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Environmental Health


Environmental Asthma Programs

 

Asthma episodes can be challenging to manage due to home environmental factors, such as pests like roaches or rodents, and moisture-related issues like mold.

 
These problems can be addressed through appropriate action steps, education, and home visit programs aimed at remediating pest or mold issues and underlying issues in your residence.
 
Below is a list of community-based organizations (CBOs) that can assist you:
 


AIRnyc

AIRnyc is a dedicated non-profit organization focused on improving the well-being of families in New York City who are struggling with uncontrolled asthma, due to environmental factors in the home.

 
Their services include comprehensive home inspections to identify and address issues related to common asthma triggers such as pests, mold, and poor air quality.
 
Families need to obtain a referral from a healthcare provider, such as a doctor or clinician, to access their services. This ensures the organization can effectively support those most in need of assistance.
 
For more information about AIRnyc and its resources, visit its website at www.air-nyc.org/our-programs. You can also contact them directly at (718) 577-2794 with any inquiries or to discuss the referral process.
 


LSA Environmental Health Services

LSA’s Environmental Health program is dedicated to helping East Harlem residents identify and reduce asthma triggers in their homes.

 
LSA provide valuable resources through free home visits, including virtual home inspections and educational materials on asthma management. Additionally, they provide free bed covers to shield against dust mites, pest baits, and food containers.
 
LSA’s Community Health Workers are fluent in both English and Spanish. For more information, please visit www.littlesistersfamily.org/programs/environmental-health-services or contact them at (646) 672-5254. Your doctor or clinician may require a referral to obtain home environmental services.
 


Healthy Neighborhoods Program

The NYC Healthy Neighborhoods Program (HNP) assists children and adults with asthma by identifying home triggers and providing strategies to avoid them.

 
HNP offers free home assessments for individuals who have reported pest problems at home. A healthcare provider should refer you to the HNP for a home assessment. Pediatricians should also refer their patients through the Citywide Immunization Registry (CIR).
 
Updated on October 21st, 2024
 


Public Housing NYCHA Mold Buster Program

 

Mold Busters is a dedicated program that helps residents of the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) address mold issues in their homes. This initiative is essential to NYCHA’s commitment to ensuring all residents live in healthy and safe environments.

 
If you’re a NYCHA resident dealing with mold issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to NYCHA’s Customer Care Centers (CCC). They’re there to connect you with the right repair teams.
 
Mold Busters will advocate for you if your work order is not completed to your satisfaction.
 
If you’re dealing with a mold issue, we recommend reaching out to the Mold Buster through the Ombudsperson Call Center (OCC) at www.ombnyc.com. Keep in touch with the OCC for updates about your work order.
 
Updated on October 24th, 2024
 


NYC Department of Health’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Program

 

The Lead Poisoning Prevention Program in New York City offers essential services to pregnant women, adolescents, and children who have been identified with elevated lead levels in their venous blood samples.

 
Upon a medical provider’s referral, this program provides thorough home inspections utilizing specialized equipment to measure lead levels accurately at different locations in your home. The program may also order landlords to repair lead hazards. Additionally, the team will work with families to identify and address other sources of lead in the home.
 
If you are concerned about lead exposure, please speak to your doctor.
 
To learn more about lead programs in New York City go to www.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/lead-poisoning-prevention.page.
 
Updated on October 24th, 2024.
 


Lead Treatment and Prevention Center at Children’s Hospital at Montefiore

 

The Montefiore Regional Lead Treatment and Prevention Center helps patients through education, environment changes, nutrition, and medical care. This includes in-hospital chelation therapy based on the level of lead poisoning.

 
You need a doctor’s referral to make an appointment. The Montefiore Lead Center is located at 3415 Bainbridge Avenue, Bronx, NY 10467.
 
When you come to the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore for an appointment, please bring:
 
1. The patient’s latest blood lead level results.
2. Information about recent renovations or changes in the home.
3. Any inspection reports from the Department of Health or the Department of Housing.
4. Other details about possible sources of lead exposure.
5. The referral document from your doctor.
 
