MARCH 6 — GUNS IN WESTCHESTER–D.A. SUSAN CACACE REPORTS. 72% OF ARRESTEES ARE UNDER 30

Posted on by
Susan Cacace

DISTRICT ATTORNEY

MARCH 6, 2026

DA CACACE ANNOUNCES Q4 GUN CRIME STATISTICS: 61 ARRESTS, 48 GUNS TAKEN OFF THE STREETS
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced today the latest results from her office’s efforts to combat gun violence and the trafficking of firearms in Westchester County.

In the fourth quarter of 2025, police agencies across Westchester made 61 arrests incident to a gun crime and recovered a total of 48 firearms.

Of the recovered firearms, there were 36 pistols, 7 revolvers, 4 rifles, and 1 derringer.

Among the recovered pistols were 4 ghost guns, which are unserialized, untraceable firearms made with 3D printers or assembled from partially finished gun parts. Ghost guns are increasingly turning up at crime scenes across Westchester and New York State.

The largest recoveries were made in Yonkers (20) and Mount Vernon (15).*

Nearly half (49%) of the arrestees were from out of county. Of these, the majority were from the Bronx, with smaller numbers coming from Connecticut, Poughkeepsie, Florida, Newburgh, California, Kentucky, Maryland, and Texas.

Among those arrested, 38% were between 21 and 30 years old, 34% were 20 years old or younger, 16% were between 41 and 50 years old, 8% were between 31 and 40 years old, 2% were between 51 and 60 years old, and 2% were between 71 and 80 years old.

DA Cacace said: “Each tally on a spreadsheet represents an illegal firearm taken off the streets, a potential life spared and a family left intact. I am proud of the significant amount of seizures we accomplished with our local police departments in Q4 2025.

“Looking behind these numbers at the human toll of gun violence, we are reminded how critical this work is for those who are caught in the crossfire, average citizens taking their kids to school or making a trip to the grocery store. Just one life lost to the scourge of gun violence is one too many.

“Though we have made significant progress in conjunction with our municipal partners most acutely affected by gun crime, there remain areas of improvement we must address with renewed urgency.

That the second-highest cohort of arrestees are teenagers is particularly disturbing and reflects an unacceptable trend that was super-charged by the pandemic.

We must work with our legislative partners to tackle this newfound epidemic, for the safety of our communities and for our young residents themselves.”

*These numbers include not only gun recoveries but also gun-related recoveries, such as shell casings and recoveries falling into the Other and Unknown categories.
Posted in Uncategorized

MARCH 6– ASSEMBLYMAN BURDICK ON THE STATE BUDGET

Posted on by
Dear Friends,

A busy session is underway! The legislature is moving forward with the FY 2027 budget process, while I continue to move forward on my legislative agenda (more on that below).

On the home front, this past Tuesday, I participated in a Coffee & Conversation with County Legislator Erika Pierce (who organized the event) and Lewisboro Town Supervisor Tony Gonçalves. We discussed the need for greater support for emergency responders — especially at the state level — as both recruitment and retention by our local volunteer fire departments are increasingly challenging. We also discussed the astronomical increase in utility bills, traffic issues, and opposition to rolling back the goals under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).

My thanks to everyone who participated!
We are also continuing to make our voices heard regarding NYSEG’s requested rate increase. Recently, Senator Pete Harckham, County Legislator Erika Pierce, and I held a press conference at Bedford Town Hall with residents reeling from their skyrocketing NYSEG bills. We heard from single-household residents on fixed incomes, working people on modest incomes, and others who are struggling mightily to pay their utility bills.
I am an intervenor (or party) in the current NYSEG rate case, which began with NYSEG filing for a delivery rate hike of 35% for electric and 39.4% for gas over the proposed five-year term, well above the rate of inflation. In this capacity, I am fighting tooth and nail for lower rates.

At the press conference, I was proud to join my colleagues in speaking out against these unconscionable proposed increases and to encourage NYSEG Customers to let the Governor and Public Service Commission (PSC) know their views:

  • New York State Governor, Kathy Hochul: (518) 474-8390
  • PSC Opinion Line: 1-800-335-2120 To submit comments on Commission Cases/Initiatives/Proceedings. This number is set up to receive comments from in-State callers 24-hours a day. These calls are not transcribed verbatim, but a summary is provided to the Commission.

While ratepayers make their views known, we will remain relentless in our fight to hold down the rates.

On a lighter note, the Friday before Valentine’s Day, we continued our annual Valentine’s for Veterans tradition. Greeting Veterans at the outpatient building of the VA in Montrose, each was handed a very special Valentine’s card, hand-colored with messages from elementary school students throughout my district. Every year, teachers and children enthusiastically participate in this effort, giving the teachers an opportunity both to explain what a Veteran is and to honor them for their selfless service to our country.
My thanks to all the students, teachers, and schools who participated!

