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
Create your own user feedback survey
Public Health News
RSV in Newborns
RSV can cause severe illness in newborns. Antibody immunizations can help protect against RSV.
Learn more: cdc.gov/.../protect-infants.html 
Febrero es el mes de la prevencion de infecciones prenatales
Febrero es el mes de la prevención de infecciones prenatales! Las vacunas como la Tdap, la gripe y el COVID-19 ayudan a prevenir infecciones graves durante el embarazo y dan protección temprana a los recién nacidos. Un embarazo saludable comienza con la prevención. Obtenga más información sobre las vacunas y el embarazo aquí: marchofdimes.org/.../vaccinations-and-pregnancy
February is International Prenatal Infection Prevention Month
Some infections before and during pregnancy can hurt both you and your developing fetus. They can cause serious illness, birth defects, and lifelong disabilities, such as hearing loss or learning problems. The Center for Disease Control recommends these 10 tips to help prevent infections before and during pregnancy: marchofdimes.org/.../vaccinations-and-pregnancy
Recall of Babypark Sling Carriers
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSP) PRODUCT RECALL!
Name of Product: Babypark sling carriers
Hazard: The carriers lack structural integrity and can fail to retain infants in the carriers, posing a fall hazard in violation of federal safety requirements. The sling carriers also do not have required warnings and instructions.
Consumer Action: CPSC urges consumers to stop using the sling carriers immediately and dispose of them. Do not sell or give away these hazardous sling carriers.
Product Safety Warning Date: January 23, 2025
Sold At: The sling carriers were sold online at Shein.com from March 2024 through November 2024.
For more information:
cpsc.gov/.../CPSC-Warns-Consumers-to-Immediately-Stop-Using-Babypark-Sling-Carriers
Virtual Behavioral Support Program for Children with Autism
Center for Autism & Related Disabilities(CARD) is offering a FREE 12 session virtual Behavior Support Program for parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The goal is to help parents learn behavior techniques to reduce challenging behaviors in the home. For more information, contact Hanna Kent at 518-442-5412 or at hkent2@albany.edu Please complete a survey at surveymonkey.com/r/BehavioralSkills
Health Benefits of Indoor Plants
Indoor plants are more than just beautiful decor—they offer amazing health benefits! They can improve air quality, filter toxins, reduce stress, boost your mood, and even increase productivity. Some easy-to-care-for plants include the Spider Plant, Snake Plant, and Peace Lily. These plants thrive indoors and are great for beginners. Adding a few of these to your home can make your space healthier and more inviting.
Drop The Vape
Quit Vaping Today!
Text: DropTheVape to 88709 For free, 24/7 confidential support and advice from other young people.
Visit health.ny.gov/nicotine to learn more about the dangers of nicotine and vaping.
Hiring NYS Early Intervention Providers
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/
APHA's Keep It Moving Challenge
The American Public Health Association’s Keep It Moving Challenge is in full swing and it’s not too late to join! Use the link here for more information about this challenge!
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.
Recall of Hermixa 6-in-1 Convertible Crib
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSP) PRODUCT RECALL!
Name of Product: Hermixa 6-in-1 Convertible Cribs
Hazard:
• The spacing between the cribs’ slats is wider than allowed under the federal safety standard, posing a potentially deadly entrapment hazard to children.
• In bedside sleeper mode, the product poses a fall hazard because the side rail is lower than the required height and it is missing a mechanism to attach the product to an adult bed, which violates the federal safety standard for bedside sleepers.
• The mattresses included with the product pose a hazard of fatal suffocation because they are too thick, which violates the federal safety regulation for crib mattresses.
• The product comes with a padded crib bumper which can obstruct breathing and cause death by suffocation. Padded crib bumpers are banned under federal law.
Consumer Action:
CPSC urges consumers to stop using the cribs immediately and dispose of them. Do not sell or give away these hazardous products.
Product Safety Warning Date: January 30, 2025
Sold Online At: The crib was sold on Amazon.com from February 2024 through August 2024 for about $250.
For more information on safety practices:
cpsc.gov/Warnings/2025/CPSC-Warns-Consumers-to-Immediately-Stop-Using-Hermixa-6-in-1-Convertible-Crib
JCC Pino's Fundraiser
Johnstown Community Coalition’s Pino’s Takeout Spaghetti Dinner is coming up. Be sure to get your tickets and support Johnstown Community Coalition in their efforts to fundraise for future events that will help our community. Each dinner ticket is $15 and we hope to see you there.
NYS Community Health Survey
The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) Division of Family Health would like to hear from you!
They are conducting a statewide Community Health Survey to inform our family health programs, focused on improving the health and well-being of mothers, children, including children with special health care needs, and their families.
The NYSDOH Division of Family Health would like your feedback and recommendations to help shape the next 5 years of family service programs.
Take part in this brief survey and help shape programs to fit the needs of your community, follow the link below:
apps.health.ny.gov/.../survey/
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/
