Of note in the Mid Hudson News June 18, 2026 edition, Ulster County has taken an innovative step towards improving the public health. Partnering with Bard college, it installed air quality sensors in various libraries and town halls with the intent of making information about air quality available to interested residents who have signed up to get automated alerts. The alerts inform when the air quality is poor and also when it has improved. Using this information, people can proactively take special measures to protect themselves while the air quality is bad. This initiative is in line with the fact that improvements in healthcare services and outcomes are often about getting information to the public in timely and in innovative ways.  

In this context, I would like to suggest that the functions of the Putnam County Coroner's office be considered for expansion from its traditional role to one which includes supporting improvements in the healthcare delivery system and public health. The Coroner is in a unique position with unique knowledge that can be funneled back into the health system to improve our lives and our health.  One measure could be to create public facing presentations on the office website or other platforms for dissemination of important and timely health information.  The platform could be designed to facilitate dialogue. Webinars could be created. These measures, among others, could be a meaningful outreach to the public.  Such efforts by the Coroner could be coordinated with County departments and community organizations to foster public education and awareness that would lead to better public and personal health.  

Likewise, like some Coroner or Medical Examiner offices in NYS and elsewhere, the Putnam County Coroner should provide input into the creation and implementation of healthcare policy in order to render healthcare more efficient and more accessible for all. 

We as citizens should benefit from the Coroner’s unique expertise and perspective. 

By envisioning and helping implement innovative public health practices and policies that don't strain our budgets, the Coroner can help us get to be the healthiest county in the US. 

We deserve it.

Michael Strauss, MD, Candidate for Coroner of Putnam County