Fulton County Public Health

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

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Be Antibiotics Aware

Antibiotics do not treat infections caused by viruses, including respiratory illnesses such as the common cold or a chest cold. Learn more bit.ly/4mAMTTS #BeAntibioticsAware 

Antibiotics DO NOT WORK against viruses that cause the common cold, most chest colds, flu, and COVID-19. Ask your healthcare professional about the best way to feel better while your body fights off the virus. For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use or call 1-800-CDC-INFO.


Free EPA Lead Trainings

New York State has a new Lead Rental Registry Law that is scheduled to go into effect November 3rd, 2025. Property owners, landlords, and contractors across New York State and in the Lead Rental Registry communities of concern must be EPA certified in Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP). The NYS Rental Registry law will address lead paint hazards in pre-1980 residential rental housing with 2 or more units in these communities of concern. Before the law goes into effect, property owners, landlords, and contractors should get EPA certified in Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP). EPA certification is federally mandated when projects disturb lead-based paint in a pre-1978 home or child-occupied facility.

See our attached November 2025 Lead Training Flyer or visit Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County for a current schedule of free, local trainings to learn lead-safe work practices and help reduce childhood lead poisoning.
Register Here.

Free (monthly) EPA Lead Training, details in image are found at the included link.


Rabies and Stray Animals

Animal bites and scratches can happen anytime anywhere, often by strays or animals you don’t know.
Ensure your protection from the fatal rabies virus, by following these simple steps:
1. If it’s a domestic animal bite: get the owners name and phone number.
2. If the owner is not around or the animals a stray make a note of:
  a. what the animal looks like (a good description),
  b. the color or number of the house’s around you,
  c. the street name and direction the animal came from and ran away to.
3. Wash the wound(s) with soap and water.
4. Seek medical attention immediately, at a local urgent care or hospital ER.
5. Report the animal bite or scratch to:
Fulton County Public Health, 518-736-5720.

BITTEN BY A STRAY OR ANIMAL YOU DON'T KNOW? 1. Get the owners name and phone number. 2. If no owner or stray: • make note of the animals description. o where it came from or went to • your location: street name, house number and color, landmarks 3. Wash wounds with soap and water. 4. Seek medical attention immediately, at a urgent care or hospital ER. 5. Report all bites and scratches to: FULTON COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH 518-736-5720


Protect Yourself from Respiratory Viruses

Protect yourself and others from respiratory viruses this holiday season. Get this year’s flu and COVID vaccines, and the RSV vaccine if you are eligible. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine which vaccines are right for you.

This holiday season spread cheer, not sickness. Get vaccinated for flu, COVID and RSV.


Test Children for Lead at Age 1 and 2

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.

youtube.com/watch?v=MPePSbzV_kg

Test children for lead 1 and 2 years old Or if they have been exposed to lead in older paint, dirt or other sources.


Cancer Screenings

Use the QR Code or visit fideliscare.org/.../Health-Resources/Cancer-Screeningto find out more about the importance of cancer screenings.

Image duplicates the information found at fideliscare.org/Member/Helpful-Tools/Health-Resources/Cancer-Screening. Other information included was : Prostate Cancer - Men ages 55-69 should speak with their primary care provider (PCP) to make an individualized screening decision.


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.

âś… Use at participating grocery stores & farmers markets
âś… 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/

Double Up Food Bucks Locations: Harmony Harvest and Herd Farm Stand Address: 159 Cty Hwy 148, Johnstown, NY 12095 Type: Farm Stand Currency: Tokens Availability: Seasonal (until November 30, 2025)...Price Chopper #12 - Johnstown Address: 241 N. Comrie Ave., Johnstown, NY 12095 Type: Grocery Store Currency: Up to $20 Coupon Availability: Year-Round...Tops Friendly Market #721 Address: 201 N. Main St., Northville, NY 12134 Type: Grocery Store Currency: Up to $20 Coupon Availability: Year-Round...Price Chopper #195 - Gloversville Address: 358 N. Main St., Gloversville, NY 12078 Type: Grocery Store Currency: Up to $20 Coupon Availability: Year-Round...Market 32 #139 Address: 141 Sanford Farms Plaza, Amsterdam, NY 12010 Type: Grocery Store Currency: Up to $20 Coupon Availability: Year-Round


Upcoming Flu & COVID Vaccine Clinic

Upcoming flu and COVID vaccines clinic! Upcoming flu and COVID vaccines clinic! Thursday November 20, 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.

