Watkins Glen - Schuyler County Public Health, along with other health departments in the Finger Lakes area, would like to recognize National Public Health Week and celebrate all health departments do foro our local communities. Public health programs and services allow kids to grow up healthy and help to build strong communities. Public health also saves lives and money. Marcia Kasprzyk, Director of Schuyler County Public Health says, “The tag of the National Public Health Logo – Prevent, Promote and Protect – sums up what local health department do. Like doctors focus on your health, public health focuses on the health of the whole community.”
Schuyler County Public Health works to prevent disease and promote health in the county. We provide childhood immunizations, maternal and child health services such as new birth visits and the Healthy Families Program. In addition, the Communicable Disease program provides services to prevent the spread of communicable diseases, including rabies. We also provide education to prevent lead poisoning and case management for children with elevated blood lead levels. Schuyler County Public Health also administers the Early Intervention and Pre-school Programs for children with developmental delays.
Our Watershed Protection Agency assures the safety of ground and surface water resources in Schuyler County. Through services, education, and enforcement, the Watershed Protection Agency helps to enhance and preserve the public health of the community and the environment. Emergency Preparedness staff help people plan for, respond to, and recover from public health emergencies, natural disasters or acts of terrorism. We also support other community efforts such as the S.A.F.E. (Suicide Prevention for Everyone) Coalition and the Schuyler County Baby Café.
Collaborating with the community is essential in working to improve the health of Schuyler County residents and we work to involve the community in combating some of the biggest health problems facing the county. Two of our collaborative projects include Healthy Eating, Active Living (HEAL) Schuyler and the Schuyler County Coalition on Underage Drinking and Drugs (SCCUDD). HEAL Schuyler is made up of agencies, businesses, and concerned community members who work together to help reduce obesity in Schuyler County.
Schuyler County Public Health is also an integral part of the Schuyler County Coalition on Underage Drinking and Drugs (SCCUDD). SCCUDD was formed in April 2006 because of some concerning underage drinking trends identified in the county. As part of SCCUDD, we work to prevent, reduce, and delay the onset of substance use among Schuyler County youth by collaborating with our community partners, promoting prevention education and substance-free activities, and implementing environmental strategies.
Public health makes a difference every day!