Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

In 2025, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) will offer free rabies vaccination clinics for dogs, cats and ferrets. To receive the vaccination, all animals must be at least 3 months old. It is important for all animals to be leashed, crated, and kept under control during the clinics.

Why should your pets be vaccinated?

• Protects Your Pet: Rabies is a deadly disease that can affect both animals and humans. A rabies vaccination is the best way to keep your pet safe.
• Protects You, Your Family and the Community: Rabies can be passed to humans through bites or scratches from infected animals. Vaccination helps prevent outbreaks and keeps everyone safe.
• Required by Law: According to New York State Law, all dogs, cats, and domesticated ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies.

“Rabies continues to be a serious public health problem in Genesee and Orleans Counties,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “We remind all residents to keep their animals’ rabies vaccinations up to date.”

Orleans County Rabies Drive-Thru Clinics are at the Orleans County Fairgrounds (12690 State Route 31, Albion, NY 14411)

• Saturday, April 26, from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
• Wednesday, June 18, from 4 to 6:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, Aug. 20, from 4 to 6:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 25, from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Genesee County Rabies Walk-in Clinic at the Batavia Town Highway Garage (3833 West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020)

• Thursday, February 6, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm

Genesee County Rabies Drive-Thru Clinics at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020)

• Thursday, May 15, from 4 to 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, August 7, from 4 to 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, October 9, from 4 to 6:30 p.m.

The funding for these clinics comes from the New York State Department of Health.

For more information on GO Health’s programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or contact your local health department at:

• Orleans County: 585-589-3278
• Genesee County: 585-344-2580 x5555

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of cervical health and encourage proactive steps in preventing cervical cancer.

The New York State Department of Health reports that around 843 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed every year in New York State. Additionally, nearly 255 females lose their lives to this disease annually. With proper care, early detection, and education, cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer.

Cervical Cancer and Prevention

Cervical cancer develops slowly over time, often starting with abnormal cells on the cervix. In most cases, it is caused by persistent infection with high-risk strains of HPV. Regular screenings, such as Pap smears and HPV (Human Papillomavirus) tests are important for the early detection of cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine also offers further protections against common cancer-causing strains of HPV. It is most effective when given before exposure to the virus.

“Scheduling routine screenings and receiving the HPV vaccine can significantly decrease the risk of cervical cancer, states Brenden Bedard, Director of Community Health Services for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health).

Take Action

During Cervical Health Awareness Month, GO Health is encouraging individuals to:

1. Get screened regularly: Women aged 21 to 65 should have a Pap smear every 3 years, or both Pap and HPV tests every 5 years if recommended by their doctor according to the National Cancer Institute.
2. Get vaccinated: The HPV vaccine is recommended for boys and girls, between the ages of 11-26, but can also be started as early as age 9.
3. Talk to your doctor: Talk to your healthcare provider about cervical health, screenings, and the HPV vaccine, especially if you have concerns or a family history of cervical cancer.

“We encourage all women to prioritize their health by scheduling their screenings and learning more about HPV prevention,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “Through education and access to screenings, we can continue to fight cervical cancer and empower individuals to take control of their health.”

For more information about cervical health, screenings, and the HPV vaccine, visit https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical.

Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties and hospitals working together to gather responses

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

The Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming (GOW) County health departments and hospitals are working together with community partners to gather information from residents to help with public health planning for the next six years.

This information will help inform and guide the development of documents called the Community Health Assessment (CHA), Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), and the Community Services Plan (CSP). This process is part of the New York State Prevention Agenda, a plan for state and local action to improve the health and well-being of New Yorkers.

“The health departments are working to identify the health challenges, service gaps, and other factors that may impact the communities’ health status,” stated Paul Pettit, public health director for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “The input from our residents will help to identify community health needs, which will play a crucial role in developing the upcoming plan.”

