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MEDIA RELEASE

Cleveland is the first city in the country seeking damages to recover millions in benefit payouts 

Today, the City of Cleveland filed a lawsuit against drug manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) who orchestrated a pricing scheme that resulted in skyrocketing insulin prices and cost the city millions of dollars in prescription benefit payouts. The city is represented by the Law Department, the Cleveland firm of Kelley Ferraro, LLC, and others. 

Cleveland is the first city in the country to file a lawsuit of this nature against the defendants. 

Cleveland’s Chief Trial Counsel Elena Boop and Chief Assistant Law Director Amy Hough, who represent the city in the case, are honored to work with a team of talented lawyers to hold defendants accountable for skyrocketing insulin prices. This case is also deeply personal to them.   

Amy Hough was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in December 1979. From age seven, she was warned about the dangers of not controlling her diabetes – blindness, heart disease, loss of limbs, dangerous pregnancy and a shorter life. She needs access to a steady supply of insulin so she can take the right dosage at the right time to keep diabetes in check. Insulin is not something she, or any other diabetic, can save up for to buy in the future. If she puts off the purchase, she risks her life. Prior to working for the city, Amy had resorted to using high-interest credit cards to buy this life-sustaining medication. 

When Elena Boop’s 15-year-old daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, it became clear that her small legal practice was no longer sustainable, due to the out-of-pocket cost of insulin medications. Insulin prices effectively destroyed Elena’s small business. The last seven years have been shaped by constant worrying of how her daughter would be able to afford insulin once she turns 26 and is no longer on the city’s health plan. Her daughter’s career choices and future, including where she lives, have been shaped by insulin costs rather than her dreams and inspirations. 

Diabetics need insulin to stay alive. The defendants exploit this reality to guarantee their price-fixing scheme, making insulin unaffordable to individuals and resulting in exorbitant costs for prescription benefit sponsors like the City of Cleveland.  

Diabetic medications are among the highest costs under the City’s prescription benefit plan provided to its employees. The lawsuit seeks to recover those costs. It alleges violations of federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), Civil Conspiracy and Unjust Enrichment and seeks to recover compensatory and treble damages, punitive damages, attorneys’ fees, costs and interest. 

Latest investments include marketing plan for police recruitment, carjacking pilot program, & expansion of violent crime reduction efforts

MEDIA RELEASE

As part of his comprehensive effort to combat crime levels in the City and enhance law enforcement, Mayor Justin M. Bibb introduced today an extensive plan for additional investments in public safety.  TheRaising Investment in Safety for Everyone (RISE) Initiative is a portfolio of multiple strategic investments, partnerships, enforcement efforts, and technology championed by Mayor Bibb and his administration.

“The level of violence we are seeing in our city requires seismic investments and an all-hands-on-deck approach,” said Mayor Bibb. “We are engaging everyone — police, fire, EMS, building and housing, community relations, residents, nonprofit partners and businesses — to confront this issue.  We all have a role in keeping Cleveland safe and everyone must send the message that we will not tolerate violence.”

RISE is focused on investing in police and public safety, leveraging regional partnerships, promoting aggressive enforcement and increased police visibility, and increasing the use of technology to help tackle crime. The initiative’s framework includes foundational support specifically designed to help police do their jobs as efficiently and effectively as possible, recognizing that officers alone cannot solve this complex issue. 

Latest Investments

The Department of Public Safety is finalizing a contract with a local marketing consultant, who will develop a robust, comprehensive strategy and campaign for officer recruitment and retention.  The department’s current numbers reflect challenges being felt by agencies nationwide experiencing an unforeseen reduction in police safety forces over the last three years.

The Division of Police partnered with Cuyahoga County and launched a pilot program that will focus on addressing carjackings and car thefts across Cleveland.  The goal of this Cleveland-centered program is on intervention, where the use of pretrial monitoring will help with a more efficient court response to these types of incidents.

