By Nola Goodrich-Kresse, Public Health Educator for the Orleans County Health Department
The Orleans County Health Department today is asking residents to give special thanks to their state and local “public health heroes” who protect the nation’s health throughout the year.
The Health Department is joining Research!America and its partners, which include the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the Society for Public Health Education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, American Cancer Society and others for “Public Health Thank You Day 2014.”
The day honors all those unsung heroes whose duties although vastly spread in focus, have the same overarching goal of protecting the health of the public. Public health is all around us. Take the time to appreciate some examples including the clean water you drink, the street signs, signals and lights, access to health care, emergency response, and recycling and trash removal services.
These unsung heroes who protect the nation’s health throughout the year include our health inspectors, environmental health scientists, public health researchers, sanitation workers, medical investigators, outreach workers, doctors, nurses, emergency responders, public health administration and support staff and many, many more.
File photo by Tom Rivers – Sanitation workers are unsung heroes who help protect the community’s health.
Recent outbreaks have shown us that in spite of the challenges and risks, public health professionals continue to dedicate their time and energy to combat disease and maintain a healthy environment for Americans.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and various institutions within our public health infrastructure have come together to address recent outbreaks, and public health professionals are tackling these threats head-on as they do with other health challenges on a daily basis.
We also want to take the time to wish you and your families a very healthy and Happy Thanksgiving season. We appreciate all the good things you do for our community.
The Orleans County Health Department will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and on Friday, Nov. 28. We will re-open on Monday, Dec. 1, 2014, at 8 am. Have a great holiday!
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 November 2014 at 12:00 am
Group plans 3 races for 2015, including 10-mile “Metro” race pitting Rochester vs. Buffalo
Photo by Tom Rivers – Thom Jennings, left, and Brian Krieger, leaders of the Albion Running Club, are planning several races and programs to improve the fitness in the community. They are pictured at last month’s 5-kilometer race at Brown’s Berry Patch in Waterport.
ALBION – They have seen the statistics and cringed. Brian Krieger and Thom Jennings want to unleash a force to raise the county’s dismal health stats, among the worst of all 62 counties in the state.
The annual County Health Rankings ranks Orleans as the 52nd healthiest county out of 62. Orleans ranked 52nd in health outcomes, 57th in health factors, and 58th in health behaviors. In Orleans, 66 percent of adults are overweight, 41 percent in that group are obese, and 55 percent say they don’t engage in daily exercise.
Krieger and Jennings are both leaders of the Albion Running Club. They believe the non-profit organization can make an impact in the county by offering fitness programs and three races that provide goals to motivate walkers and runners.
“We want to use the sport of running to build a healthier community,” said Krieger, executive director for the Running Club.
Krieger has seen the community respond to a running program.
He teamed with Wayne Burlison and Jack Burris to spearhead a 5K “Run for God” program that took people from the couch to a 5K race in about three months. The Run for God drew nearly 100 participants in its first three years, with the runners and walkers completing the 5K Strawberry Festival course.
“There have been some unbelievable changes in people,” Krieger said.
File photo – Sheila Lemcke of Albion lost more than 100 pounds through exercise and better nutrition. She was the honorary “Strawberry” in last June’s Strawberry Festival race. She has participated in the Run for God programs.
The Albion Running Club is a 501c3 tax-exempt organization. It has organized the Strawberry Festival race recently, including the record crowd of nearly 300 runners last June.
It wants to add another race this March 28 as a memorial for Wayne Burlison, one of the founders of the Running Club. He was 36 when he died from colon cancer on March 26. Burlison was a music teacher at the Ronald L. Sodoma Elementary School.
A 5K is 3.1 miles, but the “Run for Wayne” race will be different. That run/walk will be 3.17 miles. Burlison battled cancer for 3 months and 17 days. Proceeds from the race will be used for a scholarship in Burlison’s name.
The Running Club will continue to organize the Strawberry Festival 5K/8K on the second Saturday in June. With nearly 300 runners, it’s one of the most successful small town races around. About $2,000 in profits from the race are distributed to local charities and agencies.
Krieger and Jennings, the Orleans County YMCA executive director, believe the race could grow to 500 participants. That would mean more money to share with local causes and more people working on their fitness goals. Jennings has experience promoting concerts and events. He is the communications director for the Running Club.
Krieger and Jennings connected in May after Krieger read an article on the Orleans Hub about Jennings running a marathon with his son. Jennings took up running about three years ago and lost more than 100 pounds.
