PHOTO BY CHUCK HOVEN Non Profi t Organization Tuesday, September 29,2020; Presidential Debate U.S. POSTAGE PAID Protest for Black Lives and Climate Justice, and CLEVELAND, OHIO other causes at Wade Lagoon in front of Cleveland PERMIT 1354 Art Museum: A young woman carries a sign pointing FREE out our Nation’s transgressions to Native Americans. Vol. 47, No. 11 November 2020 PPlainlain PPressress CCleveland’sleveland’s NearNear WestsideWestside NNewspaperewspaper MetroHealth offers updates on its planning and development projects by Chuck Hoven new hospital building on its main ects and neighborhood planning At a September 30th virtual com- campus, a progress report on the efforts. munity meeting MetroHealth Med- Institute for Health Opportunity Part- MetroHealth System Director ical Center offered an update on nership and Empowerment (HOPE), of Economic and Community De- progress of construction of the and updates on development proj- velopment Gregory Zucca said MetroHealth’s Transformation plan calls for building a community of health. He said MetroHealth is un- dertaking a number of community development projects working with community partners. Main Campus Zucca said the hospital was formed in 1837 as a response to a cholera epidemic in the City of Cleveland. MetroHealth reported $1.2 billion in operating revenue for the 2019 fi scal year, said Zucca. The hospital was now investing $1 billion in its main campus to be able to provide better care. Zucca said the hospital has called the main campus its home for over 150 years. Many of the facilities are now functionally obsolete, said Zucca. Zucca said currently the main campus sits on 52 acres of hospital property. He said MetroHealth plans PHOTO BY DEBBIE SADLON to stay within this 52-acre footprint Saturday, October 17, 2020; Fresh Fork Market, parking lot at Professor as it transforms the main campus. and Brayton: Sarah Fallon of Fresh Fork Market, a Tremont resident When complete, Zucca said plans who distributes CSA packets at the stand, says the market visits Trem- call for approximately 25-acres of ont each Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. from May through the end green space within the main cam- of October. Fresh Fork Market offered residents a 22-week summer pus. Community Supported Agriculture subscription for fresh produce from ccontinuedontinued oonn ppageage 4 farms within 75 miles of Cleveland. Historical mistreatment, modern-day disparities make PHOTO BY CHUCK HOVEN Black Americans less likely to trust COVID-19 care, vaccine Tuesday, September 29,2020; Presidential Debate Protest for Black Lives and Climate Justice, and other causes at Wade Lagoon in front by Afi Scruggs and Rachel Dissell a week — fi rst a mild headache, then “Oh no, I’m not doing that. Ain’t no- of Cleveland Art Museum: A young woman protests police brutality. Two days before Carmen Bailey fell congestion — the 52-year-old was too body putting me on no ventilator,” Bai- Protesters gathered to protest during the fi rst presidential debate held ill with COVID-19 in late April, she tired to work. And it got harder to care ley said later, recalling the conversation just a few blocks from the Art Museum. The protest was sponsored by told her daughter not to take her to the for the three children – ages 4, 5 and with her daughter that followed a news Black Lives Matter Cleveland, Sunrise Movement Cleveland, the Inter hospital if she ever got the disease. 8 — who live with her. report they watched about the virus. Religious Task Force and other groups. As her symptoms progressed over Still, she refused to seek treatment. ccontinuedontinued oonn ppageage 8 The Tremont based Clean Garbage Recycling Co-op tackles Cleveland’s recycling dilemma by Bruce Checefsky fewer buyers. Recycling companies are Fox 8 News I Team’s Ed Gallek and charging more. Peggy Gallek reported in November According to a published report in the 2019 that the City of Cleveland is New York Times, some cities have ex- dumping all recycling into a landfi ll. perienced a 400% increase in recycling, Their report found the City of Cleveland leaving local governments to consider no longer has a contract with an outside raising additional taxes or cut other company to haul away the recycling municipal services. Offi cials in mid-size collected by city crews. They proved cities like Philadelphia and Memphis as it by putting GPS trackers in recycling well as large municipalities in Florida, containers. California, Connecticut, and other states “The system is so broken, there’s faced the reality that their curbside pro- no contract with any company to take gram was not working and suspended it. away any of the recycling collected,” The culprit is mainly China, which until the report stated. 2018 was the largest buyer of recycled In response to the Gallek’s story, materials in the United States. The Chi- Mayor Jackson promised to review new nese government stopped accepting the bids for a recycling contract. The News shipments, too much trash was mixed I Team also reported in August that the with recyclables. Prices increased in the City of Cleveland is paying more than global scrap market resulting in a shut $128,000 in consulting fees to identify down. a new recycling contractor. At the same When the City of Cleveland stopped time, it remains clear that so far nothing their recycling program, Tremont has been decided. resident Deb Smith was upset. She As jaw dropping as it sounds, many responded by organizing a grassroots PHOTO BY DEBBIE SADLON cities across the United States have recycling neighborhood program. Saturday, October 17, 2020; Art at A Distance, temporary art exhibit of the work of eleven local artists in canceled their recycling programs. “We’re doing this primarily in re- response to their experiences with Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, W. 30th and Meyer: This Oil and The cost of recycling has skyrocketed sponse to the City of Cleveland cancel- Acrylic artwork by artist Kubra AlHilali is titled: “Peace, Joy and Happiness.” AlHilali says, “Coronavirus during the past few years due, in part, ling recycling,” Smith said. “I was going brought out fears that I thought had been put away forever. I was scared for my family, my friends, myself to the complexity and abundance of to start a program anyway but when we and my daughter. It took much prayer to focus on the positive and know that everything will be alright.” the recycled trash. With too much trash realized the city was putting recycling Art at a Distance, a part of Creative Fusion, an artist in residency program funded by Cleveland Founda- mixed in with recyclable materials like into the landfi ll, we decided to start a tion, displays the work of eleven artists on the fences of Lincoln West High School and Meyer Pool until cardboard and certain plastics, there are ccontinuedontinued oonn ppageage 7 November 21st. 2 Plain Press • November 2020 FOOD TRI-C STUDENTS HOST FREE VIR- TUAL COOKING CLASS on November 12 from 6-7:30 p.m. Visit virtualwinedinner. eventbrite.com to register and get a list of ingredients and supplies to purchase in advance. Free class -- donations accepted. THE FULTON BRANCH OF THE CLEVELAND PUBLIC LIBRARY, 3545 Fulton Road, will be offering children’s meals Monday thru Friday from 3-4 p.m. on a fi rst come fi rst served basis throughout the school year. CLEVELAND METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT(CMSD) is providing grab and go meals to Cleveland children ages 18 or younger. Option One: Grab and Go The Plain Press Community Board is a listing of a variety of free activities and re- meals at all K-8 school sites on Mondays, sources for neighborhoods served by the Plain Press. The printing of the Community Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10:30 Board is sponsored by Organize! Ohio through donations from readers and supporters. a.m. – 2 p.m. On Tuesdays meals may be utilities? Do you need cleaning or hygiene from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. picked up for Tuesday and Wednesday. Op- products? If you have a minor child or are CUYAHOGA COUNTY BOARD OF tion Two: Grab and Go meals at all CMSD pregnant and your income is below 200% ELECTIONS, 2925 Euclid Avenue, will High Schools available for once a week pick of the federal poverty limit, help may be hold early voting hours through November up every Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. available to help with food, rent, utilities, 2nd. If you would like to vote in person at the Students, parents or caregivers can go to the and cleaning and hygiene products. (200% Board of Elections the hours are: Weekdays, school building closest to their home. of the Federal Poverty Limit is $2, 127 a October 26-30th, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Saturday, ST. AUGUSTINE CHURCH HUNGER month for a single person, $2, 874 for two October 31, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sunday, No- CENTER, 2486 W. 14th Street, distributes people, $3,620 for three people, and $4,367 vember 1, 1-5 p.m. and Monday November takeout meals at the hunger center door daily for four people.) For more information 2, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Monday thru Sunday at 11:30 a.m. For more information call 216-781-5530. PHOTO BY CHUCK HOVEN about COVID-19 Emergency Assistance EMPLOYMENT FIRST CALL FOR HELP: For days, times Tuesday, September 29,2020; Presidential Debate Protest for Black or to apply, leave a message on the PRC LEAD SAFE WORKERS are needed to Information Line at 216-987-7392 or visit: and locations for free food distribution call Lives and Climate Justice, and other causes at Wade Lagoon in front make Cleveland houses safe for children https://hhs.cuyahogacounty.us/programs/ to live in. If you are interested in becoming 211. of Cleveland Art Museum: Protesters carry signs in support of the detail/prevention-retention-and-contingen- a Lead Safe Worker visit the Lead Safe GREATER CLEVELAND FOOD BANK: Biden-Harris presidential ticket as well as Black Lives Matter. Pro- cy-program-covid-19-emergency-assistance Cleveland Coalition’s website at leadsafecle. Call 216-738-7239, or visit GreaterCleve- testers gathered to protest during the fi rst presidential debate held CLEVELAND PANDEMIC RESPONSE org to complete the Workforce Development landFoodBank.org for food assistance. Apply just a few blocks from the Art Museum. The protest was sponsored – COVID19 COMMUNITY HUB, at Referral and Screening tool to submit your for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance by Black Lives Matter Cleveland, Sunrise Movement Cleveland, the Cleveland.recovers.org, offers assistance interest in receiving free training to join the Program (SNAP) if you are under sixty (limits are higher for persons age 60 or older Inter Religious Task Force and other groups. to individuals and families with a need by lead safe workforce. linking them to goods and services that WEST SIDE CATHOLIC CENTER or persons receiving disability assistance) BENEFITS METROWEST offers a list of resources they need. The site also connects those who WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT and your monthly family income is $1,316 or less for a one-person household; $1,784 HOW TO APPLY FOR PUBLIC BEN- for residents of the Brooklyn Centre, Clark want to donate supplies to those that need CLASSES assist all people in transition, or less for a two person household; $2,252 EFITS: Visit www.benefi ts.ohio.gov to Fulton and Stockyard neighborhoods on its them. Volunteers can also use the site to without housing, or who are underemployed. or less for a three person household; $2,720 apply for food, medical, cash, and childcare website at www.metrowestcle.org. connect with organizations that need them. The eight-week program, recognized with or less for a four person household. Add assistance. Available 24 hours, 7 days a OHIO CITY INCORPORATED lists local CONNECTED IN CLE: offers a list of the community excellence award by the City $453 for each additional household member. week. Or call the Eligibility Contact Center resources, information and delivery food local resources & help forCOVID-19,link of Cleveland, will assist you in identifying For information about Food Stamps (SNAP) at 1-844-640-OHIO (6446) for