Page 3 - qt edition #39 SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 THE QUEENS TIMES PAGE 3

NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs Releases
Report on The City’s Immigrant Population And New York Department of State’s
Division of Consumer Protection
Initiatives of The Office in 2022 Releases Guidance For Consumers

NYC Mayor’s Office of Im- their work to serve immigrant reviews the critical role MOIA Purchasing Newly Approved
migrant Affairs (MOIA) Com- communities all across the city.” played in developing initiatives to
missioner Manuel Castro released “As someone who immi- support our newest New Yorkers Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids
a report on the city’s immigrant grated to this country as a child while continuing to serve long-
population and initiatives of the with my mother, and grew up in time immigrant New Yorkers.
office. New York City, I understand the Some of these initiatives include Federal Regulations Now in need to pick the product yourself
The report highlights the impact critical work of this office and its creating the City’s first Ukrainian Effect Allow Consumers to Buy and do your research to make
of MOIA and showcases the work importance,” said Manuel Castro, Response Initiative and continu- Hearing Aids Over the Counter sure the device you pick can
done by the Adams administra- Commissioner of the Mayor’s ing to serve Haitian New Yorkers meet your needs. Over-the coun-
tion to respond to the challenges Office of Immigrant Affairs. through our Haitian Response The New York Department ter hearing aids are generally the
that many new immigrant and “Under the leadership of Mayor Initiative. The MOIA team also of State’s Division of Consumer least expensive option available.
long-time immigrant New Yorkers Eric Adams, and Deputy Mayor engaged with 10,643 immigrant Protection and Division of Li- (Note: These hearing aids are
faced during calendar year 2022. Anne Williams-Isom, the city New Yorkers through our Ask- censing Services have released intended for people with mild to
“Amidst a global humanitarian mobilized a colossal humanitarian MOIA hotline, delivered 1,536 guidance to help consumers moderate hearing loss and not
crisis that has led to tens of thou- operation to support our newest translations of over 300 different navigate the process of purchas- severe hearing loss.)
sands of people seeking refuge New Yorkers. No other city in the source documents in 49 different ing hearing aids. In 2022, new • Professionally fitted: A reg-
in New York City, the Mayor’s nation has responded to this scale. languages. Through MOIA’s Im- federal regulations went into istered professional will discuss
Office of Immigrant Affairs has, The outpouring of compassion migrant hotline, we fielded nearly effect allowing retailers to sell your specific hearing needs to
time and again, stepped up to the and support from New Yorkers at 40,133 calls conducted over 11,467 hearing aids over the counter. help you pick a hearing aid that
challenge by helping guide policy the Port Authority Bus Terminal, comprehensive legal screenings This means consumers with is most appropriate for you and
related to our newest New Yorkers modern-day Ellis Island, has been through the city funded immi- mild to moderate hearing loss your budget. A registered pro-
and provide critical core services truly inspiring. This report high- gration providers. Our English can now buy hearing aids in fessional can help you find the
such as language access and indi- lights our efforts in responding to Language Learning team hosted store or online without needing right hearing aid for any level of
vidualized referrals,” said Anne a global humanitarian crisis while 74 courses, reaching over 4,578 a prescription or formal hear- hearing loss, including severe or
Williams-Isom, Deputy Mayor continuing to serve longtime im- English language learners, and ing test. Follow the New York profound hearing loss.
of Health and Human Services. migrant New Yorkers.” trained 146 volunteers online. Department of State on Face- Hearing Aid Fittings:
“This report provides a snapshot In 2022, the Adams administra- While the report presents a book, Twitter and Instagram and • Over the counter: You are
of that work and recognizes the tion responded to multiple global snapshot of the City’s work in this check in every Tuesday for more responsible for ensuring a proper
team at MOIA that gets stuff done humanitarian crises. From the area, it does not cover the totality practical tips that educate and fit and professional assistance is
every day for immigrant families Russian war on Ukraine to the of work that MOIA and other New empower New York consumers not provided.
and individuals, whether they just influx of asylum seekers crossing York City agencies do to serve im- on a variety of topics. Sign up to • Professionally fitted: A reg-
arrived to seek asylum or came to the US/Mexico border, many im- migrants. To view the full report receive consumer alerts directly istered professional will program
call NYC home through another migrants came to New York City and learn more about the Mayor’s to your email or phone here. the device to your unique hear-
path. Thank you to Commissioner seeking refuge and a chance at Office of Immigrant Affairs, visit “As over-the-counter hearing ing needs. They will also make
Castro and his dedicated team for the American Dream. This report nyc.gov/immigrants. aids become more readily avail- sure the device is comfortable
able on store shelves, making and properly fits. The provider
MTA to Provide Shuttle Bus to Vietnam Veterans them more affordable and acces- will work with you to make sure
Memorial in Queens sible, it’s important for consum- you are able to correctly use the
ers to understand that shopping device on your own.
for these devices may not be as Returns and Warranties:
Shuttle will Operate Once an caro. “We are proud to work with Memorial in recognition of our simple as it seems,” said Secre- • Over the counter: Check the
Hour Between Mets-Willets the Department of Veterans’ Ser- Nation’s heroes,” said Assembly tary of State Robert J. Rodri- product return and refund poli-
Point Subway Station and vices to ensure everyone can visit Member Sam Berger. “To the guez. “There are many factors to cies before you buy. You may not
Flushing Meadows Corona Park the memorial to pay their respects veterans who served in Vietnam: consider while choosing between be able to return or get a refund
Memorial is Free and Open to to the millions of Americans who welcome home.” over-the-counter and traditional on an over-the-counter hearing
the Public served in the Vietnam War.” “The Wall That Heals is a prescription hearing aids, and aid purchase. Over-the-counter
“We are excited to partner with powerful commemoration of the I urge New Yorkers who are in hearing aids are not required to
The Metropolitan Transporta- the MTA while The Wall That men and women who served in the process of purchasing hear- provide a warranty.
