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.

Protect Infants from RSV

RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus) is the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the U.S. As a parent or care giver it’s important you know the symptoms and seek medical attention quickly.
RSV symptoms in infants and young children may include: 
  • Runny nose
  • Irritability
  • Eating or drinking less
  • Cough, which may progress to wheezing or difficulty breathing
  • Apnea (pauses in breathing for more than 10 seconds)

There are 2 ways to protect your infant from RSV. Most infants only need one, not both.
  1. RSV vaccine given during pregnancy, between 32-36 weeks pregnant and usually given seasonally from September – January.
  2. RSV antibody recommended for infants younger than 8 months old and usually given seasonally from October – March.

For more information visit:
  • cdc.gov/rsv/infants-young-children
  • healthychildren.org/.../RSV-When-Its-More-Than-Just-a-Cold
  • Youtube: RSV Prevention Breakthrough: Protect Your Baby with Nirsevimab

Recall of Eagle Spice Ground Ginger

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a notice that Eagle Spice and Extract Co., Inc. has recalled Eagle Spice Ground Ginger, 16-ounce bottles with lot code 24907EGGG having a “Best Used By” date of January 27, 2028 due to the potential for toxic lead contamination. It is reported the product was distributed in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania and may have been sold via online retailers and other outlets._The FDA advises consumers to immediately discard this product and not to consume it. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/ires/?Event=97798

Lead-free for a Bright Future

Childhood lead poisoning cannot be seen and can go undiagnosed if a child does not have their blood levels of lead tested. Click the link below to watch a video from the CDC on the importance of childhood blood lead testing. youtube.com/watch?v=MPePSbzV_kg

Safe Gun Storage

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

Rabies and Wild Animals

Wild animals belong in nature, not in your hands!

  • Don’t touch wild or stray animals. Some wild animals may be rabid. It is best to avoid wild animals and teach children not to touch wild animals.
  • Avoid touching stray animals. A stray cat may seem friendly, but can become scared and bite.
  • If there is a stray animal in your neighborhood, contact your local animal control authority.
  • Seek medical care and treatment for all animal bites.

Put your family first and protect yourself from rabies!
To learn more go to: health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/zoonoses/rabies/

Mental Health is Health

Mental health is health. Supporting your wellness helps you feel better and live a healthier life. Visit bewell.ny.gov for tips on managing stress, finding your calm, supporting resilience, and healing trauma.

ByHeart Inc Infant Formula Recall

Name of Product: ByHeart Inc, Whole Nutrition Infant Formula, all lot numbers

24 oz cans; UPC: 85004496800
0.6 oz single serve “Anywhere Pack” sticks; UPC: 85004496802

Recall Date: November 8th, 2025: updated November 11th, 2025

Hazard: The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program (IBTPP), and state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of 15 infant botulism illnesses from 12 states: Arizona, California, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington. Laboratory confirmation for some cases is ongoing. There are no deaths reported at this time. All 15 cases included in this outbreak are reported to have consumed ByHeart- brand powdered infant formula. This testing is underway, and results are not yet available but expected in the coming weeks. 

Recommendation:
   Parents and Caregivers should NOT USE the recalled ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula. They should:
      Take a photo or record the information on the bottom of the package.
      Keep the container in the safe spot and be sure to label that product as DO NOT USE.
      If the child develops symptoms, the product might be needed to testing. If the child does not develop symptoms after 30 days, they should throw the container out.

   Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the recalled formula using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
   Seek immediate medical care if your infant has consumed ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula and has any of these symptoms:
      Poor feeding, difficulty sucking and swallowing
      Constipation
      Loss of head control
      Generalized weakness, i.e. weak cry, difficulty breathing, sluggish movement
      Decreased facial expression, i.e. droopy eyelids
   Symptoms of infant botulism can take as long as several weeks to develop, so parents should remain vigilant if they used the recalled infant formula.

For more information:
   fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-infant-botulism-infant-formula-november-2025
   fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/byheart-broadens-voluntary-recall-while-investigation-continues

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

Download the Fulton County Public Health Ap

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

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

NYS Council on Children and Families 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:
  • Understand what families really need to know.
  •Spread the word about childhood development, milestones, and early screenings.
  •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!

Dolly's Imagination Library

Enroll your child in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and get a free book EVERY MONTH until your child’s 5th birthday! Find out more information at imaginationlibrary.com!

Protect Your Children From Lead Exposure

Protect your children from lead exposure by knowing where common sources of contamination are found.

Learn more about where your children can be exposed to lead here: cdc.gov/lead-prevention/prevention/

Protect Your Newborn

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

Learn more: cdc.gov/vaccines-pregnancy/

A Guide for First-Time Parents

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 included link.

A Guide for First-Time Parents

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/

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 

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.

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.

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.

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

Cancer Screenings

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

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/

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.

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

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 

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

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.

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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.

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

🕷 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

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 

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

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...

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 

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.*

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!

Asthma Triggers and Treatments

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

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

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

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/

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

Happy Veterans Day

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