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National Grief Awareness Day on August 30: Rockland County Offers Mental Health Support

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12 months ago

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In observance of National Grief Awareness Day on August 30, the Rockland Behavioral Health Response Team (BHRT) is encouraging residents to acknowledge the many forms of grief and to seek support when needed.

Grief, often associated with the loss of a loved one, can also arise from separation, illness, job loss, or major life changes. Experts note that grief is a deeply personal experience and doesn’t follow a set timeline. Many individuals may cycle through various emotions—including denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—as described in the widely recognized Kübler-Ross model.

“Grief doesn’t always come with visible signs or outward expressions,” said Tim Egan, Executive Director of Rockland Paramedic Services, which operates BHRT. “It can hide behind daily routines. Our team is here to offer support to anyone struggling in silence.”

To help those coping with grief, BHRT provides free, 24/7 crisis response services, including on-site emotional support and connections to ongoing counseling, peer support, and community resources.

BHRT Services Include:

  • Free, on-site mental health crisis response

  • Non-judgmental emotional support and listening

  • Referrals to counseling, peer services, and local resources

  • Services available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Anyone in need of help can contact the BHRT Crisis Hotline at (845) 517‑0400.

Community Engagement on August 30

In honor of National Grief Awareness Day, BHRT is also encouraging the public to participate in two community initiatives:

  • Spotlight on Stories – Residents are invited to share anonymous messages of remembrance or reflections on grief via direct message on BHRT’s Facebook page or by email at info@rocklandhelp.org.

  • Grief Check-In Prompt – Individuals are encouraged to reach out to someone with a simple message: “I’m thinking of you today.”

“Whether someone is navigating recent loss or unresolved grief from the past, support is available,” said Egan. “No one should have to go through it alone.”

About BHRT

The Rockland Behavioral Health Response Team (BHRT) is a county initiative providing mobile, community-based mental health crisis intervention. Staffed by trained clinicians and peer specialists, the team operates outside of traditional emergency services to offer compassionate, confidential care at no cost.

More information is available at www.rocklandhelp.org.

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Government

Clarkstown Town Clerk Lauren Marie Wohl Launches Text Alerts for Tax Bill Updates

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4 days ago

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August 9, 2026

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CLARKSTOWN, NY — Beginning with the new tax season on September 1, the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s Office will offer residents a new and convenient way to receive updates about their tax bills directly by text message.

Town Clerk Lauren Marie Wohl announced that residents can opt in to the service by texting “TAXINFO” to 845-644-6899.

Once a resident’s tax bill is ready, those enrolled will receive a text message containing a link. Residents can then enter their property address to view their tax bill and, if they choose, make a payment online.

The new text notification system does not replace traditional mailed tax bills. Residents who sign up for the service will continue to receive their regular tax bill in the mail. The text alerts are intended to provide an additional and more convenient way for residents to know when their bills are available and access their information.

“Residents asked for a simpler way to receive tax bill information, and I’m proud that we were able to make it happen,” Wohl said.

Residents with questions about the new service can contact the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s Office at 845-639-2010.

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Government

Flock Cameras in Rockland County: Safety Tool or Privacy Concern?

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5 days ago

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August 8, 2026

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Flock cameras have become an increasingly debated topic across the country, including here in Rockland County.

Flock cameras are automated license plate readers used by law enforcement to capture license plates and vehicle characteristics as vehicles pass by. Police can use the information to assist with investigations, including locating stolen vehicles, identifying vehicles associated with wanted suspects, helping find missing people and developing leads following crimes.

One of the cameras pictured is located outside The Shops at Nanuet in Clarkstown. A graphic from the website DeFlock also shows reported camera locations throughout the area.

Supporters say the technology can give police an important investigative tool and help solve crimes more quickly. Critics, however, have raised concerns about privacy and the collection of information about where people drive, even when they are not suspected of committing a crime.

The debate ultimately comes down to a question of public safety versus privacy.

What do you think? Are Flock cameras a valuable tool for law enforcement, or are they an intrusion on your privacy?

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