Black History is American History February 20, 2021Dear Friends,Throughout Black History Month, we recognize and celebrate the countless leaders and innovators who have shaped and continue to shape our nation for the better.In last week’s newsletter, I briefly highlighted the awe-inspiring work of viral immunologist Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, one of the leading scientists who worked to develop the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. Corbett and many other African-American doctors and public health researchers are using their scientific expertise to address Americans’ vaccine hesitancy, especially in communities of color with a history of being overlooked—or worse—by our government. COVID-19 has exposed and worsened many of the deepest injustices in American society and has hit communities of color—especially predominantly Black communities—hardest. This problem is made far deadlier by a chronic lack of access to health care, discrimination and medical mistrust compounded by past injustices including the horrifying Tuskegee study. And now these communities are being left behind in America’s national vaccine rollout. I am reminded of Dr. King’s admonition that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” We are surrounded by injustices, and if we are to overcome the challenge of this moment we must stop compounding the failures of our past. We must step up immediately to address these health disparities and prioritize equitable vaccine distribution to protect our loved ones, our neighbors and our communities. One of the keys to righting these wrongs and ending this pandemic is vaccine availability. Simply put, we are building systems to put shots in arms faster than companies are making and shipping them. I sent letters to Pfizer and Moderna this week seeking answers on why the rollout has been slower than we need and to seek guidance on how America can supercharge our vaccine production. Some of this may be out of our control, but I’m going to ensure every possible measure is taken by Congress to remove any barriers hindering rapid vaccine production and just and swift distribution. Just yesterday, I heard from experts during a full House Science Committee hearing on the research and science behind the COVID-19 vaccines and how we can boost vaccinations and speed up the process of achieving herd immunity.Dr. Corbett’s pioneering work has already saved countless lives and is helping America turn the page on this dark chapter of our history, but she is far from alone. Black scientists, doctors and trailblazers have made lasting contributions across the fields of medicine and science. Their triumph in the face of adversity continues to inspire and raise the bar of civic and scientific achievement. I am delighted to share that many Black visionaries in science and public health have hailed from New York State, including:James McCune Smith: Born in 1813, Dr. Smith became the first African American to hold a medical degree, and the first to own and operate a pharmacy. A stalwart abolitionist, he helped Frederick Douglass start the National Council of Colored People in 1853, the first permanent national organization for Black people.Louis T. Wright: Dr. Wright was a surgeon at Harlem Hospital, where he founded the hospital’s cancer research center. He joined the Army Medical Corps, serving as a lieutenant during World War I. During his service, he introduced the intradermal vaccination for smallpox and was awarded a Purple Heart. Continuing his groundbreaking legacy, in 1929, he was appointed to serve as the first African American police surgeon with the New York Police Department.Jane Cooke Wright: Daughter of Louis Wright, Dr. Jane Cooke Wright worked alongside her father at the Cancer Research Foundation in Harlem. She led research in chemotherapy drugs that led to remissions in patients with leukemia and lymphoma. Her work helped transform chemotherapy to a viable treatment of cancer, and in 1971, she was elected to be the first woman president of the New York Cancer Society.Phyllis Harrison-Ross: As a pioneering pediatrician, psychiatrist, and mental health administrator, Dr. Harrison-Ross dedicated her life to serving underserved populations, including incarcerated individuals. She led in designing rehabilitation and therapy for children, was at the forefront of developing telepsychiatry, and in 2000, she founded the Black Psychiatrists of Greater New York & Associates.No single list could possibly do justice to the incredible scope of medical and scientific advancements of Black Americans that continue to better countless lives throughout our communities and nation. And as we celebrate the work of these heroes and visionaries, let us never forget the countless Black figures whose achievements have been omitted or erased by a history of bigotry and indifference.Black history is American history. As we celebrate Black History Month, let us continue to draw inspiration from these leaders in science and public health, and recommit ourselves to the vital work of fulfilling that sacred promise of liberty and justice for all.As always, thank you for reading.Your friend, DID YOU KNOW?Throughout this pandemic, my office and I have worked to make sure you remain informed with the latest updates and recommendations on any and all COVID-19 related topics. With that in mind here is some information that may be of interest to you:In light of the twin health and economic crises caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, President Biden issued an executive order creating a Special Enrollment Period for enrolling in HealthCare.gov that runs from February 15 until May 15.Financial help is available. 9 out of 10 HealthCare.gov shoppers qualify for financial assistance to lower monthly premiums. As a result, 3 out of 4 shoppers can currently find plans for $50 per month or less.     If you signed up for coverage during open enrollment but now want to change your plan, you can. If you have questions about signing up for coverage or want to talk through your options with a trained professional, free help is available. Call the New York State of Health Customer Service Line at 1-855-355-5777 or visithttps://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/.
Representative Paul D. Tonko
 

Black History is American History
 


February 20, 2021


Dear Friends,

Throughout Black History Month, we recognize and celebrate the countless leaders and innovators who have shaped and continue to shape our nation for the better.

