Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett speaking at the 135th CityLaw Breakfast. Image credit: CityLaw

On Friday August 19, 2016, the Center for New York City Law at New York Law School hosted the 135th CityLaw Breakfast. The event speaker was Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett.

Dr. Bassett was welcomed by Anthony Crowell, President and Dean of New York Law School, and introduced by Ross Sandler, Professor of Law and Director of the Center for New York City Law.  She discussed the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s response to the growing threat from the Zika virus. Dr. Bassett emphasized the strong response the City has had to the virus and iterated the City’s data driven methodology to combat the threat. Dr. Bassett stressed the importance of precautionary action and avoiding nonessential travel.

Further, Dr. Bassett stressed the strong connection between community health and social justice. Specifically, she emphasized that poverty and social inequalities can increase vulnerability to diseases like the Zika virus and hamper appropriate medical responses. Dr. Bassett finished by taking questions from the capacity crowd.

To watch the complete video, click here.