The City expanded several of its violent crime reduction efforts, both internally and through partnerships with other agencies.  The City’s Violence Reduction Task Force – which prioritizes crimes of violence, gang activity, drug enforcement and fugitive apprehension – extended their focus to hot spots in the city and shutting down problematic locations and streets in partnership with the departments of Building & Housing, Public Health, and Fire.  The City is also actively augmenting several of its law enforcement strategies by working with the U.S. Marshals and FBI on the expansion of warrant sweeps and gun intelligence efforts, the U.S. Attorney to support fast-tracking of city-related gun cases, RTA and CMHA to expand curfew enforcement, and the State Highway Patrol to ramp up traffic enforcement.

Other Investments

Previous investments the city has made under the RISE plan include increased police officer pay, the establishment of a $10 million violence prevention endowment fund, and using $1 million in ARPA funds for a downtown lighting project to enhance safety. Additional investments in police, including recruitment and retention strategies, remain under discussion in the run-up to Cleveland’s first ever Public Safety Summit, which was announced last week.  The Summit is scheduled for August 23 with leadership of the city, CPPA, and FOP working together to strategize on how to best support recruitment and retention of the city’s police force.

Earlier this month, the city announced the expanded Safe Smart CLE Camera Program, powered by FUSUS, and began a campaign encouraging business owners, residents, and community partners to register their cameras to be part of the program.  Registration takes less than 60 seconds and is done through a private and secure online portal.  To date, the program has nearly 2,000 cameras integrated with the City’s Real Time Crime Center.  The program has the support of Cleveland State University, RTA, Steelyard Commons, and Cleveland Metropolitan School District, and is also backed by community leaders.

“Cameras tucked into new high-tech streetlights are powerful aids … [that] act as security systems and monitor traffic and parking, solving crimes, [and] silent eyes that more than once have caught overhead images that led to solving crimes,”said Pastors Greg and Teresa McCurry with New Beginning Ministries in the City’s Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood.  “This helps combat gun violence, to solving cases, to helping save lives.”

“Since working with our former Commander … our block was able to get a street camera in our street light system and we have not had any guns shooting in years on this street,” added Joyce Hood, Elizabeth Street Club President in the Union-Miles Park neighborhood.  “We use[d] to be a high gun shooting area till now.”

Other technology components of the RISE initiative include AI-powered camera monitoring and maintenance, a push to hire five additional crime analysts – one for each police district – to support the work of police and detectives in solving and responding to crimes, and the expansion of ShotSpotter into all five police districts, which is also supported by community members.

“ShotSpotter appears to be doing what the technology is meant to do,” said Dot Martin with the Old Brooklyn Crime Watch group.  “If it helps the police officers be more efficient and productive (especially in light of the shortage of officers) then it should continue and ideally be expanded.”

“I support ShotSpotter to help the police,” added Edie Le Bouton, another resident in the Old Brooklyn neighborhood.  “I believe this will help citizens all over the county.”

Additionally, RISE calls for the expansion and strengthening of regional partnerships, from working with inner-ring suburban mayors and police chiefs to collaboration with the FBI, U.S. Marshals, State Highway Patrol, faith leaders, business owners, partner organizations like Downtown Cleveland Alliance, and others.

“As mayor, safety is my number one priority and I am deeply grateful to our first responders, to our police union leadership for their engagement, and to the community leaders out in the neighborhoods working to make Cleveland a better place,” added Mayor Bibb. “Everyone deserves to feel safe no matter what neighborhood they live in, which is why we need to unite, stand up, and push back against this violence.  That’s what RISE is all about.”

A study in contrast. The current home and future home of the Cleveland Public Library Rockport Branch sit side-by-side on West 140th Street near Puritas Avenue, in Ward 16. The library is one of the most-used branches in Cleveland, and is home to the Best Buy Teen Tech Center. The new building, which offers much more space, is expected to open in spring 2024. (Photos by Kate Rybak)

A new building nears completion for the West Park Animal Hospital, 4117 Rocky River Dr. The current building continues to be used until the new one opens later this year. For updates, visit https://www.westparkanimalhospital.com/new-building-update/. (Photo by Kate Rybak)

CONTENT SUBMITTED BY THE OFFICE OF SENATE DEMOCRATIC LEADER NICKIE J. ANTONIO

On May 10th, Senate Joint Resolution 2 was passed by the House and Senate. This bill proposes an amendment to the Ohio Constitution, to appear on the ballot at a special election on August 8, 2023.

