Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are offering their final 2026 free drive-thru rabies vaccination clinics in October.

The Orleans County Rabies Vaccination Clinic will be held on Wednesday, October 7, from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at the Orleans County Fairgrounds (12690 State Route 31, Albion).

The Genesee County Rabies Vaccination Clinic will be held on Thursday, October 8, from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 East Main Street, Batavia).

Vaccinations are free for dogs, cats and ferrets.

• Animals must be at least 3 months old.
• Each animal must be leashed or secured in a crate.
• Animals must be accompanied by an adult who can safely control the animal.
• Limit 4 pets per car maximum.
• Remember to bring proof of previous vaccination.

“We encourage all Genesee and Orleans County residents to take advantage of our last rabies immunization clinics of 2026 and ensure their pets are protected against rabies,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “Rabies continues to be a serious public health concern in both counties and is a preventable viral disease.”

To prevent the spread of rabies, the health department reminds residents to take the following precautions:

• Keep your pets up to date on their rabies vaccinations.
• Obey leash laws. Keep your pets under direct supervision and on a leash so they do not come in contact with wild or stray animals. If an animal bites your pet, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact the health department.
• Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not handle, feed, touch, or attract wildlife (raccoons, skunks, bats, bunnies, rabbits, and foxes) or stray dogs and cats.
• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.
• Prevent bats from entering living quarters. If you find a bat in your home, safely capture it and call the health department. DO NOT release it! For a video on how to safety capture a bat, visit https://bit.ly/CatchBatVideo

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

MEDINA – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Orleans Community Health is promoting early detection and education to help combat this disease. In support of this effort, Medina Memorial Hospital is offering free 3D mammography screenings during October and November.

3D mammography is a highly effective screening tool that improves the accuracy of breast cancer detection, according to information from Scott Robinson, Orleans Community Health’s director of marketing.

Unlike traditional mammograms, this advanced technology captures multiple images of the breast, giving radiologists a detailed, layer-by-layer view. This results in better detection rates, especially for women with dense breast tissue.

With the added attention around breast cancer awareness in October, the Imaging Department at Orleans Community Health is now scheduling appointments on extended days, which includes Saturdays. This will allow for an additional 50-plus screenings to occur during the month.

To qualify for a free screening, an appointment to have a mammogram must be scheduled during October or November, Robinson said.

“Whether you already have an appointment or need to book one, this offer applies only during these months,” he said. “We strongly encourage all women, especially those aged 40 and older, to schedule their appointments now.”

For women who require additional testing, onsite ultrasounds are also available. The hospital’s dedicated team provides compassionate care in a supportive and comfortable environment, Robinson added.

To book a mammogram, call (585) 798-8055. Remember, screenings can be scheduled for any month of the year and do not need to wait for October. Anyone with questions is urged not to hesitate, but to call and ask for more information.

The bottom line is – Early detection saves lives.

Senator seeks more funds for research, care for women experiencing menopause

Press Release, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Rick Scott (R-FL), ranking member and chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, held the first ever congressional hearing on menopause. At the hearing, expert witnesses testified about the urgent need to improve menopause research, training, and care.

Additionally, Gillibrand and Scott made a bipartisan request to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate how the federal government currently coordinates and funds menopause research and care.

“Menopause impacts over half of our population, and the fact that Congress has never held a hearing on it is absolutely disgraceful,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Today’s hearing was a critical step toward getting this issue front and center so that we can find the best ways to improve research, training, and care for women experiencing menopause. I am committed to working with all of my colleagues—men and women, Democrats and Republicans—to meet the moment on menopause.”

Menopause is one of the most under-researched, undertreated, and underdiagnosed fields of medicine. Women in midlife make up about a third of the U.S. population. However, less than 1% of federal women’s health research funding is allocated to menopause. Additionally, 80% of OB-GYN residents admit to being ill-prepared to discuss menopause—meaning that women who seek medical care for symptoms of menopause are often left untreated.