In 2022, the community survey and conversations helped inform some of the initiatives that local health departments, hospitals and partners focused on:

Promote Well-Being and Prevent Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders

• Prevent opioid overdose deaths
• Prevent and address adverse childhood experiences

Prevent Chronic Diseases

• Prevent initiation of tobacco use
• Increase cancer screening rates
• Improve self-management skills for individuals with chronic diseases

To assess the health status of our communities, we are inviting community members to participate in an anonymous survey. The survey can be completed online and will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Paper copies of the survey will also be available at many locations in each county. You can access the survey by visiting the following links:

• English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GOWCHA2025
• Spanish (Espanola): https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GOWCHA2025Espanol

The health departments are arranging Community Conversations with interested groups to gather insights into the most pressing health concerns or issues in their community. These conversations aim to gather ideas on how to address the identified health concerns.

“Our hope is people in our communities will share their ideas on health and wellness, including obstacles they face,” stated Laura Paolucci, Wyoming County Health Department public health administrator. “The more people who participate, the more inclusive these action plans can be.”

To participate in a community conversation, obtain copies of the survey or if you have any questions, please contact your local health department:

• Genesee County Health Department at: 585-344-2580 ext. 5555, visit their website at GOHealthNY.org or visit Facebook, Instagram and X at GOHealthNY.
• Orleans County Health Department at: 585-589-3278, visit their website at GOHealthNY.org or visit Facebook, Instagram and X at GOHealthNY.
• Wyoming County Health Department at: 585-789-8890, visit their website or Facebook.

Organization has ‘Code Blue’ sites in Albion and Brockport

Press Release, Oak Orchard Health

WARSAW—Building on the success of the Orleans County Warming Center and the Brockport Community Warming Center, Oak Orchard Health has continued to work with its Wyoming County community partners to open a new warming center in Warsaw with today the first day for the center.

This community collaboration addresses the needs of people without housing when the temperature is below 32 degrees (“Code Blue”).

The new Wyoming County Community Warming Center is at Clarity Warsaw Clinic, 43 Duncan St. If an individual needs evening shelter during Code Blue, they can call

(585) 340-1355, and they will have a warm place to stay. They will also be referred to the county and local non-profits for additional services, ensuring a comprehensive approach to their well-being.

The new Wyoming County Community Warming Center in Warsaw offers an alternate, safe, warm place with snacks and toiletries and a connection to our community partners and services. Many local partners, including the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office, will continue to provide a warm place during Code Blue. Other partners are providing community resources like warm hats, blankets, backpacks and other bare necessities for those who live outside in the inclement weather.

“We could not have made the Wyoming County Community Warming Center a reality without the support of our community partners and funding from the Greater Rochester Health Foundation. We are so grateful for their grant and all the volunteers who made this a reality. Oak Orchard will be responsible for staffing and coordinating the opening of this community resource in the region,” said Karen Kinter, CEO, Oak Orchard Health.

In 2023, Oak Orchard successfully opened the Orleans County Warming Center, serving 63 people who used the site on the 110 code blue days. New York State mandates that if the weather drops below 32 degrees, it’s considered “Code Blue,” and the community must provide shelter.

There will be a ribbon-cutting celebration for the Warsaw site at 3 p.m. on Jan. 17.

“The Oak Orchard Health Warming Center is a powerful example of a community-driven initiative demonstrating the strength of collaboration between nonprofits, community members, local businesses and government,” said Monica Brown, senior program officer for Greater Rochester Health Foundation. “In rural areas like Wyoming County, where access to critical resources can be limited and inequities in healthcare and housing are prevalent, this project represents a critical support during an extreme time of need.

Provided photo: Leah Brenner, the new pediatric nurse practitioner at the Albion Walk-in Clinic, has been seeing patients since November.

ALBION – Orleans Community Health continues to increase the services it offers the public, with the announcement of a new staff member at its Albion Walk-in Clinic.

Leah Brenner, a pediatric nurse practitioner, has been seeing patients there since November.

Brenner grew up in Rochester, where she realized at the age of 7 she wanted to be a nurse.

“My sister fell off her bike and lacerated her liver, and when I saw the good care given to her by the nurses, I knew that was what I wanted to do,” Brenner said.

She received her bachelor of science in nursing at Brockport State College, and her master of science as a pediatric nurse practitioner at the University of Rochester. After graduating in 2009 she became a bedside nurse at Strong, until landing her first nurse practitioner job at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. in 2013.

In 2017 she moved back to Rochester to be with her family, and worked at Rochester General for five years. She spent one year in urgent care in Rochester.