tion Authority (MTA) has an- Heals is on display in Flushing the Vietnam War,” said NYC ing aids to read our guidance to • Professionally fitted: A
nounced that it would provide Meadows Corona Park,” said Council Majority Whip Selvena help decide which option can registered dispenser must allow
a shuttle bus between the Mets- NYC Department of Veterans’ N. Brooks-Powers, Chair of the best serve their needs.” you to return the device within
Willets Point subway station and Services Commissioner James Committee on Transportation and New York State Office for 45 days and is required to issue
the NYC Department of Veterans’ Hendon. “The addition of shuttle Infrastructure. “The Wall’s exhi- the Aging Director Greg Olsen you a refund.
Services Vietnam War Memorial, buses not only provides a conve- bition in New York City provides said, “Over-the-counter hear- Follow-up Visits and Resolu-
which will be in Flushing Mead- nient option for New Yorkers to an important opportunity for lo- ing aids are an option newly tion of Issues:
ows Corona Park from Thursday, pay their respects, it also makes cal families to honor their loved available for many consumers • Over the counter: If you run
Sept. 28 through Sunday, Oct. 1. The Wall That Heals accessible to ones, and there should be minimal struggling with mild to moderate into any issues with the hearing
Between Thursday, Sept. 28 an even wider audience.” impediments to accessing the hearing loss. As with any major aids, you will need to contact the
and Saturday, Sept. 30, the shuttle “New Yorkers have a great Wall at its location in Flushing purchase – especially one that device manufacturer. There are
will operate every 60 minutes chance to reflect on our history Meadows Corona Park. The MTA may be necessary to support no industry standards or laws
between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. and pay tribute to our veterans bus service between Mets-Willets quality of life – it’s important to requiring assistance be provided
On Sunday, Oct. 1, the shuttle who made the ultimate sacrifice Point and the Memorial is an im- make an informed decision that after you purchase over-the-
will operate every 60 minutes when the Wall That Heals opens portant step towards making the suits your specific needs and counter hearing aids.
between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. next week,” said New York State Wall more accessible in an area expectations when it comes to • Professionally fitted: A regis-
The shuttle will make stops at Senator John Liu, Member of the that is otherwise hard to reach via fittings, maintenance, and other tered professional will schedule
Roosevelt Av between Union St Senate Transportation Commit- public transit.” factors. The State’s Division of follow-up visits as necessary to
and Main St, Roosevelt Av in tee. “Many thanks to the MTA for The Wall That Heals is Consumer Protection has pro- address any difficulties you may
front of the Mets-Willets Point making sure this special exhibit a partnership with the Viet- vided an exceptional resource have with the device. They are
subway station, and Flushing is accessible to all New Yorkers nam Veterans Memorial Fund to help, and I encourage all who also required to be available to
Meadows Corona Park. with bus service between Mets- (VVMF). The three-quarter scale are considering a hearing aid to provide adjustments and servic-
“Every day, buses help more Willets Point and the memorial in replica of the Vietnam Veterans read this new guidance.” ing for any hearing aids they
than one million New Yorkers get Flushing Meadows Corona Park.” Memorial in Washington D.C. Professionally Fitted Hearing have dispensed.
to work, school, and everything “I commend the MTA for honors the more than three mil- Aids vs Over-the-Counter Hear- Routine Cleaning and Sound
the city has to offer,” said New providing this vital service to lion Americans who served in ing Aids: What’s the Difference? Quality Checks:
York City Transit Senior Vice visit the NYC Department of the U.S. Armed Forces in the Hearing Test: • Over the counter: You will
President of Buses Frank Anni- Veterans Affairs’ Vietnam War Vietnam War. • Over the counter: You will not receive routine cleaning and
Meng Announces Nearly $2 Million in Federal not receive a hearing test when sound quality check services
you buy over-the-counter hear-
when you purchase over-the-
Grants For Nonprofits in Queens ing aids. counter hearing aids.
• Professionally fitted: A • Professionally fitted: If you
registered professional will test purchase a hearing aid from a
U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D- nization in New York State and of the immigrant and low-income your hearing and help you pick registered dispenser, you can
Queens) announced that nearly $2 is located in Jackson Heights, communities in Queens. a product that meets your needs. take your device back to the
million in federal funds has been focusing on issues like workers’ The money, which includes They will also refer you to a dispenser for routine cleaning
awarded to two nonprofit organi- rights, immigrant and civil rights, $1.6 million for Make the Road specialist if your hearing tests and maintenance for the best
zations in Queens: Make the Road and environmental and housing and $250,000 for La Jornada, reveal a condition that is medi- performance.
New York and La Jornada. justice. La Jornada, a food pantry will help provide equipment and cally treatable. For more information, visit
Make the Road is the largest in Woodside, helps to provide ba- Choosing a Hearing Aid: the Food and Drug Administra-
grassroots immigrant-led orga- sic services to address the needs (Continued on page 4) • Over the counter: You will tion’s website.