real-time options in the Ohio City neighborhood at at freshwatercleveland.com your passion, preparing you to re-enter the applications, food pantries, free produce, and eligibility and case changes for food, cash www.ohiocity.org/covid19. CUYAHOGA COUNTY CORONAVIRUS workforce and get you in front of employers hot meals text FOOD to 63566. and medical assistance. Available Monday WESTOWN COMMUNITY DEVELOP- HELP LINE: 855-711-3035. with permanent positions with a career path - Friday 8:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. MENT CORPORATION (CDC) offers a METROHEALTH 24/7 COVID-19 HO- potential. This is all done in a one-on-one HEALTH list of resources for the Westown neighbor- BUSINESS & LABOR TLINE: 440-59-COVID or 440-592-6843 environment. With daily attendance and PREVENTION ACTION ALLIANCE hood on its website at: www.westowncdc. urges parents to make children aware of the LEGAL AID WORKER INFORMATION EDUCATION work requirement completed…our org. Westown CDC released a Racial Equity dangers of social media – digital dares to LINE: Call 216-861-5899 to get answers to CLEVELAND METROPOLITAN Program WILL GUARANTEE YOU JOB Economic Development Statement and abuse drugs. Learn more about Prevention your employment questions. SCHOOL DISTRICT: Visit the website for OFFERS in the areas of your interest! challenges other community development Action Alliance and how to play your role COMMUNITY educational resources and updates at https:// Classes run from 9:00 AM to 12:00 pm organizations to do the same. in prevention at preventionactionalliance. THE CLEVELAND WEST SIDE VIL- www.clevelandmetroschools.org Monday thru Friday. Open computer OHIO CITY INCORPORATED (OCI) org. In the event of an overdose, call the LAGE will have a program on Satur- EDUCATION BLOGS: Former Plain Deal- lab and ServSafe every afternoon from Do you have an idea that can promote racial Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222. day November 14, 2020 from 10am to er Education Reporter Patrick O’Donnell is 1:00-4:00 pm Questions, please call Frank equity or support COVID-19 needs while CHILDHOOD IMMUNIZATIONS noon: “Exploring Long Term Care Options now writing for the 74million.org an educa- Johanek, 216-631-4741 ext. 167. Next Class, building community and creating positive available at McCafferty Health Center, in Cleveland.” The speaker will be Emily tion blog. Former United Church of Christ November 9th. interactions in Ohio City? Ohio City has 4242 Lorain Avenue, from 9 a.m. till noon Mutillo, Applied Research Fellow, Center Minister for Public Education and Witness ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES SEEK WILL- modifi ed our small grants program to better on Wednesdays. Call 644-6603 to make an for Community Solutions.Register for this Ministries Jan Resseger blogs at janresseger. ING AND ABLE WORKERS during this support Ohio City residents who want to appointment. Bring your child’s immuniza- Zoom program at: https://clevelandwestside. wordpress.com time through Coronavirus.Ohio.gov/Job- address what is happening in our world. tion records. Only the parent and the child helpfulvillage.com/events/120-exploring- COMPUTER BASICS: Join Detroit Shore- Search. Employers at essential businesses Apply for the OHC Rapid Response Small receiving immunizations will be permitted long-term-care-options-in-cleveland. way’s judgement-free computer lessons with are also encouraged to post job openings Grant and potentially receive up to $250 to in the clinic. NEIGHBOR UP COVID 19 RAPID Alicia, Digital Literacy Coordinator, each on the site. implement your project. Applications are FREE LEAD SCREENING is available RESPONSE GRANTS are available to Monday at 9am on Facebook Live. Please OHIO MEANS JOBS: Complete an appli- being accepted on a weekly basis every at McCafferty Health Center from the grassroots neighborhood groups, small help a loved one who is interested in com- cation at www.ohiomeansjobs.com AND a Friday. For more information and to ap- Cleveland Department of Public Health. Call nonprofi ts and faith-based groups. Grants puter basics to join us! Watch the live lessons local application at www.omjcc.us. ply online visit www.ohiocity.org/grants. 664-6603 for more information and to make cover a 12-week period and will be from on Monday mornings at facebook.com/ ENVIRONMENT Have questions or prefer a paper copy? an appointment. $500 to $5,000. For more information con- detroitshoreway or search “Detroit Shoreway RECYCLE YARD SIGNS: you can recycle Contact Whitney at wlongjones@ohiocity. VIRTUAL SUPPORT AND RECOV- tact Monique Williams Kelly, mwilliams@ Community Development Organization” org or 216-250-1919. your campaign yard signs – plastic fi lm, ERY groups are available and listed on the neighborhoodgrants.org. in your Facebook app. For questions, call PLAIN PRESS COMMUNITY BOARD: corrugated plastic, and paper signs plus ADAMHS Board website homepage at: CLEVELAND POLICE FOUNDATION Alicia at 216.961.9073 ext. 235. You can To list free events and services in the Plain the metal stands – at the Cuyahoga County adamhscc.org. offers programs designed to build bridges replay the previous lessons: “Introduction Press Community Board – send information st Street between the Cleveland Division of Police to Computers” and “The Internet”. Solid Waste District, 4750 East 131 HOMELESSNESS you would like printed to: plainpress@ HOMELESS SEEKING SHELTER: and members of the community. For more CLEVELAND METROPARKS OFFERS in Garfi eld Heights. Hours are Mon.-Fri. gmail.com. The Coordinated Intake and Assessment information about the Cleveland Police FREE VIRTUAL CLASSROOM ON from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Collection CONSENT DECREE FACEBOOK LIVE: Mondays through system will be accessible by phone at 216- Foundation and its programs visit: www. dates are from November 4, 2020 to No- CLEVELAND COMMUNITY POLICE- 674-6700, available from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. clevelandpolicefoundation.org. Fridays at 11 a.m. visit Cleveland Metroparks COMMISSION has two working groups vember 20, 2020. Monday through Friday. The United CUDELL IMPROVEMENT AND DE- Zoo’s Facebook Page to join our biologists the Accountability Work Group and the CUYAHOGA COUNTY SOLID WASTE Way First Call for Help line is available TROIT SHOREWAY COMMUNITY who are working to secure a future for wild- Interactions with Youth Work Group. For DISTRICT is the public agency helping at 2-1-1 during all other evening and DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION offer life at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Check-in more information about joining a work group the people of Cuyahoga County reduce, weekend hours. a list of resources at cudell.com/coronavirus with your favorite Zoo animals and learn send an email to [email protected] or call reuse and recycle at home, at work and in or www.dscdo.org. The list includes free about what it takes to care for some of the ccontinuedontinued oonn ppageage 7 216-505-5920. most endangered species in the world. Then, their communities. We serve as the leading meals and free food banks and distributions resource in the County for information, in the Detroit Shoreway, Cudell and Edge- CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) at 1 p.m., visit Cleveland Metroparks Face- Plain Press RESOURCES book Page to join our park naturalists as we expertise and programs that support sustain- water neighborhoods. The organizations able materials management and reduce the 2012 W. 25th STE 500 WAS YOUR FAMILY IMPACTED BY explore the Emerald Necklace have also created a list of businesses selling environmental impact of waste. Visit www. Cleveland, OH 44113 COVID-19? Do you need help feeding ELECTION 2020 take-out food. The list is available at www. CuyahogaRecycles.org or call (216) 443- Phone: (216) 621-3060 your family? Are you behind on your rent or DISABLITY RIGHTS OHIO offers in- dscdo.org/food. 3749 to learn how to recycle in your com- email: formation on voting rights for persons with munity and discover other recycling and disabilities on its website: www.disability- [email protected] disposal options. rightsohio.org/voting Advertising email: ELECTION DAY VOTING: Polls are open [email protected] Website: https://plainpress.blog Plain Press © Estab lished in 1971 Circulation: 21,000 copies. Published monthly. Distribution area: Cuyahoga Riv er west to W. 140, Lake Erie south to the Lower Big Creek Valley. Avail able free at over 500 lo ca tions. Managing Editor: Charles E. Hoven; Editor: Deborah Rose Sadlon; Copy Editor: Craig Bobby Reporters: Bruce Checefsky & Jack Barnes Photo Editor: Coriana Close; Photographer: Michael Oakar Ad ver tis ing Sales: Ed Tishel Graphic Art ist: Dav id Myers Dis tri bution: Ahmed Morad Mailing: Teresa Calvo Board of Trustees: Keith Brown,Peggy Davenport, David Gam ble, Dr. Leo Jef- fres, Joe Narkin, and Helen K. Smith. Plain Press • November 2020 3 Researchers turn to HIV/AIDS clinical trial network for help in building Black Clevelanders’ trust in COVID-19 studies by Rachel Dissell and Brie Zeltner their experience in building trust and enrollment in HIV vaccine clinical trials It took more than a decade of par- participation in trials to help combat between 2002 and 2016 to about 33%. ticipation on the Community Advisory another virus ravaging the U.S. Black In March, the network, including the Board at University Hospitals’ AIDS community: the novel coronavirus. Cleveland site, which is a collaboration clinical trial unit for Ray Allmond, who This time, though, with almost between Case Western Reserve Uni- is Black, to understand the vital role he 220,000 deaths in just eight short versity and University Hospitals, was and other people of color can play by months, there’s a sprint for a vaccine. drafted for a quick pivot to COVID-19, having a say in the clinical trial process. The web of 30 HIV and AIDS clin- a disease that research shows is dispro- Allmond’s initial motivation for join- ical trial sites globally — including in portionately impacting people of color ing the group was self-serving, he said: Cleveland and eight other North Amer- across the U.S. Newly diagnosed with HIV in 2000, ican cities — have for decades worked Learning the scientifi c process he wanted to see if any of the research to grow confi dence in communities of Cleveland’s AIDS Clinical Trials studies examining new treatments for people devalued by society because of Unit (ACTU) has been active for more the virus would benefi t him. But he’s race, ethnicity or sexual or gender iden- than 30 years, and its Community Ad- come to understand how participation tity, said Michele Andrasik, a behavioral visory Board, or CAB, was launched in in the trial helps the larger community. scientist who leads engagement efforts 1990. “Being on the [board] allows you to at the Seattle-based Fred Hutchinson Robert Bucklew, ACTU outreach see and identify gaps in the community Cancer Research Center. coordinator, has watched over the de- where there’s unmet need both from “If we want a vaccine that works for cades as the group worked to connect a health care perspective and a social the most impacted people, we have to hard-to-reach communities to the scien- services perspective as well,” said All- have the most impacted people in the tifi c process of running and evaluating mond, 65. trial,” Andrasik said. research studies. It took years of work, he said, to build That is true for HIV vaccines as well The board has 20 to 25 regular par- PHOTO BY DEBBIE SADLON up trust — through community educa- as for COVID-19 vaccines, which are ticipants; roughly half are Black, and Saturday, October 17, 2020; Art at A Distance, temporary art exhibit of tion, awareness-raising efforts and one- being developed at a record pace. Cur- some are past clinical trial participants, the work of eleven local artists in response to their experiences with on-one conversations — to reach a point rently, about 60 coronavirus vaccines such as Allmond. Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, W. 30th and Meyer: Artwork by Kevin where Black Clevelanders were more are in different stages of testing world- Members are introduced to the Fernandez Colon. Art at a Distance, a part of Creative Fusion, an artist willing to participate in trials aimed to wide and at least three are enrolling or scientifi c process, including the steps in residency program funded by Cleveland Foundation, displays the treat and prevent HIV and AIDS. planning to recruit volunteers to partic- researchers take to design and evaluate work of eleven artists on the fences of Lincoln West High School and Now, top infectious-disease experts ipate in trials in the Cleveland area. treatments and vaccines, Bucklew said, Meyer Pool until November 21st. Artists displaying work in the exhibit have turned to the HIV/AIDS clinical The HIV Vaccine Trials Network as well as what the trials will look like are: Devon Iris, Kevin Fernandez Colon, Kristen Newell, Gilberto Rivera trial network, including community (HVTN) engagement model helped Jr., Jen Craun, Emily Splain, Hector Castellanos, Mark Yasenchack, ccontinuedontinued oonn ppageage 6 volunteers such as Allmond, to use nearly double overall Black and Latinx Elaine Hillihen, Alicia Vasquez, Kubra AlHilali. Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority announces bus system redesign, opportunities for community feedback by Paige Bennett under this proposal include: Route 2: East include: provide seven-day service to East of what will be needed in order to keep the the current routes are still based on streetcar The Greater Cleveland RTA presented 79th; Route 8: Cedar Road - East 116th; Route 116th Street; have all trips on Route 15 lifeline of transit moving, so that people routes from decades ago that no longer get plans for redesigning its bus system before 16: East 55th; and Route 38: Hough. follow one route, none via Walden-Union; have an opportunity to get to work, get to riders where they need to go.” Cleveland City Council’s transportation In downtown Cleveland, the Greater reduce service on Storer; add service on health care and get to the grocery store come In addition, Stocking wrote that while committee Sept. 30, and now it’s giving Cleveland RTA proposed eliminating trolley Clark & West 65th & Madison; and provide summer of 2021.” funding for the RTA has not been increased riders the opportunity to give feedback in routes. It also proposed maintaining only one more direct service to Steelyard Commons. Birdsong also said representatives from since 1975, services have been cut by more October and November. of the three suburban Park-N-Ride routes. Questions and feedback RTA would be able to attend meetings in than 25% and fares have doubled over the Joel Freilich, director of service manage- These changes, Freilich said, would help Councilwoman Phyllis Cleveland asked different communities in Cleveland to dis- last 15 years. CPT believes it’s necessary to ment with the Greater Cleveland RTA, said provide more frequent service on streets RTA during the meeting about how the cuss specifi c changes that will affect them. invest in public transit. during the transportation committee meeting such as St. Clair Avenue, Superior Avenue, coronavirus pandemic will affect the imple- Cleveland requested a meeting in the Slife also said during the meeting that that the RTA spent 2019 gathering feedback Euclid Avenue and across the Detroit-Supe- mentation of the redesign. communities she represents and said she the amount of funding given to the Greater from the community about its key values in rior Bridge. Floun’say Caver, chief operating offi cer of had additional questions about the changes Cleveland RTA and other transit agencies regard to public transportation as part of its On the northeast side of Cleveland, the Greater Cleveland RTA, said the agency to Cedar and Prospect. in Ohio is “truly appalling” compared to system redesign study. the RTA proposed modifying Route 10 to believes it has budget stability for 2021 and Ward 17 Councilman Charles Slife asked agencies in other states. The study asked participants how they provide more people with a direct ride to 2022 that will allow it to move forward with about the RTA’s plan to eliminate the trolley “There’s certainly an advocacy role we all prioritize factors such as service frequency University Circle. Under the proposal, Route its intended implementation of June 2021. routes downtown. He expressed concern that need to play with state government when it and the ability to use public transportation to 10 would no longer go north of St. Clair In April, the RTA projected a loss of $91 eliminating the NineTwelve Trolley would comes to public transportation,” Slife said. travel to distant parts of Cuyahoga County. Avenue and would instead travel down East million in sales tax revenue and $22 million negatively affect downtown workers who use Editor’s Note: Paige Bennett is a journalist Freilich said RTA used a variety of methods 140th and Lakeshore Boulevard. All rides in lost fares as a result of pandemic-related this route to get from parking lots to places and recent Kent State University graduate. to inform the public about the study, such as along Route 1 would end at East 153rd, and economic downturn. of employment. Freilich said all of the RTA’s She previously served as general assignment posting on social media, displaying cards in a new route, Route 31, would link outer St. India Birdsong, CEO and general man- proposed changes are up for discussion. editor for The Kent Stater and KentWired RTA vehicles, and holding in-person meet- Clair to Windermere. These changes would ager of the Greater Cleveland RTA, said the Chris Stocking, chair of Clevelanders for and managing editor for A Magazine. This ings. It intends to implement the redesign replace Route 30. Route 39 would only coronavirus pandemic has proven that the Public Transit [CPT], wrote in an email that article was produced and provided to the in June 2021. operate during rush hours. RTA is an essential service to the community. CPT supports the RTA’s system redesign and Plain Press by The Land through a reporting “With existing funding, the community Additionally, the Greater Cleveland She said the redesign will help enhance its previously asked for a redesign after ride partnership with the Collaborative News values both the frequent service in the core RTA plans to extend several routes: Payne- services for riders and provide them with op- fares increased in 2016. Lab at Kent State University. The Land is an area and the opportunity to travel to outlying Hough route to Mayfi eld; Quincy Avenue portunities to travel to places for employment “CPT supports a transit system redesign online Newsletter that reports on Cleveland communities where there may be job oppor- route to Cedar Road; Route 22 (Lorain) and health care. that connects more riders to jobs, health care neighborhoods and inner ring suburbs. To tunities,” Freilich said. to Fairview Hospital, Westgate Transit “It will not be a perfect plan given the and education,” Stocking wrote. “Many of subscribe to The Land visit: thelandcle.org. System redesign Center; Route 26 (Detroit) to Westlake; and current pandemic situation,” Birdsong said. Using the information collected from the Route 55 (Clifton) to North Olmsted. “As we start to have different reiterations of study, Freilich said the RTA concluded that Other changes in the proposed redesign planning over time, this is our best estimate its redesign needed to prioritize transporta- tion to work, education and health care. He said the system redesign reconfi gures the RTA’s existing budget to create networks that meet the needs of the community. “We want to reallocate and make tradeoffs and discontinue some services that are not very successful and not very well used and create more frequent service,” Freilich said. Community members can submit com- ments about the RTA’s proposed redesign at http://www.riderta.com/nextgen. The agency will also host Facebook Live sessions during October and November to answer questions people have about the redesign, according to its website. “Although we think we have a very good solution here, we intend to gather more input in October and November,” Freilich said. “We are open minded and will make adjustments based on what we hear through public involvement.” After RTA reaches a fi nal design, it will do educational outreach in the spring to help people understand the new system. Changes to the system Changes under the proposed redesign would add 15-minute service frequency to bus routes on Detroit Road, Lorain Road, St. Clair Avenue and Superior Avenue during the weekday morning and evening rushes and at midday on weekdays. It would also increase weekday and weekend service frequency for routes on Mayfi eld and Cedar roads. To achieve this, the Greater Cleveland RTA plans to alter bus routes and elim- inate stops in some of its low-use areas. Freilich said these changes will provide a greater number of people with direct rides to educational institutions and places with employment opportunities. Some routes that would be discontinued 4 Plain Press • November 2020 Ohio that he personally worked on School Health Plan and had just got up and running Silvers noted the success of the the week prior to the September existing School Health Plan which 30th meeting. He said Unite Ohio is has not only experienced good clini- designed to “build a community of cal outcomes for students increasing partners across Cuyahoga County their immunization rates and overall equipped with the tools they need health, but has also resulted in to collaborate across sectors and increased school attendance and create a more equitable community.” increases in Grade Point Averages He talked about how the referral for students. He said the program, network will work. He said if a patient already in a number of Cleveland fi lled out a survey on MyChart or Metropolitan School District Schools talked to their doctor about a social and in Cleveland Heights schools, is determinant of health such as food looking to expand. insecurity, then the health care COVID Hotline provider could, with the patient’s In response to the corona virus consent, put their social need into COVID-19 pandemic, Silvers said the referral network. MetroHealth’s immediate response Silvers offered a diabetic person was to set up a COVID-19 Hotline. with food insecurity as an example. He said anyone could call the hotline Putting their concern about food into at 440-592-6843 and talk to a doctor PHOTO BY DEBBIE SADLON the referral network would result in or nurse. Silvers said the hotline has Saturday, October 17, 2020: Artwork on fence in MetroHealth Medical Center’s parking lot at Scranton Road the Greater Cleveland Food Bank received over 32,000 calls from 17 and Southpoint Drive. This mural shows the twin towers at MetroHealth, the Metro Life Flight helicopter, giving them a call and helping them counties. The calls have resulted and one of the guardians of transportation from the Lorain Carnegie (Hope Memorial) Bridge. to access resources that will help in 16,000 provider visits with follow the health needs of the communi- Institute for HOPE the patient meet food needs. The ups by call care coordinators who MMETROHEALTHETROHEALTH ty” involves much more than four Following Zucca’s update and next time the person comes in for a do wellness and resource checks. medical appointment, the doctor can ccontinuedontinued ffromrom ppageage oonene walls, or the doctor’s offi ce, or the overview of the MetroHealth Trans- The Institute of HOPE partners with ask about their experience with the In its planning process, Zucca campus itself,” said Zucca. To that formation Plan, he introduced the the Food Bank, Drug Mart, Lubrizol, Food Bank and if their needs were said MetroHealth is looking to the end, MetroHealth has been looking Principal for Clinical Transformation Care Source and other organiza- met. If the Food Bank, in helping pro- future from the “perspective of, how at the social determinants of health for the Institute for Health, Opportu- tions to provide home delivery of vide food, discovers the family has do we provide wellness, not just on – social and economic factors that nity, Partnership and Empowerment food, toiletries and other resources another need, for example, they may the main campus, but throughout the contribute to an individual’s well-be- (H.O.P.E.)) Brant Silvers. Zucca to help patients who are recovering