Krieger and Burlison were running partners. They trained for a marathon together. Burlison lost more than 150 pounds through exercise and nutrition. Krieger saw similarities between Burlison and Jennings.
Provided photo – Wayne Burlison started running in 2008 and completed a marathon and several half marathons. He was one of the founders of the Albion Running Club.
Krieger was also intrigued by a comment that Jennings made in the Orleans Hub article. Jennings saw Albion as an ideal host for a mega-race, a long distance run that would draw Buffalo and Rochester runners.
The two had coffee and together they brainstormed the “Metro 10,” a 10-mile race planned for Aug. 22. They expect at least 1,000 runners. Each runner will pick a side: either Rochester or Buffalo. Finishers will score points for either metro area and overall winner will be named with Buffalo or Rochester taking home a trophy.
The Running Club has a promotional video (click here) for the race and is working on more video vignettes to promote the event. (There will be one featuring chicken wings vs. Garbage Plates.)
Many races typically present medals to the top finisher or the top three in each age group. That leaves a lot of people unrecognized. With the Metro 10, every runner will have an impact on their community’s overall score.
“Even if you’re not an elite runner, you can feel part of the competition,” Jennings said. “Albion makes sense as the host for the race. We’re centrally located.”
The Metro 10 course is tentatively laid out to showcase the historic Courthouse Square, the downtown, some of the fruit orchards, the canal towpath and the rural landscapes. The race will end at Bullard Park in a festival-like atmosphere with bands.
Jennings believes the Metro 10 will show off Albion’s assets to the running community. Some of them may like what they see and move to the Albion area, Jennings said.
File photo – Runners take off at the start of the Strawberry Festival Race last June, when about 300 people completed the course.
“These marathons and events can turn a community around,” Jennings said. “They will see our great real estate that is low-priced. They will see people in a friendly environment. It’s an opportunity in my mind for Albion to be a host community. We can be ambassadors of the county.”
Krieger and Jennings know a 10-mile race can be a big draw, and be the foundation to build other fitness programs. Krieger has met the leader of the Crim Fitness Foundation, which organizes a festival of races every August in Flint, Mich. The races started in 1977 to promote fitness in the community. (Click here for more on the Crim Foundation.)
The event draws 50,000 people to Flint, and has led to several year-round programs. Krieger sees the Crim Fitness Foundation as the ultimate model for Albion and Orleans County.
The Running Club plans to offer a “Fit in 50” program throughout the year. The Running Club has applied for grants to help pay for some of the fitness initiatives. It already has secured some sponsors for the Metro 10.
Krieger works in regional sales for the hydraulic fluid industry. He wants to engage more community partners to promote health and wellness in the community.
“if you want to change the community, which is in desperate need, then people must step up and do something,” he said.
For more information about sponsoring, volunteering or teaming with the Albion Running Club, contact Krieger at585-590-0955 or email bkrieger@albionrunningclub.com.
A partnership between Orleans and Genesee counties, where they share a Public Health director and other staff, has been recognized with the “Outstanding Rural Health Program Award” by the NY State Association for Rural Health.
Paul Pettit of Albion serves as public health director for the two counties. He is pictured at left with Donald Rowe (center), director of the Office of Public Health Practice at the University of Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions; and Kenneth Oakley, CEO of the Lake Plains Community Care Network.
The NY State Association for Rural Health recognizes individuals and organizations that have made a significant contribution to rural health. Recognized state-wide for the high quality of service that they represent in rural health, the NYSARH annual awards are selected by NYSARH’s Board of Directors, who are composed of representatives of all facets of the rural health care industry.
The Orleans and Genesee departments have been sharing a director and other staff since Jan. 1, 2013. The initiative is a collaborative effort of the Lake Plains Community Care Network, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments, and the University of Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions.
The agencies have been studying and assessing the merits of sharing public health services over a two-year period. Coinciding with this pilot project, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, in partnership with the Kansas Health Institute, began a cross jurisdictional services study on shared public health services nation-wide. The Genesee and Orleans Counties Cross Jurisdictional Sharing Program is one of 16 sites selected by RWJF to be a part of this study.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 November 2014 at 12:00 am
Provided photo – Conni Nenni, clerk for Holley Central School, won last year’s “Biggest Loser” contest at the district by losing about 30 pounds. She has kept the weight off.
