For More Information:
William R. Steinhaus
Dutchess County Executive
Telephone: (845) 486-2000,
FAX: (845) 486-2021,
countyexec@co.dutchess.ny.us
County Health Department To Send Staff To Help In
NYC Effort
Dutchess County Executive,
William R. Steinhaus announced today that the Dutchess County Department of
Health will be providing Public Health Sanitarians to support the rescue and
recovery effort continuing in New York City. Beginning on Saturday, September
22nd three Sanitarians from the Department’s Environmental Health
Services Division staff will be joining other professional public health
personnel from Long Island and several downstate County Health Departments to
assist in conducting food service inspections in lower Manhattan. Dutchess has
committed to providing three Sanitarians to work in Manhattan through October 2nd
on a three days on/three days off schedule.
The decision to assist in the New York City disaster relief effort came after
the New York City Health Department put out a request for the assistance of
trained Public Health Sanitarians early this week. The New York State
Department of Health contacted local health departments in the metropolitan
region on September 17th. Dutchess responded to a call from the
State’s Center for Environmental Health with a commitment the next day when the
first three Sanitarians volunteered. The duty in lower Manhattan involves
working round-the-clock in two 12-hour shifts to assure that the food service
operations and sanitary facilities provided to rescue workers are safe and
public health standards. Work shifts will alternate between 7 am - 7 pm and 7
pm - 7am. The New York State Department of Health is also sending Sanitarians
to the City.
County Executive Steinhaus said, “More than ever before in our recent history
this is a time for Americans to help and support each other wherever and
whenever possible. We are all neighbors and this commitment on the part of
these individuals and Dutchess County government continues our tradition of
volunteerism and dedication to the community. I am pleased that we can help and
proud of our staff.”
Commissioner of Health, Dr. Michael C. Caldwell echoed the County Executive’s
sentiments and added, “This monumental disaster has impacted the public health
infrastructure. Our Department and staff are eager to help in whatever way we
can. We are most fortunate to have such a highly skilled and dedicated
complement of health professionals in Dutchess County. I’m certain they will
give their all.”
County Executive Steinhaus added that Dutchess County will continue to evaluate its level of commitment if increased assistance is necessary in the future.
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