HEALTH
As the first person of color and Bronxite to chair the Senate Health Committee, Gustavo engages community health organizations and health care providers to pass legislation that combats health disparities and to transform our broken health care system to make the Bronx and New York State healthier. Throughout Gustavo Rivera’s service, his work in the district has centered on improving his neighbors’ health and ensuring accessible and high-quality health care services.
Accomplishments:
Lead the fight against maternal mortality, especially in communities of color, by extending Medicaid coverage to new mothers from 60 days to a full year after giving birth; establishing a process for midwives to operate in our state; establishing the State Maternal Mortality Board to recommend prevention practices to reduce deaths of women during childbirth; and requiring hospitals to prevent obstetric hemorrhage after birth.
Fought to ensure Roe v Wade was codified into state law and voted for the Equal Rights Amendment to our state constitution to permanently protect the right to an abortion from an increasingly extremist Supreme Court.
Passed safe staffing legislation for hospitals and nursing homes to improve care and safety for patients and healthcare workers.
Worked to ensure universal vaccine access and prepare for future pandemics,
Secured historic wage increases for home healthcare workers.
Addressed racial health disparities by combating childhood asthma, lead poisoning, and insulin affordability.
Championed the needs of safety net and public hospitals and providers by securing more than $3 billion dollars in funding for these institutions and defending adequate funding for Medicaid.
Worked to protect New Yorkers from medical debt.
Held various health fairs throughout the year providing thousands of Bronxites with free health screening, activities, and resources.