HOLLEY – The school district is inviting the community to participate in its third “Biggest Loser” contest. The event kicks off this evening at 6:30 p.m. with weigh-ins at the new Fitness Center located in the Elementary School.
There will also be a child/parent fitness challenge beginning at 6 p.m. The district will also provide a fitness seminar at 7 p.m.
The Biggest Loser will be picked based on percentage of weight loss over the following months. Last year’s winner, Connie Nenni, will speak at the kick off tonight.
Nenni, clerk for the school district, said she lost about 30 pounds over four months last year from February through June. She counted calories, committed to a walk/run routine and cut back on pasta, breads and potatoes.
“I tried different things before but wasn’t able to keep off the weight,” she said today.
Participants will be eligible for monthly prizes. There is no specific weight loss program to follow.
“Do it your way on your own time line,” the district advises.
There is no charge to participate. The contest is open to anyone who lives in or who works for the school district.
By Nola Goodrich-Kresse, Public Health Educator for Orleans County Health Department
If you noticed you are exceptionally early for things, you may need to double check your clock. This past Sunday everyone should have been setting their clocks back one hour for daylight savings time.
This is also a great time to look at protecting your family and your home. Check your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm batteries and clean them out according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Never remove batteries from either of these alarms other than to put in fresh batteries in the fall and spring when you change your clocks. If your alarms are more than 10 years old, or you don’t know how old they are, consider replacing them with new alarms.
Take time to go through your emergency supplies. Make sure they haven’t expired. Changing these items twice a year helps you know what you have and makes sure you don’t have expired foods or water in your emergency kits. You might also want to freshen up any clothes or blankets you have packed and make sure they are appropriate for the winter season.
If you haven’t already made one, make an emergency kit for your pets. Make sure you have at least a 3-day supply of water and food for your furry friends. Double check their vaccinations to make sure they are current and keep copies of them in their supply kit in case you have to leave your home in an emergency. Most public shelters do not allow pets, so plan ahead for your pets.
File photo by Tom Rivers – Much of Orleans County had its electricity knocked out in an ice storm last December, just before Christmas.
Contact your out-of-town/state buddies you have listed for your family to contact in the event you are separated in an emergency. Touch base with them to make sure you have their current information and remind them how important they are as a contact for your family. Offer to be their contact as well if you are able.
Make sure your emergency supply kits have fresh batteries, chargers, flashlights that work and other comfort items for sheltering in place or if you have to leave in a hurry. Keeping copies of current medical information for each family member, insurance forms, licenses, etc. will go a long way in helping during recovery efforts.
Make sure your house and vehicles are in good repair for the upcoming winter and keep emergency kits in your car and your workplace because you may get stuck someplace other than home.
Remember, when you turn your clocks back in the fall and forward in the spring, it is always a good time to plan ahead for safety. Have a great Fall season!
If you would like to ask the Public Health Educator a health related question to be answered in a future column, e-mail her at Nola.Goodrich-Kresse@orleansny.com. The Health Department reserves the right not to answer any questions deemed unsuitable.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 October 2014 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The crowd of 1,000 participants at The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk raised $50,000 on Sunday for breast cancer research and for programs for people battling the disease.
The top photo shows a group of students from the Iroquois Job Corps Center in Medina at the beginning of the 5-kilometer walk.
The $50,000 raised on Sunday brings the total to $325,000 over 10 years since Watt Farms started hosting the event.
The American Cancer Society organizes other walks in the region and they typically are in urban areas. There was another Making Strides walk on Sunday at Jamestown Community College.
The walk in Albion differs from the others for its farm setting, said Monica Dailey, a specialist for community events for the American Cancer Society.
She praised the participants and Karen Watt, co-owner of the farm and a breast cancer survivor, for working so hard on the Making Strides walk at Watt Farms.
“The community rallies together,” she said. “You see a sea of pink.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 October 2014 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The 10th annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at Watt Farms drew about 1,000 people this morning at the farm on Route 98.
In the top photo, Melinda Maedl, business and community liaison for the Iroquois Job Corps Center in Medina, waves and leads a group at the beginning of the walk.
Karen Watt, a breast cancer survivor, addresses the crowd before the walk. Gene Christopher is pictured in lower right. His wife Judy fought breast cancer. She died at age 70 on Aug. 3, 2013.
Organizers of the walk set a $55,000 goal for today’s event. Watt said some of that money will go to advance cancer research. She said Orleans County is fortunate to be between major cancer research facilities in Buffalo and Rochester.
