In an effort to prepare the community for summer programs and camps, the Westchester County Youth Bureau has enlisted the support of several of the County’s medical experts to provide updates on SARS-COV-2 and COVID-19 related Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C) in children and youth.  Although there has been a decline in such cases, the Westchester County Youth Bureau aims to inform the broader community on prevention and early detection of communicable diseases.

On June 10, 2020, over 60 youth service providers attended the Westchester County Youth Bureau’s webinar, “Updates on COVID-19 and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C) in Children and Youth.” Panelists included County Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, Chief of Pediatric Infectious Disease for Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital Sheila Nolan, M.D., MSCE, Division of Disease Control, Westchester County Department of Health Dial Hewlett Jr, M.D., FACP, FIDSA, Owner of Village Pediatric Group Heather A. McGowan, M.D., FAAP, and with Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter Juliet Nevins, M.D., MPA, FACOG. 

A second session will be held via Webex on June 17, 2020, at 6 p.m., to register visit www.westchestergov.com/youthbureautownhall by June 16 at 4 p.m. The event will be moderated by Cheryl Brannan, President of Brannon Solutions Group. 

County Executive George Latimer said: “Our main objective is to keep all residents, from infants to the elderly, safe. Westchester is one of the best communities in part due to the expertise and collaborative opportunities. We thank the Youth Bureau and the expert medical professional partners from the Department of Health, the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, the Village Pediatric Group, Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall, Aetna, and Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter for assisting in the county’s efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 related illnesses within children and youth.”

Youth Bureau Executive Director Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden said: “We are very fortunate to have partners within the local medical community who share our commitment to informing parents, caregivers and children and youth service providers of the realities of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) and COVID-19 related illnesses to include Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C) and Kawaski Disease. Pragmatism is needed during this time of uncertainty and we will continue to work collectively to address the needs of our children, youth, and their parents, particularly as we open up summer programs, camps, and eventually schools.”