Preschool Programs in Fulton and Montgomery Counties

Fulmont Community Action is now accepting applications for their free preschool program in Fulton and Montgomery counties. This program is offered to eligible families for children ages 3-5.

Scan the QR code or visit fulmont.org to learn more.

Don't Drink and Drive

Don’t plan to DRINK 🍻 without a plan to get home SAFELY 🔑 🏠. Your life and the lives of others are at risk every time a driver gets behind the wheel after drinking.

Alliance for Positive Health

For almost 40 years, the Alliance for Positive Health (formerly the AIDS Council of Northeastern New York) has been a leader in fighting the epidemic of HIV/AIDS serving 15 counties in northeastern New York. As a leader in testing and care coordination services for those living with HIV, their responsibility is to extend that expertise to those impacted by sexually transmitted diseases, opioid addiction, and associated health and mental heatlh challenges. SERVING 15 COUNTIES OF NORTHEASTERN NEW YORK - ALBANY, CLINTON, COLUMBIA, ESSEX, FRANKLIN, FULTON, GREENE, HAMILTON, MONTGOMERY, RENSSELAER, SARATOGA, SCHENECTADY, SCHOHARIE, WARREN, AND WASHINGTON COUNTIES. allianceforpositivehealth.org

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. By screening for cervical cancer, you may be able to prevent it. If you're 21 or older, talk to your health care provider about screening options. It could save your life! health.ny.gov/.../screening_recommendations

Healthy Social Media Habits

📱 Is your child’s screen time crowding out other activities?

Make space for play, reading, rest, and family time by setting screen-free zones and turning off autoplay.

Healthy media habits start early!

Learn more from the American Academy of Pediatrics: aap.org/.../media-and-children.

Kimball Street Warming Center

The Kimball Street Warming Center is open for the winter season.
Located at 1 Kimball St., Amsterdam, the center is open daily from November 15, 2025 through April 15, 2026, with doors opening at 5:00 PM.
Services are available on a first come, first served basis for single adults. For more information, call 518-842-4202 ext. 3114.

Milestone Tracker

Is your child’s development on track? Learn what to look for and what to do if you have concerns. CDC’s newly updated, FREE Milestone Tracker app can help! #MilestoneTracker app at cdc.gov/MilestoneTracker.

Upcoming Food Distribution

Regional Food Bank will be hosting a Drive-Thru Food Distribution on Monday, January 26, 2026 at 9:00am

Location: Gloversville Transit Station
(Please use the W. Pine St. entrance)

Click here to learn more: regionalfoodbank.net/drive-thru-pantry-schedule

Martin Luther King Day

Fulton County Public Health will be closed Monday, January 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Day.

Double Up Food Bucks NYS

Stretch your SNAP dollars & eat more fresh produce! 

With Double Up Food Bucks NY, every $1 you spend on fruits & veggies with SNAP = $1 more free to spend on fresh produce.

✅ Use at participating grocery stores & farmers markets
✅ Eat healthy, save money, and support local farms

Click the link to find out how it works: https://doubleupnys.com/how-double-up-food-bucks-works/

Video and Poster Contest 

Do you know a K-12th grade student that likes to make videos or create posters? The National Poison Prevention Week Council is holding a contest for all K-12th students to create a video or poster with the 2026 theme of “When the Unexpected Happens, Poison Help is here for you”. For more information about the contest and its prizes for the winners, visit judgify.me/nppw-contest-2026.

Vaccines During Pregnancy

Are you pregnant? Vaccines protect both mom and baby. Talk to your health care provider about recommended vaccines.

Learn more: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines-pregnancy/

National Blood Donor Month

January is National Blood Donor Month. A single blood donation can potentially save more than one life since blood can be broken down into plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelet components. Please click on the link to learn more about the eligibility requirements for donating blood. Blood Donation Eligibility Requirements | Red Cross Blood Services

Free Mammograms

St. Mary’s Breast Center is performing free mammograms for eligible patients on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 from 3pm-5pm.

Uninsured patients between the ages of 40-64 are eligible.

Please call Cancer Services for more information 518-841-3726.

