“We have always been supportive of changes in programs that allow more people to have health insurance coverage,” says Tom Early, Executive Director of Health Plus. “With the economy where it is today, we are seeing more people losing coverage and looking at government programs as a possible solution for themselves and their families. We are strongly supportive of Governor Paterson's initiatives to cover more people through the government programs that exist (expansion of Family Health Plus to 200% of the FPL and expanding coverage for family members up to the age of 29) and to reduce or remove the barriers to accessing those insurance programs.

 “On another note, the growing obesity epidemic has been highlighted in newspapers and other news sources as a national issue that needs to be addressed. We applaud the Governor’s proposal to take on obesity. We confront -- and tackle -- the many problems associated with obesity everyday in the lives of the population we serve. Through an initiative with Lutheran Medical Center, located in Southwest Brooklyn, we have become very involved with a number of schools in the Sunset Park community and have witnessed the high proportion of kids with high BMI levels. High BMI levels put these kids at risk for developing other health issues as they get older, like diabetes. These kids are a reflection of what is happening to kids throughout New York City and New York State. We all recognize that availability of exercise options and healthy food options are limited in lower income neighborhoods. We look forward to working with the Governor and the First Lady as they address this critical issue.”