Westchester County Legislators tackled urgent public health threats and nonprofit funding challenges last week through targeted committee and task force work. These highlights showcase how Board members are actively protecting residents’ health and supporting critical community services throughout Westchester.

Measles Outbreaks

The Westchester County Board of Legislators' Health Sub-Committee, led by Legislator Jewel Williams Johnson (D- Elmsford, Greenburgh, Tarrytown, White Plains), held a key meeting on April 16 to address the growing number of measles outbreaks locally and internationally. Part of the Board's Human Services Committee, Chaired by Legislator Nancy E. Barr (D- Harrison, Port Chester, Rye Brook), the Sub-Committee hosted health officials and infectious disease experts who shared updates and advice to help residents stay protected.

• Travel Warning: Most current U.S. outbreaks are linked to international travel, particularly to Vietnam, Thailand, and parts of Western Europe.
• Vaccination Guidelines: Travelers should be fully vaccinated at least two weeks before departure.
• Special Advisory: Those vaccinated before 1968 may need an updated MMR vaccine dose.
• Key Recommendation: Anyone uncertain of their vaccination status should get vaccinated.
• Most at Risk for Serious Complications: Children under 5, adults over 20, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals.

"As someone who was unsure of my own status, I got vaccinated this past weekend," said Legislator Williams Johnson. "The risk of measles is real, and with international travel increasing, we must be vigilant, proactive, and prepared."

Expert speakers included Dr. Sherlita Amler, Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Health; Dr. Ada Huang, Director of Disease Control; and Dr. Roy Gulick, Chief of Infectious Diseases at Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Majority Leader Tyrae Woodson-Samuels (D- Mount Vernon) and Legislator Barr also attended and voiced support for expanded education and prevention efforts.

Click here for answers to common questions about measles from the County Health Department.

Watch the meeting video HERE.

Nonprofit Funding Concerns

The Westchester County Board of Legislators' Nonprofit Task Force met on April 17 to help local nonprofits prepare for potential federal funding cuts and budget uncertainties. Chaired by Legislator Jewel Williams Johnson (D- Elmsford, Greenburgh, Tarrytown, White Plains), the meeting featured strategic guidance from Jan Fisher, Co-Chair of the Nonprofit Task Force and Executive Director of Nonprofit Westchester.

With nonprofits across the county delivering critical services—from youth programming and housing to mental health and senior care—Fisher outlined concrete steps organizations can take to safeguard their operations:

• Conduct an internal inventory of federal funding sources
• Carefully review the terms of existing grants and contracts
• Stay up to date on Executive Orders and agency guidance
• Begin immediate outreach to stakeholders and elected officials to raise awareness and build coalitions

"Preparation is power," said Legislator Williams Johnson. "This Task Force exists to ensure that nonprofits have a seat at the table, especially in moments of uncertainty. Our goal is to provide both a sounding board and a springboard for collective action."

More than 30 nonprofit professionals from around the County attended the session. The Nonprofit Task Force, created to elevate and support the nonprofit infrastructure in Westchester, continues to meet monthly to address challenges, share resources, and advocate for the organizations that so many residents depend on.  Legislators Barr, Shanae Williams (D- Yonkers) and Erika Pierce (D- Bedford, Lewisboro, Mount Kisco, North Salem, Pound Ridge, Somers) also joined the discussion, reaffirming the Board’s commitment to working closely with the nonprofit sector to safeguard vital services.

For more information or to participate in upcoming Task Force meetings, please contact Jill Axelrod. jaac@westchestercountyny.gov