Free 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.

Poison Prevention Video and Poster Contest

Do you know a K-12th grade student that likes to make videos or create posters? The National Poison Prevention Week Council is holding a contest for all K-12th students to create a video or poster with the 2026 theme of “When the Unexpected Happens, Poison Help is here for you”. For more information about the contest and its prizes for the winners, visit judgify.me/nppw-contest-2026.

Stay Healthy and Stop Vaping

For more information on how vaping affect’s teenagers and the world around them, visit New York State Department of Health’s Know the Risks: Nicotine is Not Safe for Teens.

Lead in 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

Reducing Sodium Intake

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

Parent to Parent NYS - December Events

Are you looking for a Parent Group to join or hoping to gain knowledge about a disability? Would you like some assistance understanding your child’s IEP and services? Parent to Parent of NYS is a wonderful resource in our area. Their December Virtual Events Calendar is out, take a look and see if there if there is something of interest to you. For more information, call Amy Snyder, Parent to Parent Regional Coordinator, at 518-381-4350.

Keep It Moving Challenge

The 2026 Keep It Moving Challenge from the APHA is kicking off January 1st! Sign up today by scanning the QR code or by going to hekahealth.com/apha26.

Blue Envelope Program

The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office is joining with law enforcement agencies across the country to implement The Blue Envelope Program. It is designed as an assist to drivers or passengers who live with autism or other conditions that may impair their ability to communicate during an accident or traffic stop. Please contact the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office at 518-736-2100 to obtain one.

Shop Smart and Avoid Lead in Toys

🎁 Holiday shopping tip for parents:
Some low-cost or imported toys sold online may contain lead.
Protect your little ones — check recalls and buy from trusted brands.
Learn more: https://www.cdc.gov/lea.../prevention/consumer-products.html (Photo attached - toys)

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/

Birth Certificates

Do you need a copy of your birth certificate? You can request a copy online, by phone, or by mail.

Click here: health.ny.gov/vital_records/birth.htm
or
Call Vital Records Call Center at (855) 322-1022 for more information.

Fluoride for Healthy Teeth

💡Fluoridated water:✔️Keeps teeth strong.
✔️Prevents expensive dental treatments.
✔️Is an accessible form of preventative health care.
Learn more about what fluoride is and why it matters for your health:
cdc.gov/oral-health/prevention/about-fluoride.html

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 

Virtual Behavior Support Program

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

Quit Vaping & Fight for Your Future

Quitting smoking or vaping is hard, and coaches at the NYS Quitline are here with FREE support, including nicotine patches and more. Call 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) or text QUITNOW to 333888 for daily motivation to quit. Learn more: nysmokefree.com.

Play Yards Recall

Name of Product: Play Yards that have black fabric sides and mesh panels bordered in gray. The top rails are covered with white fabric with a multi-colored print with bear faces, paws and the word “bear”. The play yards include a mattress with the same bear print.

• “Model: P700” and “Production Date: 202503” 
Recall Date: November 20, 2025
Hazard: The play yards violate the mandatory standard for play yards. Infants can become entrapped under the mattress or between the side of the play yard and the mattress, posing a risk of serious injury or deadly suffocation hazard.

Consumer Action: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled play yards and contact Anna Queen for a full refund. Consumers should disassemble the fabric cover from the play yard frame, cut up the cover and mattress pad and email a photo of the destroyed play yard to tingerservice@outlook.com to obtain a full refund. Consumers should then dispose of the destroyed play yard.
Sold At: Amazon from March 2025 for between $100 and $110.

For more information: 
cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/Play-Yards-Recalled-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-DEath-from-Suffocation-and-Entrapment-Hazards-Violate-Mandatory-Standard-for-Play-Yards-Sold-on-Amazon-by-Anna-Queen

Support Parents Needed 

If you or someone you know are looking for an opportunity to be a supportive listening ear for another parent that has a child with disabilities, please see the attached flier.

If you have any questions or are interested in becoming a Support Parent, please contact Amy Snyder, Regional Coordinator at Parent to Parent of NYS.

500 Balltown Rd Schenectady, NY 12304
(518) 381-4350
visit our website : https://www.ptopnys.org

Recall on multiple Baby Loungers.

Products: 
• Fasando-branded baby lounger
• Bearlala Baby Loungers
• XZV baby loungers

Recall Date: November 20, 2025

Hazard: The recalled baby loungers violate the mandatory standard for Infant Sleep Products. The sides are too low to contain an infant. The enclosed openings at the foot of the loungers are wider than allowed, posing fall and entrapment hazards to infants. In addition, the baby loungers do not have a stand, posing a fall hazard, if used on elevated surfaces. These violations create an unsafe sleeping environment and can cause death or serious injury to infants.

