Three Harlem residents are dead. Dozens more are hospitalized or sick. And the number is still climbing.

Since late July, a deadly outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease has swept through Harlem—caused by bacteria growing in poorly maintained water systems like cooling towers. This disease is preventable. But for too long, Harlem’s infrastructure has been neglected, and our community has paid the price.

We demand urgent action from New York City leadership—Mayor Eric Adams, the Department of Health, and the City Council—to protect Harlem residents now and in the future.

That means emergency inspections of all cooling systems in the area, real-time alerts to residents when outbreaks occur, and permanent investment in safe, healthy infrastructure across Harlem.

This tragedy didn’t come out of nowhere. Harlem has faced generations of environmental racism, underfunding, and neglect. If this outbreak had happened in a wealthier, whiter neighborhood, the response would have likely looked very different—and much faster.

We need to break the cycle. No more delayed alerts. No more unsafe buildings. No more avoidable deaths.

The families grieving right now deserve justice. The residents still living in these ZIP codes deserve answers—and protection. And Harlem deserves the same level of safety, investment, and respect as any other part of this city.

Sign this petition to demand emergency action and long-term infrastructure reform in Harlem—before another life is lost.