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Inside Press

Westchester County Expert Resources Unite in Campaign to Increase Mental Health Awareness

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County Initiatives Launched for September which is Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month

(White Plains, NY) – Upholding Westchester County’s Commitment to suicide prevention, awareness and the importance of overall mental health, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, the Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH) and several community partners recognized the month of September as Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month. The month-long messaging campaign was created to help educate Westchester County residents on the appropriate ways to discuss mental health crisis in identified communities, and remind them of the resources available to them.

Volunteers from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and DCMH placed pinwheels on display at Glen Island Park in New Rochelle. The display of 78 pinwheels represent the number of completed suicides (78) in Westchester County in 2020. The display includes statistic signs and walk signs, and the pinwheels will remain on display throughout the month of September as part of Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month.  Full roll of pinwheel display: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpB9kFK0jI8

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “Throughout the month of September, the County will be encouraging residents to participate in a variety of workshops, training courses and task force initiatives to help our communities engage in suicide prevention efforts, and help them to practice good mental health. It is not always easy to speak up if you think a family member or friend is struggling or dealing with a mental health crisis, and we want to give you the tools to start that discussion. Helping those around us is everyone’s business, and we want everyone to know about the support and services that are available to them in Westchester.”

Commissioner of DCMH Michael Orth said: “It’s everyone’s responsibility to support each other’s mental health.  We can all help prevent tragedies in our own communities by learning to recognize and take seriously the signs of depression and emotional pain.  It is important that we reach out to family members, friends, neighbors and colleagues and open the door for conversation.”

Hudson Valley/Westchester Area Director for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Maria Idoni said: “September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This is a time for each of us to reach out to those around us and take steps to prevent suicide.  It’s important that we know how to talk about suicide, and connect ourselves and our loved ones to help if we ever need it. Together, we can help #StopSuicide.” 

Westchester County’s Suicide Prevention and Awareness Plan includes:

Westchester County Suicide Awareness Pinwheels Display and Reflection

For the first time in Westchester County, in partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the County will display one pinwheel to represent every suicide in Westchester from the year prior. The pinwheels will be displayed at Glen Island Park New Rochelle throughout the month of September, for visitors to pause and remember those we lost to suicide.

DCMH Social Media Awareness Campaign:

Daily social media awareness information and activities related to Suicide Prevention and Awareness.

Soul Shop Faith Based Training:

On September 29, DCMH in partnership with AFSP and Calvary Church, will be offering “Soul Shop: Ministering to Faith Communities Affected by Suicide.” It’s estimated that one out of every two people in a given congregation has personally been affected by suicide. Soul Shop trains faith community leaders to offer support, hope and connection to those in their congregations. Soul Shop equips participants with the resources and guidance they need to foster hope and healing in their community. 

Mental Health First Aid Training:

DCMH will provide Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training to Westchester County’s communities.  Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis.  Adult Mental Health First Aid Training offers training to address the needs of adults.  Westchester will also be launching Teen Mental Health First Aid Training targeting adolescents and young adults in the near future. 

Full video of remarks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvzjSrJq5bU

News courtesy of the Westchester County Executive Office

Governor Hochul Announces Start of 2021 Fall Foliage Season in New York State

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Weekly Foliage Reports Available Every Wednesday Beginning September 8 on iloveny.com

Reports to Include a New Enhanced Interactive Foliage Progression Map This Season

Fall Foliage inside Chappaqua’s Gedney Park

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of the 2021 fall foliage season in New York State. Fall is one of the most popular travel times in New York, attracting visitors from around the world to explore the state’s unique communities and support local businesses. To help travelers and foliage enthusiasts plan a fall getaway, I LOVE NY will begin issuing its weekly fall foliage reports on Wednesday, September 8, and will now include a new enhanced interactive progression map.  

“Every autumn, New York State’s spectacular foliage and natural beauty beckons travelers to our world-class state parks, majestic overlooks, historic sites and unparalleled attractions,” Governor Hochul said. “New Yorkers have long known about the stunning displays of color showcased all across the state, from Niagara Falls to Montauk Point. Now is the perfect time for residents and visitors alike to plan a fall escape and experience this incredibly colorful season in our great state.”  

Empire State Development Vice President and Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, “The fall foliage season in New York State is always a magical time of year, and the I LOVE NY weekly foliage report is a great tool for visitors looking to plan a seasonal getaway. Our new interactive fall foliage map highlights a variety of attractions and events, from harvest festivals to Halloween celebrations, craft beverage trails, museums and family fun, helping residents and visitors alike to find what they love while exploring the amazing palette of autumn colors on display across the state.”  

