The meeting was called to order at 7:20 p.m.

Chair Young opened up the meeting by welcoming everyone and explaining that the Committee on Minority Affairs and the Committee on Health and the Medical Center, along with everyone else were all gathered together to discuss the state of minority health in Westchester County. He went on to introduce his fellow Legislators as well as the Health Center’s Board Chairman, David Ford, who had some opening remarks of his own.

Mr. Ford explained that the mission of the Health Center was to provide quality health care to Mt. Vernon and neighboring cities. The Health Centers have been moving forward through the efforts of many people. Greenburgh and Mt. Vernon have merged Boards.

The Chairman of the Greenburgh Health Center Robert Mauro stated that they were fortunate to have partnered with Mt. Vernon. Through the council of Mr. Ford and Mrs. Morris, they have avoided making many mistakes.

Carol Morris, the CEO of the Mt. Vernon Health Center stated that we should never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. She went on to say that every nation chooses their death rate by the resources they provide for health care.

Chair Young stressed that the issue is very important not only to the Legislators but to the Administration as well. Commissioners Adel and Friedman have come to dialogue with the group, and although Westchester County Executive Andrew Spano was unable to attend, Bill Randolph appeared on his behalf.

Mr. Randolph stated that the County Executive did not want the occasion to go by with out expressing how important he feels the issue is. We have to improve the health in our communities. On behalf of the Administration, he applauded the initiative taken here, and takes this issue very seriously. It takes a team effort to bring adequate health care to our community.

Lois Bronz, Vice Chair of the Board of Legislators addressed the group on behalf of the entire Board. Legislator Bronz stated that the Board has the commitment and the votes to get things done.

Legislator Abinanti believes you have to go out in the community, especially places where health care is provided, to find out what is being done right and what can be done better. Minorities are at a greater risk in some health issues. There are troubling statistics, and we are here to see how we can play a role in helping the minority community.

Mrs. Morris gave an overview and background of the Mt. Vernon Neighborhood Health Center.

Opal Dunstan, Deputy Director of the health center gave many statistics then summed it up by stating that they have an increasing number of patients and an increasing number of them are uninsured. They need help.

Mrs. Morris reviewed literature that was distributed on the economic impact of community health centers in New York State.

Carolyn George, CEO of the Greenburgh Health Center stated that this is an issue that impacts all of us. They provide education and change lifestyles. The money the employees earn goes back in to the community. They need to find resources, health care has to be provided.

Commissioner Adel stated that the issue of minority health is a national disgrace. When we talk about health we have to consider it in the broadest context possible. Issues such as housing, unemployment, substance abuse, racial discrimination, all social ills have an enormous impact on health status. Poverty is a major determinant of health status. He complimented the organizers of this meeting for bringing their case for resources to the attention to the Legislators and urged the continuation of advocating for this important issue in Westchester County.

Commissioner Friedman stated that the US spends a greater portion of its gross national product on health care than any other nation and at this point probably has the most maldistributed level of expenditure of any nation.

The following individuals gave presentations on their individual departments. Some of them distributed back up material to support their speeches. The theme of each presentation was how their departments functioned in relation to minorities and why funding was important.

Sandra Comerie-Smith, MD, MPA Dir. Opthamolgy Service

Jennifer Harper, MD OB/GYN

Yvonne McKitty, RN Dir. Nursing

Nora Farkough, MD Dir. Adolescent

Ms. Sangeeta Ahuja, RDA Dir. Nutrition Service

Mr. Willie Everich Dir. Homeless Service

Ms. Shirley Gibbs-Bryant Dir. AIDS Case Management

Lloyd Eden, RPA Dir. HIV Services

Dr. Steven Levine, MD, MPA Medical Director

Mark Rapaport, MD

Chair Young stated that it is time for us to begin a positive dialogue. This meeting has been an education to everyone. If the community is going to survive and become healthier, it is up to us to make that change.

Legislator Abinanti interjected that anyone who wanted to speak but did not have the opportunity should see him. There will be additional meetings on this issue and he would be taking names and numbers.

On motion of Legislator Bronz, seconded by Chair Young the meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m. The motion was carried by a vote of 2-0.