FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Brooke Strausbaugh | Brooke.Strausbaugh@mail.house.gov | 202-870-1714
CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE FIGHTS BACK AGAINST TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S DANGEROUS ANTI-HEALTH AGENDA
In the wake of increased measles cases across the United States, Morelle highlights importance and effectiveness of vaccinations for infants and children
April 24, 2025 (Rochester, N.Y.)—Today, Congressman Joe Morelle was joined by members of the Monroe County Medical Society and local parent advocates in a renewed commitment to fighting for the health, safety, and well-being of every child in our community.
“It’s been over 20 years since a child in America has died of measles. But because of misinformation about the measles vaccine being peddled by the Trump Administration, we have already lost two children this year alone—and that number will only go up,” said Congressman Morelle. “We need to push back on this dangerous agenda that is a reckless endangerment to public health. I’m fighting in Washington to keep our families safe, and I’m grateful to all our incredible local partners who have stood beside me in these efforts.”
“As President of the Monroe County Medical Society, I want to speak to our community about a shared concern—our health and the safety of those we care about. Recent measles cases across the country are a reminder of how quickly some diseases can return. Measles is highly contagious and can be serious, especially for children and those with weakened immune systems,” said Monroe County Medical Society President Dr. Janine Fogarty. “Vaccines remain one of the most effective ways to protect ourselves and others. We know health decisions are personal, and navigating information can be difficult. That’s why we encourage open, trusting conversations with your healthcare provider. Together, with compassion and care, we can keep our community healthy and strong.”
“Measles is a serious viral disease that caused 400-500 deaths per year in the US before the vaccine was introduced in the 1960s. Worldwide, an estimated 60 million deaths have been averted in the last 25 years due to vaccine mandates,” said Dr. Catherine Goodfellow. “Increasing hesitancy to vaccinate has led to increasing numbers of cases in the US, and already two deaths this year because of this infection. It will take a concerted effort by the medical community and responsible parents to hold this infection at bay and protect our most vulnerable children.”
“As a new parent of a young child, it is very important to me to have open communication and a trusting relationship with my son's pediatrician. Working collaboratively with his doctor allows me to continue to make the best decisions to ensure his protection as he grows,” said Morgan Tymoch, a parent to one of Dr. Goodfellow’s patients. “Choosing to vaccinate my son was an easy decision because I believe in the safety and efficacy of them. Vaccines can protect my son in ways that I cannot which gives me peace of mind.”
While the Trump administration fails to invest in proven vaccinations, the United States is facing a troubling resurgence of measles, a disease once declared eliminated in 2000 thanks to widespread vaccination efforts. Currently, more than 850 measles cases have been confirmed across the United States—more than ten times the total seen during all of 2023 and the second-highest total since 2000. Public health experts have traced many of these outbreaks to international travel and declining vaccination rates in pockets of the country, especially among children.
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in existence and can lead to serious complications, particularly in young children and immunocompromised individuals. The New York State Department of Health has sounded the alarm over the spread of Measles around the world and in New York, encouraging everyone to ensure they have received their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines.
New York State has seen clusters of confirmed cases reported in New York City and surrounding counties. In March, a measles outbreak in Brooklyn drew attention to concerningly low vaccination rates in some communities—well below the herd immunity threshold needed to prevent transmission. As a result, local health departments have issued alerts urging residents to confirm their MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccination status. Statewide, the measles vaccination rate sits around 81%, but in certain counties it has dropped closer to 55%, leaving thousands of New Yorkers vulnerable. Public health officials warn that without immediate intervention and renewed commitment to vaccination, these outbreaks could intensify in the coming months, endangering families and children across the state.
To keep you and your loved ones safe from measles—or to know what to do if you think you may be sick—visit the New York Department of Health website here.
For more information on Congressman Morelle’s ongoing efforts to provide safe, high-quality, and affordable healthcare to everyone, visit his website here.
