Press Release, GLOW With Your Hands

Provided photo from GLOW With Your Hands: dan Ireland, president of the United Memorial Medical center in Batavia, speaks during a news conference today at GCC about the upcoming healthcare exploration event.

BATAVIA – The success of GLOW With Your Hands in workforce recruitment in the manufacturing sector and the urgent workforce need for healthcare providers has once again brought businesses, educational organizations, and economic development agencies from across the region to collaborate to provide an incredible opportunity for GLOW region students to learn about the careers in their own backyard in the healthcare sector.

Approximately 600 students in grades 8-12 from 28 schools will gather at Genesee Community College on March 24 to connect with various healthcare businesses and organizations to learn about the multitude of gratifying jobs in healthcare and science-related fields throughout the GLOW region.

“Our collaboration once again focuses on supplying GLOW region employers with the resources that will facilitate the ongoing development of our future healthcare workforce,” said Karyn Winters, director of the Genesee County Business Education Alliance Director and Co-Chair of GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare. “We are very excited to provide another hands-on career exploration experience for students across the GLOW region.”

Healthcare is an essential component of the regional economy as evidenced by various developments and expansions across the GLOW area. GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare will provide the healthcare sector with the opportunity to meet and recruit its future workforce as these projects are completed and start operations.

“The GLOW region gives United Memorial Medical Center access to an educated, well-trained workforce because of our partners in the private sector, which is why we continue to make significant investments in the area,” said Dan Ireland, president of United Memorial Medical Center. “These investments will create hundreds of new jobs and we need the next generation of workforce candidates to fill them.”

“We are all aware of the current challenges in the healthcare sector, especially in rural areas such as the GLOW region,” said Angela Grouse, Education to Employment Director at the Livingston County Area Chamber and Co-Chair of GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare.  “Our goal is to showcase local healthcare organizations and businesses to our students as they plan to start their careers so they can be a part of the workforce solution.”

“We are always trying to find new strategies and services that prepare our students to enter the workforce upon graduation,” said Justin Dueppengiesser, Executive Director, Wyoming County Business Education Council.  “The GLOW region is special because we have so many organizations working together that passionately want to find job and career opportunities for our youth to keep them here.”

Students will also have the opportunity to interact with colleges, universities, and secondary and post-secondary training programs to learn about the career pathways offered through these academic institutions.

“It means so much to our GCC community, as not only do students get to interact with local healthcare organizations to learn about different careers, but this also gives us a chance to expose GLOW region students to affordable options available at our college that can lead to good-paying careers in the healthcare sector,” said Maureen Welch, Director of Respiratory Care at Genesee Community College.

Various healthcare businesses and organizations have demonstrated their appreciation of the value of this event with generous support including: ESL Federal Credit Union, Livingston County Area Chamber Of Commerce: Education to Employment, Wyoming County Community Health Services Skilled Nursing Facility, Rochester Regional Health, M & T Bank, UR Medicine | Noyes Health, Workforce Development Institute, Lifetime Assistance, Blossom Modern Home Care Solutions, Batavia Downs, Episcopal Senior Life Communities, VNA of WNY, and the Iroquois Job Corps.

There are still sponsorship opportunities for the March 24th event at the Platinum ($5,000), Gold ($2,500), Silver ($1,000) and Bronze ($500) levels.

For more information about GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare visit www.GLOWWithYourHands.com/healthcare or contact Chris Suozzi at csuozzi@gcedc.com.

Press Release, Western New York Rural Area Health Education Center

WARSAW – Western New York Rural Area Health Education Center (R-AHEC) is excited to announce a federal award in the amount of $497,736 over the course of four years through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Center for Mental Health Services (SAMHSA).

R-AHEC will offer no-cost mental health first aid training in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties. R-AHEC has been providing the mental health training since last year with funds from Wyoming Foundation and the Margaret L. Wendt Foundation. So far, R-AHEC has trained 221 youths and adults.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an international, evidence-based program that teaches people to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.

Just as CPR helps even those without clinical training assist with minor and/or major medical issues, MHFA prepares participants to interact with individuals experiencing mental health challenges and crises. Mental Health First Aiders learn a 5-step Action Plan that guides them through reaching out and offering appropriate support.

