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
Medicare Open Enrollment
It’s easy to compare Medicare coverage options, shop for plans, and feel confident in your choice. Open enrollment begins on October 15, 2025.
Get started at medicare.gov/plan-compare.
Calming Yourself
Some useful tips from New York State Department of Health’s Be Well Public Awareness Campaign include ways to help stay calm when under stressful situations. To learn more about the importance of mental wellness and how factors such as stress and trauma can affect mental health, use the QR code or go to bewell.ny.gov.
Lead Pipes
Lead exposure, even in small amounts, may cause health problems. It is connected with behavior and learning problems in kids, and high blood pressure and kidney problems in adults. The federal government banned the use of leaded pipe and solder in new plumbing systems in 1986, but many remaining pipe networks in older cities and homes predate the policy. To learn how to identify lead water pipes in your home click the link and watch the video.
youtube.com/watch?v=PcO5FCE9Vfw
Vaccinate Your Pets for Rabies
Make sure your pets are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations. It helps reduce the risk of exposure for them & everyone in your home. If your pets are too young get their rabies shot, they should be supervised while outdoors. More rabies safety info: health.ny.gov/.../zoonoses/rabies
Rides for Recovery
• Need a ride to support your recovery?
The Rides for Recovery program can help you get to recovery events, meetings, treatment, pharmacy visits, court appointments, and more — wherever you need to go as you grow in your recovery journey.
• Call or text at least 48 hours in advance during business hours:
• 518-705-4626
This service is provided by the Rob Constantine Recovery and Community Outreach Center youreinrecovery.com
Empty Bowls Fundraiser
November 6, 2025
5PM – 7PM
HFM BOCES Main Campus – 2755 State Hwy 67, Johnstown, NY
Enjoy a warm meal, take home a handcrafted bowl, and help fight hunger in your community. Proceeds benefit local food pantries.
Tickets & info: https://bit.ly/EBOWLS25
Text EBowls25 to 41444
Call (518) 842-4202 Ă—3116
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, Fox Run Golf Club, Lakeside Tavern & Marina, Roger’s Family Orchards, and Sport Island Pub and Restaurant.
Flu and Covid Clinic
Upcoming flu and COVID vaccines clinic! Thursday October 16, 2025 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. If you are interested sign up here: booknow.appointment-plus.com/6z7p0e2q/?e_id=3727 or call Adirondack Health and Wellness at 518-886-8251 if you have questions or need help signing up.
Safe Renovation Practices
Do-it-yourself-ers and contractors can help prevent childhood lead poisoning by using lead safe work practices. Click the link to learn about the laws regarding renovations and repairs in older housing.
Are there any links that you would like shared with this? If yes, please provide link information. youtube.com/watch?v=ON6owT_WeGA
Older Adult Mental Health Training
Older Adult Mental Health First Aid training will be offered on October 21–22, 8:30am–12:30pm at the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts in Gloversville.
This program equips family members, caregivers, and staff with the tools to support older adults facing mental health challenges—and guide them to the help they need.
• Free training
• Light breakfast included
• Certification as a Mental Health First Aider
• 2736 NY-30, Gloversville, NY
• Register here: OA-MHFA-PNC.eventbrite.com
October is Safe Sleep month!
A safe sleep environment helps reduce an infants risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related deaths. One of the easiest ways to help protect your baby from SIDS and suffocation is providing them with their own safe sleep area.
Share a room with your baby - not a bed! Follow the ABC’s of safe sleep:
Alone, on their Back and in a Crib!!
For more information visit: safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/reduce-risk/reduce
Try this interactive E-Handout from the National Institute for Children’s Health Quality to test your knowledge on Infant Safe Sleep:
Safe Sleep Handout
youtube.com/watch?v=NXmjGbBLP60
#SafeToSleep, #SIDSAwarenessMonth, #SafeInfantSleep
Free Car Seat Checks
Fulton County Public Health is proud to offer a Free Car Seat Program for Fulton County Residents. Do you need help installing a car seat? Do you need assistance purchasing a car seat? Qualifying individuals can receive a free infant seat, convertible seat, and/or booster seat.
Free Car Seat Check Clinics are being held every Wednesday from 10am-noon at Fulton County Public Health Department. Call us at 518-736-5720 to make an appointment.
Test Children for Lead
Removing lead hazards from the environment before a child is exposed to lead is the most effective way to ensure that children do not experience harmful long-term effects of lead exposure. Click the link below to hear one family’s story on how their child became poisoned and how to tell what your child’s blood lead level is. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPePSbzV_kg
Prevent Childhood Lead Poisoning
Lead from years ago often remains in the environment inside and outside homes. Learn about things you can do to lower the chances of your child being poisoned.
Lead poisoning : 5 things you can do to lower your child's lead level
Envenenamiento por plomo: cinco cosas que puede hacer para reducir el nivel de plomo de su hijo
Health Benefits of Fluoridated Water
Fluoridated water:
Keeps teeth strong.
Prevents expensive dental treatments.
Is an accessible form of preventative health care.
Learn more about what fluoride is and why it matters for your health: cdc.gov/oral-health/prevention/about-fluoride
Prevent the Spread of Respiratory Viruses
Recommendations on when to stay home and when to go back to normal activities after respiratory illnesses including COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in non-healthcare settings.
cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/
youtu.be/R-qZOuRksI4
Exposure to lead can occur when children put objects in their mouths or touch some painted surfaces. Lead can poison a person, and it is especially hazardous for young children. Click the link to learn more about childhood lead poisoning. epa.gov/lead
Properly Storing Firearms
Responsible gun ownership is also about safe storage. Safe gun storage means unloaded and locked in a secure place such as a gun safe or lock box. The key or lock combination should only be accessible to authorized users. gunsafety.ny.gov
Stay Healthy & Stop Vaping
For more information on how vaping affect’s teenagers and the world around them, visit New York State Department of Health’s Know the Risks: Nicotine is Not Safe for Teens.
Upcoming Flu & COVID Vaccine Clinic
Upcoming flu and COVID vaccines clinic! Thursday October 16, 2025 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. If you are interested sign up here : https://booknow.appointment-plus.com/6z7p0e2q/?e_id=3727 or call Adirondack Health and Wellness at 518-886-8251 if you have questions or need help signing up.
Renovate Right
Do-it-yourself-ers and contractors can help prevent childhood lead poisoning by using lead safe work practices. Click the link to learn about the laws regarding renovations and repairs in older housing.
youtube.com/watch?v=ON6owT_WeGA
Older Adult Mental Health First Aid Training
Older Adult Mental Health First Aid training will be offered on October 21–22, 8:30am–12:30pm at the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts in Gloversville.
This program equips family members, caregivers, and staff with the tools to support older adults facing mental health challenges—and guide them to the help they need.
• Free training
• Light breakfast included
• Certification as a Mental Health First Aider
• 2736 NY-30, Gloversville, NY
• Register here: OA-MHFA-PNC.eventbrite.com
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/
