Director of Public Health:
Laurel Headwell, MS
Assistant Director:
Angela Stuart Palmer, MS
Supervising PHN:
Kathleen King, BSN, 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
National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month
May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month! Find information and resources for managing asthma from at BreatheBetter: nhlbi.nih.gov/.../asthma-awareness-month #AsthmaAwareness #BreatheBetter
Recall of Target Baby Food Puree
Parents are urged to check their pantries as Target recalls over 25,000 units of Good & Gather Baby Pea, Zucchini, Kale & Thyme Vegetable Puree due to elevated levels of lead. The recall, initiated by FRUSELVA USA of Miami, FL, is ongoing and is being monitored by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Although classified as a Class II recall, indicating a lower risk of serious health effects, prolonged exposure to lead—especially in infants and young children—can lead to developmental issues, learning disabilities, and lower IQ.
globalfoodconsumers.org/.../target-recalls-good-gather-baby-food-over-lead-contamination/
Free Overview of NY Housing Resource Center's Website
Parent to Parent of NYS is presenting a webinar to showcase and provide an overview of the NY Housing Resource Center’s website.
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 from 7pm-8pm
Registration required: Register here
Birth Certificates
Do you need a copy of your birth certificate? You can request a copy online, by phone, or by mail.
Click here: health.ny.gov/vital_records/birth.htm
or
Call Vital Records Call Center at (855) 322-1022 for more information.
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.jpg)
Signs of a Stroke
Do you know the signs of a stroke? During a stroke, every minute counts.
Taking quick action can safe a life.
Learn more about stroke signs and symptoms here: cdc.gov/stroke.
Recall of COMEONROA Infant Swings
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSP) PRODUCT RECALL!
Name of Product: COMEONROA Infant Swings
Hazard: The swings pose a suffocation risk because they were marketed for infant sleep, and they have an incline angle greater than 10 degrees, in violation of the Safe Sleep for Babies Act. In addition, the swings fail to meet mandatory warning requirements under the swing standard and are missing the required warnings and instructions for consumer products containing button cell and coin batteries under Reese’s Law.
Consumer Action: Consumers should stop using the recalled infant swings immediately and contact Eonroacoo for a full refund. Consumers should send a photo of the swing cover cut in half, and of the swing with “Recalled” written with permanent marker on its base, to eonroacoorecall@126.com and then dispose the swing in accordance with local and state laws.
Product Safety Warning Date: April 17, 2025
Sold At: Walmart.com from January 2024 through February 2025 for about $80.
For more information:
cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/COMEONROA-Infant-Swings-Recalled-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death
Get Help Enrolling in Health Insurance
Are you in need of health insurance? There are people who can help. The organizations below offer free specialists to assist you with enrolling in health insurance coverage.
• Adirondack Health Institute’s EASE program: visit ahihealth.org/ease/ or call 1-866-872-3740.
• Nathan Littauer Hospital Insurance Assistance: visit nlh.org/faqs/financial-assistance or call 518-775-4074 or 518-775-4092 
Participants Needed for Important Healthcare Study
Participants needed in an important healthcare study for family members of adults with developmental disabilities. This study is aimed to help shape future healthcare practices and ease the transition into hospital care. Follow the link to take a survey to see if you’re able to participate stonybrookuniversity.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5o3IW8rklMeQ6wu.
Know the Signs of Lead Exposure
Lead poses a risk to your child’s health. It is important to talk to your child’s healthcare provider if you have concerns about possible lead exposure.
Click here to learn more about symptoms and complications of lead exposure:
cdc.gov/lead-prevention/symptoms-complications/
Self-care Training Classes for Caregivers
Are you a caregiver for someone with a chronic condition? Join Powerful Tools for Caregivers for their six week class hosted at the Fulton County Office for Aging.
Training classes will be offered every Thursday from May 1, 2025 to June 5, 2025 at 10:00am. These trainings assist caregivers with important self-care tools and resources to support their well-being.
If interested in signing up, please call Laura Sturgess at 518-736-5650.
Car Seat Program at Fulton County Public Health
Do you need a new car seat for your child? Are you pregnant and need a car seat for your newborn?
Fulton County Public Health is proud to offer a Free Car Seat Program for Fulton County Residents. Qualifying individuals can receive a free infant seat, convertible seat, and/or booster seat.
Call Fulton County Public Health at 518-736-5720 for more information and to make an appointment.
Recall of Bellababy Infant Swings
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSP) PRODUCT RECALL!
Name of Product: Bellababy Infant Swings
Hazard: The swings were marketed for infant sleep, and they have an incline angle greater than 10 degrees in violation of the Safe Sleep for Babies Act, posing a suffocation hazard. The swings also fail to meet mandatory requirements for restraints under federal regulations for infant swings. In addition, the swings violate the mandatory federal regulations for consumer products containing button cell and coin batteries.
Consumer Action: CPSC urges consumers to stop using the infant swings immediately and dispose of them. Do not sell or give away these hazardous infant swings.
Product Safety Warning Date: April 17, 2025
Sold At: About 6,400 infant swings were sold online at Amazon.com from 2023 through February 2025. The swings are gray with a white base and white embroidered “Bellababy” on the restraints. The swings are labeled “Baby Swing” and “Model Number: WS-HB182.” The label is located on the bottom of the seat of the swing.
For more information:
cpsc.gov/Warnings/2025/CPSC-Warns-Consumers-to-Immediately-Stop-Using-Bellababy-Infant-Swings
Tips for a Picky Eater
Struggling with a picky eater? Watch this short video from Nemours KidsHealth for tips and suggestions on what types of foods to offer, when not to force your child to eat and how many times it could take a child to try a certain food before they actually like to eat it. Safe Sleep for Babies Act, posing a suffocation hazard. Furthermore, the swings labeled with “Model: WS-HB18-4” violate the mandatory federal regulations for consumer products containing button cell and coin batteries.
Consumer Action: CPSC urges consumers to stop using the infant swings immediately and dispose of them in accordance with local disposal requirements. Do not sell or give away these hazardous infant swings.
Product Safety Warning Date: April 17, 2025
Sold At: The infant swings were sold online at Amazon.com and IxDregan.com for between $110 and $140.
For more information:
cpsc.gov/.../CPSC-Warns-Consumers-to-Immediately-Stop-Using-IxDregan-Infant-Swings-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death.
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/
