County Conversations

Building Confidence in the COVID-19 Vaccine

This episode features public health experts who will discuss strategies and messaging that county leaders and local health officials can use to reassure the public of the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine and encourage everyone eligible to get vaccinated. 

Giving an introduction is Dr. Kevin Watkins, President of the New York State Association of County Health Officials, and Public Health Director for Cattaraugus County. He’ll pass off the presentation to Dr. Brian Castrucci, the president and CEO of the de Beaumont Foundation.

To view their full presentation from a recent webinar, visit NYSAC’s YouTube channel.

NYSAC thanks our sponsor, Bonadio Group CPAs and Consultants

A Better Option for Affordable Dental Care and Other Health Benefits

This episode features a conversation with NYSAC partner Health Economics Group, a third-party administrator that designs and manages employee benefits plans for municipalities and non-profits that encompass dental, medical, prescription drugs and more.  

Joining NYSAC’s Deputy Director Mark Lavigne to discuss cost-saving programs that benefit the residents of New York’s counties are Steve Hooper, President of HEG, and Len Lanphear, HEG’s Marketing Director.

For more information, visit https://www.heginc.com/nysac/

Celebrating Earth Day with Senator Michelle Hinchey and County Executive Pat Ryan

This episode celebrates Earth Day with conversations on innovative environmental policies and priorities at the state and local level.

Up first, NYSAC’s Legislative Director Ryan Gregoire is joined by Senator Michelle Hinchey to discuss appropriations in the state budget and other legislation that will have a significant impact on environmental protection and climate resiliency.

Next up, you’ll hear from NYSAC’s Legislative and Policy Coordinator Alex LaMonte. Joining her for a conversation on the County’s “Green New Deal” is Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan. 

NYSAC thanks our sponsor, ChargePoint. 

The 2022 State Budget: What’s in it for Counties?

This episode features a conversation on the recently passed $212 dollar state budget. Our legislative team details areas of the state budget that will impact a range of county functions, departments, services, and programs. NYSAC’s Communications Director Tom Oldfather, Legislative Director Ryan Gregoire, Director of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs Dave Lucas, and Counsel Patrick Cummings outline key takeaways for county leaders. 

NYSAC thanks our sponsor, PERMA - Public Employer Risk Management Association

Donate Life - How Counties and Individuals Can Help Give the Gift of Life

This episode features a conversation on organ and tissue donation, in recognition of National Donate Life Month. Joining NYSAC's Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce for the conversation is the Executive Director at Donate Life New York State, Aisha Tator. We’ll talk about the current need in the state for organ transplants, dispel some common misconceptions, and discuss how counties can encourage organ donor registration.

We are also grateful to be joined by Lauren and Jeanne Shield to tell us about their recipient and donor experiences. Not only is Lauren a heart recipient, but last year when she needed a kidney her mother, Jeanne, donated hers.

Visit donatelifenys.org  to find more information about how to get involved and raise awareness for National Donate Life Month  

Understanding Fertility Benefits Management with Winfertility

This episode features a conversation on fertility benefits coverage, recent legislative changes pertaining to these benefits, and options for counties to utilize clinical management services.

NYSAC’s Deputy Director Mark Lavigne is joined by Peter Nieves of Winfertility for the conversation. Winfertility provides advocacy and care throughout fertility benefit management, including medical and pharmacy, genetic testing, egg freezing, surrogacy, adoption and reproductive behavioral health support.  Contact: PNieves@winfertility.com

Women on the Front Lines: Celebrating the Work of Female Public Health Officials

As a part of NYSAC’s month-long celebration of Women’s History Month, this episode provides perspectives from women on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic and recognizes the large role that women in the public health space have taken on during this unprecedented year.

Joining NYSAC’s Legislative and Policy Coordinator Alex LaMonte for this conversation are Sarah Ravenhall, Executive Director of New York State Association of County Health Officials, and Dr. Indu Gupta, Commissioner of Health with Onondaga County and Vice President of NYSACHO.

NYSAC thanks our episode sponsor, FirstNet Built with AT&T

The Early Days: County Leadership & the Covid Pandemic

This episode is the first in a series NYSAC is producing that chronicles the county response to COVID-19. Eight county executives share their experience of the earliest days of the outbreak in March 2020. Marc Molinaro, Dutchess County Executive and President of the New York State County Executives’ Association provides an introduction for the series.

NYSAC thanks our sponsor, NYMIR. 

Supporting Veteran Peer-to-Peer Service

This episode features a conversation on the Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran Peer Support Program, which is helping veterans facing the challenges of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) transition and reintegrate back into civilian life.

Joining NYSAC’s Counsel Patrick Cummings for the conversation are Mark Cozzupoli, Director of Ulster County Veteran services, and Kevin Keaveny, Executive Director of the Hudson Valley Center for Veteran Reintegration. 

NYSAC thanks our sponsor, Equitable. 

The Future of 911 Services in New York State

Today’s episode features a conversation on proposed changes to the public safety surcharge, NextGen911, and how the pandemic has impacted emergency services throughout New York State.  

NYSAC's Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce is joined by Wes Jones, Vice President of the NYS Emergency Management Association, Emergency manager in the City of Norwich, and  911 Director in Chenango County.

NYSAC thanks the sponsor for this episode, Zencity.