Issue 1 would:

• Require any future constitutional amendment to be approved by at least 60% of the voters.
• Require signatures of at least 5% of the electors in each of the 88 counties, instead of 44 counties.
• Eliminate the 10-day period to file additional signatures for an initiated constitutional amendment.

This proposed amendment destroys the principle of “One Person, One Vote.” Without a doubt, Issue 1 oppresses the individual rights of all voters.

Don’t be fooled by the drafters’ ruse of falsely titling Issue 1 “elevating the standards to qualify for and to pass any constitutional amendment.” Should Issue 1 pass, the standards would not be “elevated”—instead, they will be utterly eradicated. The current standard for passing constitutional amendments is by a simple majority (50%+1). This standard has been inscribed into the Ohio Constitution since 1912 and has been the way in which our state has voted for the past 111 years. Ohio is still governed as a democracy. By definition, the word “democracy” means “rule by the people”—this means that our government relies on the participation of the people in the political process in order to function properly. However, our democracy would be thwarted by the implementation of Issue 1, insomuch as the approval of Issue 1 would give extremist legislators an almost absolute power to assert their control over Ohioans and the state legislature by passing their own nefarious bills without much penalty while ignoring the demands of voters. Outside groups are bankrolling Issue 1 because if it passes—the not-everyday citizens will be the only ones to be able to bring forward ballot measures.

It’s imperative that Ohioans vote to protect our freedom and are registered to vote by July 10th in order to vote in the August 8th election. It is no surprise, however, that the gerrymandered super-majority has attempted to make it increasingly more difficult to cast a vote in Ohio. In order to vote in person, Ohio law now requires a valid, unexpired photo ID (this includes a driver’s license, state ID card from the BMV, military ID card, or U.S. passport). Voting by mail doesn’t require a photo ID, and you can go to VoteOhio.gov to register for an absentee ballot with your current address.

Protect your rights as Ohio voters. Let’s keep “One Person, One Vote” in Ohio and vote “No” on Issue 1—your vote can and will determine the future of Ohio.

PRESS RELEASE

The Cleveland Department of Public Health (CDPH) Division of Air Quality  (DAQ) has issued a health alert due to elevated levels of fine particulate matter caused in major  part by wildfires in Canada. The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) has  also issued an Air Quality Advisory, due to an exceedance of fine particulate levels in the “Very  Unhealthy” Air Quality Index (AQI) range.  

During periods when the air is “Very Unhealthy” CDPH recommends that individuals with heart  or lung disease, older adults, children, and teens:  

• Avoid outdoor activities as much as possible. 

• Stay inside with the windows closed. 

Everyone else: 

• Limit outdoor activities especially strenuous outdoor activities. 

• Keep outdoor activities as short as possible. 

• Re-assign outdoor work to indoor activities except in emergent situations. 

Those with heart disease or COPD should pay close attention to symptoms such as chest pain or  tightness, a fast heartbeat, feeling more out of breath than usual, or extreme fatigue. Contact  your health care provider or system, or if symptoms are severe, call 9-1-1. Check the daily Air Quality Index and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Fire and Smoke  Map at www.airnow.gov to view hourly updates, as the condition will change hour to hour.

The Cleveland Department of Public Health (CDPH) is committed to improving the quality of life of City residents  by promoting healthy behavior, protecting the environment, preventing disease, and making the City a healthy  place to live, work, and play. As the local public health agency for the City of Cleveland, CDPH offers a range of  programs, including clinical, environmental, health promotion, and population-based services. Our mission is to  promote and protect the health and well-being of residents, communities, and partners in the City of Cleveland.  Our vision is to be the most responsive, trusted, and impactful health department in the country. For more  information, please visit www.clevelandhealth.org.

