Medications reduce withdrawal and cravings which decreases the use of illicit drugs and overdoses

By Mike Pettinella, GCASA Publicist

Provided photo: Melissa Weingarten, right, Wyoming County Jail nurse, makes a point as Kathy Hodgins, chief clinical officer at Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, during the GOW Opioid Task Force meeting at The Recovery Station on Clinton Street Road.

BATAVIA – No matter what term is used – and there are several of them, the practice of combining medication and treatment for people struggling with substance use disorder has a singular goal: Saving lives.

“Medication-Assisted-Treatment – or MAT – is an evidence-based program that has been shown to make a positive difference in saving lives for persons with an opiate use disorder. And it’s considered the gold standard for treatment of opiate use disorder,” said Ann Bowback, clinical director at Spectrum Health & Human Services in Warsaw.

Bowback is the project director for the Partnership to Address Opioid Epidemic and Save Lives in Western New York Through Medication-Assisted-Treatment, a program funded by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Speaking at the GOW Opioid Task Force quarterly meeting recently, she explained that her program, in collaboration with Evergreen Health, is looking to increase the number of persons receiving MAT within the Spectrum agencies by at least 200 per year.

“We work to link people with a prescriber the same day, if possible, but at the latest within 72 hours of their initial visit with us,” she said. “We also will add two additional data waiver subscribers per year in order to meet the needs of these additional 200 people. And with this grant, our goal is to ensure that all the MAT clients are offered peer services (recovery advocates) within 60 days of admission.”

Other speakers at the meeting, which took place at The Recovery Station on Clinton Street Road and provided access via Zoom videoconferencing, were Melissa Weingarten, Wyoming County Jail nurse, and Kathy Hodgins, chief clinical officer at Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse.

Bowback said most substance use disorder providers along with jails and prisons are taking a “whole patient approach” to treatment.

“MAT is more than just medication,” she said. “For some members of the recovery community, including our Evergreen partner, they refer to this as MAR – medication-assisted-recovery. This can be a referred term for some people because it emphasizes a person’s commitment to recovery while using medications, and they may or may not be involved with treatment.”

She also said it can be referred to as MOUD (medications for opioid use disorder), which zeroes in on the importance of medication and addressing opiate use, and also as OTP (opioid treatment program) or OBOD (office based opiate treatment).

“PWUD stands for people who use drugs as we’re ideally trying to get away from some of the stigmatizing language like addicts and things like that,” she added. “OUD stands for opiate use disorder and OTP is where you would get medication such as methadone.”

Currently, the Food & Drug Administration has approved three medications for treatment of opiate use disorder – methadone, naltrexone and buprenorphine, Bowback said.

“All medications work a little differently, but all basically normalize brain chemistry in order to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms,” she noted. “Methadone was first used in 1947 to treat opioid addiction and critics complained at that time that methadone merely exchanged one drug for another which led to strict government control over methadone, and that continues today.

“Now, in order to receive methadone for an opiate use disorder, you have to obtain it from an OTP. And although methadone is very effective, some individuals are hesitant to take this medication.”

Bowback said Spectrum offers naltrexone (brand name, Vivitrol), which was approved to treat opiate use disorder in 2010.

“The extended-release formulation is generally preferred for the treatment of opiate use disorder,” she said. “But some individuals do still prefer the pill form. Our prescribers will typically start a person on the pill form prior to prescribing the injection just to ensure the person is able to tolerate it. In order to receive this medication, though, the person cannot have opiates in their system; otherwise, they’ll experience withdrawal. So, you must be abstinent for at least seven days.”

Spectrum also offers buprenorphine (also known as suboxone) for MAT, she said. In the 60s, buprenorphine was developed for treatment of pain and approved for treatment of opiate use disorder in 2002.

“Unlike methadone, a person almost immediately receives a seven-day script and within a very short time is able to receive a script for 28 days, which results in less daily disruption to lifestyles,” she advised. “You don’t have to be present at a clinic daily … and you don’t have to be abstinent for seven days in order to receive the medication.”

