Ed Day Says That Rockland County Is Ready

NEW CITY – Rockland County Executive Ed Day, Director of Purchasing Paul Brennan and Director of Fire and Emergency Services Chris Kear update residents on the steps being taken to keep necessary supplies coming into Rockland County.

“Our Office of Fire and Emergency Services and Purchasing Division have been working tirelessly to get critical items where they are needed most,” said County Executive Ed Day. “Thank you to the hardworking members of these departments for maintaining these supply lines and keeping this equipment flowing into Rockland County.”

The Rockland County Office of Fire and Emergency Services (RCOFES) has been hard at work placing hundreds of requests for more than 94 different local agencies to New York State for necessary supplies including sanitizer, masks, gloves, face shields and gowns and hospital equipment including ventilators.

“We have been coordinating requests and distribution of supplies for nearly 100 agencies across Rockland County,” said Director Kear. “Equipment going to first responders, nonprofits, hospitals, those on the front lines who need it most. We are working to protect those who continue to put themselves in harm’s way as they respond to this pandemic.”

RCOFES has been working proactively, taking daily reports from hospitals and those on the front lines in their efforts to order supplies from New York State and FEMA. Additionally, many local residents and businesses have stepped up to help; donating PPE which is later distributed to those who need it most.

To date, most of the supplies received from New York State have been distributed to Nyack Montefiore and Good Samaritan Hospitals, emergency service organizations, nursing homes and community-based organizations.

RCOFES and the Purchasing Division have been working proactively as a team to obtain or procure necessary PPE and other supplies needed for the COVID-19 response. Conference calls are held daily regarding supply needs. Several local vendors have been instrumental in obtaining PPE equipment at reasonable pricing.

“We continue to purchase PPE supplies to meet our own needs,” said Purchasing Director Brennan. “This has been a 7 day a week effort as the critical shortages of medical supplies has been challenging. In addition to the limited supply of PPE equipment, price gouging and counterfeit medical supplies are also an issue.”

The Purchasing Division shares information daily with both Nyack and Good Samaritan Hospitals regarding vendors that may be able to supply PPE equipment.

Mark Geller, MD, President and CEO of Montefiore Nyack Hospital said, “We are truly grateful for the support we have received from the County of Rockland. Under the direction of County Executive Ed Day, the Rockland County Office of Fire and Emergency Services has been coordinating deliveries of personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators and other supplies necessary to assist with the COVID crisis. Yesterday alone we received eight ventilators and two pallets of PPE including isolation gowns, coveralls, N95 masks and gloves.”

Mary P. Leahy, MD, CEO of Bon Secours Charity Health System and Good Samaritan Hospital, members of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth), said, “We are grateful to our local Town of Ramapo, Rockland County, State of New York and federal authorities for identifying legitimate sources for supplies. Under the leadership of Governor Cuomo and in collaboration with County Executive Ed Day and the Rockland County Office of Fire and Emergency Services, Good Samaritan Hospital has supplemented key supplies and medical equipment to care for our patients. Our thanks to each of them for supporting the heroic workforce members of Good Samaritan Hospital.”