Community Update - New Vaccine Site Opening

Dear Neighbor,

As we wind down Black History Month, we have some important news on what is going on to improve health outcomes in communities of color. A new FEMA and State run COVID-19 vaccination site will be opening on March 3rd at the National Guard Armory at 2 Quincy Place, Yonkers, NY 10701. Through my advocacy efforts to expand equitable vaccine distribution, my partners at all levels of government and I were able to make this happen.

If you live in Zip codes: 10701, 10705, 10703, 10704, 10553, 10550, or 10552, you can begin booking an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine on February 24th through the state website or you can call the state Vaccination Hotline at 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829). On March 3rd, all Westchester County residents can begin booking appointments at the center. 

Until now, the Westchester County Center in White Plains was the only major vaccine site in the county. With this new site, we are hopeful more people who have been disproportionately impacted will be vaccinated. The site will offer extended hours, and we expect 1,000 vaccines to be administered each day. The site is also accessible to public transportation and should help open appointment availability at the Westchester County Center as well. 

As soon as more details become available, my office will pass them on. We hope you can help us in getting the word out about this vaccine site by telling a friend, neighbor, or family member. 

Also don’t forget to join me and Senator Shelley Mayer virtually for “Reaching Health Equity,” a special Black History Month conversation on healthcare disparities in the Black community, and how we overcome them. The show airs on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m on Facebook Live and Zoom. 

As always, please feel free to email me at scousins@nysenate.gov or call my office at (914) 423-4031, if you have any questions or concerns.

Until next time,

Andrea Stewart-Cousins
New York State Senator, 35th District
President Pro Tem, Majority Leader

• For a list of local pharmacies compiled by my office, giving the vaccine, depending on availability, click here. Please note, pharmacies can only vaccinate people 65 and older. Individuals with comorbidities and underlying conditions must visit a State vaccine site. To check if you are eligible for a vaccine, you can click here: https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/. 
   
• Indoor family entertainment centers and places of amusement can open with a 25 percent capacity limit beginning on Friday, March 26.
   
• Outdoor amusement parks can open with a 33 percent capacity limit beginning Friday, April 9.
   
• New York's health insurance Open Enrollment Period will be further extended to May 15, 2021. Read more here.
   

The Senate Democratic Majority is working aggressively to end the significant healthcare disparities in communities of color. 

This package of bills passed will start addressing systemic inequalities in the medical field.

We know children learn better when they see themselves in their teachers. 

This package of bills passed will help support a more diverse teaching community and create a more inclusive learning environment for all students.