Government

RCDOH Is Proud To Announce PrEP Awareness Week From October 21-27th

Published

4 days ago

October 23, 2024

Rockland Report Admin

The Rockland County Department of Health is proud to participate in PrEP Aware Week from October 21-27, 2024, dedicated to increasing public awareness about PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), who it’s for, and how to access it. This year’s theme, “PrEP for All Ages,” emphasizes the importance of taking control of your health at any stage of life.

PrEP is a prescription medication, available in pill or injectable form, that is taken before potential exposure to HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) to significantly reduce the risk of infection. It is designed for adults and adolescents who are HIV-negative and may be exposed to HIV through sexual activity or injection drug use. Additionally, PrEP can be a valuable tool for protecting pregnant individuals and their babies from HIV during conception, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. It is important to have an open and honest conversation about PrEP with your healthcare provider before beginning PrEP to see if it’s right for you.

PrEP is available at the Rockland County Department of Health Sexual Health Clinic. Clinic hours are by appointment only on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please call (845) 364-3771 to schedule an appointment. Visit the New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute Provider Directory to see other locations where PrEP is available in Rockland County. Many local providers also offer PrEP, so ask your medical provider during your next visit.

When taken as prescribed, PrEP is 99% effective at preventing HIV. However, since PrEP only offers protection against HIV, using condoms remains crucial in preventing other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and offering additional HIV protection if PrEP is not taken consistently.

For those concerned about the cost, Medicaid and most health insurance plans cover PrEP without co-pays or cost-sharing. Additionally, drug manufacturers and the New York State Department of Health’s PrEP Assistance Program (PrEP-AP) offers financial support to ensure access to this life-saving medication.

For more information, visit the PrEP Aware website and the New York State Department of Health.

Government

DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, October 26

Published

2 weeks ago

October 15, 2024

Rockland Report Admin

The Rockland County District Attorney’s Office will be participating in the annual prescription drug take back day organized by the Drug Enforcement Agency. This event provides a great opportunity for residents to dispose of unneeded prescription medications that are old, unwanted, or expired.

𝐑𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬:

CVS Pharmacy

280 South Main Street, New City

330 Route 304, Bardonia

12 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville

Walgreens Pharmacy

16 Route 59, Nyack

135 South Liberty Drive, Stony Point

208 West Route 59, Spring Valley

31 Cavalry Dr, New City

209 Route 59, Suffern

Orangetown Police Department

26 Orangeburg Road, Orangeburg

Suffern Police Department

61 Washington Avenue, Suffern

Piermont Police Department

478 Piermont Avenue, Piermont

The event starts at 10 am and ends at 2pm. Just a reminder that collection sites will not accept syringes or sharps.

Government

Rockland County Legislature Honored Four Local Residents During Its 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

Published

3 weeks ago

October 3, 2024

Rockland Report Admin

The Rockland County Legislature honored four local residents during its 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. Jacquelin Contreras, Sabrina E. Vargas-Greco, Jose Champagne Pedro and Alejandra Silva. All four were awarded the “Distinguished Service Award”.

Jacquelin Contreras grew up in Haverstraw Village, the daughter of Gladys and Bolivar Contreras, who immigrated from the Dominican Republic. She graduated from North Rockland High School and then attended Rockland Community College.

For 19 years, Jacqui has been a dedicated employee of the East Ramapo Central School District. She currently serves as a Senior Clerk Typist and previously spent 14 years as a Discipline Secretary, working with students facing suspensions and other challenges. She believes her work has significantly impacted the lives of at-risk children.

Sabrina E. Vargas-Greco is the daughter of Rafael and Lourdes Vargas, immigrants from the Dominican Republic who made Haverstraw their home. She grew up in Haverstraw Village and graduated from North Rockland High School and St. Thomas Aquinas College.

Sabrina began her public service career while still a senior at STAC, starting as an intern in the State Assembly, then advancing to Legislative Assistant, and finally becoming Chief of Staff in 2001.

In 2004, she was appointed Director of Operations and Constituent Services Assistant for the Town of Clarkstown, serving until 2015. From 2016 to 2022, served as the Confidential Assistant to the Chairman of the Rockland County Legislature. In December of 2022 she was appointed as Commissioner of Jurors for Rockland County by the New York State Unified Court System. She is the first Latina to hold this esteemed position.

Jose Champagne Pedro embodies hard work and resilience, refusing to let his challenging beginnings define him. Born in Caguas, Puerto Rico, as one of nine siblings, Champagne moved frequently as a child, eventually spending some time in the Bronx. His family faced numerous challenges, including separation and foster care.

However, Champagne always believed there was a better path. He eventually settled in Haverstraw, where he has been a presence for the past 24 years, exhibiting his entrepreneurial skills and successfully implementing his business ideas. He has operated several stores in the village and organized events, including Reloaded Videos & Games, Champagne’s Collectibles, Champagne’s 2nd Hand, The Corner Store, and perhaps his most famous venture, Ice Is Nice, Oh Yes It Is.

Alejandra Silva is the daughter of immigrant parents from Colombia and Venezuela. She grew up in Jackson Heights, Queens, and has lived in Rockland since 2012. Alejandra graduated from Vassar College with a B.A. in Sociology and a minor in Hispanic Studies, later earning her Juris Doctor and a Certificate in Law and Public Policy from the University of Connecticut School of Law. She is a member of both the New York and Connecticut bars. In June of this year, she was appointed Town Justice in Ramapo, where she addresses misdemeanor prosecutions, violations, infractions, civil actions, and small claims.

Alejandra is the first Latinx person to serve in this role.