Consumer Action: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled baby loungers. Consumers should remove the foam and pads from the baby lounger’s cover and cut the cover, foam and pad in half. Do not sell or give away these hazardous baby loungers.

Report any incidents involving injury or product defect to CPSC at SaferProducts.gov.

For Bearlala Baby Lounger: email photos of the destroyed pieces to Recall-nuoxuann@outlook.com to obtain a full refund.

For more information: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls

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

The Health Risks of Vaping

Vaping puts health at risk. Nicotine in e-cigarettes is highly addictive and especially harmful for youth. Let’s work together in Fulton County to prevent vaping and support healthier choices. https://teen.smokefree.gov/quit-vaping

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 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.

Prevent the Spread of Respiratory Viruses

Recommendations on when to stay home and when to go back to normal activities after respiratory illnesses including COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in non-healthcare settings.

cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/ 
youtu.be/R-qZOuRksI4

Perinatal Depression

Having a baby can be one of the biggest and happiest events in a person's life. Life with a new baby can be exciting and rewarding, but it can also be stressful at times. Pregnant women and new mothers may struggle with perinatal depression. Many feel tearful, stressed and exhausted. If these feelings get worse or last for several weeks, reach out for support.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Talk with someone today!
  •   Call of text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Text 'Got5’ to 741741 Crisis Text Line
1-855-631-0001 Postpartum Resource Center of NY
For more information: https://postpartumny.org/

PTECH Prospective Student Nights

Students and their families are invited to learn about the HFM Pathways in Technology Early College High School program (PTECH). PTECH’s innovative program offers real-world experiences and focuses on collaborative, hands-on learning in a space where students take the lead role in their learning. Best of all - students earn a 2-year college degree AT NO COST to their families.

Any student interested in applying to PTECH for the 2026-27 school year is encouraged to attend one of our Prospective Student Nights and hear more about what makes PTECH so special.

Prospective Student Nights will be held on:
Wednesday, November 5 • 6:00-7:30pm
Wednesday, November 19 • 6:00-7:30pm
Thursday, December 11 • 6:00-7:30pm
Tuesday, January 6 • 6:00-7:30pm
Wednesday, January 14 • 6:00-7:30pm

PTECH applications for the 2026-27 school year are due January 30, 2026. Information on applying can be found at hfmboces.org/ptech-applynow/

Bats and Rabies Safety

While bats are beneficial insect eaters during the summer, they can carry the fatal rabies virus. Summer and fall are the busiest months for bat exposures, and the best time to ensure you, your family and pets are protected from rabies. The best rabies prevention pet vaccination, including indoor pets. It’s important to: • never touch a bat with your bare hands • capture the bat without touching it, and • report any known or suspected contact to Fulton County Public Health, 518-736-5720.

For more information on bats and rabies prevention, watch:
spectrumlocalnews.com/.../bats-calls-and-rabies-safety

Building Resilience

Resiliency is the ability to deal with and overcome life’s difficult situations. Building resiliency improves your mental health and strengthens your defenses when life gets tough.

Skills to build resiliency include:
• Focusing on what you can control
• Making goals for yourself
• Finding a purpose
• Leaning on others for support
• Treating mistakes as a learning tool
• Noticing and taking time to feel emotions
• Nurturing spirituality and mindfulness

Visit bewell.ny.gov/supporting-your-resilience for more tips to support your mental health.

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.

Holiday Food Safety Tips During Pregnancy

During the holidays everyone enjoys feasting on classic food favorites, and trying new recipes. Not all foods are safe to eat during pregnancy. Some food bacteria and germs pose a greater health risk for pregnant women and unborn baby’s. It’s important to know the difference between what is safe to eat and what could be harmful to you and your baby.

The following article provides information on which holiday foods and drinks to avoid, as well as some tasty alternatives: whattoexpect.com/.../holiday-foods-to-avoid-during-pregnancy

This safe food choices during pregnancy chart, makes choosing healthy safe foods easier for mothers-to-be: cdc.gov/.../pregnant-people.html

Project Lifesaver

Did you know Project Lifesaver is available in Fulton County?

Fulton County Sheriff’s Department’s Project Lifesaver is a search and rescue program and it’s purpose is to quickly locate an enrolled individual by tracking a small personal transmitter that emits a signal.

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 changed every 60 days. Call Fulton County Sheriff’s Department at 518-736-2100 for more information.

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