Suffolk To Host Emergency Prep Workshop, Encourages Minority Groups To Attend

Crime & Safety

Suffolk To Host Emergency Prep Workshop, Encourages Minority Groups To Attend Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott said "disadvantaged groups often experience the most severe impacts during and after emergencies."

MIDDLE ISLAND, NY — Suffolk County officials are hosting an emergency preparedness workshop that minority groups are encouraged to attend on Saturday at the Longwood Library in Middle Island.

It will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Instructors from the county's offices of minority health, emergency management, emergency medical services, and emergency preparedness will join community partners to offer their expertise and share tips that residents can apply "immediately and over time" to be better prepared, officials said.

"We live in a time in which disasters unfortunately are happening frequently nationwide and here in Suffolk County. We must be prepared," said County Executive Ed Romaine. "We have a team of emergency preparedness experts in Suffolk County that are among the best in the world and who will be on hand to share their expertise with residents so that they can be better prepared for an event."

The county's Health Commissioner, Dr. Gregson Pigott said studies show "disadvantaged groups often experience the most severe impacts during and after emergencies, which is why we are reaching out to especially minority communities to play a part in preparedness efforts, including this workshop."

Commissioner Rudy Sunderman from the county's Office of Emergency Management said "preparedness is essential to the resilience of our communities, especially for those who are most vulnerable."

"It is our mission to ensure that all residents, regardless of background, have access to critical information and resources that can save lives," he said. "By working together and focusing on inclusive preparedness, we aim to build a stronger and more resilient Suffolk County."

Adesuwa Walson, the county's Director of Minority Health, said a core principle of the Office of Minority Health is "meaningful engagement with community members, leaders, and health partners."

"It's through this collective work that we make the most impact in addressing gaps in healthcare, service delivery, and emergency response," Walson said. "There are so many invaluable tools that our emergency response agencies have made available to the community that they are not aware of. My hope is that this workshop helps change that."

Residents who plan to attend the event are asked to send an email to , or with your name, title, and organization.

The Longwood Public Library is located at 800 Middle Country Rd., Middle Island.