Karen Watt is pictured with two of her employees who are both breast cancer survivors. Melanie Vanacore, center, was diagnosed in July and Elizabeth “Perk” Banker was diagnosed five years ago. Watt is a 10-year survivor.
Watt said 70 Orleans County residents are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. In the 10 years of the walk at the Watt Farms, about 700 people in the county have been diagnosed with breast cancer, Watt said.
About 1,000 people were out walking in the orchards at Watt Farms for the breast cancer walk this morning.
There were 23 students from the Iroquois Job Corps in Medina on the walk today. Students sold ribbons and competed in a dorm vs. dorm event to raise $350 for the cause.
Participants ventured past the pond in the orchard on the 5-kilometer route.
Members of the CSEA employee union in Orleans County are pictured before the walk. County employees raised about $1,000 for the walk. Pictured, in back from left include: Debbie Sherk, Paula Bensely, Linette Kropp, union president Cindy Troy, and Alexis Montes and Johanna Cuadra whose mother Diana Kephart works for the county.
The two girls in front, Gracelynn and Isabelle Perkins, are Troy’s granddaughters.
Robbi Hess of Albion, center, is a breast cancer survivor. She was diagnosed 2 years, 3 months and 11 days ago. She had a mammogram just before her 50th birthday, and had surgery and radiation. She is pictured with her sister Cheryl Sipple of Medina, left, and cousin Pam Gray of Medina. The three raised $400 for today’s walk.
Hess volunteers as a mentor with the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester, connecting with women recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She also is active on the Cancer Survivors Facebook page, arranging for people with cancer to receive cards in the mail.
Members of the Elba football and soccer teams gather for a picture before today’s walk at Watt Farms.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 October 2014 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Albion School District made a big effort to promote today’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at Watt Farms in Albion.
Before the walk at 10 a.m., about 150 students and staff gathered next to the football stadium for a picture. The group is arranged in the shape of the breast cancer awareness ribbon.
Some of the group is pictured walking on East Bacon Road as part of the 5-kilometer course at the farm. Students and staff raised about $6,000 for the American Cancer Society. Nancy Moore, a teacher’s aide, and Jennifer Blanchard, a teacher, pushed the cause throughout the district.
Two teachers have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer and several others also were diagnosed with cancer in recent years.
“We’ve had so many people affected by cancer and other tragedies,” Moore said this morning.
MEDINA – The Buffalo law firm of Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman LLP is issuing the following statement on behalf of its client, Orleans Community Health/Medina Memorial Hospital, in response to recent media reports addressing its decision to apply for status as a Critical Access Hospital.
Dolores Horvath, President and Chief Executive Officer, Orleans Community Health Medina Memorial Hospital:
On the reports that the hospital is downsizing:
Medina Memorial Hospital was certified, on paper, for more beds than it actually needed or used to treat the patients of Orleans County, and this paper surplus of beds was preventing us from accessing important state and federal grants, incentives, and other funding.
Changing to Critical Access status will enable the hospital to receive additional significant sources of revenue, funding that will be crucial as we move forward with the goal of better serving the residents of Orleans County and the surrounding region.
Additionally, our hospital was recently designated a “safety net hospital” by the New York Department of Health, a move that signals the state’s belief that Medina Memorial is a vital community resource that provides necessary medical care – including life-saving emergency care – in Orleans County and beyond.
Addressing reports that there is uncertainty as to whether or not hospital staff will be impacted by a potential change in status:
There have been no discussions of any reduction in hospital staff as part of the Critical Access designation. This isn’t about reducing costs through staffing cuts, it is about updating the status of the hospital to best reflect its current level of service and to open the door to new federal and state funding opportunities. It is incredibly difficult in the current market to operate an independent rural hospital, and this classification will help to provide the funding Medina Memorial needs to ensure that we are able to provide high quality health care that meets the growing needs of our community for many years to come.
Responding to the assertion that the hospital is cutting services:
We are not cutting services. Reports that we are seeking to decertify beds in our pediatric department, for example, don’t account for the fact that we have not had a pediatrician on the hospital staff for several years. In reality, the conversion of those beds is a regulatory paperwork issue, not a cut in services.
As the Federal Rural Assistance Center has explained, “Conversion to Critical Access Hospital status does not mean losing services. In some instances, hospitals that have converted to CAH status may choose to expand their range of services to better meet their community’s needs.” That is certainly true for our facility. Under our current plan, we will be able to add cardiology and expanded orthopedic services, two specialty areas that we did not effectively cover, but will be especially critical to serving a rapidly aging population in the years ahead.
