SENTINEL COMMUNITIES INSIGHTS Spotlight on COVID-19 White Plains, New York July 2020 sentinel communities insights: spotlight on covid-19 white plains, new york Table of Contents Community Overview 3 COVID-19’s Community Impact 4 The Community Response to COVID-19 5 The Role of Health Equity 6 What’s Next 7 References 8 Photos: AP Photo/Mary Altaffer (Westchester County Center in White Plains, cover); DenisTangneyJr, iStock (White Plains city skyline, p. 3); New York National Guard/Flickr (Volunteer with Feeding Westchester in Elmsford, p. 7) 2   |   The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation © 2020   |  July 2020 The Sentinel Communities report series is produced in partnership with RAND Corporation. sentinel communities insights: spotlight on covid-19 white plains, new york A s the nation confronts the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the legacy of racial inequities that the disease highlights, there is an opportunity to review how diverse communities across the United States are planning for, mitigating, and recovering from the pandemic’s effects. Here, we take a deeper look at White Plains, N.Y., exploring the impact of and the city’s response to COVID-19 based on information available through early June 2020. Community Overview About White Plains Population: 58,109 The city of White Plains lies 25 miles northwest of New York City and is the county seat of American Indian: Westchester County.2,3 White Plains is somewhat unique in that the number of people within 0.7%* the city triples during the day as people come from surrounding areas into the city for work, Asian: 7.9% shopping, or to receive services. White Plains is a diverse community and about 30 percent Black: 11.6% of residents are immigrants.1 The community is plagued by a deep economic divide between Hawaiian, Pacific the more affluent, mainly white population and communities of color and immigrant Islander: 0.0% communities with lower incomes. About 29 percent of households are considered asset- Hispanic or Latino: 32.7% limited, income-constrained, but employed.4 In addition to economic disparities, health disparities persist among White Plains’ racial and ethnic groups. For example, Black residents White, not Hispanic: 46.5% in Westchester County have higher mortality rates from heart disease and stroke compared Two or more races: to other racial and ethnic groups.5 2.6% High school While the state of New York expanded its Medicaid program in 2014, many undocumented graduate: 87.7% residents are reluctant to seek health services due to citizenship status and fears of Median income: deportation.6 However, much of the White Plains community is committed to ensuring that $84,415 all residents, regardless of citizenship status, are provided with essential services. For example, Age 65 and older: 16.8% Open Door Medical Centers, which are federally qualified health centers, and Greenburgh Persons in poverty: Health serve as safety-net providers that accept referrals from the Westchester Hispanic 11.6% Coalition to care for many uninsured and undocumented residents.3 White Plains Hospital also Uninsured: 12.1% plays a large role in serving the immigrant population, and, along with the Westchester County Health Department, leads the charge to address the community’s overall health needs. * Percentages of population by race/ethnicity may add to more than 100 percent because categories are not mutually exclusive.1 3   |   The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation © 2020   |  July 2020 sentinel communities insights: spotlight on covid-19 white plains, new york COVID-19’s Community Impact New York has had more COVID-19 cases than any other state. As of the end of May, New York City reported over 200,000 cases alone, with another 170,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases elsewhere in the state.7 White Plains is located roughly 20 miles from the city of New Rochelle, the epicenter of New York’s COVID-19 outbreak.8 Within New York, death rates due to COVID-19 vary by race/ethnicity, with the highest age-adjusted death rates per 100,000 population among Black residents (107.6) and Hispanic residents (96.4) compared to white residents (26.2).9 Because White Plains relies heavily on sales tax revenues, the economy has been particularly affected by the closure of local businesses.10 According to a survey by the county’s Office of Economic Development, Westchester County businesses have also been hit hard by the lack of revenue:11 l Of the business representatives responding to the survey, 58 percent reported that they would lose 75 percent to 100 percent of expected revenue due to the pandemic.11 l The survey also showed that 85 percent of respondents needed financial assistance and 60 percent were either solo entrepreneurs or businesses with fewer than five employees.11 For example, the Intercos America Manufacturing Plant Temporarily shut down and laid off most of its employees (204 people).12 Within Westchester County, the unemployment rate rose from 3.9 percent in February 2020 to 14.1 percent in April.13 COVID-19 in Westchester County Total number Total cases: 34,175 of cases Cases per 100,000: 3,531  0 Percent of state's  <20 cases: 9.0%  23–89  90–139 As of June 13, 2020  140–255  256–1,192  1,193–10,653  10,654–64,712 Map was obtained from the CDC website on June 13, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/county-map.html?state=NY 4   |   The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation © 2020   |  July 2020 sentinel communities insights: spotlight on covid-19 white plains, new york The Community Response to COVID-19 Within New York state, social distancing measures were implemented over a 10-day period. Restrictions on mass gatherings went into effect on March 12, 2020, followed by initial business closures on March 16, and closures of educational facilities on March 18. All nonessential services were ordered closed on March 22, when an official stay-at-home order, New York State on Pause, went into effect. The city of White Plains leveraged state- and county-level resources in support of its residents: March 12 Mass gatherings l The White Plains website provides information on the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and restricted in Economic Security (CARES) Act and paycheck protection programing, which provides loan the state. forgiveness for retaining employees.14 March 16 l Westchester County is working with Volunteer New York! to connect small business Initial businesses owners with trained volunteers who can provide technical assistance in filling out Small close. Business Administration loan applications, which has been especially valuable for low- literacy, non-English speakers, and other underserved groups to facilitate access to March 18 COVID-19-related economic supports.15 All educational facilities and schools close. l White Plains extended the deadline for filing county taxes and waived penalties for those who request an extension and provide proof of hardship.16 March 22 All nonessential The mayor of White Plains and city councilmembers have been highly visible in the services closed and community, promoting these resources and celebrating collaboration in daily statements New York State on Pause, New York’s and on social media, encouraging residents to check on neighbors who may need food official stay-at- assistance, and leading clapping campaigns for health care workers. home order, goes into effect. In addition to government-led resources and supports, a number of individual and collaborative efforts have been initiated by social service organizations and residents of White Plains in response to COVID-19, particularly among the Hispanic community. For example: l El Centro Hispano teamed up with Feeding Westchester food bank for a food distribution event at a local school. l Two recent White Plains High School graduates co-founded an activist group called White Plains DREAM Alumni to support undocumented workers who have lost work due to COVID-19 and who are not eligible for the same government assistance as U.S. citizens.17 5   |   The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation © 2020   |  July 2020 sentinel communities insights: spotlight on covid-19 white plains, new york Statewide collaboratives have also reached White Plains: Church groups are partnering with Northwell Health to increase testing in communities of color in Westchester County, Long Island, and New York City.18 The private sector has also responded to the pandemic. The global food company Danone, whose North American headquarters are based in White Plains, showed support for frontline hourly employees with enhanced benefits including a pay premium, paid quarantine leave, and childcare support. The company also donated $1.5 million to support food banks and food rescue organizations, including Feeding Westchester in Westchester County.19 Because these The Role of Health Equity relationships existed well before the pandemic, the Prior to COVID-19, White Plains’s capacity to promote health, equity, and well-being was mayor’s office grounded in the efforts of the city to support its most underserved residents, mainly children and youth, immigrants, and those who are struggling economically. As a result of these efforts, was able to the government as well as other organizations were able to quickly mobilize to provide further quickly leverage support to community members who may have had difficulties accessing economic relief partnerships to provided by the government, given language and other barriers. Still others came together to provide information provide support for residents not eligible for many of the benefits due to immigration status. to vulnerable However, fear of seeking health care and other services was common particularly among populations in a undocumented residents prior to COVID-19, and this reluctance to seek services may have timely manner and been compounded by additional concerns around contracting the virus. through trusted Despite supports, the health and financial impact of COVID-19 is affecting racial/ethnic channels. groups within White Plains differently. The most significant impacts of COVID-19 are felt in higher-density neighborhoods, which are disproportionately occupied by people of color.20 In response, city officials have provided masks and hand sanitizer to buildings with high numbers of residents who have lower incomes or are older and have also distributed information on COVID-19 in both English and Spanish.20 The mayor’s office is also working closely with community organizations, which they view as vital “conduits in helping us distribute important information such as how and where to be tested, how to protect yourself, how to get food (and more).”20 Because these relationships existed well before the pandemic, the mayor’s office was able to quickly leverage partnerships to provide information to vulnerable populations in a timely manner and through trusted channels. 