDRITES initiative demonstrates that making simple changes, like rounding medication doses to amounts that are appropriate and safe, but also easier to measure, can have a big

impact on how children are cared for at home,” said Dr. Philips. “We believe this intervention could be used at hospitals throughout the country to help prevent medication-related errors for children.”

The manuscript is titled MEDRITES: A Project to Improve the Pediatric Inpatient Discharge Medication Process. It is co-authored by Roy Zhou, MD, Diana S. Lee, MD, Christine Marrese, MD, Joanne Nazif, MD, Constance Browne, PharmD, Mark Sinnett, PharmD, Steven Tuckman, BS Pharm, MBA, Anjali Modi, Michael L. Rinke, MD, PhD. The study was supported by the NIH/National Center for Advancing Translational Science (NCATS).

BRONX VOICE• January 27 - February 2, 2021• 19

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Culinary Road

By Morris Gut

Covid can’t stop NYC Restaurant Week

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this popular bi-annual event has pivoted for the first time to include take-out and delivery only. Participating restaurants are required to offer a special lunch and/ or dinner meal for $20.21.

At the same time, food delivery services have offered to reduce delivery fees over the course of the program. It is organized

by NYC & Co. which claims to have signed up 570 restaurants scattered throughout the 5 boroughs.

This year there are 17 restaurants coming out of the Bronx. Included: Artie’s Steak & Seafood, City Island; Mario’s Restaurant, Arthur Ave.; Zero Otto Nove, Arthur Ave.; Roberto’s Restaurant, Crescent Ave.; Havana Café, Castle Hill; Claudy’s Kitchen, Broadway, Riverdale; Santa Fe Grill & Bar, Broadway, Riverdale; Applebee’s Grill & Bar, Fordham Plaza, Bay Plaza, Riverdale, Throggs Neck Plaza, & Bronx Terminal Market; Charlie’s Bar & Kitchen, Lincoln Ave.; iNine Bistro, Bruckner Blvd.; La Nueva Estrella, 204th. St.; The Bronx Brewery, 136th St.; and Caridad, Williamsbridge.

Special lunch & dinner deals may be extended so check ahead. For more info and a full list of participating eateries go to: www.nycgo.com/restaurant-week ‘YEAR OF THE OX’

LUNAR NEW YEAR FEASTS! The Chinese Lunar New Year celebration begins on Friday, Feb. 12th. Many Asian eateries will be extending the festivities thru the week with special dishes and menus. Be sure to check ahead for exact dates, times, and pricing.

Over at Aberdeen Seafood & Dim Sum, 3 Barker Ave., White Plains (914-288-0188), in the Residence Inn, they will be offering a special Chinese New Year’s menu.

You can also celebrate with a run thru their popular Dim Sum, or from the regular menu. www.aberdeenwhiteplains.com.

Ku Asian Bistro, 480 New Rochelle Road, in the Chester Heights section of Bronxville (914-6688877), has a fine hand with their regional Chinese fusion specialties. ‘Ku’ is a Chinese word meaning ‘fantastic’, so let Chefs Wang and Qiu surprise you with their delightful Asian fusion flavors.

From the Chinese kitchen try the Spareribs, Shrimp with Long Bean, Moo Shu Pork, Kung Pao Chicken, and General Tso’s Chicken. Check ahead for hours.

Free parking. www.kuasianb.com Mister Chen, 265 Mamaroneck Ave., Mamaroneck (914-777-1212), the newest Chinese spot along this Asian strip, serves wonderful house made soup dumplings and buns prepared on the premises, chicken lo mein,

and tasty honey glazed BBQ spare ribs. www. misterchenny.com O Mandarin Chinese Cuisine, 361 N. Central Ave., Hartsdale (914-4379168) will be serving the classics: Peking Duck, assorted Hot Pots, and hearty Mandarin Pork Shank, in their beautifully decorated dining room. www.omandarin.com All restaurants offer take-out & delivery.

WANT TO COOK IT UP YOURSELF? If you are an intrepid home cook and want to pull the old wok out of the closet and oil it up, you may want to visit big bustling H-Mart for a wide variety of panAsian products. They are located at 371 N. Central Ave., Hartsdale (914-4488888). There is another H-Mart in the Highridge Shopping Center on Central Park Ave., Yonkers. www.hmart.com Though smaller, New Golden Village Oriental Market, 365 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale (914-437-9795), would also be a good bet.

Enjoy a fresh bubble tea while there. The Chinatown markets in Flushing and Manhattan are great but take a bit longer to reach.

FAT TUESDAY (MARDI GRAS), FEB. 16!

Freebird Kitchen & Bar, 161 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains, serves a Southern-themed menu that includes such specialties as: Pimiento Cheese Balls served with pecans

Creole seafood stew at Alvin & Friends.

and Ritz crackers; Fried Green Tomatoes; Shrimp & Grits; and Chicken Fried Steak. Look for a dramatic swarm of flying birds hanging from the ceiling.

Open daily for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.

Rooftop. Happy Hours are back: Tues.-Thurs., 4-6 pm; Fri., 2-6 pm. Phone: 914-607-2476. www.freebirdkitchenandbar.com Proprietor Peter Van Cott of The Bayou Restaurant, 580 Gramatan Ave., Mt. Vernon, has been serving up the spirited sounds and flavors of Cajun country since 1991, and the place is still funky and enjoyable. So, if you can’t make it to New Orleans, this is the spot to revel to authentic blues and zydeco music while hunkering down to an overstuffed Po’ Boy or such house specialties as: Big Muffulettas, Southern Fried Chicken, Grilled Peppered Catfish, Tender Pork Ribs Smothered in BBQ Sauce, Jazzy Jumpin’ Jambalaya served with Louisiana Andouille Sausage, Alligator Sausage, and Crawfish Tails Smothered in Rich Creole Gravy.

Reservations are suggested. Phone: 914-668-2634. www.bayourestaurantny. com The people behind Hook

& Reel, 200 Baychester Ave., Bronx, serve a menu which allows you to select your favorite meat, seafood & vegetables and they will prepare a New Orleans-style meal. Takeout & delivery only right now. Phone: 917-5077052. www.hookreel.com Proprietor and consummate host Alvin Clayton of Alvin & Friends, 14 Memorial Highway, New Rochelle is marking his 10th year with solid doses of American Soul Food, a taste of the Caribbean, and spirited jazz. Alvin & Friends has a sophisticated Manhattan vibe. Check out the Classic Jambalaya, Shrimp & Grits, Fried Chicken, and Bourbon Glazed Pork Chops.

Burgers and Mac & Cheese, too. The Sunday Jazz Brunch is a winning combination as well. 914654-6549 www.alvinandfriendsrestaurant.com (Morris Gut is a restaurant marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor.

He has been tracking and writing about the food & dining scene in the Bronx & Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. Email: gutreactions@optonline. net)

20• BRONX VOICE• January 27 - February 2, 2021

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