Connect with us

Government

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

Published

2 years ago

on

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.   

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Government

Domestic Violence Can Take Many Forms — Here’s Where to Get Help

Published

2 weeks ago

on

October 4, 2026

By

Domestic Violence Can Take Many Forms: Resources Are Available

Domestic violence is not limited to physical or sexual abuse. It can also include psychological and emotional abuse, threats, intimidation, manipulation, and economic coercion.

Abusers may use a variety of tactics to frighten, manipulate, isolate, blame or harm victims as a way of maintaining power and control.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or abuse, help is available. You are not alone.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Domestic Violence Resources

Rockland County Center for Safety and Change
Hotline: 845-634-3344
Website: centerforsafetyandchange.org

The Center for Safety and Change provides support and resources for individuals and families affected by domestic violence and other forms of abuse.

New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence
Hotline: 1-800-942-6906
Website: opdv.ny.gov

The New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence provides information, assistance and resources related to domestic violence throughout New York.

National Domestic Violence Hotline
Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Website: thehotline.org

The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides confidential support, information and resources for people experiencing domestic violence, as well as friends and family members seeking guidance.

If you or someone you know is being abused, reaching out for help can be an important first step. If there is an immediate threat to your safety, call 911.

Continue Reading

Government

Rockland County Residents Urged to Check for Water Leaks

Published

2 weeks ago

on

September 28, 2026

By

A simple home water audit can help residents find hidden leaks, reduce water waste and lower household utility bills.

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — The Rockland County Water Advisory Council is encouraging residents to conduct a simple home water audit to identify hidden leaks, improve water efficiency, reduce utility costs and help protect the county’s long-term water resources.

While homeowners often focus on conserving water outdoors during the summer, indoor water use can account for a significant portion of a household’s overall water consumption. Small leaks, aging plumbing fixtures and inefficient appliances can waste thousands of gallons of water each year without being noticed.

A home water audit can help residents identify where water is being wasted and find opportunities to conserve.

Four Simple Ways to Check Your Home

The Water Advisory Council recommends that residents start by:

  • Checking the water meter: Make sure no water is being used in the home, then check the meter. Movement may indicate a hidden leak.
  • Testing toilets for leaks: Use dye tablets to check for silent toilet leaks that may otherwise go unnoticed.
  • Upgrading plumbing fixtures: Consider replacing older fixtures with WaterSense®-labeled products, which are designed to use less water while maintaining performance.
  • Inspecting irrigation systems: Check outdoor irrigation equipment for leaks, broken sprinkler heads and other problems that can waste hundreds of gallons of water during the summer.

Free Water Conservation Resources Available

Rockland County residents can also access resources designed to make water conservation easier.

Residents can visit EPA WaterSense for information about saving water at home and use educational materials available through the Rockland County Water Hero program.

Rebates are also available through Veolia for qualifying WaterSense® products. Eligible products may include select toilets, showerheads, clothes washers, irrigation controllers and rain barrels.

The Water Advisory Council is also offering free water conservation tools, including:

  • Shower timers
  • Toilet leak-detection tablets
  • Moisture meters

Supplies are limited. Residents can pick up the tools at the Water Advisory Council office, find them at community events, or request them by signing up to become an H2O Hero through the Rockland Water Hero program. Visit Rockland Water Hero

The Rockland County Water Conservation Project is funded by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Continue Reading

Trending