Cuomo Awards SUNY Downstate & Kings County Hospital
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced yesterday that Kings County Hospital and SUNY Downstate Medical Center are two of the 26 academic medical institutions statewide receiving some of the $17.2 million to medical institutions for the training of new clinical researchers working on cutting-edge biomedical research.
“Some of the world’s most exciting and groundbreaking medical discoveries have been made possible by research done in New York medical institutions and laboratories,” Governor Cuomo said. “This investment will help train the next generation of researchers, helping to ensure that the Empire State remains on the cutting edge of innovation.”
The Empire Clinical Research Investigator Program provides funding for clinical and population-based research specific to an institution’s community and allows those institutions to hire researchers for critically important projects that represent a strategically important area of growth for the institution.
Sun Downstate will receive $1,260,332 over two years for the training of a team comprised of at least six fellows. Kings County Hospital will receive $150,000 over two years, to train program researchers in diverse research fields such as obesity, diabetes, lupus, kidney transplant, schizophrenia, HPV infection, and hearing loss.
Deutsch Holds Catch-Basin Cleanup Day
Sheepshead Bay City Councilman Chaim Deutsch is inviting constituents and community groups to participate in the cleanup of clogged catch-basins in the Midwood and Sheepshead Bay on Sunday.
“With the partnership of the Department of Sanitation and the Department of Environmental Protection, I am pleased to be holding my third Community Cleanup Event. When catch basins get clogged with leaves and debris, it severely impedes the draining of water, creating ponding and overflow conditions. I invite community members and volunteer groups to join me on Sunday for this important cleanup effort,” said Deutsch.
“The City’s drainage system cannot function properly if catch basins are clogged with trash and debris,” said DEP Commissioner Emily Lloyd. “I’d like to thank Council Member Deutsch and all the volunteers for helping to clear catch basins and educate the public about the importance of not littering and proper stormwater management.”
Deutsch is also requesting that residents report clogged catch-basins to his office at 718-368-9176, so that he can report them to the DEP for maintenance.
The catch-basin is slated for 9 a.m. to 12 noon, Sunday, August 30. Volunteers can arrive at any time during those hours at 2401 Avenue U.
Clarke Recalls Hurricane Katrina
Flatbush Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, yesterday, commemorated the 10th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina with a call to resolve that government agencies dealing with natural emergencies redouble their efforts to respond in a timely and efficient manner.
Hurricane Katrina, which affected mainly New Orleans and Louisiana, killed nearly 2,000 people and left thousands homeless.
“As we remember the Tenth Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, let us remember the thousands of families that were displaced, some of whom have not yet returned – and might never return – to their homes. Let us remember the people who were killed or suffered in the hurricane, often because the agencies responsible for their safety failed to prepare for the hurricane and, even after the crisis had occurred, failed to provide assistance to individuals in need,” said Clarke.
“We know that the devastation of Hurricane Katrina was not inevitable. Rather, the devastation was a consequence of the failure to prioritize the needs of the predominantly African American families who were living in the areas that were most vulnerable to a hurricane. As the rebuilding of New Orleans continues, the federal government, the State of Louisiana, and the City of New Orleans have a moral responsibility to eliminate the disparities that persist as well as the failures of public policy that created the disaster of Hurricane Katrina.”
Adams Honors Black Civil War Union Troops
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams, today, will present citations to honor a traveling exhibition on the 26th Regiment United States Colored Troops.
The exhibition includes uniformed re-enactors, will be displayed in the rotunda of Brooklyn Borough Hall to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.
The event is slated for 2:30 p.m. today at Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon Street.
Williams’ Annual Back To School Supply Drive
Flatlands City Council Member Jumaane D. Williams is continuing his annual Back to School Supply Drive, taking place through Sunday, September 15 at his district office, 4517 Avenue D.
The goal of the drive is to assist financially-strapped families in the community and to help ensure that all local youth are equipped with essential materials when entering the new school year.
“Education is the cornerstone of our community’s future and is the key to unlocking our youth’s full potential,” said Williams. “There are far too many families among us who are cornered by unemployment and financial hardship. I understand these challenges, and I believe it is our responsibility to ensure that they do not prevent our younger generations from succeeding in school. This supply drive is a great way for all of us to make a difference in the life of young students in need.”
Williams’ office is collecting notebooks, pencils, markers, printing paper, glue, hand sanitizer, crayons and other related supplies. All donated items will be given out to local schools and charitable organizations.
Nets Statement On Passing Of Darryl Dawkins
The Brooklyn Nets ownership and management mourned the loss yesterday of former NBA player Darryl Dawkins, 58.
Dawkins played for the Nets along with several other teams and served as an ambassador for the team while transitioning in its’ historic move from New Jersey to Brooklyn.
“The entire Brooklyn Nets organization is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of legendary player Darryl Dawkins. As a member of the Nets in the 1980’s, Darryl, known as Chocolate Thunder, entertained fans on the court with his powerful dunks and effervescent personality, and also made an enormous impact in the community. Following his playing career, Darryl remained a part of the Nets and NBA family by serving as an ambassador and sharing his love of the game with countless fans. He had an amazing personality and touched everyone in a positive way. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Dawkins family and to all those who had the pleasure of knowing Darryl. He will be deeply missed.”
