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
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Every 73 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted. We can make a difference by raising awareness, promoting prevention, and supporting survivors. #SAAM #EndSexualViolence
Raise your awareness and learn more here: nsvrc.org/prevention
Dog Bite Prevention
April 13th-19th is National Dog Bite Prevention Week!
Help celebrate by following and teaching these recommendations on how to prevent a dog bite. Children are at greater risk for dog bites. It’s important we teach children how to avoid dog bites and the potential exposure to rabies. Teach them the simple tips above on how to behave around dogs and not get bit. Teach children to be part of the solution.
Any dog can bite if provoked. They can bite as a reaction to something, if they’re startled, are scared, aren’t feeling well, or are engaged in play. Socialization and education are keys to dog bite prevention. Find out more about why dogs bite and what you can do to prevent dog bites here: avma.org/.../dog-bite-prevention
Youtube: Children are most at risk of (dog) bites
Self-care Training Classes for Caregivers
Are you a caregiver for someone with a chronic condition? Join Powerful Tools for Caregivers for their weekly classes hosted at the Fulton County Office for Aging.
Training classes will be offered every Thursday from May 1, 2025 to June 5, 2025 at 10:00am. These trainings assist caregivers with important self-care tools and resources to support their well-being.
If interested in signing up, please call Laura Sturgess at 518-736-5650.
Free Film Viewing - "A Working Man"
Join the Mental Health Association in Fulton and Montgomery Counties for a free showing of the film “A Working Man” on April 22, 2025. This film is intended for adults only and addresses important issues around human trafficking.
April 22, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Johnstown Movieplex – 236 N Comrie Ave, Johnstown, NY
Please RSVP to Melissa Geier: 518-762-5332 ext. 108 or mgeier@mhafm.org
Vaccinate Your Pets for Rabies
Make sure your pets are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations. It helps reduce the risk of exposure for them & everyone in your home. If your pets are too young get their rabies shot, they should be supervised while outdoors. More rabies safety info: health.ny.gov/.../zoonoses/rabies
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
Heartworm Awareness Month
April is National Heartworm Awareness Month. Heartworm disease can be deadly for cats, dogs, and ferrets. Owners can help their pets stay healthy with preventive measures and regular veterinary visits. Click the link for more information on heartworm disease symptoms, treatment, and how it can be prevented.
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 Jerrica Smith at 518-736-2115 for more information.
Screening for Syphilis
Syphilis is a serious, but treatable sexually transmitted disease. Syphilis rates in the United States have been increasing across all populations. Syphilis is caused by bacteria that enter the body during sexual activity as well as through small cracks in the skin if an area is exposed to the bacteria from another person. If you are sexually active, talk to your Health Care Provider about routine screening.
cdc.gov/syphilis/about/
health.ny.gov/publications/3807.pdf
Air Quality Index
Good air quality is essential to our health. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is an accurate tool used for communicating the safety levels of outdoor air quality. Our air quality can be affected by pollutants which are often made up of fine particles that enter our lungs and can worsen many existing health conditions. The following groups of people should closely monitor air quality before spending time outdoors:
• People with heart or lung disease
• Older adults
• Children and teenagers
• People who are pregnant
• People who work outdoors
Everyone can monitor the Air Quality Index in their area at airnow.gov/.../aqi-basics/.
Visit health.ny.gov/.../air/ to learn more about air quality and how it can affect your health.
Pertussis
The tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (DTaP) vaccine for children is the best protection against pertussis.
Fulton County Public Health App
The Fulton County Public Health app is the perfect way to stay up-to-date on the latest community health information. Keep important health updates at your fingertips and download our app today!
apps.myocv.com/.../a34012095
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/
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.
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...
Recall of Target Baby Food Puree
Parents are urged to check their pantries as Target recalls over 25,000 units of Good & Gather Baby Pea, Zucchini, Kale & Thyme Vegetable Puree due to elevated levels of lead. The recall, initiated by FRUSELVA USA of Miami, FL, is ongoing and is being monitored by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Although classified as a Class II recall, indicating a lower risk of serious health effects, prolonged exposure to lead—especially in infants and young children—can lead to developmental issues, learning disabilities, and lower IQ.
globalfoodconsumers.org/.../target-recalls-good-gather-baby-food-over-lead-contamination/
National Public Health Week at Fulton County Public Health
For the last day of National Public Health Week, we’re highlighting our work with communicable disease. For more information, visit our website at fultoncountyny.gov/public-health.
National Dog Bite Prevention Week
Even the friendliest dogs can bite. Taking precautions can help protect yourself, your family, and your dog from a bite injury.
Bite prevention tips:
Ask for permission before petting an unfamiliar dog
Always supervise children when spending time with dogs
Avoid running toward or away from a dog
Avoid approaching dogs when they are sleeping
Visit avma.org/.../dog-bite-prevention to learn more about dog bite prevention.
Urgent Maternal Health Warning Signs
Seek medical care immediately if you experience an urgent maternal warning sign during pregnancy or in the year after pregnancy. Warning signs include headaches that won’t go away, changes in vision, and trouble breathing. #HearHer
For more information go to https://bit.ly/CDCHearHerWarningSigns
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/
