New Strategy to Combat Bronx Opioid Abuse Announced

By JOSEPH KONIG

TYRELL JONES OF New York Harm Reduction stresses the importance of making Narcan widely available. Photo courtesy New York City Mayoral Photography OfficeNew York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced new measures to combat the opioid crisis in the Bronx, including $8 million for new mental and physical health personnel and additional funding for Bronx-based faith groups.”This is an epidemic that can be treated,” de Blasio said at a news conference on Nov. 28. “But we’re only going to do it with the people of the Bronx. We’re only going to do it if we get deep, deep into

MTA Denies Elevator Plan for Mosholu Parkway Station for Now

By DAVID CRUZ

Despite a petitioning campaign pushing for the installation of an elevator at the Mosholu Parkway 4 train station on Jerome Avenue, the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) opted to award it to another Bronx station. The MTA, however, is considering to add the station to its list of those that will receive an elevator when the next capital plan takes effect. “The design phase for elevator accessibility at Mosholu Parkway will soon begin, and the station is likely to be done in the next capital program; we look forward to completing this project,” Shams Tarek, a spokesman for the MTA, said.

By DAVID CRUZ

Dear Fellow Readers! The Norwood News is out with its latest edition covering Bronx communities. With 20 pages of news, let’s get into the coverage! The front page focuses on the ensuring madness that was the Nov. 15 snowstorm. The roads became veritable traps as the city couldn’t quite clean up the streets. The Norwood News spoke with some frustrated residents while getting an explanation from city officials. The paper also has community reaction to sex allegations made against Bishop John Jenik. Supporters held a rally for Jenik, speaking up for the embattled bishop who was removed after a decades old sexual

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service

Heating Assistance Applications for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) for older adults and low- and middle-income New Yorkers will be accepted by local departments of social services. Eligibility is based on income, household size and how the home is heated. Residents can apply online at https://on.ny.gov/2Fn062M and mail it to NYC DSS/HRA/HEAP, P.O. Box 1401, Church Street Station, New York, NY 10008. For more information, call (212) 331-3126. IDNYC Pop-Up Sign up for a free IDNYC card at the Community Board 7 office, 229A E. 204th St., weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed 1 to 2 p.m.) through

Report: Quarter of the Bronx Still Food Insecure

By JOSEPH KONIG

Ahead of Thanksgiving, a new report shows more than a quarter of the Bronx’s population live in food insecure households, down from 29 percent in a period from 2012-14, but still higher than pre-recession era levels. Bronx elected officials, activist and community leaders gathered the day before Thanksgiving at Part of the Solution Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry (POTS) on Webster Avenue to discuss the report by Hunger Free America and measures that can be taken to reduce food insecurity. “When you invest in families and you provide them with access to food, you can change their lives,” Councilwoman Vanessa

New NCBH Ambulance Bays Part of Expanded Hospital Services

By DAVID CRUZ

North Central Bronx Hospital officials stood alongside elected officials in cutting the ribbon on two new ambulance bays near the entrance to its emergency room. The new bays represent some of the new expanded services to a hospital that had long been rumored to close. “This effectively doubles our previous capacity from two ambulances to four ambulance spaces,” said Cristina Contreras, NCBH executive director, at a news conference Nov. 16 Contreras added the services could lessen the strain area emergency rooms have had to handle. Though Contreras, in a moment of diplomacy, declined to “name names,” she appeared to refer

By JONATHAN CUSTODIO

The city’s letter grading program on restaurants is now being applied to food carts and trucks, according to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Mobile food vendors will begin receiving grades this December and will be subjected to a similar scoring system as restaurants, receiving points for violations that will add up to a total inspection score corresponding to a grade of “A,” “B,” or “C.” Grades will be posted on the mobile food units and they will be equipped with location-sharing devices to be easily trackable for inspection. Only Health Department agents or staff will

By JOY SPRENGER

Domestic violence (DV), also known as intimate partner violence (IPV), domestic abuse or relationship abuse, is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship. Domestic violence does not discriminate! People of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender can be a victim – or perpetrator – of domestic violence. It can happen to people who are married, living together or who are dating. It affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels. Unfortunately, Domestic Violence is very common. In fact, one in every four women and

By MARINA KOPF of WFUV

The Norwood News, WFUV Radio and BronxNet Television continue their five-part series on the impact of gangs in New York City. Kareem Nelson used to live what he calls the “street life.” He was involved in gang-like groups, sold marijuana and participated in gun violence. A gunshot wound paralyzed Nelson, but he still continued to work the streets. It wasn’t until after he did a stint in prison and was in a situation where he was forced to beg for his life, that he made the decision to change. In 2014, he created Wheelchairs Against Guns, using his experiences to