To our business leaders, healthcare providers, first responders, and community organizations that make Rockland County the vibrant place it is, I want to bring your attention to a new and FREE training that will create a more inclusive Rockland one business at a time.

Here in the United States, 1 in 36 children is diagnosed with Autism. And yet, many of our public spaces, businesses, and institutions remain unfamiliar with how to support them.
That needs to change—and here in Rockland, we’re leading that change.

It was with that in mind that in April, during Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month, my administration’s Department of Mental Health launched a new All-Abilities Training Program, created in partnership with the Anderson Center for Autism.
This training is available at no cost and is designed to educate the workforce, including our local businesses, healthcare providers, first responders, and community organizations. It’s a powerful tool to help you better serve all members of our community, especially those with Autism and intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD).

This initiative is more than just training—it’s a commitment to understanding, acceptance, and accessibility for individuals with Autism and other developmental disabilities.

When we launched the Rockland Thinks Differently initiative in 2024, we committed ourselves to promoting inclusion at every level of our community. This training is a direct extension of that promise. It will help your team create more welcoming environments for all.

But this isn’t just about doing the right thing, it’s also smart business.

Many individuals with Autism are loyal, capable, and hardworking.

The training includes insight into how to make your workplace more accessible for potential employees with Autism and the many benefits of hiring from this often-overlooked talent pool.

I urge every business and organization in Rockland to take advantage of this fantastic and free opportunity. Doing so will show the community that your organization not only accepts differences but embraces and celebrates them. Let’s work together and continue creating a Rockland that truly thinks differently.

To sign up for the training or learn more, please contact the Anderson Center at 845-889-9616 or ACCT@AndersonCares.org.

* This is a weekly column by Rockland County Executive Ed Day.

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY – As outdoor activities increase with the arrival of warmer weather, the Rockland County Department of Health is urging residents to take proactive steps to protect themselves from tick bites and the diseases they may carry, including Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Babesiosis, Anaplasmosis, and the rare but serious Powassan virus.

Lyme disease remains the most common tick-borne illness in New York State, and the Hudson Valley region, including Rockland County, continues to be a high-risk area due to the widespread presence of infected blacklegged ticks (deer ticks).

“Ticks, like many of us, become more active during warmer weather. Prevention is the best defense,” said Dr. Mary Leahy, Rockland County Commissioner of Health. “Simple steps like using tick repellent, wearing protective clothing, and performing regular tick checks after being outdoors can greatly reduce your risk of getting a tick-borne illness.”

Key Tick Prevention Tips

Avoid Tick Habitats: Stick to the center of clear, well-traveled trails. Avoid tall grasses, bushy areas, and stone walls.

Perform Frequent Tick Checks: Brush off ticks while outside, and do full-body tick checks when returning indoors—especially within two hours.

Proper Clothing: Wear light-colored long sleeves, pants, socks, and closed-toe shoes. Tuck pants into socks and shirts into pants for added protection.

Safe Tick Removal: Use fine-tipped tweezers to gently pull ticks straight out without twisting or squeezing. Prompt removal reduces the risk of infection.

Use Insect Repellent: Select repellents designed to deter ticks and always follow label instructions.

What to Do If You Find a Tick or Have Symptoms

If you discover a tick on yourself, a child, or a pet, remove it promptly and monitor for symptoms such as rash, fever, or flu-like illness. Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms develop, as early detection and treatment are crucial for preventing serious complications.