The foliage report is compiled each week using the on-location field observations from I LOVE NY’s team of volunteer leaf peepers. More than 85 spotters extending across the state’s 11 vacation regions are tasked with keeping track of the color change in their area as leaves progress each week. Reports detail the predominant leaf colors, approximate percentage of change, and how much color change has progressed relative to peak conditions.  

New this year, I LOVE NY is introducing an enhanced, interactive map that tracks weekly foliage change and progression across the state throughout the season. The map, located on the I LOVE NY foliage website, showcases great foliage viewing locations in each of the various regions throughout the state. Visitors can also use the map to see what the foliage is like during peak viewing in a given area, and learn about nearby, must-see attractions. 

Thanks in part to its size and location, New York State has one of the longest and most colorful foliage seasons in the country. On any weekend from late September through mid-November, part of the state is likely experiencing peak foliage.  

Travelers are also invited to share their photos of New York State’s amazing foliage on social media by using the #NYLovesFall hashtag. Photos submitted to this hashtag have a chance of being featured on the I LOVE NY fall foliage website and official I LOVE NY social media accounts reaching nearly two million followers. Reports and the new interactive map are updated Wednesdays throughout the season at www.iloveny.com/foliage.Reports are also available toll-free by dialing 800/CALL-NYS (800/225-5697) from anywhere in the U.S., its territories and Canada. For more information on how to volunteer for as an I LOVE NY leaf peeper, e-mail your name, address and phone number to foliage@esd.ny.gov.

 Above story via a news release from the office of Governor Hochul

Wellness Garden Gives Back in the Time of COVID

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Staff members at Northern Westchester Hospital (NWH) gathered in the new Wellness Garden to enjoy a bounty of summer produce, learn how to care for plants, and taste some of the first harvest.  

Vegetables from the garden will be “prescribed” to patients who face food insecurity when they are discharged.  The patients will leave the hospital with fresh, organic, ready to eat fruits and vegetables selected to meet their nutritional needs by staff dieticians.

Northern Westchester Hospital staff in the Wellness Garden

However, the garden was created to provide more than physical nourishment. It also serves as a sanctuary for hospital staff, who plant, weed and harvest the garden on a voluntary basis.

The garden is the culmination of a year-long effort on the part of Zack Couzens, who graduated from high school this spring and dedicated his Eagle Scout project to the heroes of Northern Westchester Hospital. He and his fellow scouts, classmates, family, and more than 30 volunteers built the 27 raised beds that comprise the garden. He also created a GoFundMepage that raised more than $3500 for the project, double his original fundraising goal.

Zack was inspired to give back to the hospital because of the care it provided for his family. In March 2020, his parents were among the first Covid-19 cases in Putnam County to be admitted to NWH. In the harrowing weeks that followed, his mother was released, but his father was put on a ventilator and spent three weeks in the hospital. Zack, who was born 10 weeks early, weighing only two pounds, eight ounces, also owes his life to the care he received at Northern Westchester.

“The Hospital has given so much to my family, saving both my parents’ lives, and my own,” he says. “Fortunately, everyone recovered, in large part, due to the extraordinary care my family received. My hope is that when people look back at the Covid-19 pandemic, this garden–dedicated to the heroes of Northern Westchester Hospital–will remind them of how the hospital’s staff worked tirelessly to keep the community members well.”

Northern Westchester Hospital leaders recognized that many staff were themselves recovering from their experience with the pandemic.  A Wellness, Recognition and Resilience Committee was formed to further support NWH providers during this unprecedented time and the idea of a Wellness Garden.

“The idea quickly grew beyond helping staff,” says Rebecca Martin, a committee member and the senior director of Dining Services at the Hospital. “We realized that if we built a garden of raised beds, we would be able to grow organic vegetables for the community.”

Story courtesy of Northern Westchester Hospital

 

 

 

Governor Hochul Updates News Yorkers on State’s Progress Combating Covid-19

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Reported by the Governor on August 25, 2021: 55,600 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours

16 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide

“COVID-19 is still a threat to hardworking New Yorkers, and although we’re fighting every day to keep them safe, we need everyone who’s able to get vaccinated right away,” Governor Hochul said. “The more people we vaccinate, the more families and friends we’re able to keep safe from this terrible virus. Appointments are available, sites are located across the state and the vaccine is free, so don’t delay and get the vaccine as soon as you can.”

