For the Mentally Ill, a Daily Refuge Found at North Central Bronx Hospital

By DAVID CRUZ The debate over whether institutionalization of the borough’s mental health population rages fiercely, with state officials seeing it as vestige of a bygone era. In the last few years, the state has closed its institutions, shifting away from housing the mentally ill and seeking different forms of treatment instead.

Be Healthy – Federal funds for ER-decongestion Plan Come to the Bronx

By DAVID CRUZ Vital Stats: $438 Billion – Costs of Medicaid nationally. (Source: Center of Budget and Policy Priorities.) Hospitals across the Bronx have begun receiving an infusion of federal monies aimed at a plan that ensures Medicaid-covered patients stay on top of their health to avoid a costly emergency room visit. The plan is aligned with a larger goal of shrinking Medicaid spending, officials from St. Barnabas Health System (SBH) announced.

New Trees on Mosholu Parkway Have Residents Divided

By KIMBERLY JACOBS Norwood residents may or may not have noticed the new dogwood trees planted throughout the lawns on Mosholu Parkway. But for those who have, there have been some cheers and jeers.

In Norwood, Open Fire Hydrants Inspires Jubilation and Fear

By TATYANA TURNER Norwood residents are trying to find measures to beat the heat as the summer settles in, by cracking open a fire hydrant. But as children turn open hydrants into neighborhood gatherings, a slew of open fire hydrants throughout the summer has members of the FDNY shutting them off, pointing out the dangers in leaving them open.

Inquiring Photographer

By DAVID GREENE This week we asked readers their thoughts and plans for the much-anticipated summer season. I’m actually looking forward to getting together with some old friends, visit with family and enjoy some much needed time off. I hope the weather cooperates. Lisa Jenkins

Albany Nears Free MTA Transfer Extension

The Albany Legislature has approved a bill to save commuters some money by adding an extra free transfer between MTA buses and subways within a two-hour window. Currently the MTA pay-per-ride fare costs $2.75, which includes one free transfer that can be used for up to two hours. However, bad service and train delays can force commuters to pay another fare if their transfer expires. Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz does not believe that commuters should pay for an extra fare due to service delays. He empathized with commuters who have a difficult daily commute and wants to rid the burden of

By NORWOOD NEWS The Mosholu Preservation Corporation (MPC), a nonprofit support corporation of Montefiore Medical Center, continues to hit its mark as an active not-for-profit serving the Norwood community and other neighboring communities with its brand of economic development and community initiatives, including the award-winning Norwood News.

MMG Family Health Center Moves to New Facility

Montefiore Medical Group Family Health Center has relocated to a high-tech center at Fordham Plaza, heralded with a ribbon cutting ceremony June 11. (l-r) Cutting the ribbon is Deirdre Rosado, director of Operations, Montefiore Medical Group; Andrew Racine, MD, PhD, senior vice president, chief medical officer, Montefiore Health System; Steven M. Safyer, MD, president and CEO, Montefiore Health System; Bruce H. Soloway, MD, Department of Family Medicine; Sheila Yates, RN, MSN, administrative director, Family Health Center; and Maria Gbur, MD, medical director of the Family Health Center. The center offers primary and specialty care. Photo courtesy Montefiore Medical Center

Out & About

Editor’s Pick Adults are invited to sign up for a free Adult Summer Reading 2015 at the Bronx Library Center, 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd. and submit reviews at www.summerreading.org or in the library by 5 p.m. on Aug. 28. Prizes will be awarded to the four individuals who read the most books and post/submit reviews. Winners will be announced on Aug. 29 at 2:30 p.m. This program is open only to those who select the Bronx Library Center as their local library. For more information, call (718) 579-4244/46/57 or visit www.nypl.org.