“Never has it been more important for our communities to talk about mental health and substance use,” says Chuck Ingoglia, president and CEO of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, which helped bring Mental Health First Aid to the U.S. in 2008. “This program is breaking down barriers and stigma so that together we can learn how to better support one another. Without mental health, there is no health.”

R-AHEC will offer MHFA to approximately 200 individuals annually through this funding, providing them with the skills and resources they need. Training will be offered to the public and focus on participants from specific groups such as veterans, law enforcement, educators, parents, caregivers, first aid responders and healthcare workforce.

R-AHEC has six partners for this project: Clarity in Allegany County, Spectrum in Wyoming County, and the Departments of Mental Health/Hygiene in Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee, and Orleans counties.

“Since taking the Mental Health First Aid training with R-AHEC myself and my staff have utilized the skills we were taught numerous times,” said Jessica Hibbard, Associate Dean of Library and Academic Support Services at Genesee Community College. “Having these skills and knowing how to seek more help if needed give us peace of mind and confidence as we go about our day-to-day, knowing that we have the tools we need should we encounter a mental health challenge or crisis. The instructors were informative and engaging and the curriculum was designed with inclusivity in mind, which was very appreciated. This training should be mandatory for anyone working with the general public.”

• 95% of participants Strongly Agreed or Agreed that they could now identify common Mental Health challenges.
• 99% of participants Strongly Agreed or Agreed that they could now identify common signs and symptoms of Mental Health challenges.
• 95% of participants Strongly Agreed or Agreed that they had a better understanding of worsening signs and symptoms of Mental Health challenges.
• 97% of participants Strongly Agreed or Agreed that they would share the knowledge, skills, and resources presented during this event.
• 99% of participants Strongly Agreed or Agreed that they would be able to use much of what they learned.

If you are interested in more information, taking MHFA training, or partnering to provide the training, please contact Krysta Smith at (585) 786-6278 or via email at ksmith@r-ahec.org.

Western New York Rural Area Health Education Center, Inc. (R-AHEC)’s mission is “to improve health and healthcare through education.” R-AHEC is part of the National Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Program.

R-AHEC serves a predominately rural 12-county region, headquartered in Warsaw in Wyoming County. Counties include Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming and Yates. R-AHEC addresses the health needs of its rural and underserved communities by focusing on: Workforce Development, Housing, Education and Health Information Technology Support. For more information, visit R-AHEC’s website at www.r-ahec.org.

Chart from the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

The number of confirmed Covid cases has doubled in Orleans County in the past month. The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments reports today there were 96 confirmed Covid cases during the week from Feb. 1-7. That compares to 45 on Dec. 28-Jan. 3, 52 on Jan. 4-10, and 41 on Jan. 11-17.

The cases have been trending up in Orleans with 72 from Jan. 18-24 and 84 from Jan. 25-31.

In Genesee County the cases are showing a slight decline from late December and early January. The 67 in the past week compares to 72 from Dec. 28 to Jan. 3, 83 from Jan. 4-10, 73 from Jan. 11-17, 60 from Jan. 18-24 and 61 from Jan. 25-31.

Both counties currently are listed at the medium community level by the federal CDC.

The seven-day average for positive tests statewide was at 5.29 percent on Tuesday. Orleans and Genesee are part of the nine-county Finger Lakes Region where the positivity rate is at 6.50 percent. Western New York has the highest rate at 12.48 percent while Long Island is the lowest at 4.02 percent.

Gov. Kathy Hochul urges people to take basic steps to protect against the spread of viral respiratory infections that are more common in the winter season.

“I urge all New Yorkers to remain vigilant and continue to use all available tools to keep themselves, their loved ones and their communities safe and healthy,” Hochul said. “Be sure to stay up to date on vaccine doses, and test before gatherings or travel. If you test positive, talk to your doctor about potential treatment options.”

Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

The Genesee County Health Department will be hosting a free anti-rabies immunization clinic on Thursday, Feb. 9, from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Batavia Town Highway Garage (3833 West Main Street Road, Batavia).