be facing eviction, the Food Bank community that we serve?” ing. These non-clinical factors said the Institute for H.O.P.E. takes at home, said Silvers. can use Unite Ohio to make another Zucca said the building of the new include job security, income, the the lead on many of MetroHealth’s Local Innovator referral to Legal Aid Society, which main campus tower is on schedule. physical environment one lives in, efforts to address the social deter- While there are other organiza- will offer assistance to the family to He expects the exterior façade to and healthy behaviors. minants of health. tions in other cities such as Toledo help prevent eviction. be complete by April of 2021. The Some of MetroHealth’s efforts Silvers said the goal of the Insti- and Chicago doing similar evi- Silvers said Unite Ohio can be ac- interior work which includes plumb- to do community outreach involve tute for H.O.P.E. was to improve dence-based health care to address cessed at: https://ohio.uniteus.com. ing, HVAC, electrical and framing of a $160 million investment to help health through opportunity, partner- the social determinants of health, He said the referral network created the walls should be completed by address some of the social determi- ship and empowerment. He said Silvers said “We are in the forefront by MetroHealth Medical Center May of 2022, he said. Zucca said nants of health, said Zucca. Health the social determinants of health in Cleveland in addressing the social is free to any community-based the new building should be ready to and wellness programs include have a big impact on how healthy determinants of health. In order to organization to join. Silvers said he receive its fi rst patient by the fall of School Health Clinics in partnership people are and how long they live. move the needle on improving public hopes other hospital systems will 2022. MetroHealth is fi nancing the with the Cleveland Metropolitan For example, he said there is a health, you have to address the so- join the network as well. entire project without any taxpayer School District and other school difference in life expectancy of 23 cial determinants of health.” Silvers assistance, said Zucca. systems, Project DAWN (Deaths years between two neighborhoods Digital Inclusion said the Institute for H.O.P.E. plans MetroHealth’s mission “to service Avoided With Naloxone), Breast just 2 miles apart in Northeast, Ohio. Silvers talked about the efforts of to be very transparent in offering Amigas – breast cancer education, One initial goal of the Institute of the Institute for HOPE to address quarterly reports to the community and a Nurse Family Partnership H.O.P.E. involves data gathering on digital inclusion and connectivity in on the outputs and outcomes that Program to help improve pregnancy all 300,000 MetroHealth patients the neighborhood surrounding the result in improvements in public outcomes. registered on MyChart, said Silvers. hospital. He said MetroHealth found health from the partnerships and The Institute of HOPE has already through its data gathering that up referral network. begun to screen the patients asking to 50% of residents have no broad Community Transformation eighteen questions concerning such band access. He said sometimes Following Silvers presentation, issues as food insecurity, social con- this is an issue of affordability of an Greg Zucca talked about Metro- nections, intimate partner violence, internet plan and sometimes internet Health’s efforts to improve the built fi nancial resource strain, stress lev- companies simply don’t offer broad environment in the neighborhood els, transportation availability, and band service in certain neighbor- by connecting with community internet connectivity. Silvers said, so hoods because it isn’t profi table. partners to contribute to economic far, they have completed screening In order to provide internet ser- and community development in the of 30,000 patients and employees. vices to the neighborhood, Silvers neighborhood surrounding the Main Statistics gathered to date give a said, MetroHealth installed anten- Campus of the hospital. picture of some of the factors that nas on its towers and on Cuyahoga He talked about an effort to ad- infl uence the health of people in Metropolitan Housing Authority’s dress housing insecurity. He said Greater Cleveland. Silvers said 42% (CMHA) Scranton Castle building. families moving every fi ve months of those surveyed said they had a They also partnered with DigitalC in may interfere with their ability to high degree of social isolation; 26% a new program called EmpowerCLE schedule follow up visits with doc- a medium degree of social isolation; to offer low cost or free internet ser- tors. Lead paint in older houses may and 32% experienced no social vice to the neighborhood. Empow- result in children becoming victims isolation. erCLE is able to offer Clark Fulton of lead poisoning. Food Insecurity and low levels of residents internet access for $20 a Zucca said MetroHealth as the physical activity also weighed in as month, or $10 a month for those that largest employer on the West Side issues for large numbers of partici- qualify. Through a partnership with of Cleveland has the ability to hire pants in the survey. the Cleveland Metropolitan School locally to increase the number of Unite Ohio District that is citywide, families with neighborhood residents working for Silvers then described a new re- children in the school system will the hospital system. He also said the source referral network called Unite get free high-speed internet access. buying power of the MetroHealth Clark Fulton neighborhood residents System and its employees could be wishing to sign up for the internet used to support businesses in the service can contact EmpowerCLE at community. 216-777-3859 or visit them online Zucca said MetroHealth hopes at EmpowerCLE.org. to use this comprehensive system Proudly serving the Ohio City community Scranton Castle level approach from an EcoDistrict featuring: Scranton Castle has become platform perspective to work with a pilot project in the Institute for partners such as MetroWest Com- • Private Rehabilitation Suites H.O.P.E.’s efforts to address the so- munity Development Organization cial determinants of health. Silvers and its Director Ricardo Leon, Ward • Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapies said all 161 apartments have been 14 Councilwoman Jasmin Santana, • Short-Term Rehabilitation Services wired for internet access and many Freddie Collier of City of Cleveland residents have signed up. He said Planning Commission and the • Complex Wound Care in a partnership with CMHA, Metro Keisha Gonzalez at the Cleveland Health has joined with other partners Foundation to align its programs and • Hospice Care such as the Greater Cleveland Food initiatives to better serve the neigh- Bank, Medworks, and Digital C to borhood through a comprehensive • Respite Stays do intensive outreach at Scranton neighborhood plan. MetroHealth is Castle to address the needs and also seeking certifi cation as the na- concerns of residents. tion’s fi rst Eco District with a health 3600 Franklin Boulevard care institution as an anchor. This Cleveland, OH 44113 involves commitment to equity, com- PPlainlain PPressress munity resiliency, climate protection, 216-651-1600 FForor iinformationnformation aaboutbout aadvertisingdvertising and sustainability Together the partners have fund- ssendend aann eemailmail ttoo EEdd TTishelishel aatt ed a master plan for the Clark [email protected]@yahoo.com www.lhshealth.com ccontinuedontinued oonn ppageage 5 Plain Press • November 2020 5 MMETROHEALTHETROHEALTH population density to support the transit system and help create more ccontinuedontinued ffromrom ppageage 4 “economic investment opportunities Fulton neighborhood. Towards in our neighborhood.” this end Zucca said the fi rm WRT Zucca said Stantec and Seventh out of Philadelphia has be hired Hill are the fi rms working on the RTA to evaluate the master plan for the plan. He said their planning process neighborhood. He said they reported includes surveying different profi les back on eight elements of the plan: of transit users to understand their 1) Population & Migration; 2) Health usage experiences. Zucca urged & Safety; 3) Jobs and Workforce; 4) residents to offer their input on the Entrepreneurs and Small Business- transit corridor planning by going to es; 5) Housing; 6) Arts and Culture; www.25connects.com. Zucca noted 7) Greenspace and Recreation that the website includes updates, a Programs; and 8) Connectivity – survey, information about the project including transportation and digital and maps. He said the website also connectivity. has dates and times for upcoming Zucca said to help inform res- virtual meetings in which residents idents about the neighborhood can participate. master plan and seek their input, fourteen individuals from the neigh- Development Projects borhood have been recruited as Three development projects neighborhood ambassadors. adjacent to the main campus are Zucca hopes addressing social planned to both serve the hospital determinants of health in the neigh- and the broader neighborhood com- borhood will help to improve health munity. Zucca shared a video featur- and wellness and life expectancy of ing MetroHealth President and Chief residents. He said residents of the Executive Officer (CEO) Doctor Akram Boutros talking about the fi rst Clark Fulton neighborhood have a PHOTO BY DEBBIE SADLON lower life expectancy than the city of the three projects. Boutros said MetroHealth and the NRP Group Saturday, October 17, 2020; MetroHealth Medical Center, Scranton Road: Construction is underway for as a whole, one of the worst lead MetroHealth Medical Center’s new hospital building. exposure rates in the city, and a broke ground for a project called “Via on W. 25th Street and partner with on family size, he noted. ect will be built on the west side of very high unemployment rate with Sana” or “Healthy Way.” Via Sana Cuyahoga Community College and The second project involves W. 25th Street across from the main only 84% of working age adults will have 72 units of affordable hous- Lincoln West School of Science building a 100-unit mixed use build- campus. employed. The highest areas of ing as well an Economic Opportunity and Health. The townhomes will ing which will provide housing for The third project involves creating employment are in health care and Center run by Cuyahoga Community feature separate entrances and MetroHealth medical residents. 80 units of workforce housing and social service agencies. The number College. th their north face will be on Sackett Zucca said the plan for this building a headquarters for MetroHealth of businesses in the neighborhood Via Sana will be built at W. 25 Avenue. Zucca said the defi nition involves hopes of partnering with Police. Housing in this project will have been declining over the past and MetroHealth Drive, and is of “affordable housing” used for the a local grocery to build a 12,000 be aimed at people making 80 to decade, he said. The plan calls for expected to have a grand opening project is housing affordable to peo- to 15,000 square foot store. Zucca 100 of the area median income. improving the infrastructure and next fall. Part of the fi nancing comes ple whose incomes are 30% to 80% said the goal is for the grocery to This project will be built on the west helping to support small businesses from Ohio Housing Finance Agency of the median income for Greater partner with MetroHealth’s “Food side of W. 25th Street across from on the major commercial corridors in Fact 50 tax credits and Housing Cleveland. He said for a family of as Medicine Program” and “Healthy the main campus. the neighborhood – W. 25th Street, Trust Fund dollars pledged by the four this means an annual income Cooking Class Program.’ This proj- Fulton Road and Clark Avenue. City of Cleveland. The 5,000 square foot Workforce Development Eco- between $25,000 and $53,000. In- The plan will address the housing SSupportupport OOurur AAdvertisers!dvertisers! TheyThey SupportSupport thethe PlainPlain PPress!ress! come qualifi cation would be based cost burden of both renters and nomic Opportunity Center will front homeowners in the neighborhood. If  

