NYC Council bill aims to close gaps between hospitals and shelters after deadly winter

"Nolberto Jimbo-Niola, 52, died outside in the bitter cold this winter and was found on a Queens park bench with discharge papers from a local hospital. His death was one of more than two dozen from hypothermia so far this year in New York City, as residents faced a weekslong stretch of brutally cold temperatures."

"City Councilmember Shaun Abreu is proposing legislation requiring city officials and hospitals to boost protections and resources for those groups during weather emergencies, which are becoming more common due to climate change. Two bills he plans to introduce at a Council hearing on Monday seek to ensure patients are safely discharged from hospitals and to improve coordination between health care providers and the city's homeless services."

"One bill would direct the city Department of Homeless Services to provide materials for hospitals and patients on emergency resources, recommended discharge procedures and contact information for city agencies. It would also require the department to work with hospitals during the release process and connect homeless patients to warming centers, drop-in centers and shelters."

New York City experienced more than two dozen hypothermia deaths during a brutal winter, including Nolberto Jimbo-Niola, who died on a park bench shortly after hospital discharge. These fatalities sparked calls for stronger protections for homeless and medically vulnerable populations facing extreme weather. City Councilmember Shaun Abreu introduced legislation requiring improved coordination between hospitals and homeless services, safer discharge procedures, and enhanced access to warming centers and shelters. The bills aim to ensure patients receive proper resources and support during weather emergencies, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change. Officials emphasize the urgency of passing these measures before extreme heat arrives.

Read at Gothamist