Lead-Based Paint and Safe Renovations

Homes built before 1978 are more likely to have lead-based paint. The federal government banned consumer use of lead-based paint in 1978, but it is still present in millions of homes. Common Renovation, Repair and Paint (RRP) activities that disturb lead-based paint (like sanding, cutting, replacing windows, and more) can create hazardous lead dust and chips which can be harmful to adults and children. Home RRP projects that create even a small amount of lead dust are enough to poison your child and put your family at risk.
youtube.com/watch?v=YnbH7crk-Us 
epa.gov/lead/lead-safe-renovations-diyers

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month!

“Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer” – American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG). The best way to prevent cervical cancer is to start early, by getting the HPV vaccine, followed by routine screenings.

The HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine is 97% effective at preventing cervical cancer and cell changes that can lead to other forms of cancer. The vaccine can be given as early as age 9 and is approved for use through age 45.

Starting at age 21, women should begin routine cervical cancer screenings though a Pap test. Early detection is the key to early treatment and recovery.

For more information visit:
acog.org/wom.../videos/cervical-cancer-screening
nccc-online.org/cervical-health-awareness-month

Project Lifesaver

The Fulton County Sheriff’s Department has Project Lifesaver, a search and rescue program. As seen in the graphic, the personal transmitter is about the size of a watch and emits a signal that helps to quickly locate an enrolled individual. The program is intended for children with developmental delays or diagnosed conditions such as Down Syndrome or Autism who are prone to escaping, as well as for Alzheimer’s patients. Project Lifesaver is free of charge to Fulton County residents but requires the transmitter battery be changed every 60 days. For more information, contact the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department at 518-736-2100.

Sodium and Your Health

Eating too much sodium, which is the primary ingredient in salt, can raise your blood pressure, as well as your risk of heart attack and stroke. Start by checking labels and choosing fresh fruits and vegetables. Visit: health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/sodium_reduction

Recall on Aluminum Saucepans

Town Food Service Equipment Co., Inc. of Brooklyn, NY is recalling aluminum saucepans because they have the potential to be contaminated with lead {Pb) which may leach into food. Lead is toxic to humans and can affect people of any age or health status, and there is no known safe level of exposure to lead. Even low levels of lead exposure can cause serious health problems, particularly in children and fetuses. Consuming food with elevated lead levels can contribute to elevated levels of lead in the blood. Children and babies are more susceptible to lead toxicity due to their smaller body size, metabolism, and rapid growth. At low levels, children may not have obvious symptom but can still experience trouble learning, low IQ, and behavior changes. At higher levels of lead exposure, people may experience fatigue, headache, stomach pain, vomiting, or neurologic changes. The saucepans being recalled were distributed in AL, AR. AZ, CA. CO, FL, GA. IL, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, Ml, MN, MO, MS, NC, NJ, NM, NV. NY, OH, OK, PA. RI. SC. SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, WA WV, Puerto Rico and Quebec City, Canada through its network of authorized food service equipment dealers, which include retailers, between January 1, 2023 and November 30, 2025.The 4 sizes of aluminum saucepans being recalled have capacities ranging from 1 quart to 3 quarts, have indented graduations on the interior, and a plated steel handle riveted to the body. The pans, boxes, or bags the pans are packed in may be marked with one of the following items or SKU numbers:
Item no. Description SKU
35400 Town brand 1 Quart Aluminum Saucepan 843784003559
35401 Town brand 1-1/2 Quart Aluminum Saucepan 843784003566
35402 Town brand 2 Quart Aluminum Saucepan 843784003573
35403 Town brand 3 Quart Aluminum Saucepan 843784003580

Learn more about this recall by visiting the following link:
fda.gov/.../town-food-service-equipment-co-inc-recalls-aluminum-saucepans

The Fulton County Public Health App

Your health matters—and staying informed has never been easier! Download the Fulton County Public Health App to get updates, programs, and resources that help keep Fulton County strong and healthy.

apps.myocv.com/.../a34012095

Birth Defects Awareness Month

January is Birth Defects Awareness Month! 

Every 4.5 minutes a baby is born with a birth defect in the U.S. Birth defects are structural changes that develop in a baby before birth, that cause lifelong health conditions. Birth defects is a medical term relating to the condition, it doesn’t mean the child is defective. Each newborn health condition is unique and different.