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2025.04.24 CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE FIGHTS BACK AGAINST TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S DANGEROUS ANTI-HEALTH AGENDA.pdf
https://www.whec.com/top-news/local-doctors-seek-patient-input-to-address-health-care-crisis-in-rochester-community/
Westbury, NY—April 7, 2025— Dr. Mark J. Adams was elected President-Elect of the Medical Society of the State of New York on April 5. A fellowship trained board-certified Radiologist; he is Professor of Clinical Imaging Sciences at University of Rochester Medical Center.
A graduate of Lehigh University, Dr. Adams received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. He completed an internship in surgery at Barnes Hospital at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, a radiology residency at Rochester General Hospital, and a fellowship at the University of Rochester. He is certified by both the American Board of Radiology and the National Board of Medical Examiners.
In addition, Dr. Adams received an MBA from the William E. Simon School of Business and Administration at the University of Rochester.
An active member of MSSNY since 2000, Dr. Adams served as MSSNY Vice-President 2024-2025, MSSNY Treasurer from 2019-2024 and as the 7th District Councilor from 2011-2017. He currently serves as Chair of the Legislative and Physician Advocacy Committee and Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee. He also serves on the Investment Committee of MSSNY Board of Trustees.
Dr. Adams is a New York Delegate to the American Medical Association and an active member of the Monroe County Medical Society, which he served as President in 2010.
As an active member in several radiological societies, Dr. Adams served on the Council Steering Committee of the American College of Radiology (ACR); President of the New York State Radiological Society (NYSRS); and President of the Rochester Roentgen Ray Society. He chairs the Ethics Committees for the NYSRS and is a member of the ACR Ethics Committee.
Dr. Adams recently received the Gold Medal of Achievement from the New York State Radiological Society. In 2012, Dr. Adams received the JACR Award for Recognition of Exceptional Manuscript Review from the American College of Radiology. He has been a Reviewer for the American Journal of Radiology since 1997.
An active member of his community, he currently serves in the ServNY Monroe County Medical Corps and the New York State CMS Carrier Advisory Committee.
Founded in 1807, the Medical Society of the State of New York is the state's principal non-profit professional organization for physicians, residents and medical students of all specialties. Its mission is to represent the interests of patients and physicians to assure quality healthcare services for all.
U of R List of PCP's Accepting patients...
PCP_1059_ACCEPTING_PATIENTS_APRIL_2025.pdf
Click here for revised list of PCP's accepting patients:
Revised PCP_1059_ACCEPTING_PATIENTS_MARCH_2025.pdf
See the latest grassroots links for physicians to urge their legislators to oppose the following items in the Governor’s Executive Budget:
I encourage each of you to take time to make your voices heard by using the links provided.
Be well,
Lucía
Lucia Castillejo, MS
Chief Executive Officer
Monroe County Medical Society
Click here to see which URMC offices are accepting new patients as of February 2025.
PCP_1059_ACCEPTING_NEW_PATIENTS_FEB_2025.pdf
Please join MSSNY for our annual Physician Advocacy Day, an educational program where physicians can hear from legislative leaders regarding key healthcare issues in New York State, and have the opportunity to pose questions to these leaders. At the conclusion of the program, physicians will join with their colleagues to encourage their senators and assembly members to support legislation that is crucial to their practice and oppose bills that place restrictions and add unreasonable burdens. This year’s event will be held in person at the Lewis Swyer Theater in The Egg (Empire State Plaza) in Albany, and will go from 7:45-11:00am. Breakfast and lunch will be served. We look forward to seeing you there!
The Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The Medical Society of the State of New York designates this live activity for a maximum of 3.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
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On Wednesday, September 25th, 2024, the MCMS celebrated its 203rd Anniversary at the Locust Hill Country Club in Pittsford. As the Danica Rebudiao Jazz Group played, attendees enjoyed a cocktail hour followed by dinner. Highlights of the program included the announcement of the Abstract Poster winners, the acknowledgement of the members celebrating 50+, 25+ and 10+ years in medicine, as well as the 2024 Edward Mott Moore Award Recipients, Janice Harbin, DDS and Michael Nazar, MD. Keynote speaker, Dr. Maria Basile, rounded out the evening with a terrific presentation followed by dessert and coffee. A fun night was had by all. Here are some photos from the evening. Enjoy!
https://www.mcms.org/2024-Gala-Photos/
