New York State Association of County Health Officials

04/06/2026

Congratulations, Director Bond! Your leadership, dedication, and years of service continue to make a lasting impact on public health across New York State. NYSACHO is incredibly fortunate to have you as President, and your commitment to strengthening local health systems and supporting communities does not go unnoticed!

This during we’re recognizing Heidi Bond of Otsego County, and celebrating the incredible work of county public health leaders across New York State.

With more than two decades of experience, Heidi serves as Public Health Director and Director of Patient Services for the Otsego County Department of Health, where she leads efforts in communicable disease control, maternal and child health, immunizations, and emergency preparedness. She also serves as Early Intervention Official, helping ensure children with developmental delays receive the services they need to thrive.

As President of the New York State Association of County Health Officials (NYSACHO), she represents and supports public health departments statewide, helping to strengthen systems, coordinate responses, and advocate for healthier communities. She's also a valued member of NYSAC's Public Health Standing Committee.

This week especially, we recognize Heidi and all of New York’s county public health officials for their leadership, expertise, and commitment to protecting and improving the health of every resident.

Thank you for all you do to keep our communities safe and healthy.

04/06/2026

Join the Region 2 Public Health Training Center for their April Log-in2Learn webinar on April 7th, from 12:00-1:00 pm ET- "Toward a Parent-Supportive Workplace: Maternal Health, Balance & Structural Change", presented by Michele L. Vanvcour, PhD, MPH, Interim Dean at the College of Health and Human Services at Southern Connecticut State University.

Register here: https://columbiauniversity.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_InpKUbzpRi6h9NAXgmWaxA

04/02/2026

04/02/2026

Are you a food service owner, manager, or employee in Niagara County? We are offering a FREE Basic Food Safety training class to help you stay ahead of the curve!

What you’ll learn:
- How to follow NY State safety laws (Sanitary Code 14.1).
- How to fix common mistakes found during health inspections.
- Simple routines to keep your customers safe and healthy.

If you haven't received a certificate in the last 3 years, we’d love to see you there!
All attendees will receive a Certificate of Completion.

For a list of additional upcoming Food Safety classes, please visit https://niagaracounty.gov/basic_food_safety
To register for the class (or for more information), call (716) 439-7444.

04/02/2026

03/31/2026

Team NYSACHO recently visited Ulster County to connect with local public health leaders and learn more about their work. Victoria McGahan, Public Health Director for Columbia County, and Samantha Black, Environmental Health Director, joined us in meeting with Dr. Eve Walter, Public Health Director in Ulster County. Sarah Konig, Public Health Intern, along with MaryFran Wachunas and Sarah Ravenhall from NYSACHO, were also part of the visit. Together, the group met with Dr. Walter’s team, toured the department space, and discussed the layout and plans for the future.

The visit also included a great nod to public health history. In 1854, John Snow helped revolutionize the field by identifying a contaminated water pump as the source of a cholera outbreak in London. In recognition of that historic moment in public health investigation, Dr. Walter keeps a water pump in her office, a meaningful reminder of the origins of modern epidemiology and the work that continues today.

Collaboration and shared learning like this help strengthen local health departments across New York.

03/31/2026

As we close out Social Work Month, NYSACHO is proud to recognize the impact of social workers across our communities and within our team.

We want to give a special shoutout to Grace Dawson, Program Manager at NYSACHO, who brings their social work perspective and commitment to public health into everything they do. Grace plays an important role supporting Early Intervention (EI) and Preschool Special Education transportation efforts, while also contributing to our broader Family Health work. Their ability to navigate systems, support partners, and keep the needs of children and families at the center reflects the heart of social work in action.

Public health and social work are closely connected, and professionals like Grace help ensure programs are responsive and grounded in real community needs. Thank you, Grace, for the work you do every day to support New York’s local health departments.

03/26/2026

🍀 Shoutout to Lewis County Public Health for highlighting this important reminder!

As we move toward spring, now is a great time for parents and caregivers to check in on their child’s routine vaccinations. Keeping kids up to date helps protect them, and all of us, from serious diseases.

If you’re unsure, reach out to your child’s healthcare provider to make sure they’re on track for a healthy year ahead.

🍀March is a great time to check in on your child’s health! 🍀
As we move toward spring, it’s the perfect opportunity for parents and caregivers to make sure children are up to date on their routine vaccinations. Vaccines help protect children from serious diseases and keep our schools, families, and communities healthy.
If you’re unsure whether your child is current on their immunizations, talk with their primary care provider today. A quick check can make sure your child is protected and ready for a healthy year ahead.

03/25/2026

Public health is a team sport. There are careers for every skill set and there’s a spot on this team with your name on it. This isn’t just a job, it's work that matters!

This is "NYSACHO Join the Team TV Commercial 2.12.26" by Primeau Fahey Studios on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

03/25/2026

Yates County Public Health is currently hiring for two full-time positions supporting their Early Intervention/Preschool Special Education and Immunization & Tuberculosis programs.

These roles are a great opportunity to contribute to critical public health work, including disease prevention, health promotion, and protecting community health.

Learn more and consider joining their efforts to build a healthier, safer, and better informed community.

💙 Join the YCPH Team! 💙

Yates County Public Health is hiring for two full-time positions supporting our:

👶 Early Intervention/Preschool Special Education Programs
💉 Immunization & Tuberculosis Programs

At YCPH, we’re working toward a healthier, safer, and better informed community by focusing on disease prevention, health promotion, environmental risk reduction, and emergency preparedness.

✨ Starting Pay: $34.77–$38.34/hour
🖥️ Apply Online: mycivilservice.yatescountyny.gov

📧 Questions? Email: public.health@yatescounty.ny.gov

Make a difference right here in Yates County—apply today! 💙

03/25/2026

Thank you to Warren County NY Public Health for recognizing March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and helping to raise awareness about this important public health issue.

Screening remains the most effective way to detect colorectal cancer early—often before symptoms develop. Colonoscopy and stool-based tests are both widely available, effective options.

Early detection saves lives.