The lack of treatment for menopause also has massive economic implications. A study by the Mayo Clinic found that menopause costs the U.S. economy $26.6 billion per year, including $1.8 billion in lost work time alone. One in ten women leave the workforce because of menopause, taking decades of knowledge and experience with them.

Gillibrand and Scott’s bipartisan letter to GAO requests a report on the federal government’s role in menopause care and research. This report will help us better understand remaining gaps in menopause-related research, education, and treatment, and what the federal government can do to address these gaps. The text of the letter can be found by clicking here.

Press Release, Arc GLOW

Martin Miskell

GENESEO — For the second year in a row, Arc GLOW CEO Martin Miskell has been named to the Rochester Business Journal Power List for Healthcare.

The Power List consists of people who have played a significant role in helping to improve the health of the local community.

“The people on this list have helped Rochester’s healthcare community reimagine itself rapidly to keep patients and staff safe,” Rochester Business Journal said. “They have pushed innovation forward to deal with numerous challenges over the past few years and have positioned their organizations to take advantage of opportunities to improve their services.”

“I’m very honored to be named to the Rochester Business Journal’s Power List for Healthcare,” Miskell said. “Arc GLOW will continue improving and expanding our services to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the GLOW region.”

Miskell started at the Arc of Livingston-Wyoming in 2002 as director of finance. In 2007, he became the associate executive director/chief financial officer and eight years later moved into the role of executive director. He became CEO after the October 2021 merger of Arc of Genesee Orleans and Arc of The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming.

Miskell is a lifelong resident of Geneseo, where he resides with his wife, Theresa. Together, they have four adult children and two grandchildren. He received his bachelor’s degree in economics from SUNY Geneseo and his MBA from Rochester Institute of Technology.

Arc GLOW is a non-profit serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties. To learn more about Arc GLOW programs and services, visit ArcGLOW.org.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Kagney Bienick, a radiologic technologist of the Albion Healthcare Center, recently came up with the idea to start a Sports Closet to help families who may not be able to afford their child’s sports equipment. Here, she stands next to a rack of donated sports equipment available in the lobby of the clinic.

ALBION – Orleans Community Health is proving there are many ways to make the community feel better.

A simple idea from a worker at the Albion Healthcare Center to give used sports gear a second life is quickly growing into a community-wide effort, said Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communication and Outreach at Orleans Community Health.

The Albion Healthcare Center has launched a new “Sports Closet” where families can donate gently used sports equipment, shoes and apparel – or pick up items their children can use at no cost.

The idea came from Kagney Bienick, a radiologic technologist at the Albion Healthcare Center, who knows firsthand how quickly the cost of youth sports can add up for families.

“Sports expenses can be outrageous, and if we can help make it so kids can participate and take some load off parents, why not,” Bienick said. “It’s stuff that we had laying around, used for a season or two, but still has life left in it.”

The concept is simple. Take what you need and donate what you can. Families are welcome to bring some items to the Sports Closet and pick up something they may need. There is no requirement to donate an item in order to take one.

The Sports Closet is already beginning to fill up with items, including football pants, practice jerseys, football cleats, soccer cleats, dance shoes and baseball pants. The hope is, as more people learn about the program, the selection will continue to grow to include equipment and apparel for a variety of sports and activities, Robinson said.

Youth sports can provide children with opportunities to exercise, build confidence, make friends, learn teamwork and become more connected to their community.

“As we all know, registration fees, uniforms and equipment can make participation difficult for some families – especially when children can outgrow gear after only a season or two,” Robinson said.

The Sports Closet offers an opportunity for that outgrown or unused equipment to help another child.

Shortly after information about the Albion Sports Closet began circulating, community members started asking whether a similar program could be established at Medina Memorial Hospital.

“I received several messages asking if we could do something similar at the hospital,” Robinson said. “That tells you how quickly Kagney’s idea connected with people. There are families who have perfectly good equipment sitting at home, and there are families who could put that equipment to use right now. This is a great way to connect the two.”

