Former OC health command recognized by major publication

New York- Former Orange County Health Commissioner Dr. Irina Gelman, a resident of Warwick, has been named a TrailBlazer in Health by City and State Magazine.

Dr. Gelman now serves as the Nassau County Health Commissioner. The city and state list includes advocates and innovators, leaders and entrepreneurs, experts and analysts, and a wide range of medical professionals who are committed to improving the health of the state’s residents.

“It is an honor to be included on the city and state list alongside so many dedicated health care professionals,” said Dr. Gelman. “I am very proud and grateful for this recognition which would not have been possible without the unwavering support of (Nassau) County Executive (Bruce) Blakeman and the outstanding staff at our health department. I look forward to continuing our groundbreaking work with Nassau’s incredible team.”

Dr. Gelman, former president of the New York State Association of County Health Officials, was recognized for expanding access to telehealth as part of public health and wastewater surveillance to monitor for communicable diseases and address the opioid crisis. She was appointed Nassau County Health Commissioner in August 2022.

Gelman was hired by Orange County in 2018 after four years as director of public health in Upstate Fulton County. She played an integral role in leading Orange through the 2018 measles outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic response.

“I am very proud that Dr. Irina Gelman has been recognized for her achievements in public health,” Blakeman said. “I am grateful for her guidance on all matters of public health and safety.”