ADIRONDACK HEALTH & WELLNESS FLU and COVID Vaccination Clinic. When: Thursday November 20, 2025 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Where: Lexington Gym 127 E. State Street Gloversville, NY Vaccines Available: Flu Shot (5 years+) Moderna Spikevax 12 and older.


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

enovate Right, Get Certified! What contractors need to know about EPA's Lead- Based Paint Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule Marc Edmonds, U.S. EPA Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics


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 

Protect Your Infant from RSV. RSV immunizations are recommended for infants who are younger than 8 months, born during or entering their first RSV season, whose Mother did not receive RSV vaccine during pregnancy or the infant was born within 14 days of maternal RSV vaccination.


Recall Alert: Moderna Pack n Play

Moderna Pack N Play Mattress Recall.
Name of Product: Modera “Pack N Play” Play Yard Mattress; Organic Cotton Pack N Play Mattress Dual-Sided Portable Baby Crib Pad. The mattresses were sold in white, pink, blue, and gray, and have “Modera baby” printed on labels attached to the mattress. The mattresses are dual-sided, with one side labeled “infant” and the other side labeled “toddler.” The dimensions of the mattress are 38 inches long, 26 inches wide and 1.5 inches thick.
Recall Date: October 30, 2025
Hazard: The after-market play yard mattresses may not adequately fit certain play yards, which is in violation of the mandatory standard for crib mattresses, posing a deadly entrapment hazard. Babies have suffocated in gaps between an undersized mattress, or extra padding, and side walls of a product, especially when the infant’s face becomes trapped against the side and the mattress, preventing the infant from breathing.
Consumer Action: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled mattresses and contact Modera for a full refund. Consumers go to https://moderababy.com/recall to register for the recall and receive instructions on how to dispose of the recalled mattress
Sold At: Amazon from April 2024 through June 2025 for between $30 and $44 For more information:
cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/Modera-Recalls-Modera-Pack-N-Play-Mattresses-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-from-Entrapment-Violates-Mandatory-Standard-for-Crib-Mattresses

Mattress top
Mattress tags - ALL NEW MATERIAL CONSISTING OF POLYURETHANE FOAM 100% REG.NO. 26840(CN) Certification is made by the manufacturer that the materials in this article are described in accordance with the law. Imported by Modero Finished size: 38" x 26" x 1.5" Cover: Organic cotton. Filling: Polyurethane. MADE IN CHINA


Free Mammograms

St. Mary’s Breast Center is performing free mammograms for eligible patients on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 from 3pm-5pm.

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

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

FREE * MAMMOGRAM <


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.

Ensure your child is riding in their car seat correctly and safely.


Recall of Canned Fruit Products

There are multiple recalls on canned fruit products sold at Walmart and Wegmans Food Market stores, per U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports. This is due to the products containing high levels of lead. The following canned fruits are being recalled, including their UPC, lot codes and best-by dates printed on the 15-ounce cans:
Product UPC Lot Code Best-By Date
Great Value Pear Halves in Pear Juice from Concentrate 077890365410 6PJ 09 C2425 SEP 01 2027
Wegmans Fruit Cocktail in 100% Juice with Added Ingredients 077890461525 6FCB 02 C2206 SEP 01 2027
Wegmans Halved Pears in Pear Juice from Concentrate 077890747490 6PJ 09 C2295 SEP 01 2027
Wegmans Organic Pears Sliced in Organic Pear Juice from Concentrate 077890365410 6OPSJ 04 C2893 SEP 01 2027