Budget & Legislative Update
The Legislature has been reviewing the Governor’s proposed FY 2027 budget (April 1 through March 31). We have completed our Joint Budget Hearings, and each chamber soon will be adopting what’s referred to as the One House Budget, which sets out the budget as they’d like to see it.

As I mentioned in my previous newsletter, we are pleased with the broad outlines of the proposed budget. However, we feel it needs to go further.

I would like to see the Assembly adopt the following:

  • More funds for schools – the proposed 1% increase in Foundation Aid isn’t sufficient.
  • More funds for state roads and bridges – I joined colleagues advocating for a $950 million increase for state roads and a $250 million increase for local roads (called CHIPS funds).
  • Broadening protections against unwarranted action on the part of ICE.
  • Increased funding for affordable housing. I have been taking the lead in the Assembly to restore $75 million in the budget for public housing authorities outside New York City, as was appropriated in the FY 2026 budget, and to add an additional $25 million for the five-year affordable housing plan. 
  • Increased funding to move us along on the path to Universal Childcare, as well as increased funding for pre-K.

I am also advocating for an increase in statewide support for cleaning up Brownfield contamination at the sites of the proposed $2 billion Galleria District Project in White Plains, which has the support of the City of White Plains and Labor. The project would provide 800 affordable housing units, good jobs, and be a tremendous economic stimulus for the County.

I am pleased that the Governor has made a start in her budget with legislation to reform the utility rate-setting process, which is now heavily tilted toward utilities. The proposals, which are policy rather than budgetary, may well be handled post-budget. We need to level the playing field, provide transparency and accountability, and make the process open and accessible to the general public.

As an intervenor in the Con Edison and NYSEG rate cases, I have opposed astronomical proposed rate hikes.

The deep dive into the process has enabled me to recognize common-sense changes that can be made. 

Several of my colleagues and I have introduced legislation to broaden the scope of the Governor’s proposals, including a bill that I am cosponsoring that establishes a consumer advocacy unit in the Department of Public Service.

On the legislative front, I am seeking passage of bills that I introduced last year, as well as new legislation. Among them are the following:

  • Neurodiversity Training Pledge (A0038), to establish in the Department of Labor a voluntary training and certification program for employers to support an inclusive workplace and the advantages of a neurodiverse workforce.
  • Traveling with Dignity Act (A6219A), which provides for adult changing tables to be placed for use by persons with disabilities who need help with diapering at commercial places of public amusement and state-owned buildings open to the public.
  • An amendment to the Public Service Law that authorizes and directs the public service commission to establish rules to limit a utility’s ability to recover its direct or indirect costs associated with its attendance in, participation in, preparation for, or appeal of any rate proceeding conducted before the commission (A5402B). 
  • The HEFPA Protection Act (A10160), which would clarify and strengthen the Home Energy Fair Practices Act, which requires utilities to accept public assistance payments, but whose purposes have been frustrated in some cases through administrative practices.
  • Legislation to repeal a 26-year-old sales-tax exemption for equipment and other personal property purchases by internet data centers (A10216).
  • The First Responder Peer Support Program Act (A7285A), which supplies peer-to-peer mental health programs to first responders.

I will continue to keep you up to date on my legislative efforts.
Posted in Uncategorized

MARCH 6– MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC OPENS IN WHITE PLAINS AT 112 EAST POST ROAD

Posted on by

WESTCHESTER COUNTY OPENS NEW MENTAL HEALTH SAFETY CLINIC IN WHITE PLAINS

 

Clinic to Help Address Service Gaps and Growing Demand for Mental Health Services

 

Watch the News Conference Here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqSmEqUfreQ

(White Plains, NY) – Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins has officially opened a new Mental Health Safety Net Clinic in White Plains, restoring the County’s direct role in providing outpatient behavioral health services. The state-of-the-art facility, located at 112 East Post Road in White Plains, expands the County’s capacity to address service gaps, reduce waitlists, and respond to the growing demand for mental health care in Westchester County.

Jenkins said:

“Nearly 15 years ago, the doors of Westchester County’s Safety Net Clinic were forced to close. Restoring that system of care for our residents was not an option, it was essential. For too long, our hospitals and emergency rooms have been forced to carry a responsibility they were never designed to bear – but that ends now. This clinic will provide the consistent, compassionate outpatient treatment that people need to rebuild their lives, because in Westchester County, no one faces a mental health crisis alone.”

