For Immediate Release
Hospital, Elected Officials and Advocates Release Report Linking Severe Asthma Epidemic in Bushwick to Poor Housing Conditions and Lack of Services
High Prevalence of Severe Asthma and Need for Asthma Education Also Cited
MAKE THE ROAD BY WALKING AND WYCKOFF HEIGHTS MEDICAL CENTER ANNOUNCE PLAN TO CONFRONT THE ASTHMA EPIDEMIC IN BUSHWICK
WHAT:
Dozens of asthmatic Bushwick residents will join elected officials, Wyckoff Heights Medical Center and Make the Road by Walking to release a report revealing that Bushwick’s extremely elevated rates of asthma are connected to the high prevalence of unhealthy home environments and inadequate asthma education and asthma services.
Of 300 asthmatics surveyed, 28% reported having daily or weekly attacks, which is considered by medical experts to be a sign of severe and poorly managed asthma. In addition, 69% reported major cockroach infestation, 47% reported rat or mouse infestation, and 30% reported the presence of mold.
The press conference will be followed by a tour of an asthmatic Bushwick resident’s building in which there are 221 open housing code violations.
WHEN:
Tuesday, January 31, 11 M
WHERE:
Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, 374 Stockholm St., Brooklyn (between Wyckoff and St. Nicholas Avenues, L to Dekalb Ave.)
WHO:
Wyckoff Heights Medical Center
Local Elected Officials
Asthmatic members of Make the Road by Walking
VISUALS:
Giant Asthma Pump Puppet
Children with asthma pumps
Tour of poor housing conditions following press conference
**** PHOTO OPPORTUNITY ****