Not all birth defects are preventable. However there are many ways to reduce the risk and help you and your baby as healthy as possible.
• Get 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day.
• Try to prevent infections.
• Take charge of existing health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
• See a healthcare professional regularly.
• Get recommended vaccines.
• Avoid alcohol, smoking, and other recreational drugs.
• Talk to a healthcare professional about any medications you take.

For more information: 
cdc.gov/birth-defects/awareness-month
marchofdimes.org/.../birth-defects-and-your-baby
healthychildren.org/.../Simple-Steps-to-Prevent-Infections-During-Pregnancy

Lead Prevention Pilot Program

Leading In Lead Prevention Pilot Program grant funding may be available for lead based paint remediation and abatement for eligible properties. Scan the QR code, call or email Better Community Neighborhoods Inc. (BCNI) to learn more. bcnihousing.org

Handling Trauma

Some useful tips from New York State Department of Health’s Be Well Public Awareness Campaign include ways to recognize trauma and how to handle it. To learn more about the importance of mental wellness and how factors such as stress and trauma can affect mental health, go to bewell.ny.gov.

Blue Envelope Program

The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office is joining with law enforcement agencies across the country to implement The Blue Envelope Program. It is designed as an assist to drivers or passengers who live with autism or other conditions that may impair their ability to communicate during an accident or traffic stop. Please contact the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office at 518-736-2100 to obtain one.

Bulky Coats and Car Seats

The days are getting colder and it’s time to make sure infant’s and young children are safe and warm while riding in the car. Bulky puffy jackets cause loose fitting car seat harnesses, putting your child at risk of injury during a car crash. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests doing the following to keep your child car seat safe and warm this winter:
▪ Dress your child in thin layers, like thermals and sweaters with a thin fleece jacket
▪ Use the child's coat or blanket over the car seat harness, not under the harness
▪ Tighten and check the car seat harness; if you can pinch the straps, then they need to be tightened
▪ Use a car seat cover only if it doesn’t have a layer under the body; nothing bulky under the baby

For more winter car seat safety tips go to:
healthychildren.org/.../Winter-Car-Seat-Safety-Tips.aspx 
youtube.com/watch?v=7xBMbE4SY2Q (Car Seat Mishap #3 - Improper Fit) 

Indoor Walking Programs in Fulton County

Indoor walking/swimming is back at the Gloversville, Johnstown, and Mayfield school districts. They are a great way to stay active during the winter months. Indoor walking/swimming for all districts will only take place on days when school is in session and will be cancelled when district activities/school is also cancelled.


For Gloversville High School Indoor Walking Program:
• Takes place from November 3, 2025 – TBD, on Mondays – Thursdays from 5:30pm - 7:30pm.
• For adults that are 18 years and older.
• Participants must sign in and out at the entrance at the main office. 


For the GJSD Indoor Walking Program:
• Takes place from December 1, 2025 – April 4, 2026, on Mondays – Thursdays from 6:00pm - 8:00 pm at Warren St. Elementary School.
• Use the main entrance and sign in with the school attendant present.
• Closed February 16, 2026 – February 19, 2026.

For the GJSD Indoor Swimming Program:
• Takes place from December 6, 2025 – TBD, on Saturdays from 9:00am - 11:00am at Johnstown High School. 
• Use the back entrance by the pool/bus loop and sign in with the school attendant present.
• Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Toddlers and younger must wear swimming diapers in the pool. You are allowed to bring in your own swimming aides (swimmies and other devices that are intended to help you stay afloat and swim). Pool floats are prohibited.


For the Mayfield Elementary School Indoor Walking Program:
• Takes place from January 5, 2026 – TBD, on Mondays – Fridays from 5:00pm - 8:00pm.
• For adults that are 18 years and older. Those who are younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult who is 18 years and older. 
• Participants must sign in and out everytime they walk. 
• Walkers must sign an insurance waiver at their first visit to the program that will be held on file. Insurance waivers will be available at the front door or can be accessed here: Waiver-fillable-PDF. To digitally sign the online waiver: please download first, complete and sign all fillable fields, and email to: anastasia.stacie@mayfieldcsd.org.

Respiratory Virus Season

Flu, COVID-19, RSV and other respiratory illnesses can be serious. The first step to protect yourself and your family is to be up to date on vaccinations. Learn about vaccines and the protection they offer everyone. health.ny.gov/.../frequently_asked_questions.htm.

