This May, longtime board member Dr. David Harris has generously pledged a $20,000 Matching Gift Challenge to support the Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy. That means every dollar you give—right now—will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $20,000. We are grateful for this challenge and hope you can join us any way you can!
Meet Schuyler Center Trustee and Board Member Dr. David Harris
Dr. David Harris, a board certified in the medical specialties of pediatrics and preventive medicine, joined the Schuyler Center Board of Trustees in February 1992 and has been a thoughtful, loyal, inquisitive, caring, and generous participant ever since. He is a proud public health leader, believing strongly in the good it has done for society over the centuries.
Dr. Harris served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Medical and Health Research Association of New York City, Inc.; the Governor’s Citizen Advisory Committee on Permanent Disposal Facilities Siting and Disposal Method Selection of Low-Level Radioactive Wastes; and the State Board for Medicine. He has written and published many scientific papers on topics in public health and preventive medicine.
His other notable achievements include serving in the US Navy and rising to the rank of Lietuenant Commander, serving as Commissioner of the Suffolk County Health Services, Associate Director of Mount Sinai Hospital, and Deputy Commissioner in the New York City Department of Health.
We are grateful for his generosity and his longtime support of the Schuyler Center.
A letter from Dr. Harris
May 15, 2025
Throughout my career as a pediatrician, educator, and public health official—and now in retirement—I’ve held one conviction above all: we can and should ensure children have the chance to grow up healthy, safe, and hopeful – no matter their parents’ income, race, zip code, or where they were born.
I strongly believe that when we come together to develop and implement better public policy, we can create the opportunity that all New York children need and deserve. That’s why I joined the Schuyler Center board more than 30 years ago and why I give. I urge you to join me and make a gift today!
Schuyler Center works to improve the structures that can facilitate or hinder opportunity. This year, Schuyler Center’s advocacy has resulted in important wins for New York families, including:
- The first permanent expansion of New York’s child tax credit, nearly tripling the amount of the credit. And, for the first time ever, families earning the lowest incomes will be able to receive the full credit. This means more money for groceries, rent, birthday gifts, and summer camp.
- Free school breakfast and lunch for every child across New York State, alleviating hunger and reducing the cost of food for families.
- Progress toward a family-focused child welfare system, in which child and family wellbeing is prioritized.
- Investments in the state’s child care assistance program, enabling more parents to go to work knowing their children are well cared for.
Schuyler Center’s team works to ensure New York’s low-income children and families have access to health care, financial stability, child care, and community resources. The team doesn’t just fight for change—they help shape it, grounded in evidence and guided by compassion.
Your help is needed today. Policy-oriented nonprofits – especially those focused on economic justice –are facing headwinds at a time when we need them most. Major changes to federal funding and programs are proposed and underway, leaving states, communities, and philanthropy to fill giant gaps.
The Schuyler Center is driving real, lasting improvements for children and families across our state. Your gift isn’t just a donation—it’s an investment in a better tomorrow for all of us. Let’s build that future together. Please give as generously as you can.
This month, I made a $20,000 commitment to the Schuyler Center—because I believe every child in New York deserves a strong start and a bright future. Now, I’m asking you—my fellow champions for change—to join me and help double that impact.
With gratitude,
David Harris, MD
Trustee, Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy
P.S. When you make your gift this May, I will match your donation dollar-for-dollar, doubling the impact for children across New York. Visit scaany.org/donate/ to make your gift online today.
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