In last week’s newsletter, I briefly highlighted the awe-inspiring work of viral immunologist Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, one of the leading scientists who worked to develop the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. Corbett and many other African-American doctors and public health researchers are using their scientific expertise to address Americans’ vaccine hesitancy, especially in communities of color with a history of being overlooked—or worse—by our government.

COVID-19 has exposed and worsened many of the deepest injustices in American society and has hit communities of color—especially predominantly Black communities—hardest. This problem is made far deadlier by a chronic lack of access to health care, discrimination and medical mistrust compounded by past injustices including the horrifying Tuskegee study. And now these communities are being left behind in America’s national vaccine rollout.

I am reminded of Dr. King’s admonition that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” We are surrounded by injustices, and if we are to overcome the challenge of this moment we must stop compounding the failures of our past. We must step up immediately to address these health disparities and prioritize equitable vaccine distribution to protect our loved ones, our neighbors and our communities.

One of the keys to righting these wrongs and ending this pandemic is vaccine availability. Simply put, we are building systems to put shots in arms faster than companies are making and shipping them. I sent letters to Pfizer and Moderna this week seeking answers on why the rollout has been slower than we need and to seek guidance on how America can supercharge our vaccine production. Some of this may be out of our control, but I’m going to ensure every possible measure is taken by Congress to remove any barriers hindering rapid vaccine production and just and swift distribution.

Just yesterday, I heard from experts during a full House Science Committee hearing on the research and science behind the COVID-19 vaccines and how we can boost vaccinations and speed up the process of achieving herd immunity.

Dr. Corbett’s pioneering work has already saved countless lives and is helping America turn the page on this dark chapter of our history, but she is far from alone. Black scientists, doctors and trailblazers have made lasting contributions across the fields of medicine and science. Their triumph in the face of adversity continues to inspire and raise the bar of civic and scientific achievement.

I am delighted to share that many Black visionaries in science and public health have hailed from New York State, including:

  • James McCune Smith: Born in 1813, Dr. Smith became the first African American to hold a medical degree, and the first to own and operate a pharmacy. A stalwart abolitionist, he helped Frederick Douglass start the National Council of Colored People in 1853, the first permanent national organization for Black people.

  • Louis T. Wright: Dr. Wright was a surgeon at Harlem Hospital, where he founded the hospital’s cancer research center. He joined the Army Medical Corps, serving as a lieutenant during World War I. During his service, he introduced the intradermal vaccination for smallpox and was awarded a Purple Heart. Continuing his groundbreaking legacy, in 1929, he was appointed to serve as the first African American police surgeon with the New York Police Department.

  • Jane Cooke Wright: Daughter of Louis Wright, Dr. Jane Cooke Wright worked alongside her father at the Cancer Research Foundation in Harlem. She led research in chemotherapy drugs that led to remissions in patients with leukemia and lymphoma. Her work helped transform chemotherapy to a viable treatment of cancer, and in 1971, she was elected to be the first woman president of the New York Cancer Society.

  • Phyllis Harrison-Ross: As a pioneering pediatrician, psychiatrist, and mental health administrator, Dr. Harrison-Ross dedicated her life to serving underserved populations, including incarcerated individuals. She led in designing rehabilitation and therapy for children, was at the forefront of developing telepsychiatry, and in 2000, she founded the Black Psychiatrists of Greater New York & Associates.

No single list could possibly do justice to the incredible scope of medical and scientific advancements of Black Americans that continue to better countless lives throughout our communities and nation. And as we celebrate the work of these heroes and visionaries, let us never forget the countless Black figures whose achievements have been omitted or erased by a history of bigotry and indifference.

Black history is American history. As we celebrate Black History Month, let us continue to draw inspiration from these leaders in science and public health, and recommit ourselves to the vital work of fulfilling that sacred promise of liberty and justice for all.


As always, thank you for reading.


Your friend,
https://tonko.house.gov/UploadedPhotos/Thumbnails/35a628c4-c4ec-4b4d-ab6e-6e41902c78cb.jpg


DID YOU KNOW?

Throughout this pandemic, my office and I have worked to make sure you remain informed with the latest updates and recommendations on any and all COVID-19 related topics. With that in mind here is some information that may be of interest to you:

  • In light of the twin health and economic crises caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, President Biden issued an executive order creating a Special Enrollment Period for enrolling in HealthCare.gov that runs from February 15 until May 15.
  • Financial help is available. 9 out of 10 HealthCare.gov shoppers qualify for financial assistance to lower monthly premiums. As a result, 3 out of 4 shoppers can currently find plans for $50 per month or less.    
  • If you signed up for coverage during open enrollment but now want to change your plan, you can. 
  • If you have questions about signing up for coverage or want to talk through your options with a trained professional, free help is available. Call the New York State of Health Customer Service Line at 1-855-355-5777 or visithttps://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/.

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