Every year for more than a decade, the Dutchess County Office of Central and Information Services (OCIS) has been recognized by the NACo and CDG for their work implementing technology advancements in the county. 

The OCIS is being recognized this year for its successful information distribution during the global pandemic. The OCIS developed an application to meet data and reporting needs for the Department of Behavioral and Community Health (DBCH) in Dutchess County. The office built the Dutchess County COVID-19 Data Dashboard, providing residents information such as confirmed cases, active cases, recovered individuals and deaths, along with an interactive map of Dutchess County. 

In addition to the dashboard, OCIS is being acknowledged for its work interacting with citizens during the pandemic. The county actively provided information for residents on its Facebook, Twitter and Youtube platforms. The County Executive hosted over 30 virtual town halls announcing updates and answering citizens’ questions, which were all posted to Youtube. OCIS also supported the Coronavirus Hotline, Restarting Dutchess and created Dutchess Responds.

Glen Marchi, the commissioner of the Dutchess OCIS, said Dutchess Responds connected citizens to food, medications and household essentials. “This involved developing an internal geographic information systems (GIS) tool to help call-takers find the nearest food distribution center based on the client’s location,” Marchi said. The website also connected citizens, “who wanted to offer help through monetary donations, collecting or donating goods, and volunteering.”

“Our Central Services Division provided logistical support by procuring Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and supplies for frontline workers, including hospitals, assisted living and residential facilities, and others,” Marchi said. “Our courier service also delivered COVID-19 test samples from the Nuvance COVID-19 Test Site to Vassar Brothers Medical Center and delivered hand-sanitizer and other supplies to departments.”

At the start of the pandemic in March, OCIS also assisted county employees in the transition from in-person work to remote work, while still serving the public. OCIS helped facilitate daily operations for essential employees, in addition to hosting virtual meetings with schools, partners and community leaders. 

Marchi said, “It was necessary for counties to have an advanced IT office long before the COVID-19 pandemic. Dutchess County has successfully created the infrastructure, policies, processes and protocols for employees to safely work remotely and we were able to quickly adapt to the pandemic situation, support the County’s response, and continue government operations.”