“We encourage residents to take advantage of this opportunity to make sure that their animals are immunized against rabies and that the vaccinations are kept up to date,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments. “Rabies continues to be a serious public health concern in Genesee and Orleans Counties and is a preventable viral disease most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. Please leave wildlife alone and do not feed, touch, or adopt wild animals, stray dogs or cats.”

Vaccinations are free for dogs, cats, and ferrets, but voluntary donations are accepted. Animals must be at least 3 months old. Each animal must be leashed or crated and accompanied by an adult who can control the animal. Limit 4 pets per car maximum.

To save time, please click here to fill out your registration form in advance. Be sure to print out two copies for each pet to be vaccinated and bring them with you to the clinic.

The next anti-rabies immunization clinics are as follows:

Genesee County Clinics at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 East Main Street, Batavia, NY)

• Thursday, May 18, from 4 to 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Aug. 10, from 4 to 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 12, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Orleans County Clinics at the Orleans County Fairgrounds (12690 State Route 31, Albion, NY)

• Saturday, April 15, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Wednesday, June 7, from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 26, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 21, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

For more information on Health Department services, visit GOHealthNY.org or call 589-3278 for Orleans County or 585-344-2580 ext. 5555 for Genesee County.

Press Release, GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare

BATAVIA – GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare is beginning to build momentum for the inaugural hands-on career exploration event as organizers announced Platinum Level sponsors at the $5,000 level, including Livingston County Area Chamber Education to Employment, Wyoming County Community Health Services, and United Memorial Medical Center.

It is anticipated that approximately 550 GLOW region students will attend Genesee Community College on March 24. They will learn about exciting career opportunities in the healthcare sector by meeting representatives and professionals from various healthcare organizations.

“We greatly appreciate the support of our sponsors to date as they are integral in making these types of events successful,” said Angela Grouse, Co-Chair, GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare.  “We hope that the commitment of these sponsors will encourage other healthcare organizations to consider participating and supporting an event that can help them address their workforce needs.”

“Business and educational organizations and economic development agencies from across the region are once again collaborating to provide an incredible opportunity for GLOW region students to learn about good-paying careers right in their own backyard,” said Karyn Winters, Co-Chair, GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare.

Sponsorships for the March 24 event are available at the Platinum ($5,000), Gold ($2,500), Silver ($1,000), and Bronze ($500) levels.

For more information about GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare visit www.GLOWWithYourHands.com/healthcare.

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

January is Radon Action Month, an annual observance that focuses on increasing the public’s awareness of the health risks of radon and how you can take action.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that has no smell, taste or color. When radon forms from the breakdown of uranium found in soil, it can enter a home through cracks in the walls, basement floors, foundations and other openings.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer and claims the lives of approximately 21,000 Americans each year. This January, we are encouraging all homeowners, renters, real estate agents and building managers to conduct radon testing. The New York State Department of Health recommends testing for radon during the buying/selling of a home, after doing a major renovation, and every two to five years depending on previous radon level readings.

The EPA and NYSDOH have identified Genesee County as having a high average indoor radon screening level greater than 4 pCi/L (pico curies per liter). The good news is, testing your home with a short term radon test kit is a quick and easy way to determine if there are high levels of radon present in your home. The test kits are easy to use and contain basic instructions on how to receive the most accurate results when testing your home for radon.

“The only way to know if high levels of radon are present in your home is by testing your home for radon,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

Editor’s Note: According to the EPA, Orleans County is listed as Zone 2 (Moderate Potential) and Genesee County is listed as Zone 1 (Highest Potential) for radon zones.

The Genesee County Health Department was awarded a five year grant through the NYSDOH to provide radon prevention education and distribute free radon test kits to Genesee County residents. Currently, there is a limited supply of radon test kits that can be given to residents of Genesee County and this process is free of charge when you request a kit. If you live outside of Genesee County, you can purchase an inexpensive radon test kit from your local hardware store.

If test results come back and the radon levels in your home are greater than 4 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L), you can contact a certified radon mitigation contractor to install a radon reduction system in your home. This would be at the homeowner’s expense.

