Centerport, NY - January 19, 2017 - Suffolk County Legislator William R. Spencer, M.D. was pleased to receive the confidence of Presiding Office DuWayne Gregory who once again selected him as the Chairperson of the Suffolk County Legislature’s critically important Health Committee. In addition to his appointment to the Health Committee, Legislator Spencer will serve again as Vice Chair of the Ways & Means Committee and a member of the Public Safety Committee.
“As the first physician elected to the Suffolk County Legislature it has been my privilege to lead this committee. Protecting the health and well-being of Suffolk’s residents has always been a top priority of mine, and together we have successfully moved forward legislation and initiatives aimed at doing just that,” said Legislator Spencer. “I thank the Presiding Officer for this honor and I’m eager to continue working with my colleagues to address public health issues and improve quality of life for our constituents in 2017.”
The Health Committee has jurisdiction over all matters and legislation affecting the County Department of Health Services, the enforcement of the County Sanitary Code and health related regulatory laws. Some of the programs that the Health Committee has oversight over include: the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services Division; programs focused on addressing public health issues such as infant mortality; disease control; health education; AIDS prevention services; breast cancer; managed care; mental health services; patient care; the Emergency Medical Services Division; pre-natal care; and handicapped services.
Also on the committee is Legislator Bridget Fleming who is serving as Vice Chair, and Deputy Presiding Officer Robert Calarco, Legislator Tom Cilmi, Legislator Leslie Kennedy, Legislator Monica Martinez, and Legislator Robert Trotta.
The first meeting of the Health Committee in 2017 will take place on Thursday, February 2nd at 2:00pm in the Rose Y. Caracappa Auditorium of the William H. Rogers Legislature Building, 725 Veterans Memorial Highway, Hauppauge, New York.
