June 1st, 2011 Dear Fellow Bronxite: In its annual county health report, the Robert Wood Johnson

Foundation found that the Bronx ranks 62nd out of 62 counties in New York State in health outcomes dead last. The findings are based on a number of factors, including individual health behaviors, clinical care, social and economic factors, and physical environment. The County Health Report should be a call to action for elected officials, community leaders, and individuals all across the Bronx to address the health issues endemic to our communities. To that end, we are proud to launch our Bronx CAN (Change Attitudes Now) Health Initiative. Throughout this summer and early fall, Bronx CAN Health Initiative will bring together individuals, doctors and other health providers, places of worship, community gardens and community centers, schools, and civic-minded groups of all kinds to promote the types of behaviors that lead to healthy lifestyles. The goal of the Healthy Bronx CAN Health Initiative is to have all the members of our community young and old alike build healthier lives, free of ailments like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease. We will accomplish this together by using the natural and human resources right here in our communities: the best advice and care of our experts in the health care field, the healthy food providers among us, and the physical spaces that surround us. Beginning this month and running through October, we will be encouraging community members to set their own health goals, whether it is losing weight, exercising a certain amount of times a week, or vowing to eat healthier. To do so, we vow to lead by example. As someone who understands the challenges facing those of us who wish to eat healthier foods and exercise more, Senator Rivera vows to lose 25-30 pounds in the next 5 months and he will invite anyone in the community who wishes to lose weight and/or become healthier to join him. Borough President Diaz will also take part in the effort to encourage members of the community to live healthier lives. Our offices will partner with community groups and community boards to create a Master Calendar of all the events that will be part of the Bronx CAN Health Initiative. We will draw upon the innovation, creativity, and best practices of the community. Our hope is not only to change behavior, but to shape policy that will help tear down some of the institutional barriers that lead to healthier lives. The kick-off event for the Bronx CAN Health Initiative will be held on Saturday, June 11th at the Mary Mitchell Center on Mapes Avenue. We urge you to join us in this wonderful community effort. To learn more about the Bronx CAN Initiative and to get involved, contact the Borough Presidents Director of Health and Human Services Melissa Cebollero at [email protected] or 718-537-5268, or Senator Riveras Policy Director Christopher Malone at [email protected] or 718-933-2034. Sincerely yours,

Ruben Diaz, Jr. Bronx Borough President

Gustavo Rivera New York State Senate, 33rd District