a family spends 30% or more of their income on housing “that is consid- 




!  
ered to be a housing cost burden”, ()1
7%!0
,!0*1
2(%


!--)4%01!07
.&
2(%
!5!0$5)--)-'
#.,,3-)27
-%51/!/%0
2(%



&0%%
said Zucca. #.,,3-)27
-%51/!/%0
&.3-$%$
)-
 
2(%


#.-2)-3%1
2.
/0%1%-2
)113%1
!-$
#.,,3-)27
-%51
2.
The plan also hopes to work with 0%1)$%-21
.&
+%4%+!-$91
5%12
1)$%
30)-'
2(%
 
!-$%,)#
)-

2(%


#.-2)-3%$
)21
faith-based community institutions ,)11).-
.&
/0%1%-2)-'
)113%1
!-$
-%51
!2
-.
#(!0'%
2.
)21
 
0%!$%01
%!#(
,.-2(
30
.,,3-)27
and organizations that play a critical .!0$
(%+/%$
)-&.0,
0%1)$%-21
.&
!4!)+!"+%
0%1.30#%1
$30)-'
!
2),%
/%0).$
5(%-
,!-7
0%1)$%-21
5%0%
3-!"+%
role in the neighborhood such as 2.
!##%11
2(%
)-2%0-%2
$3%
2.
+)"0!07
#+.130%1
Scranton Road Ministries, City Life and the Family Ministry Center, said (%


!")+)27
2.
#.-2)-3%
2.
1%04%
2(%
5%12
1)$%
-%)'(".0(..$1
.&
+%4%+!-$
)1
$3%
)-
+!0'%
/!02
2.
Zucca. 2(%
#.-20)"32).-1
.&
0%!$%01
!-$
13//.02%01
)-
2(%
!--3!+
0)%-$1
.&
2(%
+!)-
0%11
!,/!)'-
(%
0)%-$1
While the City of Cleveland plans .&
2(%
+!)-
0%11
!,/!)'-
5!1
%12!"+)1(%$
&.++.5)-'
2(%
13##%11&3+

 

!--)4%01!07
&3-$0!)1%0
(%
an upgrade for Meyer Pool at W. 

0%!#(%$
.32
2.
0%!$%01
!-$
13//.02%01
!-$
7.3
#!,%
2(0.3'(
2.
(%+/
1312!)-
2(%
-%51/!/%0
30th and Meyer, other than the pool, there is not a lot of accessible green ()1
7%!0
5%
!0%
!'!)-
!1*)-'
7.3
2.
$.-!2%
2.
2(%


2.
%-130%
2(%
-%51/!/%0
,.4%1
&.05!0$

space in the neighborhood, said .
,!0*
)21


!--)4%01!07
5%
!0%
!1*)-'
7.3
&.0
!
$.-!2).-
.&

.0
!
0%&+%#2).-
.&
)21

7%!01
.&
Zucca. ./%0!2).-
% '

 
 
2
5)++
(%+/
13"1)$)8%
2(%
-%51/!/%0
"32
5)++
"%
1/%#)&)#!++7
31%$
2.
13//.02
MetroHealth plans to help remedy 2(%


.,,3-)27
.!0$91
+)12)-'1
.&
&0%%
%4%-21
!-$
0%1.30#%1
that by building 25 acres of greens- pace on its redesigned campus, he 
1%/!0!2%


&3-$
(!1
"%%-
%12!"+)1(%$
&.0
2(%
-%51/!/%0
"7
0'!-)8%
().
!
2!6
%6%,/2
said. He asked, “How can we look  #
.0'!-)8!2).-

(%#*1
1(.3+$
"%
,!$%
.32
2.
#




 

"!
! 


"



.30
#.-20)"32).-
)1
2!6
$%$3#2)"+%
.
,!*%
.-+)-%
$.-!2).-1
7.3
at leveraging the proposed Metro- #!-
+)-*
2.
2(%
0'!-)8%
().
!7
!+
2(0.3'(
2(%


5%"1)2%
(22/1 /+!)-/0%11 "+.'
Health Community Park? How do we create a vision for that park that
(%-
,!*)-'
!
$.-!2).-
%)2(%0
"7
,!)+
.0
.-+)-%
/+%!1%
)-$)#!2%
2(!2
2(%
$.-!2).-
)1
&.0
2(%


will be an asset for the neighborhood (%


(!1
1%04%$
!1
7.30
#.,,3-)27
-%51/!/%0
&.0

7%!01

%
#!++
3/.-
7.3
2.
#.-20)"32%
and a place the community can come and interact together, and also 2.5!0$1
!-.2(%0
7%!0
.&
/3"+)1()-'
2(%


%
!//0%#)!2%
7.30
13//.02
a place where the hospital and the !%(#-
community can come together?” Adequate Transportation of many !#
&%
+%(!)!%
&$$!**
((-
()#(
+%(!)!%
&$$!**

& modes and digital connectivity are &&(!%*&(
 .)
+"
&,%
% !%
!*&(

 '()%*
&(
&)
#&%
part of the plan for the neighbor- !*&(

 '()%*
&
()
(*(-
&%
 #
&
* 
&(
&
(+)*)

hood, said Zucca. Zucca urged residents to get 
 
 


  

 
  
 