 

  • Test Results Reported – 141,619
  • Total Positive – 4,272
  • Percent Positive – 3.02%
  • 7-Day Average Percent Positive – 3.13%
  • Patient Hospitalization – 2,143 (+40)
  • Patients Newly Admitted – 336
  • Patients in ICU – 422 (+6)
  • Patients in ICU with Intubation – 209 (+5)
  • Total Discharges – 191,299 (+272)
  • New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS – 16
  • Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS – 43,432
    • The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only.
  • Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC – 55,423
    • This daily COVID-19 provisional death certificate data reported by NYS DOH and NYC to the CDC includes those who died in any location, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, at home, in hospice and other settings.
  • Total vaccine doses administered – 23,354,166
  • Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours – 55,600
  • Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days – 333,172
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose – 76.0%
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series – 69.1%
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) – 78.8%
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) – 70.8%
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose – 64.0%
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series – 57.8%
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) – 66.4%
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) – 59.3%

Each region’s 7-day average percentage of positive test results reported over the last three days is as follows:

Region Sunday, August 22, 2021 Monday, August 23, 2021 Tuesday, August 24, 2021
Capital Region 4.20% 4.19% 4.16%
Central New York 4.61% 4.44% 4.18%
Finger Lakes 3.91% 3.86% 3.97%
Long Island 4.01% 3.98% 3.92%
Mid-Hudson 3.49% 3.41% 3.51%
Mohawk Valley 3.71% 3.85% 3.99%
New York City 2.55% 2.52% 2.52%
North Country 4.25% 4.33% 4.40%
Southern Tier 3.23% 3.23% 3.23%
Western New York 3.61% 3.71% 3.68%
Statewide 3.16% 3.13% 3.13%

 

Each New York City borough’s 7-day average percentage of positive test results reported over the last three days is as follows:

 

Borough in NYC Sunday, August 22, 2021 Monday, August 23, 2021 Tuesday, August 24, 2021
Bronx 2.91% 3.00% 3.06%
Kings 2.61% 2.61% 2.59%
New York 2.03% 1.98% 1.98%
Queens 2.60% 2.50% 2.51%
Richmond 3.16% 3.17% 3.09%

 

Yesterday, 4,272 New Yorkers tested positive for COVID-19 in New York State, bringing the total to 2,231,227. A geographic breakdown is as follows:
  

County Total Positive New Positive
Albany 26,382 63
Allegany 3,667 10
Broome 19,667 70
Cattaraugus 5,999 7
Cayuga 6,936 12
Chautauqua 9,421 15
Chemung 8,149 22
Chenango 3,809 15
Clinton 4,995 3
Columbia 4,298 18
Cortland 4,234 20
Delaware 2,616 4
Dutchess 31,541 89
Erie 93,536 130
Essex 1,751 6
Franklin 2,791 13
Fulton 4,713 9
Genesee 5,623 21
Greene 3,618 9
Hamilton 354 0
Herkimer 5,507 12
Jefferson 6,524 14
Lewis 2,938 6
Livingston 4,729 17
Madison 4,831 15
Monroe 73,118 169
Montgomery 4,569 15
Nassau 195,992 297
Niagara 20,817 18
NYC 1,006,242 1,879
Oneida 23,672 45
Onondaga 41,600 68
Ontario 7,810 21
Orange 51,450 103
Orleans 3,272 8
Oswego 8,232 43
Otsego 3,738 7
Putnam 11,203 18
Rensselaer 12,143 22
Rockland 48,895 87
Saratoga 16,885 41
Schenectady 14,198 29
Schoharie 1,842 4
Schuyler 1,130 2
Seneca 2,134 7
St. Lawrence 7,255 42
Steuben 7,260 12
Suffolk 213,541 420
Sullivan 7,192 17
Tioga 4,034 10
Tompkins 4,830 23
Ulster 15,022 42
Warren 4,095 8
Washington 3,388 6
Wayne 6,207 25
Westchester 135,922 176
Wyoming 3,681 5
Yates 1,229 3

 

Yesterday, 16 New Yorkers died due to COVID-19, bringing the total to 43,432. A geographic breakdown is as follows, by county of residence:

 

County New Deaths
Albany 1
Bronx 1
Jefferson 1
Kings 3
Monroe 1
Nassau 2
Queens 2
Rockland 1
Saratoga 1
Suffolk 2
Ulster 1

 

All New York State mass vaccination sites are open to eligible New Yorkers for walk-in vaccination on a first-come, first-serve basis. People who would prefer to schedule an appointment at a state-run mass vaccination site can do so on the Am I Eligible App or by calling 1-833-NYS-4-VAX. People may also contact their local health department, pharmacy, doctor or hospital to schedule appointments where vaccines are available, or visit vaccines.gov to find information on vaccine appointments near them.

