Dutchess County Highlights Public Health Week – Local Events Highlight Community Health Improvement Plan
Poughkeepsie… Dutchess County Department of Health will kick off the celebration of Public Health Week tomorrow with the Commissioner’s Award presentation followed by a lunchtime walk in the City of Poughkeepsie.
“We invite all our friends and colleagues in County Government to join us on Tuesday April 7 as we honor our colleague, Ms. Ozie Williams, for her longstanding dedication and unwavering commitment to the health of our community,” said Commissioner of Health Kari Reiber, MD. “And to underscore the positive impact of physical activity on cardiovascular health, diabetes management and obesity prevention, we will highlight the celebration with a lunchtime walk through downtown Poughkeepsie.”
The Commissioner’s Award will be presented by Dr. Reiber and County Executive Marcus Molinaro on Tuesday, April 7th at 12:30pm in the Courtyard of the Poughkeepsie Journal Building, 85 Civic Center Plaza. Nominations for The Commissioner’s Award are submitted by Dutchess County Department of Health employees recognizing the efforts of a fellow employee who embodies the values of public health and demonstrates a commitment toward improving the health of Dutchess County residents. Ms. Williams, a Public Health Nutritionist, was nominated for her role as a Health Educator both within County Government and throughout the community for more than 27 years. As an informal “Health Ambassador” in civic and professional associations, she promotes physical activity and nutrition as tools to fight heart disease.
“Dutchess County continues on the right track toward improving public health,” said County Executive Marcus Molinaro. “By working in partnership with our community members and businesses to identify ways we can improve health and wellness in our region, we strive to make Dutchess County the healthiest county in New York State.”
Dutchess County has been committed to bringing together diverse community partners to determine the most effective way to improve community health. As a result of this collaborative process the county launched its ambitious Community Health Improvement Plan in April 2014, with a focus on four public health priority areas: Obesity, Substance Abuse, Chronic Disease, and Tickborne Disease Prevention. The goals, strategies, and objectives for each priority area are aligned with national initiatives such as Healthy People 2020 and the New York State Prevention Agenda.
Public Health Week will feature a number of the health activities highlighted in the Community Health Improvement Plan:
• Tuesday, April 7th – Health Walk and Commissioner’s Award at 12:30pm at the Poughkeepsie Journal Building Courtyard. Visit www.DutchessNY.gov/health for information about Worksite Wellness Tips for businesses and employees.
• Wednesday, April 8th – Chronic Disease Prevention Network Luncheon, at Northern Dutchess Hospital. HealthQuest is sponsoring this event in which healthcare providers and community stakeholders will discuss the role hypertension and diabetes self-management can play in chronic disease prevention.
• Thursday, April 9th at 6pm – A Community Forum on Drug Addiction & Prevention, Red Hook High School. Dutchess County Government invites community members to participate in a discussion on how together we can best fight the opioid epidemic in Dutchess County and help those struggling with addiction.
• Friday, April 10th – Dutchess County Department of Health will release the Community Health Status Report Card featuring data related to county births, deaths, and illnesses and the County health ranking for 2015.
• Saturday, April 11th 8am-12pm – Dutchess County Rabies Clinic at the Family Partnership Center. Partnering with Dutchess County Society for the Prevention and Cruelty of Animals, Dutchess County Department of Health will be offering free rabies vaccinations for dogs, cats, and ferrets belonging to residents. Non-residents may bring their pets for vaccination for a fee of $10 per pet. Proof of residency is required.
• Sunday, April 12th – Commissioner of Health Dr. Kari Reiber will highlight key ongoing public health initiatives for 2015 in today’s Commissioner’s Corner article in the Healthy Living section of the Poughkeepsie Journal.
• Monday, April 13th at 7pm – The Dutchess County Board of Health will present their Public Health Partnership Award to individuals and groups who have distinguished themselves in promoting Public Health and Healthy Communities within Dutchess County.
