Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus offers gratitude to the men and women of the County workforce who continue to provide essential services to those in need during the COVID-19 outbreak.
“I have been inspired by the resiliency of the County workforce and their ability to meet the needs of our residents during this unprecedented time,” Neuhaus said. “I’m proud of County Government’s response to this crisis and I want residents to know that our departments and offices will continue to work hard to meet the needs and address the concerns of our residents. We will press on with our efforts and together we will weather the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Some of the resources and services provided to residents by County departments throughout these past few weeks include:
- The Orange County Department of Health has coordinated a multi-faceted response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Some staff has been relocated to the County’s Emergency Operations Center and coordinated with medical facilities, hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, and assisted living facilities to help address their needs and support their functional operations. Personnel from the Health Department have answered calls from residents at the COVID-19 Call Center seven days a week. Meanwhile, the Epidemiological and Nursing staff at the 1887 Building in Goshen have processed hundreds of COVID-19 laboratory results, while interviewing those infected and advising residents who may have potentially been in contact with them.
- Office for the Aging (OFA) has delivered approximately 20,000 meals to homebound seniors over the past three-plus weeks. If you require assistance regardless of age, please contact the office at 615-3700 or email OFA Director AnnMarie Maglione at amaglione@orangecountygov.com. If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, please alert the office when arranging a delivery to ensure the safety of the staff.
- The Veterans Services Agency (VSA) continues to deliver approximately 200 bags of non-perishable foods per week to needy veterans and their families. The VSA is providing rides to Castle Point VA Medical Center from strategic pick-up spots throughout the county for veterans requiring essential care such as chemotherapy, vital infusions and dialysis. The VSA is processing claims via fax, email and phone.
- The County’s Crisis Call Center has answered 3,600 calls from residents, assisting them with a variety of needs, since Mon., Mar. 9. The hotline counsel’s residents with Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Disorders, and helps them with access to food and other essential resources. The Crisis Call Center can be reached 24 hours a day at 1-800-832-1200. The Department of Mental Health remains open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be reached at 291-2600. Staff is available to answer questions and direct callers to appropriate resources. The Department’s clinics are still providing an array of mental health services via phone and video conferencing.
- Social Services (DSS) have continued to process Temporary Assistance, SNAP, Medicaid, and Heap benefits by appointment only. The Office has processed more than 1,200 SNAP applications in the past three weeks. “My Benefits” can be accessed at orangecountygov.com for electronic applications. For benefits information, to request services or offer volunteer support, call 291-4000. The Homeless Services-DSS Housing Resource Center has assisted more than 100 residents with housing during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to provide support through 211/HONOR at 343-7115. The Department is also monitoring and supporting applications for child services with the Child Care Council, which can be reached at 294-4012.
Kevin Monaghan, Office for the Aging Nutrition Program Director, prepares food at the Senior Dining Kitchen in Goshen. (Photo provided)
