Honor Orange County Health Department

Senate Resolution No. 1418 BY: Senator METZGER COMMENDING the Orange County Health Department for their countless achievements and accomplishments, in conjunction with the observance of National Public Health Week April 1-7, 2019 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend those illustrious organizations of the State of New York whose focus and intent have made a substantial impact on the quality of life in their communities; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the Orange County Health Department for their countless achievements and accomplishments, in conjunction with the observance of National Public Health Week April 1-7, 2019; and WHEREAS, National Public Health Week recognizes the power of prevention, advocating for healthy and fair policies, sharing strategies for successful partnerships and championing the role of a strong public health system; and WHEREAS, The mission of the Orange County Health Department is to monitor, protect and promote public health within the framework of the New York State Public Health law; and WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Commissioner Dr. Irina Gelman, the Orange County Health Department works tirelessly to protect its residents and demonstrates an ongoing commitment to public health; and WHEREAS, The recipient of numerous awards and accolades, the Orange County Health Department's Immunization Program was one of seven programs in New York State which was recognized with a Protecting the Public Award by the State Department of Health Bureau of Immunizations in March of 2019, for its substantial community and healthcare provider outreach and education to control a large measles outbreak; and WHEREAS, In addition, members of the Health Department's Early Intervention and Medical Examiner Divisions were recently inducted into the 2019 New York Public Health Works! Honor Roll; the recognition is given to outstanding healthcare workers who administer essential services to keep residents healthy; and WHEREAS, The Orange County Health Department has also been selected to participate in the Strong Systems, Stronger Communities Technical Assistance TA Project, a new initiative by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Association of County and City Health Officials which supports local health departments in completing public health performance improvement projects through a tailored in-person and virtual training and TA program; and WHEREAS, Over its distinguished history, the Orange County Health Department has demonstrated continuous service to the residents and communities which it serves; and WHEREAS, The success of the Orange County Health Department is in direct correlation to the efforts of its dedicated staff, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when individuals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend the Orange County Health Department for their countless achievements and accomplishments, in conjunction with the observance of National Public Health Week April 1-7, 2019; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Dr. Irina Gelman, Commissioner of the Orange County Health Department.