6   |   The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation © 2020   |  July 2020 sentinel communities insights: spotlight on covid-19 white plains, new york What’s Next The economic divide between more affluent white residents and more underserved residents of color is likely to grow through this pandemic. Unemployment rates more than tripled between February and March, with families with lower incomes more likely to lose their jobs or experience severe wage loss due to business and restaurant closures in the area. Given that residents of White Plains are experiencing varying challenges and barriers related to COVID-19, it will be important in future reports to assess patterns of recovery over time, including the impact of efforts specifically designed to support the community’s residents most vulnerable to the pandemic and its effects. 7   |   The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation © 2020   |  July 2020 sentinel communities insights: spotlight on covid-19 white plains, new york References 1 U.S. Census Bureau. QuickFacts White Plains city, New York. U.S. Census 11 Woyton M. Westchester Survey Shows Coronavirus Impact On Business. Patch. 2020. Bureau. QuickFacts Web site. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/ https://patch.com/new-york/whiteplains/westchester-survey-shows-coronavirus- whiteplainscitynewyork/PST045219. Published 2019. Accessed June 13, 2020. impact-business. Accessed June 24, 2020. 2 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. RWJF Culture of Health Sentinel Community 12 Taliaferro L. Congers Cosmetics Manufacturer Deemed ‘Non-Essential’. Patch. https:// Snapshot: White Plains, NY. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation;2017. patch.com/new-york/nanuet/s/h3a0z/congers-cosmetics-manufacturer-closes-plant- due-coronavirus. Published April 22, 2020. Accessed June 24, 2020. 3 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. RWJF Culture of Health Sentinel Community Portrait: White Plains, NY. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation;2019. 13 New York State Department of Labor. Local Area Unemployment Statistics Program. New York State Department of Labor. https://labor.ny.gov/stats/laus.asp. Accessed 4 Hoopes S, Abrahamson A, Anglin A, Connelly C, Holdsworth M, Treglia D. ALICE in June 24, 2020. New York: A Financial Hardship Study. United for ALICE;2020. 14 City of White Plains. COVID-19 Small Business Resources. https://www.cityofwhiteplains. 5 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Country Profile com/civicalerts.aspx?aid=1050. Updated May 15, 2020. Accessed June 24, 2020. for Westchester NY: CDC Interactive Atlas of Heart Disease and Stroke. https://nccd.cdc.gov/DHDSPAtlas/DetailedPDFReport. 15 County seeking volunteers to help Small Business Owners complete applications for aspx?AreaIds=36119&ThemeId=1&filterIds=9,2,3,4,7&filterOptions=1,1,1,1,1. Accessed Assistance Programs [press release]. Westchestergov.com, April 6, 2020. June 23, 2020. 16 City of White Plains. WP Waives Interest and Penalties on Late Payment of County 6 Pourat N, Wallace SP, Hadler MW, Ponce N. Assessing Health Care Services Used Taxes for Qualified Taxpayers. City of White Plains News Web site. https://www. By California’s Undocumented Immigrant Population In 2010. Health Affairs. cityofwhiteplains.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1061. Updated April 27, 2020. Accessed 2014;33(5):840-847. June 24, 2020. 7 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cases in the U.S. https://www.cdc.gov/ 17 Marroquin M. White Plains High School alum: CARES Act lacks resources for coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/cases-in-us.html. Published 2020. Accessed undocumented immigrants. Rockland/Westchester Journal News. 2020. https://www. May 20, 2020. lohud.com/story/news/coronavirus/2020/05/06/covid-19-cares-act-undocumented- immigrants/3078808001/. Accessed June 24, 2020. 8 Wallace D. New Rochelle turns into ghost town amid coronavirus outbreak before National Guard’s arrival. Fox News. https://www.foxnews.com/us/new-rochelle-ghost- 18 Woyton M. Cuomo Expanding Coronavirus Testing In Minority NY Communities. Patch. town-coronavirus-outbreak-national-guard. Published 2020. Accessed June 24, 2020. 2020. https://patch.com/new-york/whiteplains/s/h3xh4/cuomo-bringing-coronavirus- testing-minority-communities. Accessed June 24, 2020. 9 Fatalities by Race/Ethnicities. New York State Department of Health; 2020. https:// covid19tracker.health.ny.gov/views/NYS-COVID19-Tracker/NYSDOHCOVID-19Tracker- 19 Westchester County Commends Danone North America For Their Efforts During FatalityDetail?%3Aembed=yes&%3Atoolbar=no. Accessed June 24, 2020. The COVID-19 Pandemic [press release]. Westchestergov.com, April 1, 2020. 10 Keane I. Coronavirus: White Plains suffers as local businesses try to stay afloat, sales 20 Propper D, McKinney MP. Zip code data shows COVID-19 hot spots in Westchester show tax revenue falls. Rockland/Westchester Journal News. https://www.lohud.com/story/ urban areas hardest hit. Rockland/Westchester Journal News. 2020. https://www.lohud. news/local/westchester/white-plains/2020/03/19/coronavirus-white-plains-businesses- com/story/news/coronavirus/2020/05/14/covid-19-hot-spots-zip-codes-new-rochelle- struggle/5061501002/. Published March 19, 2020. Accessed June 24, 2020. yonkers/3087759001/. Accessed June 24, 2020. 8   |   The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation © 2020   |  July 2020