Government

Health Department to Celebrate World Breastfeeding Week August 1st – 7th

Published

2 years ago

July 26, 2024

Congers, NY, – Join the free annual “Live, Love, Latch! BYO Basket Picnic” in celebration of World Breastfeeding Week on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Congers Memorial Park, located at 6 Gilchrest Road in Congers. This event is more than just a celebration, but a time to share experiences and learn interesting facts about lactation and human milk feeding while making it fun for families.

The event is hosted by several Rockland County Lactation Coalition partners, including the Rockland County Department of Health, La Leche League of Rockland County (LLL), The New York Milk Bank, Lower Hudson Valley Perinatal Network, and Montefiore Nyack Hospital. For details on the picnic and registration, visit https://flow.page/rocklandlivelovelatch2024. For questions, contact ClarkstownLLL@gmail.com.

Human milk provides essential nutrients and antibodies that boost infants’ immune systems, protecting them from childhood illnesses like ear infections and diarrhea. It also helps to protect against chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, asthma, and childhood obesity.

“The proven health benefits of providing human milk to babies make it not just important but essential for us to work together to help reduce barriers lactating families face. It is crucial to foster a culture in the community where lactating individuals feel empowered and comfortable to provide human milk for their babies wherever they are at any given moment. World Breastfeeding Week is an ideal opportunity to engage in activities that advocate for, safeguard, and support all lactating individuals,” said Laurie Messinger, IBCLC, Coordinator of the Rockland County Department of Health Lactation Promotion and Support Program.

Are you looking to be a part of the movement to help change the social norm around breast/chestfeeding in Rockland? Do you know about your labor and civil rights laws that protect lactating individuals? The Rockland County Department of Health can assist your worksite, childcare center/home, or pediatric or obstetric practice in becoming lactation-friendly. Our free services include lactation training for staff, assistance in setting up lactation rooms, and providing educational materials. For more information or to become a Rockland County Lactation Coalition member, call the Health Department’s Lactation Promotion and Support Program at 845-364-3786, email messingl@co.rockland.ny.us, or visit http://rcklnd.us/lactation. For more information on all events recognizing National Breastfeeding Awareness Month and World Breastfeeding Week in 2024,

visit http://www.usbreastfeeding.org/NBM and http://worldbreastfeedingweek.org/.

Government

Report Litterbugs in Rockland County Through Keep Rockland Beautiful Program

Published

2 days ago

May 9, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Littering is illegal and can result in fines for those who commit the offense. Some litterbugs simply need to be informed and reminded that littering — whether deliberate or unintentional — can end with a personal commitment to stop.

The Keep Rockland Beautiful Report-A-Litterbug Program encourages the public to report people who litter in an effort to help make Rockland County’s roadways cleaner. The program provides every individual with an opportunity to be an active participant in reducing litter.

If you see someone littering from their car, or trash blowing out from the back of a truck, the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office will send the vehicle owner a warning letter based on your report to Keep Rockland Beautiful.

To report a litterbug, visit: Keep Rockland Beautiful Report-A-Litterbug Program

Government

Senate Approves Bill Expanding SPCA Fingerprinting Access

Published

4 days ago

May 7, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

A bipartisan bill sponsored by Pete Harckham aimed at helping SPCAs across New York more effectively investigate and prosecute animal cruelty cases has passed the State Senate unanimously.

The legislation, S.1664, would authorize SPCA officers statewide to access the same live scan fingerprinting system currently used by law enforcement agencies following an arrest. Supporters say the measure would streamline arrest processing, improve officer efficiency, and help prevent suspects from avoiding prosecution.

At present, many SPCA officers in New York must rely on outside law enforcement agencies to process fingerprints after making an arrest, often causing delays.

“SPCA officers must have the tools and resources they need to protect defenseless animals from cruelty and neglect and the public at large from serial abusers,” Harckham said in a statement. “With access to live scan fingerprinting, officers can quickly determine whether a suspect has a history of abuse or is wanted for other crimes.”

Harckham said the legislation was inspired by conversations with officers from the Putnam County SPCA, who reported that delays in fingerprint processing sometimes allowed suspects with outstanding warrants to remain free longer than necessary.

Chief Ken Ross of the Putnam County SPCA praised the bill’s passage, noting the connection between animal cruelty and other violent crimes.

“Animal cruelty crimes are especially disturbing because they target the most vulnerable,” Ross said. “These offenses are often linked to other forms of violence, including child abuse and domestic violence.”

According to supporters of the legislation, animal cruelty cases have increased across New York since the COVID-19 pandemic. SPCAs cite rising living costs, behavioral health challenges, and the expiration of eviction protections as contributing factors.

Data from Humane Society International indicates that 85% of individuals arrested for animal cruelty have prior arrests, many involving felony offenses. The organization also reports significant overlap between domestic violence and animal abuse cases.

If enacted into law, the bill would expand investigative capabilities for SPCAs statewide and strengthen coordination between animal welfare agencies and law enforcement officials.