 

Yesterday, 33,653 New Yorkers received their first vaccine dose, and 24,011 completed their vaccine series. A geographic breakdown of New Yorkers who have been vaccinated by region is as follows:

 

  People with at least one vaccine dose People with complete vaccine series
Region Cumulative
Total		 Increase over past 24 hours Cumulative
Total		 Increase over past 24 hours
Capital Region 716,133 1,486 659,852 1,071
Central New York 560,946 932 522,652 789
Finger Lakes 724,583 1,361 678,360 1,191
Long Island 1,717,425 5,802 1,530,323 4,057
Mid-Hudson 1,358,837 3,835 1,209,032 2,527
Mohawk Valley 279,191 461 258,654 468
New York City 6,040,692 17,090 5,370,609 11,853
North Country 258,943 423 235,654 281
Southern Tier 371,445 740 344,606 505
Western New York 788,197 1,523 727,996 1,269
Statewide 12,816,392 33,653 11,537,738 24,011

 

The COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker Dashboard is available to update New Yorkers on the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. The New York State Department of Health requires vaccinating facilities to report all COVID-19 vaccine administration data within 24 hours; the vaccine administration data on the dashboard is updated daily to reflect the most up-to-date metrics in the state’s vaccination effort. New York State Department of Health-reported data from NYSIIS and CIR differs slightly from federally-reported data, which is inclusive of federally-administered doses and other minor differences. Both numbers are included in the release above.

 

The New Castle United for Youth EXPERIENCE

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Two Greeley Students Describe How the Coalition’s Interns Made an Impact

By Janice Seong and Violet Christensen

This summer, a group of Chappaqua teenagers log onto Zoom and discuss youth substance use, eager to make a difference in their community. Every year, New Castle United for Youth (NCUFY) provides an opportunity for local teenagers to work on projects surrounding youth substance use and healthy decision-making through a summer internship program.

Interns meet in two-week chunks with six total work days. The first week of the internship focuses on learning skills such as data visualization and the components of successful public health interventions. The second week of the session consists of more project-based work, where we break into groups to create final projects centered around youth substance use or promoting healthy lifestyle choices.

While working as interns, we share our perspectives as teenagers and work collaboratively with our peers. Intern Ian Freeman relates that the internship offers a unique way for “youth [to] help out other youth as opposed to adults because people are more likely to listen to others that they can relate to more.” Michael Huaca adds that he got to interact with students that were “freshmen, upperclassmen, or students below [his] grade.” The internship held by NCUFY allows us to interact with other youth that we otherwise would not share classes with at school.

Last year, one session focused on finding a way for families to spend more time together during quarantine. The project produced a family cookbook; the main inspiration behind it arose from an activity in which we each had to find and present an item that reminded us of a moment we had with our families. In making the cookbook, we picked various cuisines and included recipes that would be accessible to all age groups. Another project we made emphasizing familial connections was a family craft booklet that included tutorials on activities like making bead bracelets and creating a family tree. Due to the limited amount of activities that were available during quarantine, we wanted to share engaging activities families could participate in together.

Another summer session project was a survey on what a typical weekend looks like for Chappaqua teenagers; its main purpose was to show that a typical weekend does not involve risky activities and drinking–contrary to what many teenagers may believe. Because there was not enough time to fully develop this project in the summer, we began to have weekly meetings on Wednesdays. Throughout the past school year, we reviewed the work that the summer interns did and continued working on a survey for Chappaqua teenagers to complete. The results of the survey show that a majority of the teenagers (94%) do not use substances including marijuana or alcohol on a typical Saturday. We plan on using the results to develop an infographic to share with local youth.

Alex Mancini, a summer intern involved in creating the survey, finds the weekly meetings to be beneficial. He says, “The most rewarding part of participating in the meetings is completing projects that we have been working on and putting them into the real world. Also, the idea that what we are doing could be helping someone in our community is very reassuring to think about.”

As the school year starts, students interested in NCUFY can get involved by joining the weekly Coalition Youth Leadership Council meetings held throughout the school year. An easy way to join is by emailing the Coalition Coordinator, at ncufycoordinator@gmail.com. For more info, visit newcastleunitedforyouth.org. Moreover, students can join Greeley’s SADD club, led by NCUFY member and Greeley Student Assistance Counselor Carolyn D’Agostino who works closely with the Coalition to inspire smart choices in and outside a school environment.

It’s greatly satisfying to have a meaningful impact on your community. NCUFY gives Greeley students the perfect opportunity to put our heads together and reach rewarding outcomes

Janice Seong is a rising senior at Horace Greeley High School and one of the Editors-in-Chief of the Greeley Tribune. A part of New Castle United for Youth for three years as the Youth Sector Representative, she enjoys giving back to her community and working with her peers to make a lasting impact.

Violet Christensen is a rising sophomore at Greeley and has been working with the NCUFY coalition for two years. She is also a member of Greeley’s SADD club and enjoys contributing to the well-being of the community. In her free time, Violet can be seen playing softball, volleyball, and video games.

New Castle United for Youth, a coalition funded through the federal Drug Free Communities grant program, aims to create a supportive and interconnected community for New Castle youth and their families. Each summer, NCUFY hosts an internship program for local teens to hear their perspectives and to empower them to support each other.