Orleans Community Health plans to bring the concept to Medina Memorial Hospital, as well, expanding the opportunity for families throughout the community to participate

Community members are encouraged to donate clean, gently used sports equipment, footwear and apparel that still have plenty of life left in them. Items can be brought to either the Albion Healthcare Center or Medina Memorial Hospital.

“This really is about helping your neighbors,” Robinson added. “Kagney deserves the credit for getting this project off the ground and building immediate excitement.”

Albion Healthcare Center is located at 14789 Route 31, Albion.

Medina Memorial Hospital is located at 200 Ohio St., Medina.

For additional information about the Sports Closet, contact Kagney Bienick in Albion at (585) 589-2273 or Scott Robinson in Medina at (585) 798-2000.

Provided photo: Oak Orchard Health dedicated the Alexander Health Center to board member Cynda Watroba. Pictured, from left, include: Jerry Archibald, Marco Altieri, Gloria Crittenden, Cynda Watroba, Matthew Fernaays and John Slenker.

Press Release, Oak Orchard Health

ALEXANDER – Oak Orchard Health, a leading healthcare provider serving rural communities in upstate New York, its health center in Alexander to Board Vice Chair and Secretary Cynda Watroba in recognition of her leadership and commitment to the organization’s mission.

Watroba first supported Oak Orchard Health during the Covid-19 pandemic by creating high-quality cloth masks for staff, their families, and the neighborhood. Her hands-on service reflected a deep commitment to community health and made joining Oak Orchard’s Board of Directors a natural next step in her ongoing advocacy.

She has served on the Board of Directors since 2022 and is committed to assuring equitable access to care for all members of our community. Dedicated to her board role, Watroba serves on the Board Human Resources, Finance, Special Populations, Governance, Strategic Planning, Corporate Compliance and Executive Committees.

The dedication ceremony took place on Thursday, August 6th, during the agency’s National Health Center Week celebrations. The ceremony included a speech from President and CEO Marco Altieri, where he emphasized Watroba’s tireless commitment to the organization and thanked her for her service.

“Cynda, you have given us your brain, and most importantly, your heart,” Altieri said. “You have given us what we needed at the right time… some stories are meant to go untold, but this one isn’t.”

John Slenker, board chairman and friend of Watroba, presented the plaque and attested to the long hours that she dedicates to Oak Orchard Health.

Cynda shared the story of her journey with the organization, which started with a visit to the Alexander office, when her wife, Gloria, pointed out the board of directors’ sign in the lobby and encouraged her to join. Both Cynda and Gloria are long-time patients of the Alexander Office.

“Cynda sets the standard for the board of directors, and we are incredibly grateful for her leadership and dedication,” Slenker said. “Her tireless commitment to Oak Orchard Health is unmatched.”

Oak Orchard Health is proud to introduce the Alexander Office as “The Cynda Watroba Health Center.”

Press Release, Orleans County Health Department

LYNDONVILLE – The Orleans County Health Department is seeking information regarding a dog and its owner following a biting incident.

A person was bitten by a dog on Saturday, August 1, between 5 and 6 p.m. at a property on North Lyndonville Road, just west of White Birch.

The dog is described as a male, possibly a pit bull/boxer mix, with a gray face with black stripes, one light-colored eye and one dark-colored eye, and wearing a red collar with a tag at the time of the incident. Following the incident, the dog ran west from the property.

The Health Department is seeking the dog to ensure it is healthy. If the dog is confirmed healthy, it helps confirm that rabies was not transmitted during the bite, and the person may not need treatment.

If you have any information, please call the Orleans County Health Department at 585-813-9541.

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

BATAVIA – The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) will be holding their Local Early Intervention Coordinating Council (LEICC) Quarterly Meeting on Thursday, August 13, from 2:30- 4:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Genesee County Health Department, 3837 West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020.

The LEICC is a supportive group made up of county officials, Early Intervention providers, childcare providers, parents of children with disabilities, and other community members. Members are encouraged to collaborate, share their perspectives, and raise concerns to help strengthen the Early Intervention program and, ultimately, improve outcomes for children and families.