For more information, contact the Montefiore Regional Lead Treatment and Prevention Center at (718) 547-2789 or email LeadProgram@montefiore.org.
 
Learn more here: www.cham.org/programs-centers/lead-poisoning-treatment-prevention-program.
 
Updated on October 24th, 2024
 


Poison Control Center

 

The Poison Control Center in New York City, offers instant help if the parent is worried a child has been exposed to a poison. If someone has been potentially exposed to a poison and is awake and alert, you should call the NYC Poison Control Center immediately, even if there are no symptoms of poisoning. Call (800) 222-1222 for immediate assistance.

 
For ingested poisons, do not try to make the person throw up. If the person is unconscious, convulsing, having seizures or having trouble breathing call 911.
 
Examples of chemical exposures that the Poison control can assist you with are the following:

  • accidental ingestion of medications (prescription or over-the-counter).
  • ingestion of household cleaning products.
  • pesticides.
  • plants.
  • personal care items like soaps and lotions, batteries, fuels like gasoline.

 
The Poison Control Center job is to offer telephone consultations to everyone—from the public to emergency medical teams, healthcare providers, and public health agencies. The line is available 24/7 and has translation services in more than 150 languages. All calls are free and confidential.
 
For more information visit www.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/poison-control.page.
 
Updated on October 24th, 2024
 


Preventing health and safety issues

 

Get clear and useful information about important home health and safety issues that you can prevent with the right tools, programs, and knowledge—all for free. See the list below:

 

 
 Updated on October 29, 2024.
 


PEHSU

 

The Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU) offers phone consultations for parents who are concerned about low-level exposure to toxic substances and their potential health effects. For personalized answers to your health questions, send an email to pehsu@mssm.edu or call (866) 265-6201 for assistance.

 
Examples of exposures that the PEHSU can assist you with are the following:

  • Air and water pollution.
  • Heavy metals such as lead and mercury.
  • Asthma triggers such like mold and pesticides
  • Chemicals in consumer products.

 
PEHSU will provide telephone consultations to everyone—from the public to emergency medical teams, healthcare providers, and public health agencies. The line is available Monday to Friday 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Help is available in English and Spanish. All calls are free and confidential.
 
For more information about PEHSU visit wwww.icahn.mssm.edu/pehsu.
 
Updated on October 24th, 2024
 


EXTREME TEMPERATURES

 

Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can be unhealthy and dangerous. They can make it hard for families to keep their homes at a safe temperature, especially if they have limited resources. Below there is a list of programs that can help.

 

Cooling Centers

 

When it’s very hot and humid, it’s important to take care of yourself. New York City opens cooling centers during dangerous heat waves.

 
If you’re uncomfortable outside, remember that these safe spaces are available to help you. In the summer, locate heating centers near you at https://maps.nyc.gov/cooling-center.
 
Updated on October 21st, 2024
 


 

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)


The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federal government program that pays healing and cooling bills for low-income renters or homeowners. Although HEAP can help you with your annual energy costs, it is not meant to cover all of your payments.

It’s important that you continue to pay your energy bills as usual.
 
Through several program components, HEAP provides people with cash benefits to:
— Help pay heating and electricity bills every month 2 (HEAP Regular)
— Get a window- or portable- air conditioner (AC) – (Cooling Assistance)
— An emergency cash benefit to help pay bills when utilities are about to be turned off (HEAP Emergency)
— Cash to clean hot equipment – (Clean and Tune)
— Cash to help fix or replace hot or cold equipment – (HERR)
 


Regular HEAP

HEAP Regular is a monthly benefit with a determined cash amount to help pay your electricity bills.

 
The amount of cash benefit you will receive depends on your household’s income, the number of people in your household, and whether heat and utilities are included in your rent or paid separately. If you pay your electricity provider directly, you may receive cash or credit from them, and New York State will reimburse the provider.
 
