O what a sight it would be if Paterson could have a few Covid19 Paterson testing sites!

Corona has come with a height of fury causing sickness, death, fear and anger without
respecter of persons no matter your age, ethnicity, culture, economic status or educational
background not just locally but globally. And, we can emphatically say, We are truly in this
together!

As of April 23, 2020, Paterson has 3,587 confirmed positive cases and 124 deaths which is very
alarming in a population of over 150,00 and steadily increasing. As of today, we haven’t been
provided the demographic data within our community to understand which ethnicities, age
brackets or sections of our communities are more impacted than others. It is my belief that this
information is vital to proactively flatten the curve, strategically plan, the development of
communication models, promote more social distancing, avoid educational deficiencies for our
children, financial business stability and ensure the survival rate of community. While I could
complain about what’s not right I rather make a plea for the city where I was born and raised
and love so much. If Paterson ever needed your help from the federal and state governments,
the time is NOW!

Paterson needs full funding to have a few test sites, with an enormous amount of test kits,
certified and volunteer staffing, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and post therapeutic
counseling modules ASAP. We’re a dense population with a median income of approximately
$37,000 and our residents desperately need to be tested in our city.

As we are faced with the grim reality everyday that our loved ones are sick, quarantined, are
dying and have died, my arms extend virtually bellowing out a sense of hope that, “This too shall
pass!” My prayer is that we are fully funded sooner than later. Oh what a sight it would be to
have test sites in Paterson!

Councilwoman-at-Large Dr Lilisa Mimms
Paterson, NJ