 

involved and offer input into the  
planning process through the neigh- borhood ambassadors, community ------detach here ------events and meetings and visiting the website at www.clarkfultonto- Friends of the Plain Press -- Donation Form ghether.com to offer input and stay informed. Here is my contribution of: MetroHealth Medical Center and MetroWest Community De- _____ $49 _____$98 _____ $149 _____ $490 _____ Other $______velopment Organization are also partnering with the Regional Trans- portation Authority (RTA) to form Name: ______a plan for the W. 25th Street Cor- ridor. They are looking to create a Address: ______bus-rapid transit line from downtown to Broadview Road. Zucca noted that the #51 MetroHealth Line has City ______State: ______Zip: ______the second highest ridership in the RTA system. Zucca said planners Telephone: ______email: ______are working with RTA to leverage the transportation planning to com- Checks should be made out to Organize Ohio and sent to: Organize Ohio, 3500 Lorain Avenue, Suite pliment the neighborhood master 501 A, Cleveland, Ohio 44113. Your contribution will be tax deductible. To make online donations link to plan. He hopes that using policy Organize! Ohio’s Pay Pal via https://plainpress.blog. Please indicate the donation is for the Plain and design tool kits can create Press. market conditions and increased 6 Plain Press • November 2020 Planners seek community input on bringing bus rapid transit to West 25th Street by Ken Schneck Avenue and the Cleveland Metroparks transit-oriented development (TOD) and tools to support the MetroHealth who might not be the most comfortable 25Connects, a community planning Zoo, is hosting a virtual public meeting and bus rapid transit (BRT) enhance- Line, one of the RTA’s busiest routes engaging online,” said Jurca. effort led by RTA that aims to support on Wed., Oct. 14 at 6 pm. RTA will pro- ments, and solicit feedback. with 1.7 million rides annually, and to Although the method of engagement walkable, transit-oriented development vide an update on opportunities along One of the main goals of the project is ensure that the community doesn’t get has switched with the pandemic, the on West 25th Street between Detroit the W. 25th Street corridor to implement to provide the design recommendations left out of the planning process. approach of engaging people in ways “Public transit is a critical component that honor the cultures found along the of healthy communities,” explained corridor has remained a core value of David Jurca, the Engagement Strategy 25Connects. With 21% of the homes in Lead for 25Connects. “The 25th corri- the service area being Spanish-speak- dor has the potential to grow even more ing, visitors to the project’s homepage in ridership and serve as a spine for are able to immediately go to 25Con- equitable development along the entire necta, a fully translated website with corridor, which then has an impact on all of the materials and presentations the quality, character and livability of available in Spanish. Engagement ses- these neighborhoods.” sions will be held at venues like salons The changes being considered run the and barber shops, places where partici- gamut from improving the frequency pants do not have to RSVP but can still of transit and adding traffi c calming provide feedback. The project has also measures; to adding more trash recep- engaged the services of Roberta Duarte, tacles, wifi at shelters and landscaping; founder of Areko Consulting, who is to redesigning structures and adding spearheading ethnographic research public art that refl ects the populations including Café Con Leche events for along the route. small group conversations. “It’s important to reinforce the unique “These community members are local culture and visual identity of the experts and are the ones with the communities along the way,” explained knowledge,” said Duarte. “We want Jurca. “That can all drive economic to bring them into a conversation in a investment and more opportunities for way that honors that knowledge while affordable housing.” making them feel comfortable enough In order to develop the most rel- to participate.” evant plan for the local community, Residents are encouraged to visit 25Connects put forth a comprehensive https://www.25connects.com/ where timeline to gather community input. The they can access all of the resource “Community Engagement” phase was materials and presentations on the PHOTO BY DEBBIE SADLON to last from May to December and con- project and sign up to learn about future Saturday, October 17, 2020; Overlook at University Road: Cleveland Skyline, the view across from Uni- sist of large-scale community meetings, opportunities for engagement. verstiy Inn. group tours throughout the area to col- Editor’s Note: Ken Schneck is an author, Update on project proposed for W. 14th and Kenilworth lect impressions, and user-experience professor, radio host, and rabble rouser. walks in which individuals document He is the author of “Seriously, What by Bruce Checefsky several LOI (Letters of Intent) with Commission to support the contro- everything they see, think and feel as Am I Doing Here?: The Adventures of At the October 5 meeting of the third party entities that could provide versial project in July. they set out from their home to public a Wondering and Wandering Gay Jew,” Cleveland Board of Zoning Ap- additional parking. Cleveland Code More than a dozen letters by transportation--revealing experiential “LGBTQ Cleveland,” “LGBTQ Co- peals, Kenilworth LLC requested of Ordinance requires automobile Tremont residents in opposition data that cannot be captured in a survey. lumbus” and “LGBTQ Cincinnati.” In to postpone a decision on their parking spaces be provided on the have been sent to the Board of However, when the Covid-19 pan- 2020, he founded The Buckeye Flame, Tremont Park Flats project until the same lot, or on adjacent or nearby Zoning Appeals along with phone demic hit in March, the plan had to Ohio’s online LGBTQ+ publication. In full fi ve-member board is present. property, provided a major portion calls and emails asking the com- quickly be altered. The timeline has his spare time, he is a professor of ed- A previous vote ended in a 2-2 tie lies within 400 feet of the main en- mittee to consider the interests of now been extended through February. ucation at Baldwin Wallace University. when council member Tim Don- trance to the building. None of the the neighborhood over development Planners are also providing some in-per- This article was produced and provided ovan slipped out of the meeting proposed parking sites come close opportunities. son feedback opportunities. “We’re to the Plain Press by The Land. The minutes before a decision was to the 400 feet requirement. The low-end apartment market, ramping up the engagements over the Land is an online Newsletter that re- rendered. Kenilworth LLC proposes Ward 3 Councilman Kerry McCor- which Lincoln Park Flats is designed next couple of months, realizing that we ports on Cleveland neighborhoods and to construct a fi ve-story apartment mack opposes the project. Tremont for, caters to young people without can’t rely on online [meetings] entirely inner ring suburbs. To subscribe to The building at 1415 Kenilworth Avenue West Development Corporation cars. Parking spaces are expensive and providing opportunities for people Land visit: thelandcle.org. in a D2 Multi-Family Residential Executive Director Cory Riordan to add as an amenity, according to District and an Urban Form Over- believes the developers haven’t the developers. Eliminating parking lay District. The owner appeals for worked with the community to build all together can lower construction BBUILDINGUILDING BBLACKLACK CLEVELANDERS'CLEVELANDERS' TRUSTTRUST relief from the strict application from reassurances or given the commu- costs. Brent Zimmerman insists Section348.04(4)(A) section of the nity ample opportunity to weigh in on parking is not a problem, creating ccontinuedontinued ffromrom ppageage 3 jargon such as “assay,” instead of just Cleveland Codified Ordinances the process. Kate O’Neil, co-chair of living options for young people for those who participate. saying “test.” that states 30 parking spaces are the Auburn-Lincoln Block Club, is without cars is more important than “We explain the trials to them and No guilt, just knowledge required. No parking spaces are concerned that a decision to support fi nding a solution for parking they they do ask hard questions,” he said. One thing CAB members aren’t proposed. the project without parking would set may never need. “They are, wonderfully, in a scientifi c asked to do: directly recruit participants. Maison Architect + Design and a precedent for future projects in the “By 2030 over 95% of all car traffi c way, skeptical.” “We don’t put that burden on them,” Rust Belt Development, aka, Ke- neighborhood. would be autonomous,” he said. The CAB’s guidance has led re- Bucklew said. nilworth LLC, led by David Maison, “This is not a good match,” O’Neil “People won’t need cars.” searchers to be upfront about failures of That distinction is vital to genera- Sam Messina, and Brent Zimmer- told the Landmarks Commission The Cleveland Board of Zoning the past, such as the Tuskegee Syphilis tional change in how research is per- man, stated publicly that they have prior to a favorable decision by the Appeals has scheduled the next Study, in which black men were used to ceived and whether people, especially round of hearings for November research the results of untreated syphilis in minority communities, participate, 16 when the full fi ve members are without their permission. said Stephaun Wallace, a research ep- expected to be present. It’s also led to more practical chang- idemiologist at Fred Hutchinson. es, including the elimination of medical “When you are doing research with communities, it’s a different frame than doing research on communities,” said Wallace, who has guided engagement efforts for the HIV Vaccine Trials Net- work and is doing the same for the new COVID-19 Prevention Network. The goal also isn’t to persuade or guilt people into participating in research for the good of their communities. “If individuals and families and communities have the appropriate in- formation and they have access to our clinical research sites, then they are equipped to make their own decisions about how much or how little they want to be involved in these trials,” Andrasik said. Concerns over COVID trials’ pace Cleveland’s CAB was asked to weigh in on upcoming COVID-19 trials that would be enrolling participants, and members raised important questions, Bucklew said: How can a process that takes three years in the world of HIV trials be done in only six months when it comes to coronavirus? How is that pace possible while keeping people safe? “It’s being pushed so fast, and there are whole phases of trials that are being skipped,” Allmond said. “So, you have ccontinuedontinued oonn ppageage 8 Plain Press • November 2020 7