Approximately 62,340 canned products are impacted by this recall. They were sold at Walmart and Wegmans locations the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Check your pantry, and if you have any of the affected fruit on hand, dispose of it or return to your place of purchase for a potential refund. This collection of recalls have been classified as Class II, meaning the products may lead to minor, temporary health problems.5 But chronic lead exposure can have serious effects on the body. Elevated levels of lead are particularly harmful to young children.
For questions about these recalls, contact the FDA at 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332).
accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/ires/index.cfm?Product=215932
accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/ires/index.cfm?Product=215931
accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/ires/index.cfm?Product=215929
accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/ires/index.cfm?Product=216041
 


CDC Tick Bot

đź•· Been bitten by a tick? Not sure what to do next?

The CDC’s Tick Bite Bot is a free, mobile-friendly tool that walks you through safely removing a tick, caring for the bite, and knowing when it might be time to see a healthcare provider. Just answer a few quick questions and get clear, reliable guidance anytime, anywhere.

Try it here 👉 cdc.gov/.../communicatio.../tick-bite-bot-1.html

Been bitten by a tick? Try the CDC's Tick Bite Bot.


Recall of Sprout Organics Fruit Pouches

Sprout Organics is expanding its September 16, 2025 recall of Sprout Organics® Sweet Potato Apple and Spinach, due to potentially elevated lead levels, to include additional lots. Exposure to lead, even at low levels, may increase blood lead levels. The product, a 3.5-ounce pouch, was sold in Walgreens; in independent retailers in AZ, CO, FL, ID, IL, IN, IA, MA, ME, MN, MS, MO, MT, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, RI, TX, UT, VT, WI, and WY; and online. It was not sold in any other large retail chain besides Walgreens. If consumers have product matching the following description in their possession, they should return it to their local store for a full refund. The expiration date and lot code and are printed on the bottom strip on the back of the pouch (see photos attached).
fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sprout-organics-expands-voluntary-recall 

Lot code 4212
Sprout Organics product


Healthy 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

Five tips to make sure screen time doesn't crowd out other activities for young children: 2 Create screen-free zones at home and in the car. Put devices out of sight when not in use. Make time for outdoor activities, hands-on play, and make-believe play. Read books, snuggle together, and take trips to the library. Put devices away before bedtime and naptime so that children can be well rested. Use device settings, such as time limits, turning off autoplay, and Do Not Disturb on caregiver phones, so that you can stay focused on playing and being together.


We're Hiring!

🌟 Join Our Team — Children’s Services Program Specialist Wanted 🌟
Fulton County Public Health is hiring a Children’s Services Program Specialist to support children with special health care needs and their families. If you’re passionate about helping others and making a difference in your community, we want you!

To learn more about this position, visit: fultoncountyny.gov/.../childrens-services...

CHILDREN'S SERVICES PROGRAM SPECIALIST Position is open to residents of Fulton County To Learn more about the position visit: https://www.fultoncountyny.gov/Employment/ childrens-services-program-specialist


Lead Found in 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 
Screenshot of the information available at https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/more-ground-cinnamon-products-added-fda-public-health-alert-due-presence-elevated-levels-lead
Screenshot of the information available at https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/more-ground-cinnamon-products-added-fda-public-health-alert-due-presence-elevated-levels-lead
Screenshot of the information available at https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/more-ground-cinnamon-products-added-fda-public-health-alert-due-presence-elevated-levels-lead


Fulton County Food Resource Map

🍎 Need help finding food resources in Fulton County?

We’ve created an interactive map showing local food pantries and community meal sites to make it easier for residents to find support.

Click the link to explore locations, hours, and contact information near you: google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1SaoUtT0iXI3S9MGlz5gsZm12m2vGhCg
    *Dates, times, and locations of sites are subject to change. Call the location with any questions.*

Visit https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1SaoUtT0iXI3S9MGlz5gsZm12m2vGhCg&usp=sharing for the locations and details.


