Director:
Laurel Headwell, MS
Assistant Director:
Angela Stuart Palmer, MS
Supervising PHN:
Kim Frederick, MS, RN
Fiscal Manager:
Tammy Mickan
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday:
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Address:
County Services Complex
2714 State Highway 29
Johnstown, NY 12095
Phone:
(518) 736-5720
Fax:
(518) 762-1382
Public Health News
Know the Lead Laws for your Home
Be aware of laws to protect your family from lead when buying or renting a house.
For more information: epa.gov/lead/real-estate-disclosures-about-potential-lead-hazards
Can you spot the ticks?
Ticks can be as small as a poppy seed. There are 5 ticks in this photo. Can you spot them? Remember to use EPA-registered insect repellent to prevent tick bites.
For more information about ticks, check out this site from the CDC: cdc.gov/ticks or contact your health care provider.
Recall Alert! Creativity Street Foam Rollers
Dixon Ticonderoga Creativity Street Foam Pattern Rollers recalled due to lead content. For more information please visit: cpsc.gov/.../Dixon-Ticonderoga-Recalls-Creativity-Street-Foam-Pattern-Rollers-Due-to-Violation-of-Federal-Lead-Content-Ban.
We are Hiring Fellows
Fulton County Public Health has available positions through the New York State Public Health Corps Fellowship Program (NYSPHC). The Public Health Fellow II will focus on Partnership Development with the goal of increasing the health and wellness of Fulton County residents. Applications are due by June 28th.
For more information on the position please visit us241.dayforcehcm.com/.../View/7262
For more information on the NYSPHC program please visit https://www.ny.gov/programs/new-york-state-public-health-corps
May is National Women's Health Month
May is National Women’s Health Month. Did you know 1 out of 6 new breast cancers develop in women between the age of 40 and 50? Annual screening mammograms is the best defense agaist breast cancer. It is recommended that women 40 years and older receive an annual mammogram.
Learn more at: hopkinsmedicine.org/...mammograms-and-more-breast-cancer-screening-guidelines
Celebrate Women's Health Week
Women can do amazing things and have amazing stories! Celebrate yourselves and each other!
womenshealth.gov
Protect Children from Lead Poisoning
Inform your healthcare provider of deteriorating paint in or outside the residence, child behaviors of putting non-food items in their mouth or putting mouth on window sills, baseboards or other painted surfaces. 
Prevent Antibiotic Resistance
Sometimes it can be difficult to tell whether your symptoms are from seasonal allergies, a common cold, or a bacterial infection. Remember, antibiotics aren’t always the answer. Learn more about what antibiotics do and do not treat: cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/q-a.html
May is Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) Awareness Month
Just 3 seconds of shaking can cause brain damage, paralysis, blindness, learning and behavior difficulties, and even death. SBS is responsible for 95% of serious head injuries in children under 1 years old. The average age of SBS victims is 6 months old. Continuous crying is the number one reason caregivers shake babies.
The good news is that SBS is completely preventable. These tips can help parents and caregivers prevent SBS:
• When your baby is crying, they may need a diaper change, be hungry, tired, sick, too hot or cold. Or they may just need to be calmed down.
• Make a coping plan for when baby’s crying is stressful. Write down what soothes your baby, such as rocking, offering a toy, going for a walk, or listening to music. Share this information with everyone who cares for your baby.
• If you need a break from your baby’s crying, place your baby in a safe place, such as a crib or playpen, and take a break. You may also want to call a friend for support, or contact your health care provider for further guidance.
• When holding your baby, always support the baby’s head. Make sure everyone who has contact with your baby knows how to properly support the head when holding, carrying or playing with your baby.
• Discuss with family, friends, and caregivers the dangers of shaking infants, even in play.
For more information on SBS and how to prevent it, try these links: health.ny.gov/.../3192/ and youtube.com/watch?v=CjyhfIZKmSg.