On the reports that Critical Access status is reserved for hospitals in “financial distress”:
That is simply not true. The ability to apply for Critical Access status is something reserved for rural hospitals, to promote access to necessary care. A hospital’s financial condition is not part of the evaluation under Federal law.
Statement from Bruce Krenning, Chairman of the Orleans Community Health Board of Directors:
The board of directors has been working diligently for more than a year to evaluate the ongoing status of Medina Memorial Hospital and to develop a long-term strategy that will best serve the residents of this community. Our foremost goal is always providing the highest level of care to our patients, and applying for Critical Access status is an important step in ensuring that the residents of Orleans County and the surrounding region have a hospital that is capable of meeting their medical needs well into the future.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 October 2014 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – Gretchen Albone receives a massage this morning from Stacie Bermel, a massage therapist and owner of Vitality Massage in Medina. Bermel was one of 18 vendors at a health fair put on by the Lyndonville PTA.
The health fair was part of the school district’s homecoming celebration. PTA member Stephanie Freas coordinated the health fair, wanting to promote proper nutrition, wellness and exercise in the community.
Jaime Brennan, left, of Albion is owner Tranquility Herbals and Tranquility Herbals Health Coaching. She is talking with Noreen Nelson of Lyndonville as part of the health fair, which lasted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 October 2014 at 12:00 am
EAST SHELBY – Charlene Pratt, left, of Medina joins about 250 participants in the 26th annual Knights-Kaderli walk and run this morning. The 3.5 mile course started next to the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company.
Melissa Knights Bertrand, daughter of the late Richard Knights, welcomes the group of runners and walkers. Her niece Natalie Pellicano is at right. Natalie kicked off the race by shouting. “1, 2, 3, Go!” Bertrand helps organize the race and volunteers with for the Knights-Kaderli Fund.
The walk and run has raised about $20,000 each of the past five years. The Fund typically has about $50,000 a year to share with Orleans County residents and their families fighting the disease.
These runners take off near the start of the race. In its 26 years, the walk and run has raised nearly $250,000 for the Knights-Kaderli Fund. For more information on the fund, click here.
The fund was started by two families in honor of Richard Knights, who died from cancer in 1984, and Sue Scharping Kaderli, who died from the disease in 1989.
Todd Zinkievich, left, was among the participants in today’s walk and run. For many years the Zinkievich family has helped raise money for the Knights-Kaderli Fund.
This trio walked the course in honor of Susan Bennett of Barre, who was 67 when she died from cancer on Jan. 11. Kathy Jurs, left, is best friends with Bennett’s daughter, Amy Neal (center). Bennett’s daughter-in-law Jennifer Bennett also joined the walk today.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 September 2014 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers – Molly, a 3-month-old black lab, snuggles with Abby Ferris, 6, who has epilepsy and suffers from unpredictable seizures. Molly will be trained to watch for the seizures and to alert Abby’s parents or an adult.
CARLTON – The seizures started with Abby Ferris was she was 2, often striking at night. In the four years since then she has had about 30 seizures. They are unpredictable.
Abby, now 6, has epilepsy. Her parents, Kristin and Todd Ferris, keep a watchful eye on her, afraid to keep her out of sight in case of a seizure. They don’t let Abby sleep alone or go play by herself for very long.
Abby should soon be able to have more independence because the family purchased a seizure response dog, a black lab named Molly. The dog is just 12 weeks old but has already begun some basic training. Molly will be trained to observe Abby for seizures. If Abby is having one, the dog will be trained to go paw at Mr. or Mrs. Ferris.
“I want her to be a normal kid to be able to sleep in her own bed and go play on her own,” Mrs. Ferris said.
Abby Ferris is pictured with her parents, Kristin and Todd Ferris, and Abby’s seizure response dog, Molly.
Abby is very much an active 6-year-old, dancing at Gotta Dance by Miss Amy, jumping on a trampoline and riding a Barbie Car in the backyard.
There is a good chance she will outgrow epilepsy, a neurological disorder. Her seizures can be long, often more than 5 minutes. The family has medication at home if there is an extended seizure.
Mr. Ferris is a long-time Carlton firefighter, a former chief who led the department for 8 years. If Abby has a seizure, he can administer her medication and then check her pupils, muscle strength and equalization – the strength of her left and right sides of the body. Mrs. Ferris also worked in a doctor’s office.