To be eligible for the HEAP Regular program:
 
— Someone in your family is a citizen or qualified non-citizen of the United States (lawful permanent resident; refugee; asylee; battered spouse and children; victim of trafficking; or individual from certain countries), AND
— Your monthly income from all sources, like returns, discounts, and allowances before taking out any costs or taxes for your family, is at or below the current income guidelines for the size of your family, AND
— You get assistance from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP,) OR
— You are given temporary assistance (TA), OR
– Your Social Security Income (SSI) code is A, which means you receive additional funds for living alone.
 
Find the most current income guidelines at access.nyc.gov/programs/home-energy-assistance-program-heap/#determine-your-eligibility.
 
**HEAP regular applications usually begin in November**
 
To apply for financial aid, create a Human Resource Administration (HRA) account at a069-access.nyc.gov/accesshra and start your application. The HEAP application form is also available at www.nyc.gov/assets/hra/downloads/pdf/heap_application.pdf. **Remember that your name must be on the electricity bill to get the benefit**
 
For instructions on how to fill out the HEAP Regular benefit application form, go to page 2 of this PDF www.nyc.gov/assets/hra/downloads/pdf/heap_application.pdf. After you send in your application, you may be called for a phone interview to determine your eligibility. Apply in person by going to an HRA Benefits Access Center or a community outreach location near you otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/contacts/default.asp?county=New%20York%20City#result.
 

Resources

 

 
**Certain types of income, including loans, reimbursement for employment or medical expenses, foster care payments, and earned income tax credits, are not considered in determining eligibility for HEAP. Also, assets are not considered eligible for HEAP.**
 


Emergency HEAP Benefit

Emergency HEAP assists if your utilities or heat are about to be turned off or have been turned off for nonpayment. The amount of emergency HEAP depends on the size of the home and the emergency.

 
You may be eligible for an Emergency HEAP benefit if:
 
— The heating and/or electric bill is in your name, AND
— Your household’s available resources are:
—less than $2,500 OR
—less than $3,750 if any member of your household is age 60 or older or under age 6.
AND
— Your household’s total monthly income is at or below the current income guides for your household size as posted in the table below, OR
— You receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, OR
— You receive Temporary Assistance (TA), OR
— You receive Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Living Alone
 
Apply Over the phone by contacting the Human Resources Administration (HRA) at (718) 557-1399. Their working hours are Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
We advise to call at 8 a.m. to get to staff. You may need your own interpreter.
 
HEAP Emergency Application Form: www.nyc.gov/assets/hra/downloads/pdf/services/energy_assistance/LDSS-3421.pdf.

Other Heating Resources

 


Clean and Tune Benefit

The Clean and Tune benefit is a state program that pays for cleaning your home’s primary heating equipment. It may also include chimney cleaning, minor repairs, and the installation of carbon monoxide detectors or programmable thermostats.

Benefit amounts are based on the cost of providing Clean and Tune services, up to a maximum of $500.
 
You may be eligible for the clean and tune benefit if:
 
— You are the homeowner
— Your household’s monthly income from all sources, like returns, discounts, and allowances before taking out any costs or taxes for your family is at or below the current income guidelines for your household size https://access.nyc.gov/programs/cooling-assistance-benefit/#determine-your-eligibility,
— Your primary heating equipment is more than 12 months old
— Your primary heating equipment or chimney has not been cleaned within the last 12 months
— You do not have a service contract with your vendor that includes clean and tune services
 
Apply Online
Agency: Human Resources Administration (HRA), (718) 557-1399.
Business Hours: Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Call staff during business hours and get assistance in most languages.
 
Apply in Person
You can apply in person by going to an HRA Benefits Access Center or a community outreach location near you otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/contacts/default.asp?county=New%20York%20City#result.
 
For information on how to apply, call 718-557-1399.

