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
Bats and Rabies Safety
Hot summer days and cool nights, bring out the bats. While bats are beneficial insect eaters during the summer, they can carry the fatal rabies virus. Summer and fall are the busiest months for bat exposures, and the best time to ensure you, your family and pets are protected from rabies. The best rabies prevention pet vaccination, including indoor pets.
It’s important to:
• never touch a bat with your bare hands
• capture the bat without touching it, and
• report any known or suspected contact to Fulton County Public Health, 518-736-5720.
For more information on bats and rabies prevention, watch:
spectrumlocalnews.com/.../bats-calls-and-rabies-safety
New York State Driver Opinion Survey
Take the 2025 New York State Driver Opinion Survey and help shape the future of driving in NYS. Your feedback helps improve roads, safety, and transportation planning.
Take the survey now: surveymonkey.com/r/2025nysdriversurvey
Free Sunscreen Dispensers in Fulton County
Fulton County Public Health is excited to announce the installation of FREE sunscreen dispensers for our residents! Protect your skin while enjoying outdoor activities. You can find these dispensers at the Fulton County Visitor’s Center and Roger’s Orchard.
Air Quality Alerts in Fulton County
Air quality alerts have been issued for Fulton County.
Air quality alerts are issued based on the Air Quality Index (AQI). Do you know what these numbers and their corresponding levels mean? View the chart below to find out. For more information about air quality safety, visit weather.gov/airquality.
Lead Exposure from Mom to Baby
People with past exposure to lead should have their levels checked before and during pregnancy.
Click the link to learn more about Lead Exposure during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
= mothertobaby.org/.../24_MBN_004_FactSheet_LEAD
Dog Bite Prevention
You can’t predict from a dog’s size or breed whether it will bite. Any dog, even a pet, will bite if it mistakes your behavior for a threat. Learn how a dog’s body language may show that it is stressed or frightened and may bite: avma.org/.../dog-bite-prevention
Wildlife and Strays
With summer comes more wild and stray animals in town and in our backyards. Wildlife and strays can carry the fatal rabies virus. To prevent a rabies exposure keep a distance from any wild or stray animals. Don't feed, touch or adopt wild animals, stray dogs or cats. If a wild animal is on your property, bring children and pets indoors and let it wander away.
Learn more: health.ny.gov/.../rabies/.
Safe Sleep Checklist
What does a Safe Sleep environment look like? All caregivers – parents, grandparents, child care providers, and anyone caring for a baby can help infants sleep safely and reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related deaths.
According to the National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, to ensure a safe sleep environment:
• Place baby on their back for naps and night
• Use a crib or bassinet with a firm crib mattress
• Keep baby’s sleep area clear of soft objects, such as pillows, blankets, toys and crib pads
• Share a room with baby, not a bed
• Adjust the room temperature, so baby is warm, not hot
• Breastfeed or bottle feed human milk
For more information visit:
safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/.../safe-sleep-environment
safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/.../reduce
Youtube: Clear the Crib to Reduce the Risk of Sleep-Related Infant Death 
Childcare Scholarships
Struggling with child care costs? The Workforce Development Institute offers scholarships averaging $1,000/month per child to help working families afford quality care. See if you qualify: wdiny.org/childcare
WIC and Health Nutrition for Your Toddler
WIC helps fuel your busy toddler’s adventures with fruit, veggies, beans, eggs, and other healthy foods. Across New York, kids under five are eating well and staying healthy with WIC. Visit health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/wic and chat with Wanda to see if WIC can help.
Stop for School Buses
As students head back to class, remember: When a school bus stops and flashes red lights, YOU must stop too.
It’s not just the law—it’s a child’s life.
• Slow down in school zones
• Stay alert for children crossing
• Never pass a stopped school bus
Let’s keep our kids safe this school year. #SchoolBusSafety #StopForTheBus
nhtsa.gov/road-safety/school-bus-safety#nhtsa-in-action 
Resources for New Babies
After your baby arrives, there’s a lot to think about. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) provides many resources to learn more about how to help keep you and your baby healthy and safe.
For more information on newborn development and screenings, breastfeeding and milk storage, vaccine safety and postpartum depression visit: cdc.gov/pregnancy/after/ 
Free Associates Degrees for Adult Learners
SUNY Reconnect is helping advance the careers of adults in New York by offering free associates degrees to those who:
• Are a New York State resident
• Are 25-55 years old
• Do not have a college degree
Visit suny.edu/communitycollege/free-cc/ to learn about the available programs near you.
How to Avoid Dog Bites
Any dog may cause a serious bite injury if scared or provoked into believing it must defend itself. Learn the signs that your dog is stressed, uncomfortable, or showing aggression, and how to respond: avma.org/.../dog-bite-prevention.
who.int/.../rabies-dog-language.gif
August is National Immunization Awareness Month!
Vaccinations are a critical part of keeping our communities healthy and safe. They protect us from serious diseases and prevent the spread of infections. Ensuring that you and your loved ones are up-to-date on immunizations helps protect those who are most vulnerable, like infants, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
For more information on vaccination clinics, contact Fulton County Public Health. Let's work together to keep our community healthy!
Milk and Cookies Support Group for Moms
Are you looking for a place to meet other moms in a relaxed and welcoming environment, while enjoying fresh-baked cookies?
Nathan Littauer Hospital is hosting “Milk and Cookies”, a Moms Support Group, at the Nathan Littauer Auditorium. The group is open to all mothers’, including pregnant and expecting moms, whether you’re new to motherhood or have years of experience. Each session will be attended by a NLH Birthing Center RN who can offer guidance and support for every stage of motherhood. Whether you’re looking to meet other local moms, share stories and struggles or just get out of the house --- “Milk and Cookies” is here for you.
NATHAN LITTAUER HOSPITAL AUDITORIUM (GROUND FLOOR)
99 E. STATE ST., GLOVERSVILLE, NY 12078
4pm-6pm
JULY 7/28/25 AUGUST 8/25/25 SEPTEMBER 9/8/25 9/22/25 OCTOBER NOVEMBER 10/6/25 11/3/25 10/20/25 11/17/25 DECEMBER 12/1/25 12/15/25
Gardening in Lead Contaminated Soil
It is gardening time! Lead can get into the body from clothes and shoes used while gardening and on vegetables grown in lead contaminated soil. To lower the amount of lead that that gets into your body click the link to learn more: hbbf.org/.../Lead in Garden Soil
Heatstroke in Hot Vehicles
As the temperature outside warms up, so does the inside of your car. In just minutes, a parked car can heat up and become deadly.
According to the National Safety Council, about 37 children die each year from heat stroke from being left in a hot vehicle. These deaths are tragic and preventable. These safety tips could save a life:
o Always check the back seat before you leave your vehicle
o Place your purse, backpack, briefcase of coat next to your child’s car seat
o Put a sticky note on the dashboard as a reminder to check the back seat
o Keep a stuffed animal or toy in your child’s car seat when empty, then move it to the front seat as a visual reminder your child is in the back seat.
For more information visit:
healthychildren.org/.../Prevent-Child-Deaths-in-Hot-Cars
nhtsa.gov/.../you-can-help-prevent-hot-car-deaths
youtube.com/watch?v=IrmeYF6sPIo
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. kidshealth.org/.../toddler-food.html
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/
