New City, NY – The Rockland County Department of Health celebrated National Public Health Week this past week from April 7 to April 13, 2025. This event, sponsored annually by the American Public Health Association, marked its 30th anniversary this year, offering a perfect opportunity to reflect on the successes achieved in public health and to reinforce the continued efforts needed to protect and improve the health of all residents in the community.
Dr. Mary Leahy, the Rockland County Commissioner of Health, expressed her enthusiasm for the occasion. She said, “This year marks the 30th anniversary of National Public Health Week, a perfect time to celebrate our successes and to continue to work together with our federal, state, and local partners to create a vision for the health of all our residents.”
The Rockland County Department of Health plays a vital role in supporting the well-being of local communities by providing essential services aimed at disease prevention, environmental safety, health education, and more. These services touch nearly every aspect of public health, ensuring that individuals and families have the resources and care they need to lead healthier lives.
Key initiatives include offering immunizations for children, adults, and high-risk populations, alongside vigilant tracking of infectious diseases to prevent their spread. The Department also works tirelessly to ensure environmental safety by monitoring drinking water, food safety, and proper waste disposal, as well as ensuring the cleanliness and safety of community spaces like pools.
Health education remains a cornerstone of the Department’s outreach efforts. By educating the public on nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, fall prevention, and chronic disease self-management, the Department encourages healthy lifestyles and preventative care.
In times of crisis, the Department plays a critical role in health emergencies and disaster response, providing community-wide disaster plans and resources for swift action. Additionally, the Department supports vulnerable populations, offering services that ensure safe housing for renters, seniors, and low-income residents while advocating for healthier living conditions.
Specialized programs also focus on maternal and child health, offering prenatal and postnatal care, parenting support, lactation assistance, and WIC supplemental food programs. These efforts ensure that mothers and children receive the essential resources they need. The Department also provides services for individuals with disabilities, ensuring that all community members are well cared for.
The Rockland County Department of Health is ready to continue its work of fostering a healthier, more informed, and supported community. For more information about National Public Health Week and the services provided by the Rockland County Department of Health, residents are encouraged to visit the Department’s website and the official National Public Health Week page at www.nphw.org.