also had a nose for sniffi ng out politi- Ohio City resident Ted Thelander In Memory cians who had ethical lapses and were died at age 85 on June 11th of this year. Ted Thelander engaged in questionable allocations of Ted Thelander was instrumental in of- funds or unethical relationships with fering advice, sharing his expertise, and area nonprofi ts and businesses. mentoring Near West Side residents in According to Ted’s sister, Carolyn, many battles with political corruption throughout his life “Ted fought against and troubling nightclubs. Thelander absolutely anything he came across also became involved in addressing that wasn’t right.” Many residents, who a number of safety issues in his Ohio Ted helped out in their struggles in the City neighborhood. While Thelander neighborhood, can attest to this. preferred to remain behind the scenes, Thelander lived in a house on Bridge his knowledge of fi re code, liquor laws, Avenue in Ohio City which he restored occupancy permits and various rules over 50 years ago. He was involved in governing zoning proved invaluable as rescuing animals and was often seen residents with few resources opposed walking his rescue dogs in the neigh- well healed business owners at hearing borhood. before such bodies as the Board of Ted Thelander Thelander led an interesting life. Building Standards, Board of Zoning In addition to his involvement in the Appeals, and Landmarks Commission. Senyak, in hopes Senyak would contact hospitality industry Ted served as an One resident, who Thelander infl u- him so he could help out. Air Force pilot, was a baseball pitcher enced and mentored, is Tremont com- Thelander, who spent many years who once pitched a no hitter for Cornell, munity activist Henry Senyak. Recall- traveling around the country as a con- pitched in the summer leagues, and um- ing when he fi rst met Thelander, Senyak sultant in the restaurant and hospitality pired baseball games – including fi ve in said, “I was just a mild-mannered industry, was well versed in the regu- the Major Leagues. citizen at the time.” Thelander called the lations needed to open and operate a PHOTO BY DEBBIE SADLON Ted is survived by his daughter Dana business. He shared this knowledge Saturday, October 17, 2020; Lucky Park, Professor and Starkweather: Plain Press after seeing a 2004 letter to Christine Thelander and son Mark the editor from Senyak that expressed with residents and many of the stories Lucky Park, with landscape designed by Susan Base, Jeffrey McIntosh Stirling Thelander and their children – and Stephanie Sheldon, is maintained by the South of Jefferson Block his frustration with unruly behavior that made their way into the pages of all of Omaha, Nebraska, and his sister emanating from the Starkweather, a the Plain Press over the years resulted Club. South of Jefferson Block Club unveiled a new feature in the Carolyn Thelander Gittelson of Short th bar near his home. Thelander asked that from residents that used his advice to Hills, New Jersey and her children and park, the Lucky Park Mural, at an October 13 ceremony. The mural his contact information be shared with take on nuisance businesses. Thelander grandchildren. was commissioned by the block club using funds from a Tremont Trek grant. The mural was designed by artist Rachel Usmani. The mural, printed on a windscreen, measures seven feet by twenty-three and a CCOMMUNITYOMMUNITY BBOARDOARD benefi ts, foreclosures and domestic violence. can be accessed online at www.coachesas- LIBRARIES sistanceprogram.com or you can download half feet, and is situated behind this bench and the trees. ccontinuedontinued ffromrom ppageage 2 CLEVELAND PUBLIC LIBRARY VIR- the Free CAP App on Apple and Android. come Center, 1701 W. 25th Street. Hours for the United States Justice Department, is TUAL PROGRAMS, including Kinder- JASON FOUNDATION’S new training the Trowbridge center will be 8 a.m. to 3:30 looking for individuals between the ages of LEGAL HELP garten Readiness, are available at CPL.org. focuses on supporting and educating fi rst p.m. weekdays. The hours for the Riverview 18-26 who live in the city of Cleveland for its FREE EVICTION HELP: The Right to IMMIGRATION responders, who are more likely to die by Welcome Center are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Centers Young Adult Work Group. Apply by Satur- Counsel – Cleveland Program (RTC-C) gives IMMIGRATION DETAINEES IN suicide than in the line of duty. To access are open to kids ages 6-18, and there is no day, October 31st. The work group will meet Clevelanders facing eviction living at or be- NORTHEAST OHIO: If you need legal the training, visit The Jason Foundation’s charge. For registration information, contact over a 24-month period beginning in January low the federal poverty line with at least one assistance with an immigration matter and website and look for First Responders under Sandra Del Valle at [email protected]. 2021. Members must be able to commit to child the right to free legal help in Housing cannot afford an attorney, Legal Aid may be the How to Get Involved Tab. The module LEADERS OF TOMORROW YOUNG (at a minimum) 10 hours per month and will Court. If you are facing eviction, have a child, able to help. Call the Legal Aid’s Detention was designed for both individual study and ADULT WORK GROUP: Creating receive a $150/month stipend. Apply today and are living at/below the federal poverty Project at 888-817-3777. group training. As with all trainings offered positive change through improved police or share with a friend to get involved! For contact Legal Aid online at FreeEviction- PETS by The Jason Foundation, there is no charge policies. The Cleveland Police Commission, more information or to apply visit: www. Help.org or call 216.687.1900. CLEVELAND ANIMAL PROTECTIVE for this educational module. Visit The Jason which was formed by way of the Consent clecpc.org/leaders-of-tomorrow RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Are LEAGUE offers help if you are struggling to Foundation’s website for more informa- Decree between the City of Cleveland and you or is someone you know struggling to feed your pet due to the COVID-19 pandem- tion. www.jasonfoundation.com pay rent due to the COVID-19 crisis? The ic. Contact free pet food delivery is available VOLUNTEERS newly created $6.8 million Cuyahoga to Cleveland residents living in isolation VOLUNTEER TO BE A LONG-TERM VViewiew mmoreore CCommunityommunity BBoardoard nnoticesotices County Relief Fund, administered by CHN during the pandemic. For more information CARE ASSOCIATE: Ombudsman Asso- Housing Partners, provides emergency aandnd aarticlesrticles oonlinenline aat:t: visit clevelandapl.org or call 216-771-4616. ciates are advocates who provide a voice for rental assistance for up to 90 days to in- the concerns of long-term care consumers come-eligible tenants. Payments will be SUICIDE PREVENTION hhttps://plainpress.blogttps://plainpress.blog who are living in their own homes, nursing made to landlords. Households that are at JASON FOUNDATION’S COACHES homes, or assisted living. Volunteers make 120% of median income are eligible; for ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Did you know, nd regular visits, observe conditions and engage example, a family of four with an annual suicide is the 2 leading cause of death for PPlainlain PPressress residents in conversation to learn about PPlainlain PPressress income of around $90,000 will qualify for youth ages 12-18 and young adults aged 18- FForor iinformationnformation aaboutbout problems or concerns consumers may have the program. Applications are available here: 22 in the state of Ohio? Many times, student regarding care and services. Want to learn aadvertising,dvertising, ssendend aann https://chnhousingpartners.org/rentalassis- athletes may have elevated risk factors that BBUSINESSUSINESS more about becoming a Long-Term Care eemailmail ttoo EEdd TTishelishel aatt tance/ or call 833-377-RENT (7368). make them more susceptible to suicidal Associate? The Long-Term Care Ombuds- [email protected]@yahoo.com OHIO LEGAL HELP, runs OhioLegal- thought. The Jason Foundation’s Coaches man’s (LTCO) offi ce can equip you with free DDIRECTORYIRECTORY Help.org., a free legal help website that pro- Assistance Program (CAP) is here to provide certifi cate training. Contact the Long-Term vides forums, legal information, and referrals athletic department personnel (especially Business Advice Care Ombudsman’s offi ce at 1-800-365-3112 to community resources in critical areas such coaches, athletic trainers, and academic ad- Accountant or 216-696-2719; visit the LTCO website as the Center for Disease Control and Pre- visors) the tools they need to help identify an at: www.ltco.org; or email Barb Prociak at vention’s moratorium on evictions (through athlete’s behavioral changes and emotional [email protected]. December 31st of this year), unemployment struggles. The Coaches Assistance program YOUTH RRECYCLINGECYCLING said. “Hopefully, we could apply it to BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS A ClubSmart different city neighborhoods.” Learning Centers are at The City Life Center, 3340 Trowbridge Ave., and Riverview Wel- ccontinuedontinued ffromrom ppageage oonene Smith found a company interested co-op program in Tremont. We’re called in buying plastic, but the co-op needs CLASSIFIED Clean Garbage Recycling.” a bailer to compact recyclables such as Clean Garbage Recycling started at aluminum, cardboard, paper, and plastic PLAIN PRESS CLASSIFIED: $10 the Tremont Farmers Market in August into blocks which can easily be stacked for 12 words and 30¢ for each with the help of Tremont West Devel- and transported. A new bailer costs as additional word. To advertise opment Corporation. The program is much as $5,000. Used ones sell for count the words and mail a check focused on clean stream recycling with $2,500. They’re also considering offer- or money order with your ad to th recyclables like aluminum cans and ing a pickup or concierge service where the Plain Press, 2012 W. 25 #500 Rooms For Rent steel. In August and September, they people could leave their recycling for a Cleveland, OH 44113. Attorneys collected over 220 pounds of aluminum curbside service. The collection stream APARTMENT WANTED and 91 pounds of steel. Once the Farm- has to remain clean for the program to SEEKING SECTION 8 LANDLORD ers Market closed in October, Clean be effective, according to Smith. to accept 1 Bedroom Voucher. West Garbage Recycling began to strategize “We’ve looked for a buyer for glass. Side Cleveland. 216-312-9746. ways of making the program available There’s a lot of glass from the restau- FLEA MARKETS/THRIFTS year-round. A paper retriever is current- rants and bars in the neighborhood. We ST. PAUL’S THRIFT STORE: W. th ly located at the Greek Orthodox Church found a company in Newark, Ohio, 45 and Franklin, Clothing, bric-a- parking lot at the corner of W14th which pays $25 per ton. Unfortunately, brac, household items and more. Street and Fairfi eld Ave for clean paper that’s not very much money, it costs a Open Wednesdays 1 to 5pm (reg- and cardboard including hard covered lot more to collect and ship. We don’t ular prices) First Saturday of Month books, office waste like folders and want to leave a heavy carbon footprint 10 to noon store and Gym, Bargain envelopes, and shredded paper. either.” Prices, Clothes $1.00 a bag. Third For clean aluminum byproducts, The co-op members are using their Saturday of Month 10 to Noon Store Clean Garbage Recycling is placing own personal funds to support the only, All unmarked racked clothes Real Estate recycling collection bins around the program, but Smith hopes to generate $1.00 a bag. neighborhood. Members of the newly enough income to eventually cover FOR RENT formed co-op, which is free and open their costs. Finding a storage facility for PROPERTY OWNERS NEEDED: to the public, will receive a code, which paper and cardboard has to be solved. If you are a property owner with allows them to open the collection They’re looking at a possible site in nice, clean, reasonably priced apart- bins and prevent people using them as Tremont. ments, and are looking for tenants, trashcans. A collection bin for the clean “It’s more an act of love,” Smith please call Care Alliance at (216) steel is in the works. The co-op will sell added. “For this thing to take off, it has 372-2348 and ask for Jim Schlecht. the recyclables and use the income to to be fi nancially possible. We have to SUBSCRIPTION TV support the program. fi gure that part out.” STREETS MOS SUBSCRIBE: “Unfortunately, there’s very little Anyone interested in joining the STREETSMOSTV: YOUTUBE. money in recycling. We’re trying to Clean Garbage Recycling Co-op should COM/STREETSMOSTV • Inter- create a model that is self-sustaining contact Deb Smith at cleangarbagere- views • HoodNews • Music • Life- and will generate some income,” Smith [email protected]. style • 216-633-1078. 