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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Drive-Thru Food Pantry

Regional Food Bank will be hosting a Drive-Thru Food Pantry on

Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 9:00am

Location: Gloversville Transit Station

109 W Fulton St.

Gloversville, NY

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

A(repeats text above) with drawing of various groceries


Harppa High Chair Recall

Name of Product: Harppa 5-in-1 Convertible High Chairs for Babies and Toddlers
Recall Date: October 30, 2025
Hazard: The high chairs pose a risk of serious injury or death to children because they violate the mandatory standard for high chairs. The high chairs were sold without the required attached restraint system, posing a serious risk of falls to children. In addition, a child’s head can become trapped in the opening created between the seat and the tray, posing a deadly entrapment hazard.
For more information:



Harppa High Chair


Bats and Rabies Safety

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


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 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.

Elgibility: Proof of applicant and/or child receiving services including WIC, Medicaid/Child Health Plus, SNAP/EBT and applicants will need to watch a 30 minute installation video and assist in installation.


Free Mammograms at Nathan Littauer Hospital

Nathan Littauer Hospital is performing free mammograms for eligible patients on
Tuesday, November 11, 2025 from 1pm-3pm.

Uninsured patients between the ages of 40-64 are eligible.
Please call Cancer Services for more information 518-841-3726.

Free Mammogram Day - If you are an uninsured, eligible individual 40-64, we can help you get a free breast ex- am, mammogram, pap smear, and pelvic exam. Please call Cancer Services at 518-841-3726 to see if you are eligible.


Postpartum Depression Support

Having a baby can be one of the biggest and happiest events in a person's life. Life with a new baby can be exciting and rewarding, but it can also be stressful at times. Pregnant women and new mothers may struggle with perinatal depression. Many feel tearful, stressed and exhausted. If these feelings get worse or last for several weeks, reach out for support.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Talk with someone today!
  •   Call of text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Text 'Got5’ to 741741 Crisis Text Line
1-855-631-0001 Postpartum Resource Center of NY
For more information: https://postpartumny.org/


Parent to Parent Virtual Event Calendar

Parent to Parent of NYS is where families of individuals with special needs and the professionals who serve them can meet and share information. Check out their November calendar of virtual events. Registration is required. Visit https://www.ptopnys.org/ to learn more.

Information found in a better format at https://www.ptopnys.org/calendar/


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


Reducing Sodium Intake

Eating too much sodium increases your risk for high blood pressure, a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Learn more about how sodium can affect your health. A href="https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/sodium.htm">cdc.gov/heartdisease/sodium.htm

Sodium's favorite hiding spot? Processed and restaurant foods.


Blood Drive at Johnstown Public Library

Join the American Red Cross and Johnstown Public Library for a PAC-MAN–themed Blood Drive.

📅 Wednesday, Dec. 3 | 1–5 PM 📍 Johnstown Public Library Concourse

Donate and score a pair of exclusive Red Cross x PAC-MAN socks. Register online to make your appointment here: redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=JohnstownLibrary

BLOOD DRIVE Wednesday, Dec. 3rd 1:00 to 5:00 Johnstown Public Library Concourse register online. (Decorated with Pac Man and ghosts) What's scarier than seeing Ghosts like Blinky, Pinky, Inky and Clyde? A blood shortage! Will you be our Player One and step up to help? The American Red Cross is teaming up with PAC-MAN to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the legendary game: Score an exclusive pair of Red Cross x PAC-MAN socks For an appointment, please stop at the desk or register online.


Upcoming Flu & COVID Vaccine Clinic

Upcoming flu and COVID vaccines clinic! Thursday November 13, 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 13, 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.


NYS Venison Donation Program

Feeding New York State venison donation program: It is easy to join us in the fight against hunger. The process is as simple as dropping your deer off at a registered meat processor. The venison from donated deer is processed and distributed to food pantries across the state. feedingnys.org/hunters/

Male deer with horns standing in tall grass


Recall Alert: Moderna Pack n Play

Modera 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


Food Safety During Pregnancy

During the holidays we all love to feast on classic food favorites, as well as try new recipes. But not all foods are safe to eat during pregnancy. Certain food bacteria and germs pose a greater health risk for pregnant women and unborn baby’s. It’s important to know the difference between what is safe to eat and what could be harmful to you and your baby.

The following article provides information on which holiday foods and drinks to avoid, as well as some tasty alternatives: whattoexpect.com/.../holiday-foods-to-avoid-during-pregnancy

This safe food choices during pregnancy chart, makes choosing healthy safe foods easier for mothers-to-be: cdc.gov/.../pregnant-people.html

Food Safety During Pregnancy


Early Childhood Developmental Milestones Survey

The goal at the New York State Council on Children and Families (CCF) is simple: to help every child in New York get the best possible start. To do it, we need your voice. This short survey takes just a few minutes, but it can help us make a lasting impact on generations of parents and children.

 Your opinions and experiences can help us:
  â€˘ Understand what families really need to know.
  â€˘Spread the word about childhood development, milestones, and early screenings.
  â€˘Connect parents with trusted resources and support.

The survey is voluntary, anonymous, and confidential.
Take the survey here: EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES SURVEY
Please complete this survey by the end of the day on Tuesday, November 21 to make sure your voice is heard. If you have any questions about the survey, contact us at NYSB5@ccf.ny.gov.
Your feedback will help us support families just like yours across New York State. Thank you for helping us give every child the strong start they deserve!


Signs of a Stroke

Do you know the signs of a stroke? During a stroke, every minute counts.
Taking quick action can safe a life.
Learn more about stroke signs and symptoms here: cdc.gov/stroke 

Signs of Stroke in Men And Women If any of the following signs appear suddenly, call 9-1-1 right away. Numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body. Confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech. Trouble seeing in one or both eyes. Trouble walking, dizziness, or problems with balance. Severe headache with no known cause.


Environmental Effects of 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: health.ny.gov/prevention/tobacco_control/vaping/

KEEP OUR ENVIRONMENT HEALTHY AND STOP VAPING. VAPING HARMS OUR ENVIRONMENT BY: LITIHIUM BATTERIES EXPLODING AND STARTING FIRES. EXPOSING PETS TO HARMFUL CHEMICALS. EXPOSING NATURE TO HARMFUL CHEMICALS.


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
 


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


Infant & Toddler Nutrition

At the age of 6 months old, parents can introduce foods and drinks into their child’s diet. It can be confusing to know which ones are safe to give your child, how often, and which food or drinks to avoid. For ideas and information on what kinds of food and drinks to offer please click the included link. cdc.gov/infant-toddler-nutrition/foods-and-drinks/

Closeup of a baby being fed by a spoon.


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.

Medicare Open Enrollment. Find the right mix at medicare.gov


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:
Wednesday, November 5 • 6:00-7:30pm
Wednesday, November 19 • 6:00-7:30pm
Thursday, December 11 • 6:00-7:30pm
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/

PTECH Prospective Student Nights


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.


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.


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

Respiratory Virus Guidance Snapshot. CORE STRATEGIES: Immunizations,Hygiene Steps for Cleaner Air. Additional Prevention Strategies: Makss, Distancing, Tests. Layering prevention strategies can be especially helpful when: Respiratory viruses are causing a lot of illness in your community. You or those around you have risk factors for severe illness. You or those around you were recently exposed, are sick, or are recovering. *Stay home and away from others until your symptoms are getting better AND you are fever-free (without meds) for 24 hrs.* Then take added precaution for the next 5 days.


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


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.

IT'S OFFICIAL: FREE COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOR NEW YORK ADULTS IS HERE. SUNY.

 

 

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