She had been thinking of looking for a new job, and she and her husband had talked about moving to Albion to be near her sister, who lives here.

“I found this job was available and interviewed for it,” Brenner said. “I love it. With me, there are only two pediatric providers in Orleans County.”

Scott Robinson, director of Marketing at Orleans Community Health, said Orleans County is number two in the state for the greatest shortage of doctors. The ratio is 13,500 people to one doctor, he said.

Brenner said there is a huge need for psychiatric nurse practitioners nationwide, and she is going back to school to get certification as a psychiatric nurse practitioner.

Brenner sees patients from birth until their 22nd birthday. She is available at the walk-in clinic from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and she is accepting new patients.

If she had one piece of advice for parents, it would be to be sure to bring their children for their “well child” visits.

“That way, if a child has developmental issues, we can address them early,” she said.

Her second piece of advice is for parents to be aware of their child’s mental health. It is important for parents to talk to their kids and be able to have an open dialogue. If there are concerns about mental health, she encourages parents to discuss it with their primary care doctor.

Brenner and her husband Matthew have three children, ages 14, 9 and 7, and hope to make the move to Albion at the end of this school year.

Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

January is National Radon Action Month, a time to raise awareness about the dangers of radon exposure and encourage homeowners to take proactive steps to protect their families.

“Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that naturally forms from the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the leading cause among non-smokers,” stated Darren Brodie, Environmental Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health).

Radon can seep into homes through cracks in foundations, walls or floors. Prolonged exposure to high radon levels can lead to serious health issues, including lung cancer. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), nearly one in every 15 homes in the United States is estimated to have elevated radon levels. Fortunately, radon exposure is preventable through simple actions that homeowners can take.

Take Action to Protect Your Family:

1. Test Your Home for Radon

The only way to know if your home has elevated radon levels is by testing. Residents of Genesee County can receive a radon test kit at no cost to them, while supplies last, by contacting the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580 x5555. Residents in other counties can purchase a radon test kit at a hardware store, or at the NYS Department of Health (DOH) website. The EPA recommends testing every two years, or after major home renovations.

2. Mitigate High Radon Levels to lessen severity and reduce harm

If radon levels are found to be elevated (above 4 pCi/L), it is essential to take corrective action. Radon mitigation includes installing a ventilation system that reduces radon levels in the home. A certified radon professional can evaluate your home and recommend the best mitigation strategy.

3. Educate Your Friends and Family

Spread the word about the importance of radon testing and mitigation. Share resources and encourage neighbors to test their homes.

4. Health & Safety First

Radon exposure is preventable, and by testing and mitigating radon in your home, you can significantly reduce the threat of lung cancer caused by this invisible danger.

Radon Facts:

• Radon is responsible for approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually in the U.S.
• Radon exposure is particularly dangerous for children and non-smokers.
• Testing and mitigation are effective in reducing radon exposure and protecting health.

Resources:

• For more information on radon testing and mitigation services, visit the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) at https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/radon/ or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at https://www.epa.gov/radon.
• The National Radon Hotline, 1-800-SOS-RADON (767-7236), is available for guidance on radon testing, mitigation, and professional services in your area

Provided photo: Pictured from left include Kenneth Gholston, Chairman of the Board for Homeless Alliance of Western New York; Karen Kinter, Oak Orchard Health CEO; and Rashied McDuffie, Esq., deputy mayor City of Buffalo.

Press Release, Oak Orchard Health

ALBION – Oak Orchard Health (OOH) is proud to receive the Community Advocacy and Education Award for its work in the communities it serves.

This award from the Homeless Alliance of Western New York recognizes exemplary individual or organizational efforts to advocate for homeless people through public education initiatives, awareness campaigns, conference presentations, or published research.

“The warming center initiatives that Oak Orchard Health leads in Orleans, Brockport, and Wyoming County are truly remarkable, and the Homeless Alliance of Western New York is so grateful for the work with those most vulnerable in rural areas of Western New York,” said the Homeless Alliance of Western New York.