Recall on Rheumacare Capsules

Handelnine Global Limited d/b/a Navafresh is voluntarily recalling Rheumacare Capsules by Virgo UAP Pharma Pvt. Ltd. In testing conducted by the Food and Drug Administration the product has been found to contain lead at levels up to 11,100 ppm, which are higher than permissible levels. Click on the link provided to see if your product is part of the recall. fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/handelnine-global-limited-dba-navafresh-issues-nationwide-recall-rheumacare-capsules-virgo-uap

Free Cancer Screenings at Nathan Littauer Hospital

Free cancer screening is being offered for eligible patients on Tuesday, January 13, from 1pm to 3pm at Nathan Littauer Hospital.

Offering free breast exams, mammograms, pap smears, and pelvic exams.

Uninsured patients between the ages of 40-64 are eligible. 

Please call Cancer Services for more information 518-841-3726.

Cancer Services Program

Screening for cervical cancer can be a lifesaver! Screening can find the cells that lead to cancer so they can be removed. 

If you have a cervix, talk to your doctor about getting this important screening. 

If you do not have insurance, the Cancer Services Program of Fulton, Montgomery, and Schenectady Counties may be able to help you get a free cervical cancer screening. Call 518-841-3726. 

Learn more about the Cancer Services Program at their website: smha.org/services/free-cancer-screenings/

Free EPA Lead Trainings

FREE EPA Lead Trainings. EPA Certified Renovator Class Training Schedule for January 2026. Participants must pre-register. Class size is limited. All trainings are free.

EPA certification is federally mandated when projects disturb lead-based paint in a pre-1978 home or residential unit and child-occupied facilities. Property owners, landlords, and contractors throughout New York State performing lead-safe repairs must be EPA certified in Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP).

In addition to this federal requirement, the New York State Lead Rental Registry Law requires property owners to address lead paint hazards in pre-1980 residential rental housing with 2 or more units in 25 communities of concern. Learn more about the new requirements for property owners under the NYS Lead Rental Registry Law.

See our attached January 2026 Lead RRP Training Flyer or visit Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County for a current schedule of free, local EPA Lead RRP trainings to learn lead-safe work practices and help reduce childhood lead poisoning. Click the link to register: 
Register Here.

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 

STI Prevention

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are both common bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that can be transmitted through oral, vaginal, or anal sex and most people do not have symptoms. If the STIs are not treated, they can cause serious problems like pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. Acquiring these STIs can put people at risk for HIV, and some cancers. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are preventable and curable.

RSV Vaccines for Infants

RSV can cause severe illness in newborns. Antibody immunizations can help protect against RSV.

Learn more: cdc.gov/.../protect-infants.html 

PTECH Prospective Student Nights

Students and their families are invited to learn about the HFM Pathways in Technology Early College High School program (PTECH). PTECH’s innovative program offers real-world experiences and focuses on collaborative, hands-on learning in a space where students take the lead role in their learning. Best of all - students earn a 2-year college degree AT NO COST to their families.

Any student interested in applying to PTECH for the 2026-27 school year is encouraged to attend one of our Prospective Student Nights and hear more about what makes PTECH so special.

Prospective Student Nights will be held on:
Tuesday, January 6 • 6:00-7:30pm
Wednesday, January 14 • 6:00-7:30pm

PTECH applications for the 2026-27 school year are due January 30, 2026. Information on applying can be found at hfmboces.org/ptech-applynow/

Build Budget-Friendly Meals 

MyPlate Kitchen has recipes and resources to help build healthy, budget-friendly meals. Find #MyPlate Kitchen (and other healthy eating resources) at myplate.gov/whatsonmyplate. For more tips, follow #WhatsOnMyPlate and see how others are using MyPlate to save.

SUNY Reconnect - 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.

FDA Warnings: Lead in Imported Cookware

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning retailers and consumers not to sell or use certain imported cookware that may leach significant levels of lead (Pb) into food. Some types of imported cookware products made from aluminum, brass, and aluminum alloys known as Hindalium/Hindolium or Indalium/Indolium have been tested by FDA and state partners, and found to leach lead into food when used for cooking, thereby making food unsafe. Young children, women of child-bearing age, and those who are breastfeeding may be at higher risk for potential adverse events after eating food cooked using these products. FDA Issues Warning About Imported Cookware That May Leach Lead: August 2025 | FDA

Closed for the Holiday

Fulton County Public Health will be closed on Thursday, January 1, in observance of the holiday. We wish you a safe and happy New Year.

