A Message from the Director, Cathy Mackay, of the Cattaraugus County Department of the Aging.
The world is kind of a scary place right now. With people hunkering down and practicing social distancing, it is giving us more time to sit in front of our televisions and watch the news tickers. Watching the endless updates can be addictive. It can also be unhealthy. Social isolation and increased anxiety are a toxic mix. We at the Cattaraugus County Department of Aging want you to know that you are NOT ALONE.
We have compiled a great resource list for those who would like someone to talk to, but aren’t comfortable with face to face services. We have checked and verified that all of these resources are working and available!
Find treatment facilities confidentially and anonymously, 24/7 by using the Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator.
The WNY NA website has a chat room, though traffic there is VERY low. https://www.naWNY.org
During this national emergency, the Cattaraugus County Department of Social Services would like to let Medicaid recipients know that based on the federal legislation signed into law on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, no person who currently has Medicaid coverage will lose their coverage during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic.
I, Howard V. VanRensselaer, Chairman, Cattaraugus County Legislature, in accordance with a declaration of a State of Emergency issued on March 15, 2020 and pursuant to Section 25 of the State Executive Law, hereby issue the following directive:
Cattaraugus County
COVID-19 Entry Screening at County Facilities
Due to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Emergency and State and Federal bans on large meetings or gatherings and pursuant to Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order 220.1 issued on March 12, 2020 suspending the Open Meetings Law, the Cattaraugus County Planning Board scheduled for March 26, 2020 will be held electronically via conference call instead of a public meeting open for the public to attend in person.
Those receiving or applying for assistance from the Cattaraugus County Department of Social Services are urged to call the department at (716) 373-8065 before coming into the office.
As most are aware, On March 19, 2020 New York State was approved as an Economic Injury Disaster State so our small business can start the application process now. The website is https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.
Since 2009, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has enforced this annual burn ban to reduce the number of wildfires and their subsequent damage. During this time period, all residential burning of brush is prohibited. Over the past 9 years, due to this regulation, wildfires have decreased across the state by more than 40 percent. Even with the decrease, any wildfire is life and property-threatening and can be avoided.
Due to growing public health concerns and directive modifications from Governor Andrew Cuomo, Legislature Chairman, Howard VanRensselaer has declared that all Cattaraugus County transfer stations will be open their normal operating days and times starting on Monday, March 23, 2020.
Commercial haulers are still required to go to their permitted landfills.
The transfer stations will be available to Cattaraugus County residents only until further notice. Bring your identification for residence confirmation with you.
The Legislature of Cattaraugus County will meet in adjourned session at the County Center, Little Valley, New York, by way of video conferencing, on Wednesday, March 25, 2020, for the transaction of such business as may properly come before the meeting.
Pursuant to New York State Executive Order 202.1, public in-person access will not be permitted however the public may listen to the board meeting by going to our website at https://www.cattco.org and clicking on the link that will be provided, at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2020.