BY JERRY MASEK

Today is a good day to give major kudos to the hard-working staff of the West Park Kamm’s Neighborhood Development — the community development corporation (CDC) for merchants and residents in Ward 17.

They have been behind-the-scenes of a whirlwind of activity.

Last Thursday, the grand opening of ALDI, was the exclamation point after years of trying to find the right combination of valuable land the size of Public Square. There are now 5 stores on that site.

Saturday, Kamm’s Corners was flowing with goodwill from the annual Hooley. The event has been planned for months.

Sunday, the award-winning weekly Farmers Market began. It continues through October as one of the most popular events of its kind on this side of the Cuyahoga River.

The rest of the summer calendar is filled with events, while behind-the-scenes, staff is working on projects that will stretch into future years.

The CDC’s eight employees and 10 directors enjoy much community suppport. The pace they set, and the direction they provide, continue to keep West Park moving forward.

  We thank them.

CONTENT SUBMITTED

June is National Healthy Homes Month led by HUD’s Office of Lead Hazard Control  and Healthy Homes (OLHCHH). The Cleveland Division of Air Quality’s Indoor Air Quality Program along  with OLHCHH recognizes June as National Healthy Homes Month. This recognition month provides an  opportunity for the public to learn more about housing and its impact on health. The Cleveland Division  of Air Quality (CDAQ) wants to remind residents of the Healthy Homes Principles for resident’s homes: 

• Keep it Dry 

• Keep it Clean 

• Keep it Pest Free 

• Keep it Contaminant Free • Keep it Safe

• Keep it Maintained  • Keep it Comfortable • Keep it Ventilated • Keep it Affordable • Keep it Accessible 

There are many City-run programs to help Clevelanders move towards healthier homes and occupants: 

Cleveland Division of Air Quality Indoor Air Quality Program 

CDAQ can send an indoor air quality specialist to help residents identify issues in their home that may be  leading to poor air quality. City of Cleveland residents may call the Air Quality Complaint Hotline to file a  complaint if conditions in their unit are leading to poor air quality. Contact: 216-664-7442 

Department of Aging Senior Homeowner Assistance Program (SHAP) 

SHAP provides grants to Cleveland residents age 60+ or disabled adults who meet income eligibility  guidelines and own single or two family homes in need of critical, health, safety and maintenance  repairs. Applicants must live in the property in question and be able to show clear title. Proof of address  (insurance, utility bill), photo ID, and proof of income are required. Contact: 216.664.2833 

Division of Environment Lead Safe Living Program 

Lead Safe Living Program can help provide information and resources to residents around lead and lead  exposure. Contact: (216) 263-LEAD (5323) 

Department of Community Development Lead Hazard Control Program 

The Lead Hazard Control (LHC) Grant Program is designed to advance efforts to increase lead-safe  affordable housing while eliminating the possibility of childhood lead poisoning in Cleveland. The LHC  program provides lead risk assessments, identifies lead–based paint and provides grants to control lead based paint hazards.

Department of Community Development Repair-A-Home (RAH) 

This program helps homeowners repair Cleveland homes by offering low-interest loans ranging from 0%  to 3%, determined by total household income. These loans are only for code related repairs, mechanical  repairs or health and safety repairs. Interested parties should contact the Division of Neighborhood  Services for more information. A photo ID, proof of address (copy of mortgage, insurance, etc.), and  proof of income are required. Contact: 216-664-2045 

Cuyahoga County Department of Development Housing Enhancement Loan Program (HELP) This loan is available to all Cuyahoga County investors as well as owner-occupants and can be used to  enhance properties with market values below $250,000. This interest program is not subject to income  requirements. Contact: 216-443-7260 

The Library will commemorate Juneteenth
with engaging programming

CONTENT SUBMITTED
Cleveland Public Library is announcing its upcoming programming in celebration of Juneteenth, a historic day commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Throughout the month of June, the library will host a series of engaging and educational events to honor this significant milestone in American history.
 