For more details about the program or to seek a radon test kit, call the Genesee County Health Department at (585) 344-2580 ext. 5555. For more information on radon or other GO Health programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org.

Cheryl Kast

ALBION – Orleans Community Health’s Albion Healthcare Center has expanded its primary care team with the addition of Cheryl Kast, physician assistant certified, to its family medicine/primary care team.

“After serving many area families over the last decade, Cheryl has developed the trust and comfort we strive for at Orleans Community,” said Scott Robinson, director of Marketing at Orleans Community Health in a news release.

Kast brings more than two decades of experience to the growing team at the Albion Healthcare Center. She specializes in family medicine with experience in primary care (including pediatric patients), pulmonary, otolaryngology and internal medicine.

She is a Western New York native, and grew up on a dairy farm in Wyoming County. She now resides in Albion with her husband John. They have three children.

“We’re thrilled to have Cheryl on our team,” said Mark Shurtz, CEO of Orleans Community Health. “She is well-known and has a real passion for the community.”

Alana Palone, clinic administrator at the Albion Healthcare Center, said X-ray services said returned last week and now they are excited to share this added good news with Kast’s hiring.

“Cheryl is going to be a great asset to our primary care team, one that greatly benefits all of us,” Palone said.

Press Release, GOW Opioid Task Force

ALEXANDER – Diana Padilla, research project manager at the New York State Psychiatric Institute, Division of Substance Use Disorders, Columbia University Medical Center, will be the keynote speaker at a “Reducing Stigma in Our Communities” training in the Village of Alexander.

The session is set for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 18 at the Alexander Recreation & Banquet Facility on Route 98.

Hosted by the GOW Opioid Task Force and Genesee County Health Department, the training is designed to help healthcare and social services professionals, as well as members of the general public, learn how to identify and address stigma surrounding opioid use disorder and improve access to services in the Genesee Region.

Padilla has worked in the field of behavioral health for more than 24 years. Her experience includes service provision to communities with substance use, HIV/HCV, trauma and stress, and other psychosocial conditions.

In her capacity as a research project manager, she develops curriculum and is a senior staff trainer for the Northeast & Caribbean Addiction/Prevention Technology Transfer Centers.

Using a cultural and recovery-oriented perspective, Ms. Padilla instructs on how to enhance strategies and interventions to best engage and meet the needs of substance using communities, LGBTQ+ people, diverse and other traditionally underserved populations.

Her areas of expertise include culturally and linguistically responsive services, trauma informed care, community disparities, racial stigma, social determinants of health, and affirming and inclusive best practices with clinical, non-clinical and peer support professionals.

Registration deadline for the free training is Jan. 12. Lunch will be provided. To register, click here.

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

As we say goodbye to 2022, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) would like to wish you all a healthy and Happy New Year.

This was a full year for the Health Departments. Not only were staff involved in ongoing Covid-19 activities, Monkeypox (Mpox) and polio were added to the list of emerging issues. Staff were determined to keep working towards Public Health Accreditation (expected in 2023) and also kept many public services and operations running smoothly to help improve the health and well-being of residents.

• The Community Health Services staff have been working diligently, including remaining up-to-date on the evolution of the Covid-19 vaccination guidelines. Throughout 2022, immunization clinics (including Covid-19 and traditional), as well as outreach to migrant and seasonal farmworkers resulted in 3,212 vaccinations being administered. This includes 42 individuals who received post-exposure rabies treatment after being exposed to a confirmed or suspected rabid animal. Not including Covid-19, 472 communicable disease investigations were conducted. During the growing season, staff provided various healthcare services to 1,388 seasonal and migrant farmworkers on location to reduce barriers to receiving care.

• Public Health Emergency Preparedness started 2022 responding to a tidal wave of Covid-19 cases from the omicron variant. However, due to lower severity of this variant combined with increased immunity within the community, efforts to contain this variant began to lessen, and public health emergency preparedness eventually began focusing on risks associated with new infectious threats, which ranged from avian influenza and Ebola to Mpox and polio. Experience from Covid-19 response led to dramatic changes for Emergency Preparedness, including revision of major preparedness plans, re-organization of the medical reserve corps and revision of an emergency preparedness mobile app.

