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
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Public Health News
Spread Kindness, Not Germs
Spread kindness, not germs. Practicing good cough and sneeze etiquette is one way to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses like the common cold and COVID-19.
Always cough and sneeze into a tissue or your upper shirt sleeve, completely covering your mouth and nose. Clean your hands immediately after coughing or sneezing to avoid spreading germs to others.
cdc.gov/.../coughing-and-sneezing.html
Free Virtual Meeting - Transition from EI to CPSE for Families
Would you like to learn more about what happens during a Committee on Preschool Education (CPSE) meeting? This free webinar will give more information about the transition from services through Early Intervention to services through the Committee on Preschool Education (CPSE). Register ahead of time for the free webinar on February 14, 2025 from 9:00-10:30am.
Boces.com/CRPC boces.com/CRPC Register Link
RSV Protection
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
Lead Poisoning Prevention
Recognizing the signs of lead in a child’s environment can give families a head start on protecting their children from lead poisoning even before they are born! Primary prevention is the removal of lead hazards from the environment before a child is lead exposed. It is the most effective way to ensure that children do not experience harmful long-term effects of lead exposure.Learn how to spot a lead hazard and how to safely remove it at the link below.
cdc.gov/lead-prevention/prevention/
Community Walk & Swim Program
It’s important to stay active and keep moving during these cold winter months. The Johnstown Community Walking Program and Community Swim Program is be a great way to get exercise indoors.
Community Walking Program
December 2nd – April 10th 2025 @ Warren St. Elementary School
Monday – Thursday 6:30pm-8pm
Please use the main entrance and sign in with attendant.
*Note that this program does not run when school is not in session or canceled due to inclement weather.
Community Swim Program
Saturdays starting December 7th 2025 @ Johnstown High School (no program on 2/15 & 2/22)
9am – 11am
Please use the back entrance by the pool/bus stop loop and sign in with attendant.
*Note that this program does not run when school is not in session or canceled due to inclement weather.
Contact Robert Kraemer with any questions: rkraemer@johnstownschools.org 
Caroga Winter Carnival
Join in the winter family fun at the 1st annual Caroga Winter Carnival.
Enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, contests, food, and more!
Runs January 31st-February 2nd.
Visit Caroga Winter Carnival on 44lakes.com for a full schedule of activities.
Covid-19 Vaccines at Fulton County Public Health
Fulton County Public Health has the 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine for adults, 19 years of age and older, and are uninsured or underinsured. Call Monday through Friday between 8 am and 4 pm, at 518-736-5720 to schedule an appointment.
Participants Needed for Upcoming Neurodiversity Research Study
Participants needed in an important healthcare study for family members of adults with developmental disabilities. This study is aimed to help shape future healthcare practices and ease the transition into hospital care. Follow the link to take a survey to see if you’re able to participate stonybrookuniversity.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5o3IW8rklMeQ6wu.
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/
