FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 4, 2006

NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK CELEBRATION

Board of Health to present “Distinguished Public Health Service” Award

Health fair at Galleria Mall

The Westchester County Department of Health is celebrating Public Health Week, April 3 – April 9, with a health fair at The Galleria Mall, White Plains today from 11a.m. – 3 p.m., and in conjunction with the New York State Community Partnership, is helping to launch the Public Health Works campaign to inform New Yorkers about the range of important public health work being done in their communities.

The health fair is highlighting services offered by the Health Department and includes a water taste contest given by the Health Department’s Environment Health Division. Staff are available to answer questions on pursuing a public health nursing career and to register residents who want to become emergency volunteers in case of major threats to the public’s health. Staff are also available to assist residents with enrolling in Child Health/Family Health Insurance, and to answer questions and distribute information concerning nutrition, cancer services, West Nile virus, services for children with special needs, HIV, Lyme disease, rabies, the flu and other public health topics.

“Public health protects and improves communities by preventing epidemics and the spread of disease, promoting healthy lifestyles for children and families, protecting against environmental hazards, assuring high quality health care services and preparing for and responding to emergencies,” stated Dr. Joshua Lipsman, Westchester County Health Commissioner

“In addition to taking this opportunity to educate Westchester residents on the services available to them, National Public Health Week is also a good time to recognize the efforts of those who work tirelessly to

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protect the health of the public,” continued Dr. Lipsman. "Thanks in great part to their efforts, the health and well-being of all our residents is enhanced.”

County Executive Andrew Spano is issuing a proclamation declaring April 3 – April 9 Public Health Week in Westchester at a press conference at the County Office Building, White Plains at 11 a.m. Also at the press conference, Board of Health President, Douglas G. Aspros, D.V.M., is presenting the Distinguished Public Health Service Award. The Distinguished Public Health Service Award was established by the Board of Health to acknowledge the contributions made by organizations and individuals who promote public health in Westchester. This year’s recipients are Grassroots Environmental Education, whose award was accepted by its Executive Director, Patricia J. Wood, for its innovative educational outreach programs and strong partnerships with other community agencies to reduce exposure to lawn and garden pesticides in the environment; and Dr. Janet Sullivan, Chief Medical Officer, Hudson Health Plan for her achievements in introducing several public health quality improvement "firsts" in Westchester.

“The best public health efforts are often invisible,” stated Dr. Aspros. “When public health does its job, bad things just don’t happen. We thank and applaud Grassroots Environmental Education and Dr. Janet Sullivan for their efforts in protecting the health of the public.”

The Public Health Works campaign will be launched on April 6^th and will highlight local public health professionals who help New Yorkers live healthy and safe life.

For additional information about National Public Health Week, call (914) 813-5000 or visit the Health Department’s website at www.westchestergov.com/health.