Brownsville and East New York are two Brooklyn neighborhoods that suffer some of the worst healthcare disparities in the country. High rates of HIV/AIDS, asthma, and diabetes contribute to a life expectancy years lower than in surrounding neighborhoods.

To raise awareness about these serious healthcare concerns, the Healthcare Education Project partnered with elementary, middle, and high schools in these under-served communities to hold an essay contest for students to write about healthcare issues from their perspective.

HEP wishes to congratulate all the finalists in our Brownsville/East New York middle school essay contest. They are:

• Shaneek - 6th grader, P.S. 298
• Chasity - 3rd grader, P.S. 398
• Egnatious - 2nd grader, P.S. 398
• Godfred - 5th grader, P.S. 398
• Kizmat - 4th grader, P.S./I.S. 41
• Juan - 7th grader I.S. 184

The first place winner was Shaneek Roper, a 6th grader who attends The Dr. Betty Shabazz Elementary and Preparatory School for the Performing Arts. In it he tells the story of his friend Marcelas’’ mom, who died of lung disease in 2006.

"Why did his mom die? She was ill, and missed work, which caused her to lose her job and her health insurance. Sadly his story is not unique because lots of kids have lost a parent…

In my community, sadly these questions are being asked because losing healthcare is a problem…"

Thanks to Shaneek and all of the participants for your leadership in working to end healthcare disparities in our communities.