 

Clean and Tune Benefit Resources

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Benefits Access Center Locations: www.nyc.gov/site/hra/locations/home-energy-assistance-program.page
 
Tracking Your Application Status: a069-access.nyc.gov/accesshra
 
HEAP Benefits by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance OTDA: otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/#repair-benefit

 


Heating Equipment Repair or Replacement (HERR) Benefit

Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement (HERR) benefits help households cover the cost of repairing or replacing their principal heating equipment.

To be eligible for the benefit, you must:
— Own your home, and
— A partner vendor must document the heating system as: dysfunctional or unsafe, needing repair or replacement.
 
You must also meet the HEAP regular eligibility requirements. See above for details.
 
Heating equipment that harms family members can be replaced under specific conditions and with medical documentation. A doctor, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner must explain why the heating system damages the household member.
 
Apply Over the Phone
Agency: Human Resources Administration (HRA), (718) 557-1399.
Business Hours: Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Call staff during business hours and get assistance in most languages.
 
Apply in Person
You can apply in person by going to an HRA Benefits Access Center or a community outreach location near you otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/contacts/default.asp?county=New%20York%20City#result.
 
The benefit application form is the same for HEAP regular and is available online at www.nyc.gov/assets/hra/downloads/pdf/heap_application.pdf. Applicants require an interview that can be completed over the phone or in person. For additional help, please call the Infoline at 718-557-1399.
 
The Human Resources Administration (HRA) is required to notify applicants of their eligibility decision within 30 business days after receiving the final vendor invoice for payment. If additional paperwork is required, the process may take up to 10 additional business days.

 

HERR Benefit Resources

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Benefits Access Center Locations: www.nyc.gov/site/hra/locations/home-energy-assistance-program.page
 
HEAP Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement Reference Tool:otda.ny.gov/policy/directives/2022/LCM/22-LCM-12-Attachment-1.pdf
 
HEAP Regular Application Form: www.nyc.gov/assets/hra/downloads/pdf/services/energy_assistance/LDSS-3421.pdf.
 
Documents To Support Qualifying Requirements: www.nyc.gov/assets/hra/downloads/pdf/services/energy_assistance.
 
Tracking of Application Status: a069-access.nyc.gov/accesshra
 
HEAP Benefits by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance OTDA: otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/#tune-benefit

 

For more information, visit access.nyc.gov
 
Updated on July 9, 2024
 


Disaster Relief & Recovery

 

A disaster is an occurrence disrupting the normal conditions of existence and causing a level of suffering that exceeds the capacity of adjustment of the affected community. Some examples are nor’easters, severe storms with flooding, and power outages.

 
Learn how to prepare and what resources are at your disposal:
 
Find a Safe Place to Go
Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to talk with someone in person for guidance or information. To find a center near you, use the DRC Locator or text DRC and your ZIP code to 43362. Example: DRC 10029.
 
Disaster Relief Resources and Temporary Sheltering Assistance
► You can apply online or with the FEMA App to manage your disaster application. Your Social Security Number (SSN) is required.
► If you are eligible for Transitional Sheltering Assistance, FEMA will pay the cost to stay in certain lodging providers for a limited period. Costs covered are for the cost of the room and taxes, and any other expenses are not included. Search the list of participating locations to see if they have availability in the area you have selected.
► Find open shelters with the American Red Cross Greater NYC
 
Disaster Unemployment Assistance
DUA is a federal program that provides payments to people in a federally declared disaster area who have lost work or income as a direct result of the disaster. You must first file for regular Unemployment Insurance by calling the NYS Department of Labor at 888-209-8124.
 
Help with Expenses After a Disaster
You can apply to the NYC Human Resources Administration for a one-time emergency grant, also called the “One Shot Deal.” Call (718) 557-1399 for more information.
 
Coping with Stress Related to Disasters
The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene helps New Yorkers. Contact NYC Well at 888-692-9355 for counseling and resources.
 
Information Resources
Preparedness Actions Education
NYC Emergency Management Office 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115)
Notify NYC App
Know Your Zone (Hurricanes)
 
Updated on October 24th, 2024.
 




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