Hauppauge, NY –Legislator William R. Spencer M.D. recognized Lori Benincasa at yesterday’s Suffolk County General Meeting for her 39 years of service as a passionate public health advocate and leader in the county. As the Director of the Office of Health Education, Ms. Benincasa oversaw prevention and intervention programs that successfully improved the health of all Suffolk County residents.
Throughout her career in Suffolk County, Lori was a pioneer in changing the social and cultural acceptance of tobacco use. She was the original founder of the Tobacco Action Coalition that worked with numerous community agencies to reduce the onset of tobacco use among our youth and assisted those already addicted to quit. She also led efforts to reduce tobacco use among adults.
Always recognizing the importance of emerging health issues and challenges, Lori guided her staff to implement programs that addressed STD/HIV prevention, intentional and unintentional injury prevention, alcohol and drug prevention and improving physical activity and dietary patterns. Lori also worked to implement the CDC’s evidenced based Diabetes Prevention Program.
“Lori’s 39 years of service and advocacy has truly made a meaningful difference to the lives of Suffolk County residents. I congratulate her on her retirement and am deeply thankful for her dedicated service and the legacy she has left the Suffolk County Department of Health Services,” stated Legislator William R. Spencer, M.D.
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