Online Parent Group: Transitioning with Disabilities into Adulthood
Parent to Parent of NYS is offering an online Parent Group for parents of adult children (21+) with physical or developmental disabilities on May 15th at 7:00 pm.Transitioning into adulthood isn’t easy for our kids, or us! Connect with other parents who understand the joys and struggles of raising older children with special needs. Share experiences, advice, and encouragement in a welcoming environment.
Please register by visiting: us02web.zoom.us/.../registration
Free HEPA Vacuum Rental for Fulton County Residents
HEPA vacuums are capable of removing up to 99.97% of ‘lead in dust’ hazards in the home. Residents living in pre-1978 housing who have older windows are encouraged to borrow the HEPA vacuum at least annually and thoroughly clean their floors, window wells and window sills, followed by weekly wet cleaning of window sills and wet mopping of floors to keep lead dust levels low.
Through the Fulton County Public Health, Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program grant from New York State Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the HEPA vacuum is available for loan to Fulton County residents. Contact the Fulton County Public Health Department at 518-736-5720 to find out how to borrow the HEPA vacuum.
Residents use the HEPA vacuum at their own risk, it can be on loan for a one-week period and the borrower is required to provide picture I.D. and return the vacuum clean, and in good condition.
health.ny.gov/environmental/lead/ 
Celebrate Women's Health Week - es la Semana de la Salud de la Mujer
This week (5/12-5/18) is Women’s Health Week! From cervical cancer prevention to safeguarding against infectious diseases, vaccines are vital to the health of women and people of all gender identities. This week, help protect the health of all the women in your life by being vaccinated. Learn more about recommended vaccines here: cdc.gov/.../rec-vac/
¡Esta semana (5/12 - 5/18) es la Semana de la Salud de la Mujer! Desde la prevención del cáncer de cuello uterino hasta la protección contra enfermedades infecciosas, las vacunas son vitales para la salud de las mujeres y de las personas de todas las identidades de género. Esta semana, vacúnese para ayudar a proteger la salud de todas las mujeres de su vida. Obtenga más información sobre las vacunas recomendadas aquÃ: cdc.gov/.../index-sp.html
Family Wellness Month Activities
May is Family Wellness Month! ? It's the perfect time to prioritize the health and happiness of our families. From spending quality time together to making healthy choices as a unit, let's celebrate the bonds that keep us strong. Whether it's a nature walk, a home-cooked meal, or a heart-to-heart chat, let's cherish these moments and nurture our family connections. Here's to a month filled with love, laughter, and well-being!
Prevent Dog Bites
You can protect your family against rabies.
The fatal virus rabies can be passed through a dog bite. Children are at greater risk for dog bites. It’s important we teach children how to avoid dog bites and the potential exposure to rabies. Teach them the simple tips above on how to behave around dogs and not get bit. Teach children to be part of the solution.
More information: health.ny.gov/.../fact_sheet
Free Online Chinese Developmental/Physical Disabilities Support Group
Parent to Parent is excited to announce the launch of an online support group on Saturday May 18th at 8:00 pm, tailored specifically for Chinese-speaking parents who have children with developmental and physical disabilities. Led by Fatherhood Engagement Coordinator, Bin Feng, this group is open to parents of children of any age or disability who speak Chinese (Mandarin).
Please register by visiting: us02web.zoom.us/.../registration.png)
Rabies Prevention Tips
Rabies is 100% Preventable!! If you are a pet owner, keeping your dogs, cats and ferrets up-to-date on rabies vaccination helps protect both humans and animals against this deadly virus. Rabies vaccination is the first step to prevention and protection.
For more information on rabies and how to best protect yourself and your beloved pets go to health.ny.gov/.../fact_sheet
Understanding Postpartum Depression
About 1 in 8 women report symptoms of Postpartum Depression (PPD) in the year after giving birth. You may feel sad, anxious, or overwhelmed. You might not feel connected to your baby, or you might not feel love or care for the baby. Every mother experiences PPD differently.
