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
Wear Red Day
Cardiovascular disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined. Most cardiac events can be prevented through education and lifestyle changes such as eating healthier and exercising.
Wear red this Friday, February 7th, to celebrate National Wear Red Day and help raise awareness of cardiovascular disease in women.
Learn more about how to prevent cardiovascular disease: GoRedForWomen.org
February is American Heart Month
Love your heart by getting active, eating well, not smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight to prevent cardiovascular disease.
cdc.gov/heart-disease/about/
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.
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/
Parent to Parent February Newsletter
Parent To Parent Of NYS is offering many events, via Zoom, during the month of February. Please visit their website at ptopnys.org and view the February calendar to register for the event or events you would like to attend.
Recall of Yaomiao Children's Jewelry Sets
Yaomiao Children’s Jewelry Sets recalled due to risk of lead and cadmium poisoning.
Yaomiao Children’s Jewelry Sets Recalled Due to Risk of Lead and Cadmium Poisoning | CPSC.gov
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
Free Mammograms
Free cancer screening is being offered for eligible patients on February 19, 2025 from 3-5pm at St. Mary’s Healthcare – Rao Pavillion.
Offering free breast exams, mammograms, pap smears, and pelvic exams.
Uninsured patients between the ages of 40-64 are eligible.
Please call Cancer Services for more information 518-841-3726.
Keep It Moving Challenge
Stay active this New Year and join APHA’s Keep It Moving Challenge.
Earn points to help you stay motivated as you log activities.
The challenge runs from January 1 – April 13, 2025.
Visit hekahealth.com/apha25 to get started.
Free Webinar - Positive Solutions for Families
Free Webinar! February 12, 2025 via Zoom from 6-7pm. Learn calming strategies to help cope with feelings and teach self regulation and problem solving skills.
BOCES.com/CRPC
Positive Solutions for Families
Car Seat Recommendations
Is your child in the correct car seat? Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of injury and death in children. It is important to make sure your child is safe and secure in the correct car seat. For more information please visit the link below. If you have car seat questions, call Fulton County Public Health at 518-736-5720.
nhtsa.gov/.../car-seats-and-booster-seats
Signs of a Heart Attack
Do you know the signs of a heart attack? Heart attacks can happen at any moment, so it is important to know the signs so you can get help right away. Winter months have been noted to increase the risk of heart attacks due to cold weather, shoveling, and increased stress. If you or someone you are with are experiencing these symptoms CALL 911.
Vaccine Clinics at Fulton County Public Health
Immunization clinics are held at Fulton County Public Health Department on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month from 9 am – 12 pm. See the picture below for eligibility information.
To register or for questions call Fulton County Public Health at 518-736-5720.
Know the Signs of Lead Exposure
Lead poses a risk to your child’s health. It is important to talk to your child’s healthcare provider if you have concerns about possible lead exposure.
Click here to learn more about symptoms and complications of lead exposure:
cdc.gov/lead-prevention/symptoms-complications/
National Burn Awareness Week
February 2-8 is National Burn Awareness Week. There are things you can do at home to protect yourself and your family. For more information on burn prevention and awareness, use the link and go to the American Burn Association’s website and learn more! ameriburn.org/.../burn-awareness-week/
Community Adult Walking Program
Lace up your sneakers and join the Community Adult Walking Program at Gloversville High School.
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.
Let's step into the new year with a healthy stride.
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/