As a Federally Qualified Health Center, Oak Orchard serves 30,000 patients, including the homeless, farmworkers, and people of all races, genders, and ages. In addition, OOH has opened two warming centers (with a third coming soon), working with its community partners and funding from Monroe County (for the Brockport Community Warming Center) and Greater Rochester Health Foundation (Warsaw).

A Warming Center provides a warm, safe place for the unhoused when temperatures drop below 32 degrees (Code Blue).

Photo by Tom Rivers: Karen Kinter, CEO of Oak Orchard Health, speaks during a celebration for a new warming center at Christ Church on Dec. 20, 2023. The site offers cots, coffee, tea, soup and hygiene kits when the temperature dropped below 32 degrees at night.

“It is truly an honor for Oak Orchard Health to be selected for the Community Advocacy and Education Award,” said Karen Kinter, CEO Oak Orchard Health. “In December 2023, we opened our first Warming Center in Orleans County. On December 23, the Brockport Community Warming Center will open. Oak Orchard Health has taken the lead on administrative and staffing of these centers.”

Many do not think there is a large, unhoused community in rural areas where our health centers reside, but that’s untrue.  The Orleans County Warming Center served 63 people on the 110 Code Blue days. New York State mandates that if the weather drops below 32 degrees, it is considered “Code Blue,” and the community must provide shelter.

The Homeless Alliance of Western New York

The Homeless Alliance of Western New York is the lead agency for the Continuum of Care (CoC) and the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) in Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Wyoming, and Orleans counties.

Their program is designed to promote community-wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness, providing funding for efforts by nonprofit providers and state and local governments to quickly rehouse homeless individuals and families while minimizing the trauma and dislocation caused to homeless individuals, families and communities by homelessness; promote access to and effect utilization of mainstream programs by homeless individuals and families; and optimize self-sufficiency among individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

About Oak Orchard Health  

Initially founded in 1973, Oak Orchard Health has grown from serving farmworkers into an integrated health center with multiple locations providing health care services to 30,000 people, including primary care, pediatric care, vision and dental care, behavioral health, as well as nutrition and outreach services for everyone located in the communities they serve.

Oak Orchard Health is a recognized patient-centered medical home and 501(c) nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) located in the towns of Albion, Alexander, Batavia, Brockport, Corfu, Hornell, Medina, and Warsaw, New York. With the addition of the Mobile Medical Unit and Mobile Dental Unit, we will further increase access to care for our patients.

Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

While many people find the holidays to be joyful, they can be a difficult and a stressful time for some. This is especially true for those who battle with mental health or substance use difficulties.

During this season, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) and the Genesee and Orleans County Mental Health Departments want to encourage everyone to be proactive and to know where to get support.

“This can be a challenging time for many people,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “We want people to look out for others and know where to go for support.”

Tips for mental health well-being during the holiday season:

• Accept your feelings: It is okay to feel overwhelmed or sad. Allow yourself to process emotions without judgement. Help is available.
• Stay connected: Reach out to friends, family or someone you trust.
• Set boundaries: It is okay to say no to things you can’t take on.
• Take breaks: Listen to music, take a walk, or do something you enjoy.
• Maintain healthy habits: Avoid the use of drugs or alcohol. Instead, consider using healthy substitutes such as exercise or relaxation methods.
• If you use drugs, never use them alone and always have someone with you.
• Carry naloxone (Narcan), which can save a life during an opioid overdose. For free naloxone, text KIT to 877-535-2461.

“Help is always available and just a call away,” stated Danielle Figura, director of Orleans County Mental Health. “Reaching out to someone you trust or calling the Care & Crisis Line (585-283-5200) can be the first step toward hope and healing.”

Understanding the risk factors and warning signs of someone experiencing a mental health crisis can promptly prevent a crisis from occurring.

“Warning signs are often missed, dismissed or overlooked until it’s too late,” stated Lynda Battaglia, director for Genesee County Mental Health. “It is vital to remain vigilant and engage in open conversations. Be proactive so that together we can ensure that no one feels alone or without hope.”

Know the signs of a mental health crisis. Risk factors include:

• A history of depression, anxiety or trauma.
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs.
• Lack of social support or healthy relationships.
• Access to dangerous items like firearms or medications.

