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
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/
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
Target Car Seat Trade-in Event
Your favorite Target Trade-in Event is back! The car seat trade-in!
Now through Monday 5/10/2025 drop off your old, out grown, expired or damaged car seat at Target stores and receive a 20% off Target Circle Bonus toward a new car seat, travel system or stroller.
Check out the website for instructions and information: target.com/c/car-seat-trade-in-event/
Virtual Training: Play with Me and I'll Be Smarter
Children learn through play. ADAPT Community Network is offering a free, virtual training for parents, caregivers and those interested in learning more about the impact of play in a child’s development, on Thursday, May 8, from 10:00am-11:30am. Please click the link to register for this free training. Register here.
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)
Childhood Vaccines
You have the power to help keep your child healthy. Giving babies and children all recommended vaccinations by age two is the best way to protect them from 15 serious childhood diseases, like measles, polio, and whooping cough.
Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week
Help raise awareness and support by joining The Blue Dot Project, Week of Action.
Share your story, March for Mothers, Wear Blue and more! #MMHWeek2025
Break the silence by showing solidarity, support and survivorship. Reach out to a family member or friend to help them find their voice.
You are not alone. With help, you will be well.
Get help today:
Call 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)
Call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 
Air Quality Awareness Week
Air Quality Awareness Week is May 6 – May 10, 2025.
Outdoor air pollution has been linked to health problems like heart disease, asthma, and low birth weight. Check for local alerts when the level of certain outdoor air pollutants is expected to be unhealthy. health.ny.gov/environmental/outdoors/air/
Recall of IxDregan Infant Swings
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSP) PRODUCT RECALL!
Name of Product: IxDregan Infant Swings
Hazard: The swings were marketed for infant sleep and have an incline angle greater than 10 degrees in violation of the 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.
Concussion Prevention in School Sports
Concussion prevention is vital in youth sports. Did you know that nearly 15% of high school athletes report at least one concussion annually? Proper education, wearing the right gear, and enforcing rules against dangerous plays can help prevent concussions. If a concussion occurs, rest and proper medical care are key to a full recovery. Always take head injuries seriously—early detection and prevention are crucial. Let's protect our young athletes!
Car Seat Recommendations
Is your child in the correct car seat? Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of injury and death in children. It is important to make sure your child is safe and secure in the correct car seat. For more information please visit the link below. If you have car seat questions, call Fulton County Public Health at 518-736-5720.
nhtsa.gov/.../car-seats-and-booster-seats
Recall of Dlesot Snap Hair Clips Due to Lead Paint
Dlesot Snap Children’s Hair Clips Recalled Due to Lead Poisoning Hazard; Violation of Federal Ban for Lead in Paint; Sold Exclusively on Amazon by YFLGOTOO. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health issues.
cpsc.gov/.../Dlesot-Snap-Childrens-Hair-Clips-Recalled-Due-to-Lead-Poisoning-Hazard
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
Free EPA Lead Trainings
FREE EPA Lead Trainings. EPA Certified Renovator Class Training Schedule for May 2025. Participants must pre-register. Class size is limited. All trainings are free. Register Here.
Test Children for Lead
Lead dust is often invisible but can cause many serious health and behavioral problems for children who breath it in or get it in their mouths from hands and objects. Checking for lead levels at 1 and 2 years old can reduce the chances of lead poisoning your child. Click the link to learn more. health.ny.gov/.../lead/
Parent to Parent of NYS - May Event Calendar
Parent To Parent of NYS has many great virtual events for parents, caregivers and those interested in learning more about special education. Here is their May calendar.
Mental Health is Health
Mental health is health. Supporting your wellness helps you feel better and live a healthier life. Visit bewell.ny.gov for tips on managing stress, finding your calm, supporting resilience, and healing trauma.
Viewing of "All the Lonely People"/strong>
Join the Gloversville Public Library in a free screening of the film “All the Lonely People” on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 from 1pm-3pm.
The film addresses the impacts that isolation can have on mental health, aging, and more. A panel discussion will follow.
Register here: All The Lonely People Screening 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/