Since 2020, the demand for outpatient behavioral health services has increased significantly, contributing to extended wait times and added strain on emergency departments and hospitals.

The reopening of the Safety Net Clinic restores a critical community-based resource, and strengthens Westchester County’s broader strategy to improve access to care, and reduce unnecessary hospitalizations.

Department of Community Mental Health Commissioner Michael Orth  a White Plains resident  said:

“This clinic represents a major step forward in strengthening Westchester’s behavioral health continuum of care. I want to thank County Executive Jenkins for his steadfast commitment to expanding access for our residents. The reopening of the Safety Net Clinic compliments our crisis response system, including 988 services and hospital diversion efforts, and reflects the commitment to providing accessible, recovery-oriented, and integrated care for individuals with mental health and co-occurring substance use challenges. I also want to recognize the dedicated staff, under the leadership of Melanie Montalto, who worked tirelessly to make this day possible.”

The Clinic will provide comprehensive outpatient mental health services for adults age 18 and older. Services are trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and person-centered, with a focus on recovery, wellness and connection to community supports. Operating under a “no wrong door” philosophy, the Clinic will ensure individuals with complex or co-occurring mental health and substance use needs receive coordinated and integrated care.

Comprehensive services will include individual therapy, crisis intervention, medication management, group therapy, health assessments, referrals, peer services, referrals, peer services, interfaith support, integrated treatment for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Spanish-speaking services are available, along with interpretation through Language Line for additional languages.

The Clinic accepts Medicaid and private insurance, as well as uninsured individuals. Services are provided in accordance with the New York State Office of Mental Health Article 31 regulations.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact the Department of Community Mental Health

(914) 995-7200.

Posted in Uncategorized

MARCH 5– GENDER CARE EFFECTS IN NY AREA. MEASLES IN ROCKLAND COUNTY COVID STEADY AND INFECTING

Posted on by
Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more

Enjoying this newsletter? Why not share it with a friend?

Measles in Rockland County, NYU Langone closes trans youth program, and a key vaccine law

The NY Dose

 

A lot is changing in U.S. health policy, and New York is feeling the ripple effects. Changes are showing up in New Yorkers’ appointments, prescriptions, and prevention tools.

This week’s Dose covers disruptions to youth gender-affirming care in NYC, a vaccine access package moving through the state legislature, and an update on measles cases in Rockland County.

Gender-affirming care disrupted at NYC’s major hospitals: what the whole community should know

NYU Langone has closed its gender-affirming care program for trans youth, and Mount Sinai has reduced or cut some services, leaving families scrambling for alternatives.

For a lot of families, gender-affirming care isn’t an abstract policy, it’s part of daily life. It’s a standing appointment. A prescription refill that keeps things steady. A clinician who knows their child, their history, what’s worked, what hasn’t.

So when that care changes suddenly, it can be destabilizing, with families describing abrupt changes and referrals to private clinics.

And this isn’t a small slice of NYC. While we don’t have data available on the number of trans youth in NYC, we do have an estimate for adults. Based on NYC survey data, about 0.6% of NYC adults identify as transgender—roughly 50,000 people. If kids make up about 20% of NYC’s population, the back-of-the-envelope math suggests there may be at least 10,000 transgender youth in NYC, too.

Sexual and gender identification among NYC adults. Gender minority refers to individuals who identify with a gender identity other than cisgender, including transgender. Sexual minority refers to individuals who identify with a sexual orientation other than heterosexual. Figure from the NYC Epi Data Brief.

Why are there disruptions?

These stories are unfolding because federal funding cuts and regulatory pressure are disrupting gender-affirming care for minors across the country, including in New York.

The Trump administration has threatened to pull funding from hospitals and practices associated with hospitals that provide these services. They are also trying to end Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming care, which would mean that even if a family can find non-hospital-based care, they wouldn’t be able to access it if their insurance is through Medicaid.

I also want to call out some of the fear-based language in these federal documents.

Phrases like “sex-rejecting procedures” and “chemical and surgical mutilation” are meant to alarm and make people think of non-reversible treatments or “removing body parts.”

But that’s not what most families are facing right now. Most of the access being cut off is for puberty blockers—medication which pauses puberty and is reversible (when stopped, puberty resumes). Puberty blockers actually give families, children, and their clinical teams more time to make longer-term decisions. For a more detailed explanation, Those Nerdy Girls has a helpful post on puberty blockers.

It’s also worth putting surgery in context: a 2024 analysis of insurance data found that among minors aged 15–17, gender-affirming surgeries were rare—for every 100,000 minors, there were only ~2.1 surgeries.

The ray of light is that New York is pushing back.

