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County Executive Day Declares January as National Blood Donor Month

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Rockland County Executive Ed Day has officially proclaimed January 2025 as National Blood Donor Month, recognizing the critical role blood donors and collection organizations play in saving lives.

To honor this occasion, County Executive Day presented a proclamation to New York Blood Center (NYBC) in appreciation of their tireless efforts to ensure a steady and reliable blood supply.

“Blood donation is the greatest gift anyone can give as it saves precious lives,” said County Executive Day. “We’re proud to honor New York Blood Center for their unwavering commitment to this cause.”

New York Blood Center serves as a lifeline for hospitals and patients across the region. They provide critical blood and platelets to meet the needs of individuals undergoing surgery, cancer treatments, or emergency care. During the colder months, NYBC—like all blood banks—often faces shortages due to seasonal challenges such as inclement weather, flu season, and holiday distractions, making January an essential time to raise awareness.

The County also honored dedicated NYBC Rockland County partners, including the Parish of St. Paul-St. Ann in Congers, which has contributed nearly 200 units of blood at its 2024 blood drives, as well as retired county employee Fred Cifuni, who has contributed 141 blood donations—or more than 17 gallons.

Each blood donation can save up to three lives, and the demand for blood is constant, with someone in the United States requiring a transfusion every two seconds.

For more information on how to donate or host a blood drive, visit New York Blood Center’s website.

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Level Up Your Skills — Free Career Workshops from Rockland Works

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Free Workshops to Boost Your Career and Skills

This May, Rockland Works is offering a series of free, expert-led workshops designed to help you build essential skills, explore new career paths, and take control of your future. Whether you’re re-entering the workforce, launching a business, or looking to improve your computer skills, there’s something for everyone.

Featured Workshops

Self-Advocacy
In partnership with BRDGES
Friday, May 16 | 1:00 PM
Learn practical strategies for navigating re-entry after incarceration, disclosing a disability, and negotiating employment contracts.

Entrepreneurial Skills
In partnership with BRDGES
Monday, May 19 | 12:00 PM
Thinking about starting your own business? Get expert advice on how to launch, market, and grow your business from experienced consultants.

Computer Skills: Basic Excel
Wednesday, May 21 | 4:00 PM
Master the fundamentals of Excel, including navigating spreadsheets, formatting data, and using essential formulas like SUM and AVERAGE.

Resume Writing & One-on-One Review Sessions
Receive step-by-step guidance to build a resume that gets noticed, along with personalized feedback from our career experts.

All workshops are free and open to the public. Registration is required.

📞 For more information, call us at (845) 770-2900
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Visit: www.rocklandworks.org

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Government

Rockland County Honors Outstanding Nurses with Distinguished Service Awards

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May is traditionally the month when nurses are recognized worldwide, in part because May 12 is the birthday of Florence Nightingale. She professionalized nursing roles for women and is known as the founder of modern nursing.

In celebration of National Nurses Month, Rockland County Legislature Vice Chair Dr. Aney Paul, a longtime nurse herself, presented the Distinguished Service Award— the Legislature’s highest honor— to three exceptional nurses: Glenn Albin, Dr. Gaelle Duvivier, and Mary Laiju Shine Kelanthara. These honorees were recognized for their professional excellence and dedicated community service.

  • Glenn Albin transitioned from accounting to healthcare, serving as a paramedic and emergency room nurse for over four decades. He mentors new nurses and teaches advanced life support, while actively participating in the Knights of Columbus and South Orangetown Ambulance Corps.

  • Dr. Gaelle Duvivier, a Certified Nurse Midwife and educator, works with New York Presbyterian and SUNY Rockland. She advocates for women’s health, leads health fairs, and researches ways to improve breastfeeding and reduce health disparities.

  • Mary Laiju Shine Kelanthara, with 28 years of nursing experience, serves as an Infection Control Nurse at HVDDSO. She’s also a passionate volunteer, fundraiser, church educator, and South Indian TV actress.

Dr. Paul praised the honorees for making “a positive difference every day” in the lives of Rockland County residents.

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