Health, Safety & Well Being
Stronger bodies. Safer Communities. Powerful Neighborhoods.
Because Healthy Communities Are Powerful Communities.
Health isn't just about having a doctor—it's about having access to care when you need it, safety nets that protect our most vulnerable, opportunities that keep young people engaged and safe, and mental health support that meets people where they are.
Too many families in the 56th District face impossible choices: see a doctor or pay rent, take care of mental health or put food on the table, protect aging parents or work enough hours to survive. These shouldn't be choices anyone has to make.
That's why I'm fighting for comprehensive health and wellbeing policies that strengthen our entire community—because when we're healthy and safe, we're powerful.
Volunteer Health Corps Expansion
Too many Brooklyn residents face barriers to healthcare—transportation, time off work, childcare, language access, or simply not knowing where to go. The Volunteer Health Corps bridges that gap by bringing healthcare services directly into our communities.
What this looks like:
Mobile health clinics that serve underserved neighborhoods in Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights
Community health workers who understand cultural barriers and speak the languages of our neighborhoods
Health screenings and preventive care at community centers, churches, and local gathering spaces
Connection to care coordination that helps people navigate complex healthcare systems
Chronic disease management support for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and asthma
Maternal and child health services that reach families where they are
Why it matters: Healthcare access shouldn't depend on your zip code, your work schedule, or your ability to navigate bureaucracy. By bringing healthcare into our neighborhoods, we ensure that everyone—regardless of circumstances—can get the preventive care and treatment they need. Early intervention saves lives and saves money.
Elder Protection & Scam Prevention
Seniors in our community face constant threats from scammers, identity thieves, and predatory actors who target older adults. From deed theft to fake IRS calls to romance scams, our elders are being robbed of their life savings, their homes, and their dignity.
What this looks like:
Fighting for increased funding for elder fraud prevention programs
Supporting legislation that strengthens penalties for scammers who target seniors
Partnering with senior centers to host regular fraud prevention workshops
Advocating for a coordinated citywide response to elder scams and exploitation
Pushing for better enforcement and prosecution of deed theft and foreclosure fraud
Why it matters: Our seniors built these neighborhoods. They deserve to age with dignity, security, and independence—not fear that every phone call might be a scam or that someone is trying to steal their home. Protecting elders isn't just the right thing to do—it's about honoring the people who made our community what it is.
Youth Pathways & Safety
Young people in the 56th District deserve more than just to survive—they deserve opportunities to thrive. But too many face unsafe streets, lack of after-school programs, limited job opportunities, and systems that criminalize them instead of supporting them..
What this looks like:
Expanded after-school programs that provide safe, engaging spaces during critical hours
Youth employment opportunities through summer jobs, internships, and apprenticeships
Mentorship programs that connect young people with positive role models and career pathways
Community violence intervention that addresses root causes and provides alternatives to violence
Safe corridors and improved street lighting around schools and youth-heavy areas
Youth mental health services embedded in schools and community centers
Arts, sports, and recreation programs that give young people outlets for expression and community
Restorative justice programs that keep young people out of the criminal justice system
Why it matters: Young people aren't the problem—they're the solution. When we invest in opportunities instead of punishment, when we create pathways instead of barriers, when we listen instead of judge, young people thrive. Safe, engaged, empowered youth make safer, stronger communities for everyone.
Mental Health Accessibility
Mental health is health. Period. But in the 56th District, too many people can't access the mental health support they need because of cost, stigma, long wait times, or lack of culturally competent providers. Mental health crises shouldn't end in jails or emergency rooms—they should end in care.
What this looks like:
Crisis intervention teams that pair mental health professionals with first responders
Community-based mental health clinics in neighborhoods without adequate services
School-based mental health services so young people can get help where they are
Peer support programs that reduce stigma and provide relatable help
Telehealth mental health services that increase access for those with transportation or time barriers
Culturally competent providers who understand the unique challenges facing Black and brown communities
Insurance parity enforcement so mental health coverage equals physical health coverage
Mental health first aid training for teachers, community leaders, and residents
Why it matters: We can't build powerful communities if people are suffering in silence. Mental health affects everything from housing stability, job security, family relationships to physical health. When we treat mental health with the same urgency and respect as physical health, we create communities where everyone can thrive. Getting help shouldn't be a privilege—it should be a right.
The Bottom Line:
Because affordability starts with what you earn.When income goes up, families have breathing room. They can save. They can invest in their kids' education. They can stay rooted instead of being pushed out. That's the Brooklyn I'm building: where work pays, opportunity is real, and economic power stays local.