Peekskill Man, Champion of Affordable Health, Housing, Food, Honored with County Award

PEEKSKILL, NY — Peekskill resident John Gilleo was among five people and one not-for-profit group who have been honored for their contributions to public health by the Westchester County Board of Health. The department held its annual awards presentation April 5 at HRHCare Community Health in Peekskill.

“We are fortunate in Westchester that gifted and extraordinary people like these give their time and talents to improve the health of our community,” said Deputy County Executive Kevin J. Plunkett, who presented the winners with proclamations honoring their achievements on behalf of County Executive Robert P. Astorino. “Congratulations to the winners, to Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler, and her team at the health department, and to the members of the Westchester County Board of Health. Working together, they preserve, protect and promote the health of Westchester residents.”

Board president R. Steven Nakashima presented the 2017 Distinguished Public Health Service Award to John Gilleo, a lifelong Peekskill resident.

“John Gilleo has a deep commitment to the success and well-being of our communities,” said Anne Kauffman Nolon, MPH, President and CEO of HRHCare, who nominated him. “As a HRHCare Community Health Board Member, he has provided valued insight to help guide our network of care during a time of great expansion.”

Here's what county health officials said about him.

Gilleo has long been a champion for public housing residents and the disenfranchised in his community. He has volunteered at the Salvation Army’s lunch program, ran a community garden and was a member of the Peekskill Community Action Program.

Gilleo also gave back to the affordable housing complexes where he has lived by serving as president of the Tenant’s Association for three of Peekskill’s affordable housing complexes, Dunbar Heights, Bohlmann Towers and Turnkey.

When Gilleo first discovered the HRHCare Community Health, Peekskill residents with few financial resources or with Medicaid insurance had little access to affordable primary care. A faithful client of HRHCare Community Health for more than 30 years, he joined its Board of Directors in 2008. Once ensconced on the Board, Gilleo's experiences have informed his stewardship. He has served as an effective champion for comprehensive mental health care and an articulate advocate for expanding behavioral healthcare services.

As a board member, Gilleo has played an active and integral leadership role during a period of sustained growth. HRHCare Community Health has expanded its presence in Westchester to include three health centers, with two in Yonkers and one in Peekskill. Together, they serve more than 27,000 Westchester residents.

Last fall, Gilleo impressed the Joint Commission surveyors with his passionate advocacy when he was interviewed about his role and the Board’s as part of a reaccreditation review. His advocacy was an asset to HRHCare Community Health.

Gilleo speaks on behalf of low and moderate income residents and the disenfranchised in Peekskill. He works with fellow board members and with the HRHCare Community Health administration to improve access to care for some of Westchester’s most vulnerable residents.

Other award winners were:

Nakashima presented the 2017 J.R. Tesone Youth Public Health Service award to Alicia McMillan, 16, of Rye, for her compassionate care and advocacy for children affected by cancer.

After helping a neighbor who was battling cancer by comforting and distracting her two young children, Alicia realized that children with cancer or who had a family member with the disease would welcome a personalized care package. Alicia contributed her allowance and babysitting money to develop Kids Care Kits, working with SOUL RYEDERS, a cancer care group based in Port Chester. Tapping her family’s contacts, Alicia held a tea party, karaoke and cocktail party fundraiser and raised more than $8,500 for several cancer-related charities. SOUL RYEDERS continues to offer the kits to families.

“Not only has Alicia helped on a personal level, but her kits will benefit children for years to come,” Nakashima said. “Alicia demonstrated compassion and generosity far beyond her years and leveraged her community connections to make her Kids Care Kits a reality. Her efforts are a shining example of how young people can make a difference.”

The Board also recognized four Public Health Honorees:

Emily Gualdino, a ninth-grader from Mahopac, for her weekly visits and friendship to medically fragile children at the Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center and John A. Coleman School, both in Yonkers;

Chloe Krugel, a 12th grader from Chappaqua, for promoting adolescent mental health through her volunteer work with the President’s Junior Leadership Council at Northern Westchester Hospital and for initiating a Mental Wellness Club at her high school;

Joe Rogot of New Rochelle, for transforming a rocky field at Ward Acres back into a flourishing community garden that yields produce served at Hope Community Soup Kitchen;

SPRYE, Inc., (Staying Put in Rye & Environs) a grass-roots group in Port Chester led by Betti Weimersheimer of Rye and a team of nearly 80 volunteers who help hundreds of seniors in Port Chester, Rye, Harrison and Rye Brook age in place at home by providing rides, handyman help, outings, and referrals.

“The Health Department is fortunate to have such capable partners working alongside us to promote public health in our communities,” said Amler. “We are especially grateful to not-for- profit groups and to our honorees, who enhance and support the work done by local organizations.”

PHOTO/ Westchester County Health Department