Sullivan County opening emergency assistance center, county government County Government Reducing On-Site Staff, Per Governor’s Orders

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MONTICELLO – In an effort to aid the most vulnerable populations, Sullivan County is opening an Emergency Community Assistance Center today, Friday, March 20.

As of Thursday evening, the county reported six confirmed cases of the coronavirus.

“Our Public Health Services call line has been inundated with requests for help and information, and this new assistance center will ensure those who are unable to leave their homes can receive the assistance they need,” said County Manager Joshua Potosek. “At the same time, the center will field calls from those seeking to offer help and connect them with the right people and locations.”

Beginning in the morning, staff and volunteers led by Community Resources Commissioner Laura Quigley will begin accepting calls at 845-807-0925. Assistance will be prioritized to senior citizens, the physically disabled, and others unable to shop for food, medicine and other necessities.

Callers with health questions or other concerns should continue to dial Public Health Services’ hotline at 845-292-5910.

The assistance center operators will also welcome those who are seeking to offer time, money, goods or services to people and organizations in need.

In order to comply with Governor Andrew Cuomo’s directive that on-site staffing be reduced to 25 of normal, the following Sullivan County government offices will be closed, with staff working from home: Assigned Counsel; Family Services Legal; Parks, Recreation & Beautification; and the Youth Bureau. Calls and emails will continue to be taken, however.

The Department of Community Services in Liberty will be providing some on-site services by appointment only for assessments and medication administration, in order to aid social distancing. 

Beginning March 23, hours of operation will be Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. They will be conducting individual therapy sessions via phone and all groups through a teleconference process. They will be calling in medications for persons as needed. Questions welcomed at 845-292-8770.

The Division of Public Works will take advantage of the emptier offices to undertake cleaning and disinfecting.

The Office for the Aging has implemented the following measures to help control the spread of coronavirus:

        Congregate nutrition sites that have been currently providing pick-up only meals are to be closed as of Friday. Those who need meals delivered are being identified and contacted.

        The Office itself is closed to walk-in appointments, with limited staff available to help by appointment only. Phone calls are encouraged: 845-807-0241.

        The Shopping Bus will be ending this week until further notice. Those individuals who use the bus will be contacted for other arrangements to make sure that everyone gets what they need.

  The county legislature met in emergency session on Friday to allow Public Health Director Nancy McGraw to immediately search for and hire an epidemiologist and a community health coordinator. “These positions, when filled, will allow us to more nimbly respond to the many demands being placed on us in the midst of this pandemic,” McGraw said.




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