Fact-Based Medical Information Shared in First Episode of Senator Metzger’s COVID-19 Online Conversation Series

Hudson Valley and Catskills, NY...Senator Jen Metzger (SD-42) welcomed Dr. Kenneth Steier, Executive Dean and Chief Academic Officer of Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, to the first of eight COVID-19 “Community Conversations” livestreamed on Senator Metzger’s Facebook page last evening.

The first digital episode in Metzger’s online series addressed medical and epidemiological questions of concern to residents of the Senate District she represents, which includes all of Sullivan County, and parts of Orange, Ulster, and Delaware Counties. During the conversation with Senator Metzger, Dean Steier shared fact-based information about COVID-19’s spread in the region, current drug trials, in-hospital treatment, and how to take proper precautions. In addition to providing clinical guidance, he spoke to Senator Metzger about how Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine has adapted during the global pandemic, the evolution of telemedicine in health care, and supplies and PPE availability for area hospitals.

“We are being inundated with information daily about COVID-19, some of it conflicting, and knowledge about the virus is still evolving," said Senator Jen Metzger. "Our community conversation, livestreamed on Facebook, provided viewers with the opportunity to ask questions and explore the issues with a local medical expert, and I want to thank Dr. Steier for joining us for an engaging discussion. I look forward to continuing these Community Conversations on other important topics in the coming days and weeks.” 

“It was my honor to join Senator Metzger in addressing community concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. By all working together, and following good public health practices, it is my hope we can mitigate the illness caused by this deadly virus,” said Dr. Steier. In addition to his position as Executive Dean and Chief Academic Officer at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Steier also serves on the medical staff of Orange Regional Medical Center. He is Fellowship Trained and Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine, and Critical Care Medicine.

The “Community Conversations” online series will occur twice-weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:00 PM for four consecutive weeks, and will include a Q&A period with participating Facebook viewers facilitated by the Senator. The half-hour-long digital episodes all feature local experts knowledgeable on selected topics important to Hudson Valley and Catskill communities. Thursday’s episode (April 30) will focus on Food Insecurity and How To Help. 

A full list of topics and guests is available here, and additional topical episodes in the series will be announced as New York State continues to grapple with the novel coronavirus global pandemic.

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