On January 27, Legislator Leslie Kennedy presided over the Health Committee as its new Chairwoman. Serving as the former Vice-Chairwoman of the committee, Legislator Kennedy is able to maintain continuity of leadership while continuing to bring years of experience as a healthcare professional to pressing matters.
Legislator Bontempi serves as the Vice Chairwoman. Legislators Donnelly, Esteban, Fleming, and Thorne make up the remaining membership of the Committee.
The meeting featured a presentation by Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson H. Pigott, who briefed the committee on the pandemic.
Aside from pandemic related issues, the Health Committee has jurisdiction on all items affecting the County Department of Health Services; Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services Division; WIC Programs; infant mortality; disease control; public health; AIDS and AIDS prevention services; breast cancer issues; managed care; mental health services; patient care; pre-natal care; handicapped children’s programs; handicapped services; the County’s anti-smoking laws; the implementation and enforcement of the County’s plastic bag law; the enforcement of the County Sanitary Code and of health-related regulatory laws; and the implementation of health-related websites.
The role of Chair of the Health Committee also comes with a variety of other assignments throughout the County, such as serving on the County Board of Health, Disability Advisory Board, and the Emergency Department’s Opioid Response Working Group Addiction Prevention & Support Advisory Panel.
###
Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy represents the 12th Legislative District, encompassing Smithtown, Nesconset, Hauppauge, the Village of the Branch, Lake Grove, parts of Commack, Ronkonkoma, Lake Ronkonkoma and Centereach. Legislator Kennedy was born and raised on Long Island, is a former nurse and small business manager, and has dedicated her life toward the betterment of our community. She currently serves on the following committees: Environment, Parks & Agriculture; Veterans & Consumer Affairs; Budget & Finance (Vice Chair); Fire, Rescue and Emergency Medical Services & Preparedness; Education & Labor; Public Safety; Ways & Means (Vice Chair); and Health (Chair).
