Resident doctors say Sen. Rivera delivers for patients and the community
(BRONX, NY) – The national union for resident physicians, The Committee of Interns and Residents-SEIU Healthcare, has endorsed Gustavo Rivera for the Bronx’s 33rd State Senate District and plans to get out the vote for the Senator in the September 13 Democratic primary.
“Senator Gustavo Rivera has been a dedicated champion for public health and has been an ally in tackling asthma, obesity, and smoking in our communities,” said Dr. Eve Kellner, CIR President. “Bronx hospitals continue to face serious challenges, and our patients need a strong advocate in Albany. Nobody knows the policy better or is focused more on delivering progressive change for his district and all New York.”
The physician’s union first endorsed the candidate in 2010, impressed by his campaign promise to focus on improving public health in the Bronx. Since then, he has stayed true to that commitment, lending his support to programs like the Family Health Challenge, which brings resident physicians into public schools to teach children about nutrition and fitness.
Senator Rivera is an advocate for translation services and increasing access to care for recent immigrant families who are at risk of being shut out from the healthcare system.
“The Committee of Interns and Residents has always been a strong ally when it comes to helping improve the health of Bronx residents and to address issues of health inequity throughout New York State,” said Senator Rivera. “From sending resident doctors to perform checkups at our annual health fairs to helping advocate to ban smoking around after school exits and entrances, CIR/SEIU has always been a great partner when it comes to helping improve access to quality care and implementing preventive measures. I am grateful for their support and look forward to continue working with them to improve public health for the Bronx and all of New York State.”
In the State Senate, Senator Rivera has worked towards a healthier Bronx by introducing and passing legislation to ban smoking within 100 feet of all school entrances and exits, in order to prevent secondhand smoke exposure right outside of schools. He has served for the years as the Ranking Member of the Senate Health Committee, and has been in the forefront of debates around access to care, support for safety-net healthcare institutions, and wellness. The Senator was also an outspoken proponent of the minimum wage increase and paid family leave provisions that were passed in this year’s state budget, and which will benefit hundreds of thousands of New York City families.
