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Committee approves county use of New York State alert messaging for permitted entities
Summary
The committee authorized the county to enter an agreement with New York State to use the state alert messaging system to send targeted messages (text/email) to permitted entities such as restaurants, dialysis centers and schools; staff said there is no cost and the county intends to use it for operational notices rather than public alerts.
The Health and Human Services Committee on Sept. 2 authorized the county to enter an agreement with New York State to use the state alert system for targeted messaging to permitted entities.
A Department of Health presenter said the system is a bulk‑messaging platform that can deliver text messages and emails to groups of permitted entities. Examples given included notifying permitted food service establishments about boil‑water orders and sending operational notices to dialysis centers or schools. The presenter emphasized the county’s intended use is for messages to regulated or permitted entities, not broad public notification. She also said the service carries no cost to the county.
The committee approved the agreement by voice vote.
Why it matters: The alert system provides a rapid, direct channel to regulated entities that may need timely operational guidance in public‑health incidents, reducing reliance on press releases or media coverage to reach affected operators.
Implementation notes: Staff will work with the state to configure permitted‑entity lists and messaging procedures; no funding appropriation was required, according to the presenter.
