Director of Public Health:
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
Stay safe from extreme heat this summer and visit these links to get information on your heat risk, learn where the cooling centers are located in your area, and how to prepare for the heat.
Safe Toys & Activities for Children
Are you are a parent or a caregiver of a child with special needs? Did you know that there are simple toys and activities you could be using at home that promote improved cognition, speech development and gross and fine motor skills? Here are some simple activities and toys every family should know about. Now, Let’s Play!.png)
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:
• Fox Run Golf Course
• Lakeside Tavern
• Fulton County Visitor's Center
• Nick Stoner Golf Course
• Rogers Orchards
School Vaccination Requirements
Back to school is a great time to get kids caught up on required and recommended vaccines. Learn more about what is required and what is recommended and schedule their back to school visit today: health.ny.gov/prevention/immunization/schools/school_vaccines/
Become an Early Intervention Provider
Stay Safe on the Water: Wear Your Life Jacket!
NYS Early Intervention Program needs YOU! There currently is a shortage of qualified providers, which causes children to placed on waiting lists for services. For more information call 518-473-7016 (option 1-Provider Unit) or use the link.
health.ny.gov/.../service_providers/
Kitchen Safety Tips
With all the fun and delicious cooking happening in our kitchens, let's take a quick moment to talk about safety. Here are some simple tips to keep our cooking adventures accident-free:
1. Always keep a watchful eye on the stove when it's in use. Unattended cooking can lead to dangerous situations.
2. Keep flammable items like kitchen towels and oven mitts away from the stove to prevent fires.
3. Make sure to handle knives and other sharp utensils with care. Always cut away from yourself and keep fingers away from the blade.
4. Clean up spills promptly to prevent slips and falls. A tidy kitchen is a safe kitchen!
5. When handling hot pots and pans, use oven mitts or pot holders to protect your hands.
Let's cook up some delicious meals safely!
Stay Safe. Wear a Life Jacket.
Stay Safe on the Water: Wear Your Life Jacket!
Did you know that in New York State, it's the law for children under 13 to wear a life jacket while on a boat? But it's not just about following the rules—life jackets save lives!
Whether you're boating, fishing, or just enjoying a day on the water, wearing a life jacket can make all the difference in an emergency. They keep you afloat, making it easier for rescuers to find and help you.
Let’s protect our loved ones and make water safety a priority. Always wear your life jacket and ensure those around you do too. Safe boating, everyone!
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
Drowning is Preventable
Drowning is the leading cause of death nationally for children ages 1-4. Children should always be supervised around water. More tips about staying safe while having fun in the water:health.ny.gov/.../swimming/
Dangers of Vaping
With teen vaping on the rise it is important to talk with youth about the dangers of vaping and e-cigarettes. E-cigarettes contain just as much nicotine and harmful chemicals as regular cigarettes. If you or your child is struggling with vaping, please visit nysmokefree.com or text “QUITNOW” to 333888.
Extreme Heat Safety Links
Extreme heat can lead to heat stroke, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, dehydration, and death. Anyone can be at risk, but some are more vulnerable, including pregnant women, people with heart or lung conditions, young children, older adults, athletes, and outdoor workers.
This link when accessed along with a zip code connects to our county profile and provides specific information on its vulnerable populations, how extreme heat events are changing in the community, and critical resources for use during an extreme heat event: ephtracking.cdc.gov/.../heatTracker/
cdc.gov/extreme-heat/about
Extreme Heat Safety Links
Extreme heat can lead to heat stroke, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, dehydration, and death. Anyone can be at risk, but some are more vulnerable, including pregnant women, people with heart or lung conditions, young children, older adults, athletes, and outdoor workers.
This link when accessed along with a zip code connects to our county profile and provides specific information on its vulnerable populations, how extreme heat events are changing in the community, and critical resources for use during an extreme heat event: ephtracking.cdc.gov/.../heatTracker/
cdc.gov/extreme-heat/about
First Time Parents Guide
Becoming a parent for the first time is very exciting but can also be stressful with worries and concerns about for caring for your child. For tips on topics such as holding your baby, diapering, bathing, feeding, and more, please click the link below:
kidshealth.org/.../guide-parents
NYS Fish Advisories for Consumption
Fish can be a great choice for a healthy diet. However, some fish contain chemicals at levels that may be harmful. Statewide advice for eating fish you catch is no longer 4 meals/month and now changes by fish. Catch the latest advice at health.ny.gov/fish
Summer Travel Safety Tips
Keep your child(ren) safe while traveling this summer.
Before going on your summer vacation, review these Travel Safety Tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Center for Disease Control (CDC).
If you have questions about car seat safety, call Fulton County Public Health at 518-736-5720 before traveling this summer.
healthychildren.org/.../Travel-Safety-Tips
wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/children/
Outdoor Learning Activities for Children
Summer is here and it’s the perfect time to get your children outside to help them gain early skills. Here is a list of outdoor activities you can do with your toddler to help them learn through play and fun activities.
teaching2and3yearolds.com/preschool-outdoor-learning-ideas
We are Hiring!
Fulton County Public Health has a position available!
• Public Health Educator
To view job postings click here: fultoncountyny.gov/.../public-health-educator
Contact Fulton County Personnel office to apply.
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/