Warning signs include:

• Talking about wanting to die or feeling hopeless.
• Making concerning statements about self-harm.
• Sudden changes in behavior, such as mood swings, withdrawing from social activities, acting anxious, giving away possessions, or reckless behavior.
• Trouble sleeping.

How to help others:

• Ask questions: Check in with them and offer support.
• Listen without judgement: Be a good listener and show compassion.
• Reassure them: Remind them that they are not alone and that help is available.
• Secure dangerous items: Remove access to weapons or pills.
• Carry naloxone (Narcan) to respond to an emergency.

The following are some mental health and substance use resources available:

Orleans County Mental Health

14014 State Route 31 Albion, NY 14411

(585) 589-7066

Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Genesee County Mental Health

5130 East Main St. Rd., Suite 2 Batavia, NY 14020

(585) 344-1421

Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Walk-in hours from Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988 or visit and chat at 988 Lifeline.

Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 (press 1) or text 741741.

SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) – A confidential, free 24-hour helpline that can provide referrals to local treatment facilities and support groups. To find a local treatment facility, visit FindTreatment.gov. To find support for issues with mental health, drugs, or alcohol, visit Samhsa.gov/find-support.

If you or anyone you know needs additional support during this time or anytime of the year, Care & Crisis Helpline at (585) 283-5200 or call or text 988 the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

This is OOH’s second warming center, following one at Christ Episcopal Church in Albion

Press Release, Oak Orchard Health

Provided photo: The Brockport First Baptist, at 124 Main St., will serve as a warming center during Code Blue, when temperatures drop below 32 degrees.

BROCKPORT – Oak Orchard Health, which runs a warming center at Christ Episcopal Church in Albion, is opening a second warming center – at Brockport First Baptist, 124 Main Street, in the heart of Brockport.

The Monroe County Department of Human Services collaborated with OOH to make this warming center possible. This collaboration addresses the needs of people without housing when the temperature is below 32 degrees (“Code Blue”).

If an individual needs evening shelter during Code Blue, they can call (585) 340-1355, and have access to a warm, safe place to stay. The Brockport Community Warming Center is open as needed during the week, on weekends, and overnight.

During holidays, the Center is open 24 hours a day. People who stay at the Brockport Community Warming Center will also have access to services from Monroe County and local non-profits, ensuring a comprehensive approach to their well-being.

To stay warm during the day when the Warming Center is not open in Brockport, people can go to the Seymour Library, 161 East Ave, Brockport, during regular business hours.

“December 23 marks the opening of the Brockport Community Warming Center,” said Karen Kinter, CEO, Oak Orchard Health. “Oak Orchard is proud to participate in this effort to make this valuable resource open to the public. We could not make the Brockport Community Warming Center a reality without the support of Monroe County. We are so grateful to them and all the volunteers who made this a reality. Oak Orchard will be responsible for staffing and coordinating the opening of these community resources.”

On January 16th at 1 p.m. we will be having a grand opening with a ribbon cutting at the Brockport Community Warming Center. More details to come.

In 2023, Oak Orchard successfully opened the Orleans County Warming Center, serving 63 people who used the site on the 110 Code Blue days. New York State mandates that if the weather drops below 32 degrees, it’s considered “Code Blue,” and the community must provide shelter.

These Warming Centers will provide a safe haven for adults during frigid temperatures. If children need shelter, we will not turn them away; instead, we will work with the Department of Social Services to find a safe place.

Also, it will be available to seniors living in substandard housing who have their power shut off due to their inability to pay. They can find warmth and people to assist them with advocacy, transportation, and the resources needed to return to their homes.

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

As the holiday season approaches, many people enjoy gathering, celebrations and family traditions. It’s a time to relax and reconnect, but for some, the holidays can bring extra stress.

When people feel stressed, they often look for comfort or distractions, and this might make vaping more tempting – especially for those who already use nicotine.

Nicotine gives a short-term feeling of relief by boosting dopamine, a chemical that helps with mood. However, this can lead to dependence, making stress even worse in the long run.

“Some people use e-cigarettes to handle stress or anxiety,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “However, vaping to feel better creates a cycle of nicotine dependence, which can become another source of stress.”