The attorney general’s office told NYU Langone to resume care, noting the federal funding threats they cited aren’t currently in effect, and raising concerns the pause could violate state anti-discrimination law.

There is also a bill going through NY state legislature that would ensure that Medicaid covers gender affirming care in the absence of federal funding.

What this means: continuity of care is a health issue

For many families, “just go somewhere else” isn’t a real option—it’s waitlists, insurance challenges, travel across the city (or out of state), and clinical disruption piled onto a situation that can be stressful and sensitive. And when care gets interrupted, the ripple effects aren’t just medical, they also affect mental health, school, stability, and trust.

What to do: practical steps for families and caregivers

If your child is currently receiving care:

  • Ask for a written transition plan that includes a timeline, prescription guidance, referral list, a record transfer process, and any important points of contact.

If you’re searching for care:

  • The NYCHealthMap lists clinicians offering gender-affirming care for adults and youth (select LGBTQ Health Services > Gender Affirming Care >Youth).
  • Connect with trusted local advocacy groups that often keep updated provider lists. Community Support Resources are listed on this NYC DOH Transgender Health page.
  • When you call practices, ask directly: Are you accepting new adolescent/minor patients? What’s the wait? Do you take my insurance? What documentation do you need?

If you’re a clinician or educator:

  • This is a moment to tighten safety nets: proactive check-ins, mental health supports, and warm handoffs are important.
  • Don’t assume families have a backup plan. Encourage or help them set one up if possible.

At the end of the day, the most important things for kids affected right now are making them feel safe and maintaining access and continuity of care. This means steady and coordinated, not abrupt and fragmented.

Something to watch: a vaccine package going through the NY Senate

In response to the rapidly shifting federal vaccine landscape, New York State Senate Democrats are moving a package of vaccine-access bills through the state legislature this week.

Together, these seven bills would protect insurance coverage for vaccines regardless of changes in federal recommendations, expand who can vaccinate (like pharmacy techs, nursing students, and medical assistants), and ensure clinicians are reimbursed for the full cost of vaccination.

These bills still need to pass through the state assembly and be signed by Governor Hochul to become law, and the package could reach the Assembly as early as next week.

This isn’t about changing the science, it’s about protecting the infrastructure that helps maintain vaccine access in New York—insurance coverage, staffing, reimbursement—when federal guidance is actively damaging those systems.

Infectious disease “weather report”

Measles: Three measles cases were just reported in Rockland County, all international tourists visiting the county. Residents who were exposed to these measles cases have been notified and are being closely monitored.

Rockland County has had large outbreaks of measles previously—last year there were more than 20 cases, and in 2019 there were more than 300. The county has some pockets vulnerable to measles—in some zip codes, fewer than 50% of eligible infants are vaccinated, far below the 95% needed for community protection.

The best thing to do right now is check the vaccination status of everyone in your family, and get up to date if needed. If you’re unsure whether you or your child is immune, talk to your healthcare provider.

RSV: For the tenth week in a row, RSV remains quite high.

Who should pay extra attention right now because of RSV risks:

  • Older adults
  • People with chronic conditions
  • Pregnant people (to protect newborns)
  • Families with young infants

RSV cases in NYC. Figure from the NYC Department of Health Respiratory Illness Dashboard. Annotations by YLE.

What to do:

  • Same as last week—if you’re eligible and haven’t gotten protected yet this season, it’s still worth doing because we have weeks ahead of us of elevated activity.
  • Layer in protections when you can: avoid visiting newborns or older people when sick, mask in crowded indoor spaces, and keep an eye on breathing symptoms in little kids (fast breathing, retractions—when the skin sucks in around the ribs, collarbone, or stomach with each breath—or dehydration).

Flu: Across New York state and in NYC, flu cases have increased slightly. Flu is still relatively low compared to the season so far, but it’s something to keep an eye on.

New York state flu hospitalizations, this season and last season. Figure from New York state respiratory report. Annotations by YLE.

Covid: Covid cases are holding steady, while ED visits are going down. Overall, Covid remains low compared to previous winters.

Covid cases in NYC. Figure from the NYC Department of Health Respiratory Illness Dashboard. Annotations by YLE.

Bottom line

If you or your loved ones are affected by disruptions to gender affirming care, prioritize continuity (records, refills, and a written transition plan) and supporting mental health. For other community members, now’s the time to support the kids and families navigating these disruptions.

Love,

Your NY Epi

Dr. Marisa Donnelly, PhD, is an epidemiologist, science communicator, and public health expert. This newsletter exists to translate complex public health data into actionable insights, empowering New Yorkers to make informed and evidence-based health decisions.

Posted in Uncategorized