Asthma Triggers and Treatments

Be aware of asthma triggers in your environment and learn how to reduce them health.ny.gov/publications/4955/

Keep It Moving Challenge

The 2026 Keep It Moving Challenge from the APHA is kicking off January 1st! Sign up today by scanning the QR code or by going to hekahealth.com/apha26.

The Health Risks of Vaping

Vaping puts health at risk. Nicotine in e-cigarettes is highly addictive and especially harmful for youth. Let’s work together in Fulton County to prevent vaping and support healthier choices. https://teen.smokefree.gov/quit-vaping

Tips for Family Tension Around Alzheimer's

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s can bring many challenges, not just for the individual, but for the entire family. The Alzheimer’s Association offers helpful tips to manage stress, strengthen communication, and support one another through each stage of the journey.

If your family is navigating Alzheimer’s, remember you are not alone. For 24/7 assistance, the Alzheimer’s Association Helpline is available anytime at 800-272-3900.
Follow the link to learn more: alz.org/.../resources/resolving-family-conflicts.

Kimball Street Warming Center

The Kimball Street Warming Center is open for the winter season.
Located at 1 Kimball St., Amsterdam, the center is open daily from November 15, 2025 through April 15, 2026, with doors opening at 5:00 PM.
Services are available on a first come, first served basis for single adults. For more information, call 518-842-4202 ext. 3114.

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.

Autism Awareness Visor Card Program

The New York State Police have developed the Autism Awareness Visor Card program in effort to assist in communication and reduce confusion and fear during police interactions. Each patrol vehicle will be equipped with a card to use as needed. Copies are also available to the public to be downloaded and printed here: https://troopers.ny.gov/.../autism-card-v2.pdf.

The Importance of Prevention

Knowing how to prevent and control the spread of STIs/HIV and unplanned pregnancies will help_ you talk openly with your sexual partner(s) and be in control of your sexual health. Click the link below to learn more about your prevention options.

campaigns.health.ny.gov/SexualHealth/PreventionAndControl

Lights on for Life

Drunk and impaired driving can be deadly. Raise awareness about impaired driving this season and join the Lights on for Life campaign. 

Scan QR code or click here to sign the pledge: https://docs.google.com/forms.

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

Merry Christmas from Fulton County Public Health

Fulton County Public Health wishes you a safe and Merry Christmas. The office will be closed on Thursday, December 25, in observance of the holiday.

Negative Health Effects of Lead Exposure

Lead exposure can cause lifelong health problems. If you, or anyone else, have been exposed to lead talk to your healthcare provider about getting tested. Click the link below for a video on the health related dangers of lead and how to prevent them. youtu.be/nPD3G0Xaurg

Recall on Ground Cinnamon Products

The FDA is continuing to analyze cinnamon and review sample results received from state partners who have been continuously sampling ground cinnamon at retail for elevated levels of lead. This public health alert will be updated as necessary if the FDA finds that additional products contain elevated levels of lead and that exposure to these products may be unsafe.
• The FDA is advising consumers to stop using and dispose of the ground cinnamon products listed in the table.
• Consumers should not eat, sell, or serve ground cinnamon products listed in the table and should discard them.
• These products have a long shelf life. Consumers should check their homes and discard these products.
• If there’s suspicion that someone has been exposed to elevated levels of lead, talk to your healthcare provider. Most people have no obvious immediate symptoms of lead exposure.
• Consumers who have symptoms should contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and receive care. To report a complaint or adverse event (illness or serious allergic reaction), visit Industry and Consumer Assistance.
fda.gov/.../more-ground-cinnamon-products-added-fda-public-health-alert-due-presence-elevated-levels-lead

Recall on CreateOn Crayola Pip-Cubes

Due to the potential hazards this product presents to children if ingested, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled CreateOn Crayola Pip-Cubes. If swallowed, these magnetic pieces can pose serious injuries to your child. Please click the link provided to view the warning and recall. cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/CreateOn-Recalls-Pip-Cubes-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-from-Magnet-Ingestion-Hazard

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