MILLERTON — When in need of health services, patients generally find their way to providers, but on March 12, providers came to patients on Mobile Health Day.
Mobile Health Day — a collaboration between the North East Community Center, the Dutchess County Department of Health, and Sun River Health of Amenia — provided the public with the opportunity to receive vaccinations and health/medical screenings and to schedule medical appointments.
While the offerings were limited, the services on tap that day are much-needed in the region, which lacks a sufficient number of health providers and clinics.The NECC already provides transportation for those in need to pharmacies and doctor’s offices.
NECC’s mobile health day was an attempt to connect the public with easy-to-access care at Dutchess County’s mobile health unit, a large van parked a few doors down from the NECC at the rail trail parking lot on South Center Street.
“The health care desert we experience in northeast Dutchess County can be felt by all our neighbors, who often have to drive increasingly far distances to access the health care they need,” said Cheri Johnson, who serves as the NECC’s marketing and outreach coordinator. “While NECC’s transportation program provides approximately 2,800 free rides per year to those needing transport to medical appointments, this now-monthly gathering of mobile healthcare providers is a great way to bring medical services right into the heart of our community where we need them the most.”
Nurse practitioner Barbara Lopez-Heffernan, who was on-site that day, is bilingual in English and Spanish. Should a patient arrive who isn’t fluent in either tongue, a translation service LanguageLine, is available for those in need.
Lopez-Heffernan, who works with the Department of Health, conveyed that being able to converse with her patients in whatever language they speak fosters a sense of comfort, especially for nervous patients, and helps build patient-practitioner connections. “It’s important to reach patients where they’re at,” she said. “I tell my patients I’m here for you.”
Among the services offered that day included testing for pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, and blood pressure checks along with informational pamphlets. “I triage, refer or treat,” said Lopez-Heffernan.
Sun River Health in Amenia had a table set up inside the NECC where information was provided and answers were given to questions about services.
In addition to the NECC and the Department of Health, Sharon’s Hospital’s Diaper Connections was also around with a generous supply of disposable diapers to provide to patrons in need. Diaper Connections, which is primarily privately funded, has received some grant monies. The organization serves approximately 85 children per month, and about 85% of families with newborns have diaper needs.
According to Candy Osborn, RN, of Sharon Hospital, about 85% of new parents have diaper needs with the birth of a newborn for a variety of reasons. Income is a factor, but sometimes parents are just not properly prepared.
An inflatable welcomed the public to Mobile Health Day on March 12 at the rail trail parking lot, just down the street from the NECC, one of the event’s sponsors.Photo by Krista A. Briggs
“I really feel a lot of families don’t know the resources,” Osborn said. “No judgment here. If you have a need, you have a need.” Osborn conveyed that about 40% to 50% of families with diaper needs in the first month of a newborn’s life return for additional supplies thereafter.
“Mobile Health Day was an excellent way to serve all members of our community, and a large number of people took advantage of the offerings made by North East Community Center, Dutchess County Health Department, Sharon Hospital’s Diaper Connections, and Sun River Health of Amenia,” said Johnson. “We look forward to continuing to provide these resources and are excited for our next mobile health event on April 9 at the South Center Street rail trail parking lot in Millerton.”
Ready for her first day of school on Thursday, Sept. 4, at Webutuck Elementary School, Liliana Cawley, 7, would soon join her second grade class, but first she posed for a photo to mark the occasion.Photo by Leila Hawken
Demitasse owner Hayden McIntosh Geer said she is excited by the shift to online sales.
The building that houses Demitasse and neighboring Candy-O’s is on the market, leaving the future uncertain. Geer said she and Richard will continue supporting their favorite Millerton spots, now with more time to enjoy local businesses and neighbors.
Known for its carefully selected gifts and home goods, Demitasse has received frequent praise for its curation. Yet Geer is quick to deflect. “I didn’t know I was creative until I opened the store,” she joked. “When anyone talks about the curation I just point to the makers. They are the ones who create the beautiful items that hold purpose and intention. That’s what made our place special.”
The decision to open a gift shop was never part of a master plan, Geer said. “We found our way as we went along and it happened very organically.” But from day one, she knew she wanted to support marginalized artists and makers.
Demitasse owner Hayden McIntosh Geer, right, and her husband, Richard, sitting on the bench in front of the Main Street storefront. Photo by Jessica Yurko
For example, Sidai Designs, which makes beaded jewelry in Africa, provides work for 120 Maasai women and helps support their communities. Maison d’Haiti, which produces handcrafted goods in Haiti, employs nearly 100 women at fair-trade wages, giving them a reliable income through sales in the U.S. and Haiti.
One of the highlights of having a storefront — and a true testament to what she and her husband had created — came when the editor of a major culture and lifestyle magazine told Geer how much she loved shopping at Demitasse for its quality and mission-driven products.
“I could have quit right there,” Geer joked, reflecting on the highs and lows of the last five years.
Just as thoughtfully as the products were curated, every element of the store reflected care and craftsmanship. Hayden and Richard incorporated their tastes and skills into every nook and cranny, including shelving made from reclaimed wood from their home. Some of those shelves now have a new life at The Beehive, a boutique in Mount Kisco, New York.
Today, their digital shelves continue to highlight a diverse range of makers, with biographical details available on each product listing. The website carries the same aesthetic found in-store, maintaining the mission to support LGBTQ+ makers, environmentally friendly products, and Black- and women-owned businesses.
Looking ahead, Geer says, “We want people to know that if they enjoyed shopping in our store, they’ll love our website.” Shoppers can still expect beautiful gift wrapping and flexible exchange policies, and Geer is offering personal deliveries within driving distance on a limited basis.
Above all, Geer says her heart is full of gratitude for her customers. “They came in, shared life stories and became friends. We love Millerton, and I hope people will remain in touch.”
Millerton Police Chief Joseph Olenik shows off the new gear. Brand new police cruisers arrived last week.
Olenik worked with The Cruiser’s Division in Mamaroneck, New York, to design the vehicles.
“We really want to thank the Pine Plains Police Department for their tremendous support,” Olenik said. After the fire, “they were the first ones to come forward and offer help.”
The new police cruisers are outfitted with lights with automatically adjusting brightness to best perform in ambient conditions.Photo by Aly Morrissey
Since February, Millerton officers have been borrowing a patrol car from Pine Plains. With the new vehicles now in service, Olenik said he plans to thank Pine Plains officers by treating them to dinner at Four Brothers in Amenia and having their car detailed
