Sponsored by AARP
Brooklyn’s District 47 is just a few days away from deciding their next City Council representative. The news team recently spoke with candidates, George Sarantopoulos and Kayla Santosuosso, to discuss their thoughts on health care.
Q: Many seniors struggle to find affordable and nearby health care services. What strategies would you propose to expand access to primary care and specialty services for older adults, especially in underserved neighborhoods?
Santosuosso: Far too many seniors in our district struggle with health care access, and I am deeply concerned about federal cuts to Medicare making this problem worse. It is critical that the city step up to replace funding that is cut on a federal level. It is critical that whoever we elect to City Council has experience working with programs like Access-a-Ride, because bureaucratic hurdles are the last thing that should be impacting the health of our seniors.
Sarantopoulos: Many seniors in our district shouldn’t have to travel far just to see a doctor. I’ll work with local hospitals and private practices to expand bringing rotating primary and specialty care directly into our senior centers and NYCHA community rooms, and growing mobile health services in underserved areas. I’ll also work to cut unnecessary red tape so independent doctors and visiting nurses can set up care locally. Care should come to our seniors, not the other way around.
Q: Chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis are common among seniors. How would you support programs that focus on preventive care, management of chronic illnesses, and health education tailored for older residents?
Santosuosso: I am the only candidate in this race who has direct experience working with NYC Health & Hospitals to get better services for our seniors. It’s a fight I take very seriously because education, and early detection of these chronic conditions can have huge impacts on the quality of life of our senior citizens. Seniors who helped make this city what it is today deserve the highest level of care, and that’s what I will continue to fight for everyday.
Sarantopoulos: As a cancer survivor, I know how important consistent care and early prevention are. Preventive support keeps people healthier and more independent for longer. I’ll support senior center wellness programs, pharmacy-based screenings, and nutrition and mobility guidance that help manage diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic conditions. We should not wait for emergencies, we help people stay well in the first place.
Q: During public health emergencies, seniors are disproportionately affected. What plans do you have to ensure that older residents receive timely information, vaccinations, and emergency health care services in times of crisis?
Santosuosso: We need to ensure that the Office of Emergency Management is working with the Department of Health and Human Services to create plans to protect seniors well before the next pandemic begins. The care of seniors needs to be our highest priority and the time to start planning is right now, not when the crisis begins.
Sarantopoulos: In a crisis, seniors must get clear information quickly. I will make sure emergency support services are based directly in our neighborhoods, not somewhere across the city. I also support a dedicated senior help line, a 311 for older residents, so they can call one number and get real answers fast. Seniors deserve simple and reliable guidance they can count on.