• Environmental Health staff continue to regulate permitted facilities throughout Genesee and Orleans Counties through compliance with the New York State (NYS) Sanitary Code. They help assure the community is safe from foodborne illnesses by conducting inspections of food service establishments. Staff also routinely inspect septic systems, monitor Public Water Supplies, enforce the NYS Clean Indoor Air Act, and offer free rabies clinics. The Lead Program continues to promote education and outreach to enhance lead poisoning prevention and promote testing of children for lead exposure. GO Health was awarded a second grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to expand an existing home-repair program to address lead hazards and prevent childhood lead poisoning throughout the entire Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming (GLOW) region.

• Staff within our Children’s Programs work with families of our youngest children providing case management, education, support and referrals.  Some of the services children may need that are provided through this program are speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy and special education teacher services. Staff work closely with families to make sure children receive the services they need.

• The Public Health Education team spent a majority of the year developing the 2022-2024 Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming (GOW) Counties Community Health Assessment (CHA)/Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) and in partnership with local hospital systems, Community Services Plan (CSP). The team was also responsible for implementing the ‘Strengthening Capacity in Suicide, Overdose, and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s) Prevention for Local Health Departments’ technical assistance grant. This funding improved the internal capacity of GO Health to address the intersection of suicide, overdose and ACE’s and brought together community partners for a GOW Trauma & Resiliency Conference.

• Weights & Measures completed 470 inspections accounting for over 1,190 devices within the two counties. These tests involved pumping more than 26,000 gallons of fuel and using more than 5.9 million pounds of test weight ensuring all commercial weighing and measuring devices meet NYS standards. The department handled 13 complaint investigations, confirmed 591 package weights & 300 item prices, and collected 132 fuel samples confirming fuel sold within both counties met a variety of parameters. Since transitioning to a department of one in 2020, W&M has shown savings in excess of $150,000.

“It is our extreme pleasure to serve the residents of Genesee and Orleans Counties,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “We thank the Genesee and Orleans County Legislatures, the Board of Health, our community partners and other volunteers for their support and collaboration. We look forward to another productive year of improving the health and well-being of our community and wish everyone a safe, healthy, and happy New Year.”

For more information about GO Health programs, visit www.GOHealthNY.org.

Chart from Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

Nearly three years since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, residents continue to contract Covid in Orleans County, although the most recent week shows a drop from 47 confirmed cases during the week of Nov. 30-Dec. 6 to 26 from Dec. 7-13.

Genesee County saw an increase in cases, from 55 to 76, according to data from the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

Both counties are considered at the medium level for community level. At that level, the CDC recommends people at high risk of getting sick to wear a high-quality mask or respirator (e.g., N95) when indoors in public.

Right now, influenza cases are outpacing Covid locally. There were 125 cases reported last week in Orleans, and 115 in Genesee, according to the state Department of Health.

The 44,426 cases in the state, for the week ending Dec. 3, were up 64 percent from previous week.

Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to take basic steps to protect against the spread of viral respiratory infections.

“As we continue the spread of respiratory illnesses, the flu, and Covid-19 throughout our state, I urge all New Yorkers to remain vigilant and continue to use all available tools to keep themselves, their loved ones and their communities safe and healthy,” Hochul said. “Stay up to date on vaccine doses, and test before gatherings or travel this holiday season. If you test positive, talk to your doctor about potential treatment options.”

Activities director at North Wing in Medina honored with ‘Caring Heart Award’

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has announced that Adrienne Belson, activities director at the facility’s North Wing, has been named recipient of a Caring Heart Award.

The Caring Heart Award is given each year by the New York State Health Facilities Association of New York State Center for Assisted Living to honor staff of skilled nursing facilities for service and dedication in the health care field.

“She’s an incredible talent and value to our team at Orleans Community Health,” said Scott Robinson, director of marketing at the hospital.

Belson has been an activities director for the past 15 years and it’s a position she can’t imagine being without, she said.

“My favorite part of my position is I love the residents and families we serve,” Belson said. “North Wing is like a big family. I love taking residents out into the community, so I can see how different they are outside of these walls.”