Orange County Department of Health Hosts Annual Health Summit

Goshen, N.Y. - The Orange County Department of Health (OCDOH) hosted its fourth Annual Orange County Health Summit on Thursday, October 10^th, at the Rowley Center at SUNY Orange in Middletown. The Summit brought together over 100 healthcare professionals, government agencies, policymakers, and faith-based and community-based organizations in a collaborative effort to address crucial health equity issues across different life stages.

This year's theme was "Pursuing Healthy Equity Across the Lifespan." Keynote speaker Johanne E. Morne, the Executive Deputy Commissioner for the New York State Department of Health, noted that to eliminate disparities, it's important to examine health equity data and intentionally involve community members.

"The Health Department always puts together a timely, informational summit. The valuable feedback they receive from the community helps to inform you about the programs they provide," said County Executive Steve Neuhaus. "I'm grateful to Dr. Pointer and her team for their hard work and congratulate them on their successful event."

Director of Epidemiology and Public Health Planning, Jackie Lawler, unveiled updated health data, followed by an engaging panel discussion featuring various Orange County experts. The panel focused on how local partners are working to improve health in their communities and address social determinants of health such as nutrition, transportation, and language barriers.

Key participants at the Summit included:

• Pamela Peterson, Director of Family and Community Engagement at the Newburgh Enlarged City School District, who emphasized the need to build meaningful connections with students and families to support health outcomes.
  
• Nickie Ronsini, Executive Director of Jewish Family Service, who encouraged attendees to consider the benefits of volunteer work, which she noted can improve mental health and daily motivation.
  
• Angela Hulse, Medical Director at Cornerstone Family Healthcare, who shed light on the health disparities affecting the immigrant community, stressing the urgent need for equitable access to healthcare.

"The Orange County Department of Health is committed to improving health equity and public health outcomes. Collaboration is the key to those efforts," said OCDOH Commissioner Dr. Pointer. "This year's summit was an amazing opportunity to share with, learn from, and be inspired by hardworking and dedicated public health partners determined to improve our entire community's health. We're grateful to our speakers and all the attendees for sharing their day and insights with us."

Looking for more? The OCDOH's Division of Epidemiology and Public Health Planning is here for you and can be contacted at 845-291-2330.

For more information, contact Rebecca Sheehan, Assistant to County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus, Director of Public Information and Media Relations, at 845.291.2700 or [email protected].

To learn more about what County Executive Neuhaus is doing for Orange County, follow Orange County Government and Steven M. Neuhaus on Facebook, @Orange County NY Govt and @steve.neuhaus on Instagram, and @OCGovNY and @SNeuhausOC on X. You can also watch Neuhaus' NeuCast podcasts and Leadership Speaker Series on YouTube.

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