Acacia Network

❗ NYC is currently under an Air Quality Advisory (AQA) due to smoke from Canadian wildfires. Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached 152 (Unhealthy) in parts of the city, and this is expected to continue through Thursday, July 17, with some improvement possible over the weekend. This is also overlapping with ongoing heat, so please take both seriously.

Basic precautions for all staff:
👉 Monitor local air quality conditions throughout the day at airnow.gov
👉 Limit unnecessary outdoor exposure where possible
👉 Employees with asthma, other respiratory conditions, or heart-related conditions should take extra precautions and consider limiting outdoor time further

For site leaders:
👉 Please monitor air quality conditions in your area throughout the day and consider adjusting or postponing outdoor activities, programs, or client-facing outdoor services if conditions worsen.

A few additional notes:
😷 Free masks: Free KN95 masks are available at select public library branches, including all Brooklyn and Queens Public Library locations.
🍃 Cooling centers: If you don't have AC at home, nearly 600 cooling centers are open citywide — find one at finder.nyc.gov/coolingcenters or by calling 311.
👉 If you or a client experience symptoms (persistent coughing, chest tightness, dizziness) and they don't improve, seek medical attention.

On Thursday, June 11th, Acacia Nework hosted its annual Julio Martinez Memorial Fund (JMMF) Breakfast, bringing together community leaders, partners, and supporters to uplift the amazing work of our affiliate, the Institute of the Puerto Rican & Hispanic Elderly (IPRHE) and the work they do to combat social isolation amongst older adults 60 years and older in New York City.

Check out our photo album and relive the day! (Photo credit: Argenis Apolinario)