What important is You Are Not Alone. Free confidential support is available 24/7:
• Call 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)
• Call of text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Online Parent Group: Children in Early Intervention
Parent to Parent of NYS is offering an online Parent Group for Parents of Children in Early Intervention on May 14th at 7:00 pm. Join our supportive community of parents navigating the early intervention journey with children aged 5 and younger. Connect with other parents who understand the joys and challenges of parenting young children with special needs. Share experiences, advice, and encouragement in a supportive environment.
Please register by visiting: us02web.zoom.us/.../registration
Emergency Information
How you #StayInformed in an emergency isn’t carved in stone. Find several trusted sources of #emergency information & have multiple ways to receive alerts & warnings. Learn more at https://www.cdc.gov/prepyourhealth/planahead/stayinformed/index.htm #PrepYourHealth
To find Rehab Centers that provide alcohol, drug, and other substance abuse rehabilitation you can call 1-866-972-0589. To find a list of rehabs in each state, visit https://freerehabcenters.org/
A growing public health crisis is suicide. Freerehabcenters.org has put together resources for the prevention of suicide including crisis lines, veterans suicide resources, youth suicide resources, and other mental health and suicide prevention resources. Visit https://www.freerehabcenters.org/article/suicide-prevention-resources to learn more.
The Fulton County Public Health Department under the direction of the Fulton County Board of Supervisors and the New York State Department of Health, seeks to promote wellness, to protect from disease, to prevent injury/disability, to prepare for emerging illness/disease and to assist Fulton County residents in attaining and maintaining optimal health.
Each person and/or their family will be educated in accessing health care and will be empowered to be responsible for the decisions regarding their health care needs. Many services offered by FCPH are provided free of charge; others have eligibility criteria and sliding fee scales are available for the uninsured.
For immunization or car seat appointments call 518-736-5720 to schedule your visit.
How do I go about getting rabies vaccination for my pet?
Pet immunization clinics are held periodically throughout the year. A copy of the current Rabies Clinic Vaccination flyer can be accessed by visiting https://www.fultoncountyny.gov/rabies>.
A nominal donation is requested. Rabies clinic dates are also advertised in local newspapers, on Facebook and posted in town halls. Clinic pre-registration is available by calling (518) 736-5720 three weeks prior to each clinic.
How do I reduce, prevent and eliminate lead in my home?
Please visit the New York State Department of Health's website at www.health.ny.gov/environmental/lead/ or the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website at https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/.
For specific questions, please contact our Lead Nurse here at Fulton County Public Health at (518) 736-5720.
How do I qualify for the low-income car seat program?
You or your child need to have some type of public assistance (WIC benefits, Medicaid, food stamps) or be below WIC income guidelines (200% of poverty). Additionally, you need to have a valid reason for needing a car seat.
You can sign up for an appointment by calling our office at (518) 736-5720 and asking to speak with our Child Passenger Safety Technician.
I am concerned about my child's development. Are there services available?
Early Intervention is for children with development delays from birth to age 3. Children are evaluated and if found eligible for the program may receive services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy or special education services (to name some).
Children ages 3-5 are evaluated through their local school district Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) to determine eligibility and services. Both programs are voluntary.
How do I get my immunization records?
Fulton County Public Health can provide copies of immunizations that were obtained in their office.
If your immunizations were not done at Fulton County Public Health, immunization records can be obtained from doctors' offices and schools (K-12 or college) attended.
How do I treat head lice and what are the school/daycare rules? Also, how do you treat for bedbugs?
Please watch this YouTube video: "Head Lice to Dead Lice."
For bed bugs, please watch this YouTube video: "7 Things You Should Know About Bed Bugs."
Where can I learn more about cooling centers in NYS?
Visit the NYS Department of Health at https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/weather/cooling/about.htm
Where can I go to get more information on Cooling Assistance Benefits?
Visit the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) site at https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/#cooling-assistance
Where can I go to get more information on HEAP Heating Assistance programs?
Visit the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) site at https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/#regular-benefit
What is the Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP) and how do I learn more about it?
Visit the NYS Department of Health Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program site at https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/hpnap/
