Westchester County Executive Andy Spano wants you to have the latest information on how to avoid and manage the flu this season. The H1N1 flu vaccine will be available later this fall through your primary care or pediatric provider or obstetrician, but you are urged to schedule your regular flu shot now. Residents who are pregnant, age 50 and over and all children ages six months to 18 years old should be vaccinated annually for the regular flu. Each year, 36,000 Americans die from regular flu and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized. So far, H1N1 flu has caused mostly mild illness. For more information in Spanish and English, visit www.westchestergov.com/health.

The Westchester County Office of Hispanic Affairs partners with many Westchester businesses and nonprofits to bring much needed services to the Hispanic community.

With hurricane season now upon us, be sure to read up on how to ready you and your family in the event of a storm disaster. We have publications translated into Spanish for family members and friends who are more comfortable reading in Spanish, such as Listo Westchester, ¿Está usted preparado para una emergencia? and Preparación para un Huracán, ¿Está usted listo?.

Westchester has seen extremely rapid growth within the Hispanic and Latino community over the past 20 years — and the need to reach out has never been greater. Today, one of every six people in Westchester County is of Hispanic or Latino origin. The growing numbers show us the importance of recognizing our wonderful diversity and doing everything we can to make our Hispanic and Latino residents feel welcome.

Minority- and women-owned businesses (MWOBs) should take advantage of the newly launched, online registry designed especially for them. Once registered, MWOBs will be sent automated e-mail notifications of relevant business opportunities according to pre-selected business categories. Additionally, MWOBs will be sent notices of workshops and seminars on how to do business with government. Separately, an updated online application to search county government contracts was unveiled. This application allows all firms to easily search and view business opportunities with the county.

Rx For Success: Dare to be a Doctor is a program targeted to motivated minority and disadvantaged students in middle and high school who are interested in pursuing careers in the medical field. Students interested in future workshops or information sessions should submit their e-mail address in order to receive notifications.

The Office for Hispanic Affairs is ready to help its residents of Hispanic and Latino origin integrate into the larger community. Recognizing that language and cultural barriers often prevent individuals from getting what they need, the office aims to develop, promote and increase service and assistance programs. Director Martha Lopez-Hanratty serves as a liaison and is available to answer any questions.

Versión en Español