Yates County Launches Local Take Five For NY

County-wide initiative encourages residents to call and check on one another

Take 5 for New York is a new county-wide campaign that is being launched to encourage Yates County residents to take five minutes out of each day to call a friend, loved one, or acquaintance who may be alone and feeling isolated during this period of social distancing. It is part of a state-wide effort promoted by the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC).

“Participating county officials are calling on their residents to take just five minutes of every day to call on someone, “ says NYSAC Executive Director, Stephen Acquario. “It doesn’t matter what you talk about. You can talk about this crisis or the latest show you are watching. The point is connecting with people in our community who could use it the most.”

Legislative Chairman Douglas Paddock says, “While this is a difficult time for all of us, it is taking an even greater toll on seniors, people living alone, and those living with depression, anxiety, addiction, etc.  That’s why we’re calling on everyone in our community to Take Five for New York.  Just take five minutes out of your day every day to call on a loved one, friend, neighbor, acquaintance to say hi, check on them, see if they need anything, lift their spirits, and tell them they are not alone.”

County Administrator Winona Flynn adds, “Sometimes the smallest things make all the difference.  A call, a text, a wave through the window can make all the difference for someone feeling isolated.  Take five minutes every day to connect with someone.”

This statewide campaign is being launched with the hashtag #Take5ForNY.

About NYSAC:

The New York State Association of Counties is a bipartisan municipal association serving all the counties of New York State, including the City of New York. Organized in 1925, NYSAC’s mission is to represent, educate, serve and advocate for member counties and the elected and appointed county officials who serve the public.