Healthy Home, Health Families

Since I was first sworn into office eight years ago, I have said time and again that the health and safety of all residents in Rockland County is one of my top concerns.

One of the ways we’ve been working to prioritize this matter is through our Healthy Neighborhoods Program. The program, created by our Department of Health, helps families identify health and safety risks in their homes. Best of all, it’s free for low to moderate income families and seniors.

During home visits program staff review a wide variety of potential hazards including carbon monoxide safety, smoke detectors, radon testing, and even asthma concerns. The program also provides and installs free smoke alarms to help address these issues, but keep in mind the program has a limited supply.

Last year the Healthy Neighborhoods Program conducted 437 home visits, distributed 41 radon tests, 127 Carbon Monoxide Detectors and about 700 smoke detectors; making the lives of our residents significantly safer.

There is not a single person who was not impacted in some way, shape, or form by the COVID-19 pandemic which is why we are working so hard to alleviate some of that strain by providing families with masks, hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies and emergency food bags.

I’m proud to share the Healthy Neighborhoods Program has been awarded a new 5-year grant which runs through 2027 for over $1.3 million. This money ensures that our efforts to improve the health and safety of families in Rockland can continue, as it should, for many more years to come.

Thank you to our Rockland County Health Department professionals who work hard every day to address the health and safety of our communities. I want to recognize the important and crucial work performed by these men and women and raise awareness among the public of the importance of public health. It’s truly impressive how this team of professionals has not only maintained but improved our services, despite the challenges presented during the pandemic.

You can contact the Healthy Neighborhoods Program for a no-cost home visit to address any health or safety concerns you have at (845) 364-3292.