corona virus cell

covid-19

For a current COVID-19 case count in New York State with a breakdown by county, visit the NYSDOH COVID-19 Positive Tests Over Time, By Region and County. Information and guidance about COVID-19 for health care providers can be found on our Physician's CornerPublic Facing Infographic 2020-2021 Covid19 Response

This infographic provides a summary of the Westchester County Department of Health’s leadership and response to the COVID-19 public health emergency for the period of 2020-2021.

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 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:

“Every year we are humbled by the creative and innovative contributions to public health in our community by busy teenagers, adults and organizations in Westchester,” said Robert Baker, MD, president of the Westchester County Board of Health. “The Board looks forward to learning about and acknowledging the extraordinary people and programs who make our County such a great place to call home. We hope their example of selfless volunteerism inspires others to help us promote and protect public health in our County.”

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 Service 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.

These awards will be announced and presented in April to spotlight National Public Health Week, and the honorees and their achievements will be featured on the health department’s web pages.