Epidemiology Office, Erie County Department of Health
- Back Row: Janine Benkelman, Project Coordinator; Amber Palmer, CDC Consultant; Mary Walawander, Epidemiologist; Lara Nkurunungi, Assistant Epidemiologist; Judy Courtade, Senior Secretarial Stenographer
- Front Row: Madeline Toczek, Epidemiologist; Rebecca Simich, Junior Epidemiologist; Lauren Nicholas, COVID School Program Manager; Sandie Kozurkiewicz, Receptionist; Jason Meurlin, Statistical Consultant; Michael Amato, Associate Epidemiologist
The Erie County Department of Health’s Epidemiology Office has worked tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The leadership and staff have done whatever has been asked of them – working long hours into the late evening, over weekends, and holidays, the office provided accurate and timely statistical data, analysis and recommendations that assisted the Erie County Department of Health to combat this deadly virus. As the nation emerged from lock down, the office formed a School Team to focus specifically on covid safety in schools, youth sports and childcare. Feedback collected from businesses, community organizations, school districts, along with a variety of people in the community, reflected and confirmed the commitment of this group of dedicated epidemiology professionals and support staff. From setting up testing sites, to fielding questions from concerned groups, to contact tracing for people with positive test results, to implementing and coordinating new directives from the State, the Epidemiology Office remained relentlessly focused. Their unwavering commitment and compassion for the community they serve is a model for public health practitioners. They have and continue to focus on the overall health of the people of Erie County.
