FROM THE DESK OF DELIA DERIGGI-WHITTON, LEGISLATOR 11TH LD

 When I began my second term this year as a Nassau County Legislator, I was proud to be named Ranking Member of the Health & Human Services Committee.

Health issues have always been a priority for me. My own daughter was diagnosed with type one diabetes at the age of three, which caused me to become active on health-related concerns. As a board member of the Long Island Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, my involvement in local efforts has led to about $800,000 in fundraising for diabetes research, which I believe is rapidly pointing to a cure. I also actively seek to engage with other local health efforts, like the wonderful Glen Cove CARES and Relay for Life events. I have honored people at the Legislature who have made major strides in raising awareness and funds as well, such as Laura and Anthony Perfetti, who have done so much to promote the Children’s Tumor Foundation, and Lori Schneider and Matthew Ruderman of Penelope’s Odyssey, who focus on improving the lives of children with cancer. 

There are two specific health and human services related items that have come up this month within my office that I would like to share.

First, I was glad for the opportunity to participate in the affidavit process supporting state legislation by Senator Carl Marcellino and Assemblyman Chuck Lavine. The legal proceeding we signed sought to stall closures at Glen Cove Hospital until a public hearing could be held, based on their legislation. I had been meeting with the hospital but I also believed a public hearing should have been held. It is good to hear that the hospital has come to promise relocation for displaced employees and a functional in-patient operation based on what our community needs. I will continue to do what I can to ensure that my constituents concerns are addressed related to this matter. Anyone with questions or issues should feel free to contact me.  

A recent Health & Human Services legislative item involves funding we recently approved for a revolving grant program aimed at preventing homelessness. The Emergency Solutions Grant program is 100 percent federally funded, so the monies we allocated create no additional cost to Nassau County taxpayers. It provides speedy housing assistance to individuals and families who are experiencing a housing crisis or homelessness. It can help people who are in arrears with rent or utilities and the program aids those in need of housing. If you know someone who might need more information, they can call the Nassau County Department of Housing & Homeless Service at 572-1900.