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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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:
â–Ş Dress your child in thin layers, like thermals and sweaters with a thin fleece jacket
â–Ş Use the child's coat or blanket over the car seat harness, not under the harness
â–Ş 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) 

Lightweight fleece layers or a lightweight jacket with blanket both allow for a snug fitting car seat harness.


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.

Project Lifesaver - a white, watch-sized transmitter attached to a person's wrist


Flashcard Toy Recall

This recall involves two different TheKiddoSpace-branded children’s flashcard, talking toys:
• The animal-shaped, pastel-colored toys were sold with a varying number of flashcards. “Audible Flashcards” is printed on the front of the flashcard’s storage box and “Audible Flashcard Device” on the front of the toy storage box.
• The rectangular toys have a slot at the top to insert the flash cards, a speaker, volume and power buttons at the front. The toys come with multi-colored flash cards that have animals, shapes, people, foods or vehicle illustrations and the descriptive word written on the card.
Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled toys immediately, take them away from children and contact TheKiddoSpace for a free replacement toy or free USB cable, including shipping.
• For the animal-shaped toy, consumers will be asked to write “RECALLED” in permanent marker on the unit and submit a photo of the marked product to info@thekiddospace.com to receive a replacement toy of at least equal value to the purchase price of the recalled animal-shaped toy. Consumers should then dispose of the recalled toys in accordance with their local waste disposal requirements.
• For the rectangular toy, consumers will be asked to cut the USB cable and submit a photo of the cut USB cable to info@thekiddospace.com to receive a free replacement USB cable. Consumers should then dispose of the cut USB cable. Note: Button cell batteries are hazardous. Batteries should be disposed of or recycled by following local hazardous waste procedures.
.cpsc.gov/.../TheKiddoSpace-Recalls-Childrens


Animal-shaped flash card toys arranged in a semicircle on a light blue background. There are three animal toys: a pink bear, a black-and-white panda, and an orange lion.


Free Mammograms

Free cancer screening is being offered for eligible patients on Tuesday, March 10, from 1-3pm at Nathan Littauer Hospital.

Offering free mammograms, pap smears, and Colon Cancer screenings.

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

Please call 518-770-6817 to see if you are eleigible.

If you are an uninsured, eligible individual 40-64, we can help you get a mammogram, pap smear, and Colon Cancer screenings. It's time to call Cancer Services at 518-770-6817 to see if you are eligible. Cancer Services Mammogram Screening Day


FCPH App - Tap Into Better Health

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

Health Alerts, Vaccine CLinics, Local Health Services and Resources, Public Health Programs, Tip to guide your health goals


Daylight Savings Tips

Tomorrow is Daylight Savings. Don’t forget to change your clocks to 1 hour ahead and follow these tips to help your body adjust to the time change.

DON'T FORGET TO SPRING FORWARD. SUNDAY MARCH 8, 2026. Tips to help your body adjust: 1. Don't change your schedule a. Stick to regular waking, eating, sleeping and exercise times 2. Have a nighttime routine a. Prepare your body for sleep by practicing relaxation techniques 3. Avoid long naps a. Keep naps short (between 20-30 minutes) to avoid sleep disruption 4. Spend time in the sun a. Sunlight helps regulate your body's internal clock.


Christmas Tree Toy Recall

This recall involves TheKiddoSpace-branded children’s Christmas tree toy play sets. The recalled felt play sets consist of a two-sided Christmas tree that measures about 40 inches high and 28 inches wide, holiday-themed felt ornaments, including one that reads “Merry Christmas”, and a storage box. TheKiddoSpace logo and “Christmas Tree” are printed on the front of the product packaging.

The zipper pull on the music box compartment of the recalled Christmas Tree Toys contain levels of lead that exceed the federal lead content ban. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health issues. Additionally, the Christmas tree component fails to comply with various mechanical and electrical requirements for battery-operated toys.

Consumers should stop using the recalled play sets immediately, take them away from children, and contact TheKiddoSpace for a free replacement toy of at least equal value to the purchase price of the recalled play set, including free shipping. Consumers will be asked to write “RECALLED” on the tree and submit a photo of the marked product to info@thekiddospace.com. Consumers should then discard the tree and storage box in accordance with their local waste disposal requirements.
cpsc.gov/...Recalls-Childrens-Christmas-Tree-Play-Sets...

TheKiddoSpace Children's Christmas Tree Toy Play Set


Spring Planning and Zoning Training

The Planning Boards of Fulton and Montgomery County are holding their annual Spring Planning and Zoning Training on March 24, 2026. Use the link below to register for free today.

Register Here: Spring Planning and Zoning Training Registration

Information duplicated from the link.


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

Older man smiling while making a salad.


Rides for Recovery

đźš— 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.
đź“… 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

Rob Constantine Recovery Community and Outreach Center RIDES FOR RECOVERY. RECOVERY JUST AHEAD. Together, we are stronger. You are not alone. Recovery is possible. WHAT CAN RIDES FOR RECOVERY DO FOR YOU? Peers can provide transportation to: Recovery events and meetings, Drug Court, MSR appointments, Inpatient treatment, Pharmacy OR any place that you need to visit as you grow your recovery capital. CALL OR TEXT 518-705-4626 at least 48 hours in advance during business hours:


Free EPA Lead Trainings

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

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


Handwriting Kit Recall

This recall involves two different types of TheKiddoSpace-branded handwriting practice kits sold with or without a carrying case:
• The block handwriting kits consist of four reusable books with animal images on the cover (alphabet with a bunny, numbers with a frog, math with a cow and drawing with an elephant); black pens; blue, green, yellow, purple, pink and red pen grips; and pen refills. TheKiddoSpace logo and “Handwriting Practice Kit” are printed on the blue and white book covers and their storage box.
• The cursive handwriting kits consist of three reusable books (letters, words and sentences) with an image of an open book on the cover; black pens; blue, green, yellow, purple, pink and red pen grips; and pen refills. TheKiddoSpace logo and “Cursive Practice Kit” are printed on the blue and white book covers and their storage box.



