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
April is Stress Awareness Month
Stress is a normal response that our bodies have to the daily challenges of life. However, when stress becomes overwhelming, it can have negative effects on your health.
Visit bewell.ny.gov/stress to learn more about stress and ways to cope with it.
Free COVID Tests
COVID-19 test kits are available for free at covid.gov/tests. Each residence can order 4 free tests.
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
Read Across America
The Read Across America website includes the digital Read Across America calendar, suggestions for diverse books, reading activities and events, reading tips for parents and guest readers, and booklists to help connect children and their families to diverse books, languages, and cultures and spread the joy of reading.
nea.org/readacross
nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/read-across-america/2024-2025-calendar
fbmarketplace.org/read-across-america
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!
RSV during Pregnancy
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
Measles Vaccine
Currently one in four people in Texas with measles are being hospitalized. The measles vaccine is the most important, and effective protection against the virus. In his announcement, Dr. James McDonald, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Health encourages all New York State residents to receive the measles vaccine if they have not done so already.
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/