Respiratory Virus Vaccine Chart

Vaccines are the best protection against respiratory viruses such as flu, RSV, and COVID-19. Ask your provider where you can get yours today!

Screenshot of the information found at https://www.ndsu.edu/sites/default/files/documents/Resp%20Virus%20Color.pdf


Asthma Triggers and Treatments

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

ASTHMA Triggers: MILK Food Household chemicals Certain medications Dust Smoking Bacteria and Viruses Pets Air Pollution. TreatmentS: Inhaler Medications.


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

Top images help identify pipe material. The bottom image is this EPA pdf: https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2024-06/how-to-id-filters-certified-to-reduce-lead-in-drinking-water-epa_june-2024.pdf


Bats in the Home

Ever wake up to a bat in your room? Bats can carry the fatal rabies virus, so avoid contact with the bat. Close door and keep pets away from the room or area until the bat is captured. Be sure your pets are up-to-date on their rabies vaccine. To ensure proper treatment, it’s important to have the bat tested for rabies. Follow these steps and call Fulton County Public Health at 518-736-5720.

To learn how to safely capture a bat watch this video from the New York State Department of Health: youtube.com/watch?v=_YhnV5WJQBA

What if I wake up and there is a bat in my room? Try to capture the bat by following these steps: 1. Wear thick gloves so there is no direct contact with bat. 2. Do not hit or smash the bat in the head. 3. Put the bat into a puncture resistance container with a lid (i.e. coffee canister). 4. Wash hands immediately after taking gloves off. 5. Call Fulton County Public Health for further instructions. Call Fulton County Public Health at 518-736-5720. We may ask you to bring the bat in for rabies testing. Bats have small, sharp teeth. In certain circumstances, people can be bitten without knowing it.


Renovate Right

Getting a home ready for a new baby sometimes involves doing renovations. In older homes, built before 1978, there may be underlying layers of paint and other materials that contain lead. When materials that contain lead are disturbed they can create lead dust that can increase the risk of lead poisoning for those doing the renovations and for the child. There are safe ways to renovate that decrease the risk of lead poisoning. Scan the QR code and click on the link to learn how to renovate safely.

https://www.epa.gov/lead


🎓 Your Child is Graduating: Now What?

SETF Webinar: A realistic guide for students with disabilities with a focus on the services of ACCES-VR
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Free virtual workshop — open to the public!

👉 Register here:
drny-org.zoom.us/.../register/

How to best advocate for your child? And support your child to be a strong self advocate. What are Pre-Ets and how does your child get them? Does ACCES-VR pay for college? What do they pay for? Your child receives some services through OPWDD, can        they also seek ACCES-VR support? Will ACCES-VR base your child's eligibility on income? When should your child apply for ACCES-VR? And so much more... Come with questions!


The Dangers 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

Lead Exposure Can Cause Lifelong Health Problems Lead exposure harms several body systems including the brain, nervous system, and reproductive system and it can result in Developmental and growth delays Hearing and speech problems Difficulty learning and paying attention Serious illness and death Talk to your healthcare provider about blood lead test you or your child may have been exposed to lead. Get tested!


Happy Veterans Day

Fulton County Public Health will be closed today in observance of Veterans Day. 

HAPPY Veterans Day


We’re Hiring a Public Health Nurse

Join our team and help make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of your community.

To learn more about this position, visit: < ahref="https://www.fultoncountyny.gov/Employment/public-health-nurse">fultoncountyny.gov/Employment/public-health-nurse.

POSITION AVAILABLE! PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE Position is open to residents of Fulton, Montgomery, Hamilton, Herkimer, or Saratoga Counties To Learn more about the position visit: https://www.fultoncountyny.gov/Employment/ public-health-nurse

 

 

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/

 

Public Health - CSHCN Fulton County Community Health Guide