This holiday season, try to take steps to stay healthy and manage stress in positive ways. By understanding your triggers and using healthy coping tools, you can enjoy the season without turning to vaping or other quick fixes.

Take the following steps to enjoy the holidays vape-free:

• Start reducing your nicotine use before the holidays. Gradually cutting back ahead of time gives your body a chance to adjust and helps you prepare for extended time with family without facing withdrawal symptoms. By lowering your nicotine intake as the holidays approach, you can set yourself up for a more enjoyable and stress-free season.
• Come prepared with healthier ways to cope with stress and triggers. Listening to your favorite songs, taking a walk, or practicing deep breathing techniques are great options to help distract you from cravings while supporting your body and mind in a positive way.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Staying refreshed can help reduce cravings and support your overall well-being. Keep a water bottle with you and sip regularly – using a straw can also help satisfy the oral fixation that often comes with vaping.
• Stay active during the holiday season! You don’t have to run a marathon to keep moving. Simple activities like taking a daily walk, following an online yoga session, or enjoying outdoor fun like sledding or snowshoeing can go a long way in helping to manage nicotine cravings and boost your mood.
• Keep your schedule packed with activities that don’t involve vaping. Plan outings with friends and family, try cooking a new recipe, make a snowman or ornaments for the tree. Staying busy helps you avoid boredom, which is one of the most common triggers for vaping.
• Keep in mind that quitting isn’t easy, and it is okay to treat yourself! Set small goals, like making it through a morning, a day, or a week without vaping, and reward yourself when you achieve them. Celebrating milestones makes the process more enjoyable and helps build healthier habits over time.

Remember, the holidays do not have to be perfect, and managing stress is about progress, not perfection. Taking small steps to cope in healthier ways can make the season more enjoyable.

Get Help Today

If you are interested in quitting, or someone you know needs help quitting, help is available:

• Visit the New York State Smokers’ Quitline for quit-smoking and quit-vaping programs, or call 866-NY-QUITS (866-697-8487), to apply for a free starter kit of nicotine medications and to talk to a quit coach.
• Talk to your healthcare provider about medications and counseling to help you manage cravings. Most health insurance plans, including Medicaid, cover services to help you quit.

For more information about GO Health Programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or contact your local health department at:

• Orleans County: 585-589-3278
• Genesee County: 585-344-2580 ext. 5555

Press Release, Genesee & Orleans Counties Health Departments

Health outcomes such as asthma, lead poisoning, injury, and other chronic diseases have been linked to unsafe and unhealthy housing conditions. Hazards are not only in older homes; new homes can also have hazards lurking within.

“Making homes safer and healthier can help children grow up strong, allow older adults to stay in their homes, and help people with disabilities live independently,” stated Darren Brodie, Environmental Health Director of Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health).

In January of 2024, the Genesee County Health Department received $1.2 million in funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This Healthy Homes Production (HHP) Grant addresses health and safety hazards in homes and apartments in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming (GLOW) counties. Health and safety hazards may include but are not limited to dampness and mold growth, asbestos, radon gas, pests, fall risks, and weatherization.

In order to be eligible for these funds, homeowners and property owners must meet all of the following requirements:

• Tenants or homeowners are income eligible (funds available for vacant units, call for more information)
• Existing health or safety hazards in the home
• Property is current on tax and mortgage payments
• Other requirements determined on a case-by-case basis

Rental property owners are required to match 10% of the total project costs. For example, a rental property owner would be required to pay $2,000 for a $20,000 project. Rental properties must have four units or less. Recipients are required to maintain ownership of the residence for 5 years after the project is completed.

All work is completed by pre-approved local contractors with applicable certifications. If you would like to be added to our list of contractors, please contact the Genesee County Health Department or fill out the application on the GO Health website.

For more information or help determining eligibility, please contact the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580 ext. 5555, or at Health.GOlead@geneseeny.gov.  You can also visit GOHealthNY.org for more information or to apply.

The local Mental Health Crisis Helpline, The Care & Crisis Helpline (585) 283-5200, is currently and temporarily non-operational as a result of phone and network issues. It serves Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties.

In the case of an immediate mental health need or mental health crisis, you can call or text 988, the  National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or dial 911 to reach your local dispatch center.