8 Plain Press • November 2020 Metro West offers assistance to neighborhood businesses by Jack Barnes businesses who qualify, with funding for businesses, rent and mortgage is program necessarily had 20 or few- “One salon would receive an email Metro West Community Devel- provided by Cleveland Development one of the larger fi nancial burdens,” er employees, and most that met from me, and they would tell their opment Organization has been Advisors, an affi liate of the Greater Zollos says. “And right now, there’s this criterion qualifi ed. Because W. neighbor.” In fact, word spread so facilitating the financial stability Cleveland Partnership. According the additional stress of making sure 25th, Clark, and Fulton comprise the quickly that much of the money of many small businesses in the to Metro West Director of Economic your business is operating safely Metro West area’s main commercial is already used up, and while the Stockyard neighborhood, Clark-Ful- Development and Marketing Kristyn and you’re having to buy PPE districts, the Clark-Fulton neigh- program continues on, the funding ton, and Brooklyn Centre in the last Zollos, almost 30 local businesses equipment and all these additional borhood was probably the greatest is very limited. few months as a response to the were able to access $1,500 per measures… we were just so glad benefi ciary of the program. Perhaps While many of the businesses COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC’s month for two months’ worth of rent that we were able to provide that for in light of national conversations Metro West reached out to did have Small Business Assistance Pro- or mortgage payments through the our businesses.” about economic disparities across to lay off employees, the funded gram has been able to provide rent program. Businesses that have benefi tted racial lines and their exacerbation businesses had over 100 employees and mortgage assistance to small “It doesn’t sound like much, but from the Small Business Assistance by the pandemic, Zollos was eager in total, many of whom both live to stress the diversity of the small and work in the community. “But at business owners that took advan- least they’re able to operate their tage of the program. Over 50% of business[es] and they don’t have to the businesses funded were wom- fear closing down and shutting their en-owned, two thirds were minority doors in the next few months,” says owned, and over one third were Zollos. “These business owners rely owned by women of color. on this income for their families.” The success of the Small Busi- Finally, the Director of Econom- ness Assistance program was due ic Development and Marketing in part to the existing strength of stressed the need to support these the community. “I will say a lot of local businesses. She can be con- this program was marketed through tacted at KZollos@metrowestcle. word of mouth,” Zollos described. org. BBUILDINGUILDING BBLACKLACK CLEVELANDERS'CLEVELANDERS' TRUSTTRUST ccontinuedontinued ffromrom ppageage 6 enrolled in a vaccine trial. That enrollment is still short of to question … what makes it that much refl ecting the percentage of infections different?” in communities where the disease is Allmond’s reservations are consis- causing disproportionate harm. But it tent with what Andrasik said has been is higher than average enrollment for expressed across the country. Blacks or African Americans in other “I think perhaps the greatest concern large clinical trials, which was about that we’ve heard is the perceived speed 14%, according to a 2017 U.S. Food at which the trials are moving,” she and Drug Administration report. said. “Fears about cutting corners, about Allmond also worries that the pace compromising safety.” of COVID-19 vaccine development So far, 11% of the 430,000 people doesn’t allow the time for the type of PHOTO BY DEBBIE SADLON who registered as potential volunteers th relationship building it would take to Saturday, October 17, 2020; Sokolowski’s University Inn, 1201 University Road: On October 13 , Bernie for trials identify as Black/African quickly increase enrollment. Sokolowski told David C. Barnett of Ideastream that he plans to close the restaurant and offer it for sale American or Latinx, according to a “That (lack of) trust … that’s not go- in hopes that with an acceptable sale agreement he can retire. The Sokolowski family has served Eastern spokeswoman for the HIV network. ing to go away anytime soon. It’s going European food at the restaurant for 97 years. Registration doesn’t ensure a person is to take years,” he said. “It’s defi nitely not going to happen on the schedule MMISTREATMENTISTREATMENT that they want this ‘warp speed’ trial to ccontinuedontinued ffromrom ppageage oonene happen.” As Bailey, a graphic designer who Editor’s Note: This article is the second specializes in funeral service brochures, in a series. Two remaining articles in got sicker, her daughter had to tap on her the series along with some photos and back to help her cough up mucus from graphics will be placed on the Plain her lungs. A nurse from her doctor’s Press website at https://plainpress. offi ce urged her to go to an emergency blog when available. This series is a room. partnership between the Northeast Ohio But Bailey was adamant: She didn’t Solutions Journalism Collaborative and trust the medical system to treat her The Cleveland Observer. It is presented fairly. as part of ideastream’s Coping With She kept thinking about her aunt, who COVID-19 project, which is funded was hospitalized for complications from by the Third Federal Foundation and COVID-19 and put on a ventilator. “She University Settlement. died. Everybody that I know that ended up going (to the hospital) and being put on a ventilator ended up dying,” Bailey said. The relationship Black Americans VVisitisit tthehe have with the country’s health care sys- PPlainlain PPressress tem is a complicated one. It’s a system OOnlinenline aat:t: that fought to keep Black doctors from being trained and out of professional hhttps://plainpress.blogttps://plainpress.blog associations. It’s a system that per- PHOTO BY DEBBIE SADLON petuated myths of racial inferiority by Saturday, October 17, 2020; View from University Road of the Cuyahoga River Valley. blaming people — instead of economic heart and kidney disease and asthma. In 1947, penicillin became the stan- and sharing of this information sort of labored. And the virus has affected her and environmental racism — for their Despite her arduous experience dard treatment, but it wasn’t given to connects people intergenerationally.” heart. Bailey said her legs and knees shorter, sicker lives. It’s a system that with the disease, Bailey is also ada- the study’s participants — in fact, those Dr. Charles Modlin, executive direc- have swollen because her heart isn’t used Black bodies for experimentation, mant about this: She’ll never take a running the experiment actively worked tor of Minority Health for the Cleve- pumping blood correctly. often without consent or the benefi t of COVID-19 vaccine. to make sure people weren’t treated by land Clinic, calls the lack of minority “My doctor said ‘Unfortunately, the medical breakthroughs that came “I’m not gonna be a guinea pig. Now, local doctors. Participants also were participation in research “one of the you’re one of those who, when COVID from the research. you don’t know if they’re trying to put never informed about the true nature contributing causes of the health care hit, it caused all kinds of problems,’” Mistrust bred by those injustices and COVID in people.” of the study, told instead by researchers disparities.” Bailey said. modern-day health disparities such as Bailey isn’t alone in her mistrust. In that it was a study of “bad blood.” Doctors across the country, including Still, her medical troubles haven’t higher levels of heart and lung disease September, a Pew Research Center poll The research ended in 1972 — 40 Modlin and others in Cleveland, have persuaded her to consider a vaccine among the black population — condi- found the country is almost split when it years after it began — when newspaper made efforts to build trust with minority when one becomes available. Bailey has tions that make death from COVID-19 comes to taking the vaccine. But African articles revealed the unethical practices. health fairs that offer screening and edu- decided to tough things out. far more likely — have made everyday Americans like Bailey are especially Now almost a half-century after the cation. They invite members of minority “If I made it through COVID, I can health decisions fraught with fear, espe- skeptical; more than two-thirds polled experiment ended, it still colors views and undervalued communities into the make it through whatever else (comes cially during this pandemic: Whether to said they’d refuse a vaccine, compared about medicine and new treatments, clinical trial process, which has helped along),” she said. get tested. Whether to go to the hospital. with roughly half each of whites and said Dr. Stephaun Wallace of the Se- increase participation in HIV vaccine Editor’s Note: This article is the fi rst in Whether to try a new vaccine. Hispanics. attle-based Fred Hutchinson Cancer and treatment testing over time. a series. The series is available through In Cleveland, Black residents have Both fi gures are a signifi cant hike and Research Center, which is helping A positive test partnership between the Northeast Ohio borne the brunt of the virus by every show growing distrust since May, when coordinate outreach for COVID-19 Eventually, a blood test for antibodies Solutions Journalism Collaborative and measure. Though they make up about an earlier survey was done. Then, about vaccine trials. confi rmed what Bailey and her doctor, The Cleveland Observer. It is presented half of the city’s population, as of one-quarter of all adults said they’d “Black and Latinx communities fol- who she reluctantly visited, suspected: as part of ideastream’s Coping With October 15, 72% of Clevelanders refuse to get a vaccine, including almost low a very strong oral tradition where, she’d had COVID. COVID-19 project, which is funded hospitalized due to the virus were half of African Americans. you know, people pass along infor- She still feels the effects of the dis- by the Third Federal Foundation and Black. Sixty-one percent of the deaths Tuskegee and its legacy mation. The retelling of these stories ease, six months later. Her breathing is University Settlement. in Cleveland from the disease have Attitudes like Bailey’s can often be been among Black residents, who are traced back to the Tuskegee Syphilis more likely to have underlying medical Study. It started in Macon, Alabama, conditions the U.S Centers for Disease in 1932, when there was no cure for VVisitisit tthehe PPlainlain PPressress wwebsiteebsite aat:t: pplainpress.bloglainpress.blog fforor llinksinks Control and Prevention says make them the condition, and involved hundreds ttoo wwebsitesebsites rreferencedeferenced inin tthishis iissue.ssue. high risk like, diabetes, hypertension, of Black men.