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BOROUGH PRESIDENT HOSTS IMPORTANT TOWN HALL MEETING TO KICK OFF 'COVER THE UNINSURED WEEK'

On March 10th, Borough President Marty Markowitz welcomed more than 200 health care professionals, elected officials, uninsured individuals and concerned citizens to Borough Hall to discuss the importance of providing affordable and accessible health care to all New Yorkers and to talk about the plight of the uninsured.

"There is nothing more important than making sure that every single Brooklynite has access to the very best health care,” Borough President Markwoitz said. “Since Brooklyn has such an incredibly diverse population, with a variety of different health care needs, this issue takes on even greater importance. We can't forget about those less fortunate, and we have an obligation to work together to solve this serious situation before it gets any worse."

It is important that we raise awareness about the problems faced by nearly 700,000 Brooklynites, 3 million New Yorkers and 41 million Americans who lack health insurance. Access to quality health care is a critical quality of life issue for a growing number of Brooklynites, particularly for uninsured individuals and families, who now comprise an estimated 29 percent of our residents. Because the uninsured cannot afford needed medical care, they are much sicker and die younger.

More than one hundred activities will take place in New York City this week including on-campus discussions with medical practitioners and students, health fairs, and symposiums with business, labor and religious leaders. Events in Brooklyn include an on-campus discussion at SUNY Downstate and more than 30 health fairs throughout the borough. For more information about events in Brooklyn, visit www.CoverTheUninsuredWeek.org.