Res. No. 134
Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, S. 3351, requiring the department of health to collect and maintain data relating to the sexual orientation and gender identity of individuals diagnosed with COVID-19, and S. 2051, requiring the department of health to collect and report certain data concerning COVID 19.
By The Public Advocate (Mr. Williams) and Council Members Hudson and Bottcher
Whereas, Since 2019, the novel coronavirus, and the resulting disease, COVID-19, has infected millions of people and has killed hundreds of thousands across the country; and
Whereas, The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the persistent health disparities within our society that lead to vast health inequities along racial, socioeconomic, and various other lines; and
Whereas, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), racial and ethnic minority groups have experienced a disproportionate burden of illness and death from COVID-19; and
Whereas, According to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), in New York City, Black and Latinx New Yorkers are twice as likely to die from COVID-19 than their White counterparts; and
Whereas, Black and Latinx individuals in New York City are also more than twice as likely to be hospitalized for COVID-19; and
Whereas, Although data to highlight the impact in other minority communities is not available, anecdotally, COVID-19 has had a large impact on the Hasidic Jewish community, the LGBTQIA+/TGNCNB community, and other communities that traditionally experience inequitable health outcomes; and
Whereas, If New York State were required to report more demographic data, the government, the health care system, community leaders, and others would better understand the impact of COVID-19 on all communities and the appropriate response to address such impacts; and
Whereas, Currently, the New York State Department of Health (DOH) includes gender when presenting information about COVID-19 testing rates, and includes information about age, race, and gender when reporting deaths; and
Whereas, S. 3351, sponsored by Senator Brad Hoylman, would require the DOH to collect and maintain data relating to the sexual orientation and gender identity of individuals diagnosed with COVID-19; and
Whereas, S. 2051, sponsored by Senator James Sanders Jr., would require the DOH to collect and report certain data concerning COVID 19; and
Whereas, S. 2051would require the DOH to provide data disaggregated by race, ethnicity, sex, age, primary language, socioeconomic status, disability status, and county; and
Whereas, Comprehensive and transparent data from the State would inform the work needed to address and resolve the health inequities that persist throughout the City; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, S. 3351, requiring the department of health to collect and maintain data relating to the sexual orientation and gender identity of individuals diagnosed with COVID-19, and S. 2051, requiring the department of health to collect and report certain data concerning COVID 19.
Session 12
AH
LS #4562
2/25/22
Session 11
LS #14886
EB