Abby drives her battery-charged Barbie car in her backyard in Carlton.
The couple has learned not to panic when their daughter has a seizure.
However, they said they feel always on alert that their daughter could lose consciousness from a seizure. It’s particularly worrisome at night if she were to have a seizure and vomit. If she were alone, she could choke to death.
“It’s a guessing game. It’s so unpredictable,” Mrs. Ferris said.
Molly, the seizure response dog, gives the family some peace of mind, as well as providing an energetic playmate for Abby.
The family is working with Laura Gates from Gates Dog Training in Ransomville to have Molly become a trained seizure response dog. That training could cost $5,000 to $7,000.
Abby Ferris enjoys jumping on the trampoline.
The family is teaming with the Orr family in Albion for a fund-raiser on Oct. 25 to help pay for the costs of medical dogs.
Tyler Orr, 9, has juvenile diabetes. He was diagnosed almost two years ago. He has unpredictable seizures. His medical dog will be trained to detect a drop or spike in blood sugar levels. Tyler was featured in an Orleans Hub article on Aug. 3: “Family seeks medical dog for son with diabetes.”
Iva McKenna and Country Lane Veterinary Services in Barre are organizing the spaghetti dinner and basket raffle. For more information about tickets or to donate a basket, call Country Lane at 589-9835.
Staff Reports Posted 18 September 2014 at 12:00 am
ALBION – Orleans County residents are welcome to drop off unused prescriptions at three locations on Sept. 27 as part of the “National Prescription Drug Take-Back Initiative.”
The three locations will accept the prescriptions form 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The locations include:
Orleans County Public Safety Building – 13925 State Route 31 – Albion
Holley Fire Department – 7 Thomas Street – Holley
Medina Fire Department – 600 Main Street – Medina
This is a collaborative effort with the U.S. Department of Justice – Drug Enforcement Administration, the Orleans County Health Department, and the Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism & Substance Abuse.
This is a great opportunity for the public to surrender unwanted or expired medications for safe and proper disposal, Sheriff Scott Hess said.
“Events such as these have dramatically reduced the risk of prescription drug diversion and abuse, as well as increasing awareness of this critical public health issue,” he said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 September 2014 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Hoag Library hosted its first health fair today with about 25 vendors attending the three-hour event.
In the top photo, Dr. Ahmet Guler, a cardiologist for Medina Memorial Hospital and Orleans Community Heath, talks with Cindy Perry, director of health education, wellness and outreach for the hospital and OCH.
Dr. Guler was hired as a local cardiologist in July. He promoted the hospital’s new vein center at today’s health fair. The Albion Urgent Care Center also offers vein screening services. Guler said Medina has the only vein center between Rochester and Buffalo.
The Care Net Pregnancy and Family Center in Albion also attended the health fair, trying to promote its services, which include pregnancy tests, ultrasound, testing for sexually transmitted infections, and other family services. In this photo, Sara Moore, left, is pictured with center director Gloria Lear. Moore is the nurse manager for Care Net, which is located across from McDonalds. The center has its annual “Walk/Run for Life” next Saturday at Mount Albion Cemetery beginning at 10 a.m.
Wayne Litchfield, the coordinator for VALOR, talks about the program with Leanne Serrato, a registered nurse with Medina Memorial Hospital. VALOR stands for Volunteer Alliance Linking Orleans Resources. The group provides volunteer support for public health preparedness.
“Unless it affects you personally, you don’t know the services that are out there,” said Nola Goodrich-Kresse, public health educator for Orleans County. She helped plan the health fair with Hoag Library staff.
She expects the health fair will become an annual event at the library.
“By coming here you now have names and faces to connect with organizations,” Goodrich-Kresse said.
Lyndonville Central School will host a health fair on Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as part of its homecoming weekend.
Contributed Story Posted 2 September 2014 at 12:00 am
Provided photo
KENDALL – The Kendall Boys Varsity Soccer Team raised $100 to fight breast cancer by selling bracelets highlighting the disease. Team members presented a check to Orleans Community Health.
Pictured, from left, include Richie Swift; Cindy Perry, director of Health Education, Wellness and Outreach Department; Will Condo; Alex Sutphen, Kendall Boys Varsity Soccer Team Captain; and Lori Condo, President, Kendall Sports Boosters.
Orleans Community Health’s Community Partners offers programs for breast cancer patients and survivors. The soccer team plans to raise money again in October at Senior Night.