TheKiddoSpace Block Handwriting Practice Kit


STI/HIV 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

Prevention. Shows a feminine hand reaching into her back pocket for a condom and also birth control pills.


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.

Visit https://troopers.ny.gov/news/new-york-state-police-introduce-autism-awareness-visor-card-program for full information.


Free Mammograms

Free cancer screening is being offered for eligible patients on Tuesday, March 10, from 1-3pm at Nathan Littauer Hospital.

Offering free mammograms, pap smears, and Colon Cancer screenings.

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

Please call 518-770-6817 to see if you are eleigible.

If you are an uninsured, eligible individual 40-64, we can help you get a mammogram, pap smear, and Colon Cancer screenings. It's time to call Cancer Services at 518-770-6817 to see if you are eligible. Cancer Services Mammogram Screening Day


Early Intervention is Hiring

Do you enjoy working with children using a play-based therapeutic model? NYS Early Intervention Program needs YOU! There currently is a shortage of qualified providers, which causes children to placed on waiting lists for services. For more information call 518-473-7016 (option 1-Provider Unit) or use the link.

health.ny.gov/.../service_providers/

All information available at the link.


Chlamydia & Gonorrhea

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.

Ways to Stay Sexually Healthy Take charge of your sexual health. Get regular STI testing and retesting after treatment. / Use condoms whenever you have anal, vaginal, or oral sex. Talk with your health care provider about Doxycycline Prophylaxis (Doxy-PEP) if condomless sex occurs. Encourage sex partners to get regular STI testing, and treatment if necessary. For more information about ЕРТ visit health.ny.gov/ept. DID YOU KNOW? With Expedited Partner Treatment (EPT), your partner can get treated without a visit to the clinic, which can keep you from getting infected again. For more information about DOXY-PEP visit health.ny.gov/doxypep


Flashcard Toy Recall

This recall involves two different TheKiddoSpace-branded children’s flashcard, talking toys:
• The animal-shaped, pastel-colored toys were sold with a varying number of flashcards. “Audible Flashcards” is printed on the front of the flashcard’s storage box and “Audible Flashcard Device” on the front of the toy storage box.
• The rectangular toys have a slot at the top to insert the flash cards, a speaker, volume and power buttons at the front. The toys come with multi-colored flash cards that have animals, shapes, people, foods or vehicle illustrations and the descriptive word written on the card.
Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled toys immediately, take them away from children and contact TheKiddoSpace for a free replacement toy or free USB cable, including shipping.
• For the animal-shaped toy, consumers will be asked to write “RECALLED” in permanent marker on the unit and submit a photo of the marked product to info@thekiddospace.com to receive a replacement toy of at least equal value to the purchase price of the recalled animal-shaped toy. Consumers should then dispose of the recalled toys in accordance with their local waste disposal requirements.
• For the rectangular toy, consumers will be asked to cut the USB cable and submit a photo of the cut USB cable to info@thekiddospace.com to receive a free replacement USB cable. Consumers should then dispose of the cut USB cable. Note: Button cell batteries are hazardous. Batteries should be disposed of or recycled by following local hazardous waste procedures.
.cpsc.gov/.../TheKiddoSpace-Recalls-Childrens


Animal-shaped flash card toys arranged in a semicircle on a light blue background. There are three animal toys: a pink bear, a black-and-white panda, and an orange lion.


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.

#WhatsOnMyPlate. Build your: lunch, weekly menu, dinner, beverage, shopping list, breakfast with MyPlate.gov


Colorectal Cancer Awareness

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Raise awareness about colorectal cancer and the importance of screening. Nervous? Don’t be. It’s easy! And screening may actually prevent this cancer or find cancer early when it is easier to treat. health.ny.gov/.../campaign

A close-up of a person wearing a white lab coat, holding a blue ribbon pin on the coat's fabric.


The Risks of Alcohol Use

Nearly 1 in 6 adults in NYS (16.2%) reported either binge or heavy drinking of alcohol in a Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) telephone survey. Alcohol use can lead to unintentional injuries, violence and chronic diseases. Learn more at: 
health.ny.gov/prevention/alcohol_surveillance

Man pensively facing downward.


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.

Free Community Walking Program
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. 

Free Community Walking Program at Warren Street Elementary and Community Swim
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.

Free Mayfield Community Walking Program at Mayfield Elementary School
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.

 

 

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.

 

Where do I get information on the Lead Rental Registry?

Please visit the New York State Department of Health's website at https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/lead/lead_rental_registry/.

Where can I get information on my responsibility as a property owner under the Lead Rental Registry law?

Visit the New York State Department of Health website at https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/lead/renovation_repair_painting/ 

To learn more about the EPA RRP trainings, visit the EPA website at https://cdxapps.epa.gov/ocspp-oppt-lead/

If you own rental property in Gloversville, will you need to register the property in the Lead Rental Registry?

Yes, property owners will need to register their property in Lead Safe. To start an account and learn more on how to register your property, visit https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/lead/lead_rental_registry/lead_safe_ny.htm

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