Hauppauge, NY - February 27, 2018 - On Thursday, February 22nd, Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker honored Lori Benincasa, Director of the Office of Health Education for Suffolk County. Ms. Benincasa is retiring after 39 years as a leader and advocate in the public health field. As the Director of Health Education, she has overseen prevention and intervention programs, and has focused on improving the health of Suffolk County residents. She has worked diligently to implement tobacco control programs, diabetes prevention programs, STD/HIV prevention programs, injury prevention programs for seniors, and drug prevention programs.
“Lori Benincasa is a true leader in the field of public health and we have been fortunate to have her as the Director of Health Education,” said Legislator Anker. “She has paved the way for many important programs and always understood the importance of addressing emerging health challenges in Suffolk County.”
Lori Benincasa was the original founder of the Tobacco Action Coalition and is dedicated to collaborating with numerous community agencies to reduce initiation of tobacco use among children and to help those already addicted to quit. She was a lead advocate for Clean Indoor Air Laws, increasing taxes on tobacco products and allocating a portion of the Master Settlement Agreement for prevention and intervention.