Rockland County Department of Health

03/17/2026

Stay safe this St. Patrick’s Day ☘️

Plan ahead to ensure a sober ride:
• Use a designated driver
• Call a cab or rideshare
• Stay where you are overnight
• Never drink & drive – it puts lives at risk!

Drivers and Pedestrians:
• Stay alert for impaired drivers
• Follow speed limits
• Wear your seatbelt
• Don’t text & drive
• Look out for pedestrians, especially at night

Your safety matters.

For information on impaired driving and education, visit: rcklnd.us/stop-dwi

03/16/2026

🚶‍♂️💨 Nyack Public Schools March Forward 2026!

Valley Cottage Elementary is full of energy as everyone from Pre-K through Grade 5 took part in the 15th Annual March Forward, in partnership with Rockland County.

The hallways were transformed with 13 exciting Brain Break Activity Stations designed to get everyone moving and grooving. Students were spinning the Wheel of Exercises, trying Yoga, Bowling, Racketball, Hopscotch, Basketball and so much more! 🧘‍♀️🎳🎯

Bowling and Hopscotch continue to be crowd favorites.
This initiative goes beyond fitness, it’s about supporting mental and physical well-being. Quick bursts of movement help relieve stress, boost focus, spark creativity and build teamwork and problem-solving skills. When students put their classrooms in motion, learning becomes more engaging and fun.

One student participant shared: “I love March Forward! I get to move and have fun with my friends — it just makes me feel ready to learn.” 💥

Let’s keep moving and learning this spring!

03/15/2026

🚨 National Poison Prevention Week 🚨

Every day, common items like medications and personal care products send kids to the ER. Accidents happen when substances are swallowed, inhaled, touch the skin, or get into the eyes.

✅ Keep products out of reach.
✅ Store medicines safely.
✅ Save the Poison Control Center Help Line: 1-800-222-1222.

03/13/2026

The Rockland County Department of Health applauds the classrooms that were on the move during (March 2–13, 2026)! 📚➡️🏃‍♂️

Countless teachers across Rockland County brought physical activity into their classrooms to help students stay energized, focused, and ready to learn.

Looking for ideas on how to create an active and energized learning environment? Go to: rcklnd.us/SchoolHealth

03/13/2026

03/12/2026

🥗 This National Nutrition Month, we’re focusing on nutrition for people with disabilities, because everyone deserves the power to thrive.

Why it matters:
People with disabilities may need extra support with swallowing, digestion, hydration, or choosing the right foods. Good nutrition boosts energy, muscle strength, brain health, and overall well-being.

Nutrition tips:
🥤 Drink water & eat fiber – Helps with digestion and energy
🐟 Add healthy fats & protein – Fish, beans, and nuts support muscles and the brain
🍠 Adjust food textures – Soft, chopped, or pureed foods make eating easier
🌈 Eat colorful foods – Fruits, veggies, and whole grains give key nutrients

Let’s make Rockland County healthier and more inclusive! To learn more about Rockland County’s Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs program, visit: https://rcklnd.us/CYSHCN

More nutrition info: cdc.gov/healthy-weight-growth/healthy-eating

03/10/2026

This Women’s History Month, we celebrate Dr. Helen Rodríguez-Trías, a New York-born, trailblazing pediatrician, educator, and women’s rights activist who transformed public health.

Dr. Rodríguez-Trías was the first Latina to serve as director of the American Public Health Association. Her leadership expanded opportunities, protected communities, and advanced equity in healthcare for women, children, and underserved groups.

Her legacy continues to inspire the work we do today. 💜

To read her full biography, visit: bit.ly/40Llsxv

03/10/2026

This National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, take care of your health.

Talk to your doctor about HIV testing and ways to prevent HIV.

📞 Call (845) 364-3771 for a free HIV test.

🔗 Learn more: www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics

03/09/2026

The RSV Vaccine is now available at the Rockland County Department of Health, through the Vaccines for Adults (VFA) Program, for people who are uninsured or underinsured!

The RSV vaccine is recommended for:
• Adults 75 and older.
• Adults 50–75 with increased risk of severe RSV illness

To see if you qualify, visit: bit.ly/NYS-VFA-info

📞 Call 845-364-2520 to make an appointment

03/09/2026

As the temperature rises, the RCDOH reminds residents to protect themselves from ticks.
If you’re spending time outdoors, remember to:
✔️ Wear long sleeves and pants when possible
✔️ Use insect repellent
✔️ Stay on clear paths
✔️ Check yourself, your kids, and pets for ticks after being outside

For more information, visit: rcklnd.us/Tick-Borne-Disease

Spring is here, and with the sunshine comes more time outdoors—walking, picnicking, hiking, camping, or in your backyard! 🌳☀️
But it also means ticks are more active. 🐜
Before heading outside, make sure to take steps to prevent tick bites:
✔️ Wear long sleeves and pants
✔️ Use EPA-approved tick repellents
✔️ Do full-body tick checks after being outdoors
Enjoy the outdoors safely! For more information visit: https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/causes/index.html

03/08/2026

😴 💤 March 8-14 is National Sleep Awareness Week. Be your Best Slept Self®. Take small steps each day and night to make a big difference in your sleep health.

✅ Aim for 7–9 hours each night
✅ Keep a regular sleep schedule
✅ Limit screens before bed

Better sleep = better YOU! This week, make sleep a priority!🌙

To learn more, visit: thensf.org/sleep-awareness-week

03/05/2026

Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 8, 2026. The Rockland County Department of Health reminds residents to set clocks ahead one hour and get ready to enjoy longer daylight, with more time for outdoor activities like walking and bicycling.

For more information, visit: https://rcklnd.us/DaylightSavingPR-3-5-26