“Cleveland Public Library is dedicated to knowledge, inclusion, and community,” said Ashley Boyd, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Cleveland Public Library. “We are proud to contribute to the recognition and celebration of Juneteenth, fostering a deeper understanding of our shared history and promoting a more inclusive and equitable community. We welcome everyone to participate in our Juneteenth programming.”
 
FREEDOM FEST: We encourage all families to visit the Cleveland Public Library booth at this lively and vibrant celebration of African American culture on Saturday, June 17 from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Mall C in downtown Cleveland.
 
THE RIGHT TO READ: As part of the Cleveland READS Challenge, Cleveland Public Library and Northwest Neighborhood are hosting a movie and conversation about the fight for every child’s right to read. Join us at the Capitol Theatre on Monday, June 19 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. to watch the film, The Right to Read, which shares the stories of an activist, a teacher, and two families who fight to provide our youngest generation with the most foundational indicator of life-long success: the ability to read.
 
STRONGER TOGETHER: Join Cleveland Public Library, the Western Reserve Historical Society, and the Jewish Federation of Cleveland for dinner and a community conversation about the past and future of African American-Jewish relations. Stronger Together: Exploring Jewish-African American Activism Relations, Past and Present will be held on Tuesday, June 20 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at the Western Reserve Historical Society located at 10825 East Blvd. in Cleveland. Registration is required.
 
The FREE event will feature New York Times best-selling co-authors of the young adult novels I’m Not Dying With You Tonight and Why We Fly, Gilly Segal and Kimberly L. Jones. The Western Reserve Historical Society’s Distinguished Scholar of African American History and Culture, Dr. Regennia N. Williams will moderate the discussion.
 
Attendees will receive one free copy of I’m Not Dying With You Tonight, Why We Fly, or Through the Lens of Allen E. Cole (while supplies last). Visitors can also immerse themselves in the rich history of the Western Reserve Historical Society and enjoy a ride on the beautiful carousel. 
 
JUNETEENTH PROGRAMS & EVENTS AT CLEVELAND PUBLIC LIBRARY BRANCHES
 
JUNETEENTH CRAFTS: Celebrate Juneteenth with family fun activities and crafts at three neighborhood branches: Addison, Fleet, and Rice. Visit our online calendar for activity dates and times.
 
JUNETEENTH FAUX CAMPFIRE STORYTIME: On Thursday, June 8, the Rice Branch will host a family-friendly Storytime for children ages 3-5 from noon – 1:00 p.m. Children will read books and enjoy a campfire-inspired treat. 
 
MUSIC AT MAIN: Djapo Cultural Arts Institute will bring its traditional African drums and dance to the Louis Stokes Wing Auditorium on Saturday, June 10 from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
 
JUNETEENTH DRUMMING CELEBRATION: Enjoy the sounds of our ancestors with a live performance by African drummer Sogbety Diamonde. The celebration will take place on Friday, June 16 at the Glenville Branch from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
 
JUNETEENTH WRITING COMPETITION: Learn about the history of Juneteenth, then share your thoughts in our essay contest. Prizes available. The competition will take place at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch on Monday, June 12 from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
 
BLACK STORYTELLERS: The Cleveland Association of Black Storytellers will provide an interactive and engaging oral history of the Juneteenth holiday on Thursday, June 15 at the Union Branch from 3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
 
WHAT IS JUNETEENTH? BLACK HISTORY TRIVIA: Visit the Sterling Branch for a group reading of Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free by Alice Faye Duncan. Then, test your knowledge of historic moments in African American history with a fun and educational trivia challenge. The program is on Monday, June 26 from 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
 
All Juneteenth programming at Cleveland Public Library will be free and open to the public. A detailed schedule of events and registration information can be found on cpl.org.### About the Organization 

Construction continues daily for a new building at the West Park Animal Hospital, at the corner of Rocky River Drive and Sedalia Avenue. It is expected to open later this summer. (Photos by Jerry Masek).

