Celebrating National Public Health Week

During the week of April 7th through the 11th, the Orange County Department of Health (OCDOH) will join health departments nationwide in celebrating National Public Health Week (NPHW). This week reminds us of the critical role public health plays in improving the health and well-being of our residents and communities.

"Public health is the foundation of a strong and thriving community," said Neuhaus. "The work of our dedicated health professionals is vital in helping to keep our residents healthy and informed. Their efforts ensure that our communities are safe, resilient, and equipped to face the challenges of tomorrow."

Neuhaus and the OCDOH team proudly recognize the dedication and hard work of our public health professionals. Their commitment to protecting and promoting the health of Orange County residents is valued and appreciated. Through their tireless efforts, they provide essential services that ensure our communities remain safe, informed, and resilient.

These services include:

• Prevention and control of communicable and chronic diseases
• Operation of Tuberculosis and Sexual Health Clinics, including HIV testing, counseling, and treatment
• Pediatric and adult immunization clinics
• Environmental inspections of restaurants, hotels, swimming pools, children's camps, and other public facilities
• Engineering reviews of water and septic systems to prevent exposure to health hazards
• Developmental screenings and early intervention services for infants and toddlers
• Epidemiological surveillance to monitor and improve population health trends
• Public education on nutrition, physical activity, tobacco prevention, and healthy living
• Housing inspections and lead prevention efforts
• Community collaboration to expand health outreach and education
• Programs supporting maternal health and perinatal care
• Assistance with medical care for physically handicapped children
• Emergency preparedness and response
• Medicolegal, death investigations and autopsies through the new state-of-the-art Medical Examiner's Office

Throughout National Public Health Week, OCDOH will spotlight key programs and initiatives that support its mission, which is: "In partnership with our community, OCDOH protects, promotes, and improves the health and quality of life of everyone in Orange County."

OCDOH Acting Commissioner Dr. Jennifer L. Roman said, "I am extremely proud of our team and their dedication to the preservation of the health of all our residents. Our team's diligence and dedication to our community is worth celebrating."

National Public Health Week Daily Themes

• Monday, April 7: It Starts Here: Your Health is Our Mission
  Public health is rooted in prevention. While health systems focus on treating illness, public health works to stop illness before it starts. OCDOH supports lifelong health by promoting breastfeeding, preventing childhood lead poisoning, providing migrant health services, encouraging physical activity and healthy nutrition, and offering home visiting programs for families.
  To explore our programs, visit: orangecountygov.com/2416/Programs
  
• Tuesday, April 8: Climate Action Starts Here: Championing Resilience for Health
  Severe storms and flooding are happening more frequently, making public health protections more important than ever. OCDOH's Environmental Health division performs over 500 inspections of private water systems to ensure safe drinking water. Our Emergency Preparedness and Response team is always ready to act during public health emergencies. Are you interested in helping during emergencies? Learn more about the Medical Reserve Corps: orangecountygov.com/2581/Medical-Reserve-Corps-MRC
• Wednesday, April 9: Health Equity Starts Here: Optimizing Access for All
  he Public Health Nursing Division provides care to underserved populations through immunizations, tuberculosis (TB), and sexual health clinics. Our mobile unit, "Health Grows Here," brings services directly to communities across the County. We work to break down barriers and ensure access to high quality care for all.
  For more information, visit: orangecountygov.com/686/Public-Health-Nursing
• Thursday, April 10: Advocacy Starts Here: Amplifying Community Voices
  Through the Division of Epidemiology and Public Health Planning, OCDOH shares data and insight that help shape local health priorities. Our reports and assessments provide a snapshot of Orange County's health landscape and support community-driven solutions. We also host an annual Health Summit at SUNY Orange. Save the date for the 2025 Health Summit on October 28th. To review current health reports, visit: orangecountygov.com/2325/Reports-Assessments
  
• Friday, April 11: The Future of Public Health Starts Here: Investing in Our Children and Workforce
  Our youngest residents deserve the strongest start in life. OCDOH's Intervention Services Division provides developmental evaluations, speech, occupational and physical therapy, feeding support, and more to children from birth to age five. These programs not only support school readiness but strengthen the long-term health of our community.
  We also offer parent-child playgroups at the Family Center located in the Newburgh Armory Unity Center.
  To register your children for this event, please visit: https://qrcodes.pro/bPoIY1
• Our youngest residents deserve a strong start in life. OCDOH's Intervention Services Division provides developmental evaluations, speech, occupational and physical therapy, feeding support, and more to children from birth to age five. These programs not only support school readiness but strengthen the long-term health of our community. We also offer parent-child playgroups at the Family Center located in the Newburgh Armory Unity Center. To register your children for this event, please visit: https://qrcodes.pro/bPoIY1

"I am proud to continue our commitment to the health and safety of all who call Orange County home," said Neuhaus. "If you can, take a moment to thank your local public health professionals and learn more about how the Orange County Department of Health is working to build a stronger, healthier County for all of us."

Stay connected with the Orange County Department of Health for the latest updates by following them on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/OCNYDOH] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ocnydoh/] for daily news and stories.

To stay updated on County Executive Neuhaus' initiatives, follow Orange County Government and Steven M. Neuhaus on Facebook, @OrangeCountyNYGovt and @steve.neuhaus on Instagram, and @OCGovNY and @SNeuhausOC on X. You can also watch Neuhaus' NeuCast podcasts and Leadership Speaker Series on YouTube.

For more information, contact Rebecca Sheehan, Assistant to County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus and Director of Public Information and Media Relations, at 845.291.2700 or [email protected].

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