Accessibility Tools

Skip to main content

See Something? Say Something! Report Suspicious Activities Here! - PCTAM.NET

Putnam County Department of Health

News & Press Releases

A PHAB Accredited Health Department

The Putnam County Department of Health is made of several divisions all working towards improving and protecting the health of the community. Click on one of the options below to learn more about that division.

Free HIV Testing at Health Department for World AIDS Day

20 November 2023

Putnam residents are invited to visit the health department on Tuesday, December 5th between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for free HIV testing. These expanded HIV testing hours are to mark World AIDS Day, commemorated across the globe every December 1. The tests, which are confidential and take just 15 minutes, will be done at 1 Geneva Road in Brewster. Walk-ins are welcome; appointments can be made by calling 845-808-1390, extension 43155.

World AIDS Day calls attention to all people impacted by HIV/AIDS, including those living with HIV who do not know it. The only way to know your status is to get tested. Awareness means you can make informed health decisions to reduce the chances of getting or transmitting HIV. Some of those choices include using condoms the right way every time, using HIV medication to reduce your risk (pre-exposure prophylaxis), reducing your sexual risk (fewer partners and less risky sexual activities), not sharing drug injecting equipment and abstinence.  Additional HIV prevention information can be found at cdc.gov/hiv/basics/prevention.html.


Welcome Message

The mission of the Putnam County Department of Health is to improve and protect the health of our community.

We strive to prevent the spread of disease, protect against environmental hazards, promote healthy lifestyles, ensure access to quality health services, and respond to disasters.

We encourage you to explore our website and contact us if you have any questions.

In the event of an emergency, Health Department staff are available 24/7. Please call 845-808-1390 to report a public health emergency, rabies exposure, communicable disease, water outage or sewer overflow.
If you are a member of the media and would like to contact the health department, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Contact the Department of Health


  • Michael J. Nesheiwat, MD

    Commissioner of Health