corona virus cell

covid-19

A novel coronavirus called COVID-19 has been detected in millions of people worldwide. Cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in New York State, including Westchester County, and it is expected that more cases of COVID-19 will be identified in the future. For a current COVID-19 case count in New York State with a breakdown by county, visit the NYSDOH COVID-19 Tracker. Information and guidance about COVID-19 for health care providers can be found on our Physician's Corner.

Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome Associated with COVID-19
The Westchester County Department of Health is alerting parents and guardians that there has been a rare, but serious, childhood inflammatory disease reported among children and teens (En español) with a possible link to COVID-19. The New York State Department of Health is investigating several cases of severe illness in children and child deaths that may be related to COVID-19 where children are experiencing symptoms similar to Kawasaki disease and toxic shock-like syndrome.

sleeping baby

sleeping baby on back
October is SIDS Awareness Month. Parents and caregivers can rest easy knowing the steps to lower a baby’s risk for SUIDS and SIDS. It's as simple as ABC. 

What is SUID/SIDS?
Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) is the sudden, unexpected and unexplained death of babies under the age of 1. Types of SUID include:

  • SIDS.
  • Accidental suffocation in a sleeping environment.
  • Other deaths from unknown causes.

While scientists don’t know exactly what causes SUID, it usually happens in the baby’s sleep area.

The loss of an infant is tragic, but you can take steps to help prevent SUID by following the ABC's of Safe Sleep.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all infants sleep on their backs in their own safety-approved crib and in a smoke-free environment to reduce the risk both of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Sudden Unexptected Infant Death Syndrome (SUID).


The ABCs of Safe Sleep (Create a Safe Sleep Environment for your baby)


"A" is for Alone:

  • Always let baby sleep alone in a crib, never in a bed with another person or pet where baby could be smothered.
  • Only have a firm mattress and tight-fitting sheet in the crib.
  • No blankets, pillows, bumpers or toys.
  • Dress baby in one more layer of clothing than you.

"B" is for on baby's Back:

  • Always place baby to sleep on his or her back.
  • No sleeping on tummy or sides.
  • Tummy time is for supervised play time.
  • No pillows or wedges in crib.

"C" is for Crib:

  • Baby should sleep in a safe and separate crib or bassinet.
  • Use a tight-fitted sheet with no blankets.
  • Never allow baby to sleep on a couch.
  • No futons, chairs, waterbeds or dresser drawers.

 

Resources:

four individuals

Westchester County Board of Health Present 2020 and 2021 Public Health Awards

County Executive George Latimer will acknowledge the work of the Westchester County Department of Health and others in a proclamation declaring April 15 Public Health Appreciation Day to “recognize the vital contributions of dedicated public health professionals, volunteers and community partners to improving the health of our community and to honor National Public Health Week, which was observed April 5-11.

Together with County Executive George Latimer, the Westchester County Board of Health will present the 2020 and 2021 Public Health Awards on Thursday, April 15 at 9:30 a.m. via Webex. Event Number: 185 282 3340, password: awards.

The Dr. Harold Keltz Distinguished Public Health Service Award is presented annually to a person or community-based organization, whose efforts have made an extraordinary contribution to the public health of Westchester residents but who is not professionally engaged in public health work.

The J.R. Tesone Youth Public Health Award is an annual award to a student up to age 21 for his or her creative contribution to public health in Westchester. The award was created in 2014 in memory of J.R. Tesone, a Board of Health member with a lifelong commitment to Westchester children.

“Talented and selfless people work hard every day to make our communities healthier,” said Robert Baker, MD, president of the Westchester County Board of Health. “By nominating these volunteers for recognition, you can help inspire others to join our efforts to promote and protect public health in Westchester.”

The Board also will highlight the compassion, creativity and commitment demonstrated by a select group of nominees who will be named Public Health Honorees.

Board of Health President Robert Baker, MD, will present the Dr. Harold Keltz Distinguished Public Health Service Award for 2020 to the Open Door Family Medical Center for its Baby Box Program, which has provided infant essentials, a safe place to sleep and parent education to more than 1,300 families.

Board of Health Member Cynthia Chazotte, MD, will present two 2021 Dr. Harold Keltz Distinguished Public Health Service Awards for 2021, to Amy Kirschenbaum of New Rochelle and to Neighbors Link in Mount Kisco.

Kirschenbaum, a physical education teacher at Westchester Day School in Mamaroneck, launched numerous efforts to assist Westchester individuals and families touched by COVID-19 and to give back to healthcare workers and first responders throughout Westchester and beyond. She delivered meals, raised fund, distributed iPads and iPhones to patients hospitalized with Covid-19, collected and distributed toys and baby care products and more.

Neighbors Link is being recognized for the hot meals, groceries, referrals for support, medicine and public health messaging it provided to more than 1,000 new immigrant families each week during the pandemic. Their assistance was a lifeline for residents who were ineligible for government assistance but whose jobs and health were at risk.

The Board will present the J.R. Tesone Youth Public Health Service Award. The 2020 award will be presented to Hana Zalvan of Briarcliff Manor for her advocacy of eating disorder awareness in schools. The 2021 award winner is Nolan James, an 11th grader from Larchmont. Nolan organized a bicycle brigade of school friends from Rye Country Day School who delivered meals to clients of Caritas, a Catholic charity in Port Chester. He also collected carloads of reusable bags for those deliveries.

The Board also recognized six Public Health Honorees:

For 2020: 

  • Kathryn Joblon, a Montrose resident who has volunteered to help the needy, veterans and first responders, among others; and.
  • At Home on the Sound, an organization that helps Larchmont, Mamaroneck and Rye Neck seniors connect with each other and provides rides to medical and dental appointments; and.
  • Ellen Herlihy, who worked in her North Salem high school to destigmatize behavioral health issues

    For 2021:

  • Molly Howson of Rye, who raised funds for personal protective equipment for hospital and nursing home workers; and
  • Caitlyn Carpenter of Mamaroneck, who organized students to lobby for free legal representation for tenants facing eviction; and.
  • Milan Acosta of New Rochelle, who raised funds to feed essential workers.