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
Public Health News
Recall of Welspo-branded Play Yards
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSP) PRODUCT RECALL!
Name of Product: Welspo-branded play yards
Hazard: CPSC urges consumers to stop using and destroy all Welspo-branded play yards immediately. To destroy the product, first disassemble the fabric cover from the frame. Cut up the play yard cover and mattress pad, and then dispose of the pieces in the trash or recycling.
Consumer Action: CPSC urges consumers to stop using and destroy all Welspo-branded play yards immediately. To destroy the product, first disassemble the fabric cover from the frame. Cut up the play yard cover and mattress pad, and then dispose of the pieces in the trash or recycling.
Product Safety Warning Date: March 20, 2025
Sold At: The play yards were sold online on Welspo.com and Amazon.com from December 2023 through March 2024 for about $90.
For more information:
cpsc.gov/.../CPSC-Warns-Consumers-to-Immediately-Stop-Using-Welspo-Play-Yards
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.
Fulton County Public Health is Hiring
Fulton County Public Health is hiring an Account Clerk. fultoncountyny.gov/employment
Interested candidates should send applications and resumes to:
Laurel Headwell, Public Health Director
Fulton County Public Health Department
2714 St Hwy 29, PO Box 415
Johnstown, NY 12095
Contact Fulton County Personnel office to apply.
Free Training - Specially Designed Instruction: A Guide for Families and Caregivers
Are you a parent or caregiver of a child with special needs? Would you like to become a meaningful partner in your child’s special education process?
This training is intended for families of students with special needs with strong focus on "learning" what SDI (specially designed instruction) means and how you, the parent, can play an active role in your child's education.
To register for this training, simply scan the QR code on the flier below or go to: BOCES.com/CRPC
Positive Solutions for Families
Drive Thru Food Pantry
Regional Food Bank will be hosting a Drive-Thru Food Pantry on
Monday April 28, 2025 @ 10:00am
Location: Gloversville Transit Station
109 W Fulton St.
Gloversville, NY
Click here to learn more: regionalfoodbank.net/drive-thru-pantry-schedule/
Recall of Zaarah Herbals
New York Wholesale Group of Hicksville, NY is recalling Zaarah Herbals Rasayan Churan, Zaarah Herbals Gurmar Powder, Zaarah Herbals Vasaka Powder, and Zaarah Herbals Bhringraj Powder to the consumer/user level because it has the potential to be contaminated with elevated levels of lead and arsenic.
fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/new-york-wholesale-group-recalls-zaarah-herbals-rasayan-churan-zaarah-herbals-gurmar-powder-zaarah
Recall of Benadryl Elixir, 100mL bottles
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSP) PRODUCT RECALL!
Name of Product: Benadryl Liquid Elixir, 100 mL bottles
Hazard:
The Benadryl contains diphenhydramine, which must be in child-resistant packaging as required by the Poison Prevention Packaging Act. The packaging of the products is not child-resistant, posing a risk of poisoning if the contents are swallowed by young children.
Consumer Action:
Consumers should immediately secure the Benadryl out of the sight and reach of children and contact Arsell for a full refund. Consumers will be asked to submit their Amazon order number and a photo demonstrating disposal of the recalled Benadryl to recall@arsellsupport.com. Only the bottle is being recalled, not the medicine itself, but both should be disposed of. All known purchasers are being contacted directly.
Product Safety Warning Date: March 20, 2025
Sold Online At: Amazon.com from July 2023 through October 2024 for between $16 and $19.
For more information on safety practices :
cpsc.gov/../Arsell-Recalls-Benadryl-Liquid-Elixir-100-mL-Bottle...
YMCA's Healthy Kids Day
The Fulton County YMCA is hosting a Healthy Kids day on April 26th from 11am – 3pm. Healthy Kids day is a free community event as part of an initiative to improve the health and well-being of kids and families.
Viewing of "All the Lonely People"
Join the Gloversville Public Library in a free screening of the film “All the Lonely People” on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 from 1pm-3pm.
The film addresses the impacts that isolation can have on mental health, aging, and more. A panel discussion will follow.
Register here: All The Lonely People Screening Registration
Car Seat Program
Fulton County Public Health is proud to offer a Free 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.
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/
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!
Rabies Vaccination Clinic Locations in Fulton County
Rabies is 100% Preventable!! The best way to keep pets safe from rabies is to vaccinate them and keep their shots up-to-date. Use the QR codes above to find a Rabies Clinic near you!
Rabies vaccination is the first step to prevention and protection.
For more information on rabies and how to best protect yourself and your beloved pets go to: health.ny.gov/.../rabies/fact_sheet.htm
National Infant Immunization Week
April 21-28th is National Infant Immunization Week. Ask your infant’s provider about recommended vaccines. For more information go to cdc.gov/.../vaccines-family-caregivers.html
Avian Influenza
What is Bird Flu? Avian influenza, also known as H5N1 or the Bird Flu, is a viral infection that spreads among birds and some mammals.
Why is everyone talking about it? H5 bird flu is widespread in wild birds and is causing outbreaks in poultry birds and dairy cows. The CDC is monitoring H5N1 for activity in humans (cdc.gov).
Do I need to worry? The current public health risk for H5N1 is low. The CDC has reported 67 confirmed reported human cases of Avian Influenza in the U.S. and 1 death associated with the infection since 2024 (cdc.gov).
Visit cdc.gov/bird-flu/prevention to learn more about Avian Influenza and how to prevent exposure.
Free EPA Lead Trainings
FREE EPA Lead Trainings. EPA Certified Renovator Class Training Schedule for April 2025. Participants must pre-register. Class size is limited. All trainings are free. Register Here.
Tummy Time for Infants
Tummy time is important for babies to strengthen muscles. Start by placing your baby belly-down on your chest or lap for a few minutes 2 to 3 times a day. As they get older, you can use a blanket on a clear area on the floor and place baby belly-down for 3 to 5 minutes several times a day. Babies can easily become frustrated so keep early sessions brief and gradually increase time and frequency. Always supervise closely to ensure safety.
For more information visit: safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/.../tummy-time
Safe Sleep for Infants
In NYS more than 120 infants die each year of sleep-related infant death. All caregivers – parents, grandparents, child care providers, and anyone caring for a baby can help infants sleep safely and reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related deaths. To ensure a safe sleep environment follow these safe steps:
• Place baby on their back for naps and night
• Use a crib or bassinet with a firm crib mattress
• Keep baby’s sleep area clear of soft objects, such as pillows, blankets, toys and crib pads
• Share a room with baby, not a bed
• Adjust the room temperature, so baby is warm, not hot
• Breastfeed or bottle feed human milk
For more information on baby sleep safety visit:
health.ny.gov/.../safesleep
safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/.../reduce
If you or someone you love has lost an infant for grief support visit:
safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/.../infant-loss
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/