CONTENT SUBMITTED

Coupon booklet distribution at the market starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 20

Food Access Raises Everyone (FARE) is bringing Produce Perks back to West Side Market this summer in partnership with the City of Cleveland and Produce Perks Midwest to increase access to fresh, healthy food for Cleveland residents and support vendors at the West Side Market. 

Produce Perks provide TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) eligible families $240 in free fruit and vegetable coupons to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables at the West Side Market before June 30, 2023.  

FARE will be on-site at the West Side Market starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 20 to assess eligibility and distribute coupon booklets while supplies last. Chef Ja’Milla Hatchett-Bey will provide healthy cooking demonstrations and music while families wait to check their eligibility. 

Coupons will be redeemable until June 30, 2023, only at West Side Market. 

The Produce Perks program was piloted at West Side Market last year. In 2022, $35,000 worth of Produce Perks coupons were distributed to the 265 families who participated in the program. West Side Market had the best turnout rate in the state with a 95 percent redemption rate. The state average redemption rate was 54 percent in 2022. 

Last year, program participants came from every ward in the city with 46 percent of Cleveland program participants from eastside neighborhoods, and 54 percent from west side neighborhoods. 

All fresh produce vendors at the West Side Market are participating in the program. 

“We are pleased to bring Produce Perks back to West Side Market,” said Mayor Justin M. Bibb. “The data from last year’s pilot shows that this program benefitted residents across the city as well as the hardworking produce vendors at our market.” 

The Produce Perks Pilot will be supported through a state allocation of TANF funding, a federal program administered through the State of Ohio’s Department of Job and Family Services. TANF guidelines require eligible households to have minors or pregnant women in the house as well as meet income requirements based on federal poverty guidelines. 

For more information on this program and the eligibility requirements go to produceperks.org/wsm or call 216-400-9609.  

CONTENT SUBMITTED

The current smoking rate in Cleveland is currently 35%, which is more than 3 times as high as  the national average. The Cleveland Department of Public Health is pleased to welcome The  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Tips From Former Smokers^® (Tips^®) media tour to  Cleveland on May 16, 2023. Tips^® is a national tobacco education campaign featuring real people  living with the effects of smoking-related diseases or exposure to secondhand smoke. The media  tour features a former smoker who will be sharing tips and advice to help smokers quit. The tour  is part of the department’s ongoing efforts to help reduce smoking rates in Cleveland and  promote healthier lifestyles.  

According to the CDC, smoking is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the  United States, and quitting smoking is one of the best things a person can do to improve their  health. The Tips^® campaign addresses tobacco-related health disparities to advance health  equity by increasing the reach, representation, receptivity, and accessibility of quit smoking  messages. The campaign also increases awareness of free quit-smoking resources among all  adults—no matter who they are, where they live, or how much money they make. The CDC  offers a variety of resources and tools to help smokers quit, including mobile apps, educational  material and a quitline 1-800-QUIT-NOW.. 

The adverse effects of smoking are clear and well-documented. Cigarette smoking harms nearly  every organ in the human body and can increase the risk of more severe illness from COVID-19.  Quitting smoking is beneficial at any age. For more information about the Tips campaign,  including real stories from people who used to smoke, other campaign resources, and links to  the ads, visit www.cdc.gov/Tips. The Cleveland Department of Public Health (CDPH) is committed to improving the quality of life of City residents by  promoting healthy behavior, protecting the environment, preventing disease, and making the City a healthy place to  live, work, and play. As the local public health agency for the City of Cleveland, CDPH offers a range of programs,  including clinical, environmental, health promotion, and population-based services. Our mission is to promote and  protect the health and well-being of residents, communities, and partners in the City of Cleveland. Our vission is to  be the most responsive, trusted, and impactful health department in the country, For more information on Cleveland  Department of Public Health and the services and programs it offers, please visit www.clevelandhealth.org.