For zoom connection information or for more information on the meeting, please contact Deborah Krenzer-Lewter, Director of Children with Special Needs, at 585-344-2580 ext. 5572 or 585-589-2777.

Press Release, Oak Orchard Health

BROCKPORT – Oak Orchard Health, a leading healthcare provider in rural, upstate New York, is celebrating National Health Center Week across their ten locations from Aug. 3 to Aug. 7.

The annual observance recognizes the vital role community health centers play in expanding access to high-quality care and strengthening the health of the communities they serve.

Oak Orchard Health is one of 80 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in New York State. FQHCs are community-based providers that offer comprehensive primary and preventative care to patients regardless of their ability to pay, helping reduce barriers such as cost, transportation, insurance status, access and language barriers.

“We are proud to provide high-quality accessible care to our neighbors, we remain committed to ensuring that all people have access to the care they deserve close to home,” said Marco Altieri, CEO.

Oak Orchard Health provides medical, dental, behavioral health, optical and patient engagement services to nearly 45,000 patients annually across Monroe, Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming and Steuben counties.

National Health Center Week highlights the significant contributions health centers make in improving health outcomes and increasing access to care in underserved communities. For Oak Orchard Health, it is also an opportunity to recognize and thank the providers, care teams and staff whose dedication ensures patients receive the care and support they need close to home. Oak Orchard Health employs nearly 300 providers and staff members across their five-county footprint.

By bringing comprehensive care close to home, Oak Orchard Health helps patients build lasting relationships with providers, manage chronic conditions, access preventative screenings and connect with resources that support overall health and well-being.

In many rural communities, health centers serve as a critical access point for comprehensive care, reducing the need for long-distance travel and helping patients receive timely care before symptoms worsen. Through their commitment to accessible patient-centered care, Oak Orchard Health continues to improve the health and quality of life for the communities they serve.

Provided photo: Children will receive free bicycle helmets at this week’s Family Fun Day on Friday. The event is scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. in the park south of the hospital.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health recently announced Family Fun Fridays, a new summer series designed to bring families together through fun, active and educational experiences, while connecting them with local organizations and health resources.

Taking place every other week throughout the summer, these free events encourage children and families to stay active, learn healthy habits and discover programs and services available throughout Orleans County. Family Fun Fridays are part of Orleans Community Health’s ongoing Healthy Communities initiative, which focuses on prevention, education and community connection.

The Medina events take place in the park south of Medina Memorial Hospital, while one in Lyndonville will be at Yates Town Park pavilion. All Family Fun Fridays are free and open to the public.

This Friday’s event will feature Children’s Yoga, presented by Hometown Wellness. Children will be introduced to yoga through engaging, age-appropriate activities that promote movement, mindfulness, relaxation and overall wellness.

At the Aug. 7 event at Yates Town Park, families from across the area are invited to enjoy activities, games and opportunities to connect with local organizations serving children and families.

The Aug. 21 Family Fun Friday finale in Medina will conclude with another afternoon of family-friendly activities, community engagement and health and wellness resources.

Each event will feature interactive activities for children, along with information from community organizations which prove programs and services benefiting local families. Parents and caregivers will have the opportunity to learn about healthcare, wellness, education, recreation and other community resources available throughout Orleans County.

“Family Fun Fridays are about creating opportunities for families to spend quality time together, while promoting healthy lifestyles and introducing them to the many organizations that help make our community stronger,” said Scott Robinson, director of marketing for Orleans Community Health. “We hope these events become a fun summer tradition that encourages families to stay active, build connections and discover resources that support their health and well-being.”

Community organizations and Orleans Community Health departments interested in hosting an informational table or providing a family-friendly activity are encouraged to participate.

In addition to Family Fun Fridays, Orleans Community Health is currently planning a Children’s Wellness Fair in Albion, further expanding opportunities for children and families to access health education, wellness resources and community support.

For more information, contact Robinson at srobinson@medinamemorial.org or by calling (585) 798-2000.