Medications reduce withdrawal and cravings and, as a result, decreases the use of illicit drugs and overdose, stabilizes the brain and “most of all, saves lives,” Bowback said.

“It also socially decreases criminal activity and reduces risk of transmission of communicable diseases, reduces risky sexual activity, and increases engagement with treatment.”

MAT is at the core of services at GCASA, which offers an integrated treatment and OTP clinic at its main location in Batavia as well as clinical services at its Orleans County location in Albion, Hodgins said.

“When I started at GCASA in 2002, we were already doing medication-assisted-treatment with alcohol, using naltrexone to treat alcohol dependence,” she said. “And then shortly after, we did start using buprenorphine – suboxone for opiate use disorder individuals that came in.”

Hodgins said GCASA counselors and medical professionals treat medication for substance use disorder “similar to any kind of medication that you take.”

“So, those on medication are definitely in recovery – it just assists with the recovery. And it really does help reduce the cravings and the physical withdrawal.”

Weingarten shared that Wyoming County Jail started its MAT program in early 2020, offering suboxone and naltrexone.

“We provide medication to those who have been on MAT programs in the community, as long as we can verify that they’ve been in treatment and continued to get it,” she said.

She also mentioned that Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation that requires all prisons and jails, beginning in October, to provide MAT to inmates.

“So, we’ve started that way before she’s required it,” she said, adding that the jail program includes individual and group counseling – and connection to peer recovery advocates.

Hodgins said “it just makes sense” to keep incarcerated people on medication, especially considering the rising overdose rates. GCASA provides services to inmates in six jails or prisons, including Genesee, Orleans, Albion, Groveland, Wyoming and Attica.

“Our common goal in our community is to save lives and I’m grateful that the state is on board with that,” she said. “I believe the best way to proceed is to start with a thorough assessment while they’re in jail and getting them on the right medication prior to release. That is how we’re going to save additional lives in our community.”

Both counties still high in obesity, adult smoking

Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

According to the 2022 County Health Rankings, released by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute (UWPHI), Genesee and Orleans Counties rank 38th and 54th respectively in overall Health Outcomes.  The Rankings are available at www.countyhealthrankings.org.

“As Chief Health Strategists, we use the County Health Rankings to help us identify factors that are important for residents to live long and healthy lives and understand how we compare to other counties in the state. With this knowledge, we work collaboratively with our partners to improve the health of our community,” stated Paul Pettit, Director of the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health).  “The county with the lowest score (best health) gets a rank of #1 for that state and the county with the highest score (worst health) is assigned a rank corresponding to the number of total counties ranked in each state. New York State has 62 counties.”

The rankings are broken into to two main categories: Health Outcomes, which include length of life and quality of life, and Health Factors which include health behaviors, clinical care, social and economic factors and physical environment.

The 2022 County Health Rankings findings are:

• Genesee County ranked 38 in Health Outcomes and 16 in Health Factors in 2022 as compared to 43 out of 62 counties for Health Outcomes in 2021, a decrease in rank as compared to 2022 and 28 in Health Factors a decrease from 2021.
• Orleans County ranked 54 in Health Outcomes and 55 in Health Factors in 2022 as compared to 60 in Health Outcomes in 2021, a decrease in rank as compared to 2022 and 53 in Health Factors an increase in rank from 2021.

“The County Health Rankings show us that where people live plays a key role in how long and how well they live,” stated Pettit. “The Rankings allow local leaders to clearly see and prioritize the challenges they face — whether it’s rising premature death rates or the growing drug overdose epidemic — so they can bring community leaders and residents together to find solutions.”

According to the 2022 Rankings, the five healthiest counties in New York State starting with most healthy are Putnam, followed by Tompkins, Saratoga, Nassau and New York. The five counties in the poorest health, starting with least healthy are Bronx, Sullivan, Cattaraugus, Montgomery and Chemung.

“The County Health Rankings show how Genesee and Orleans Counties rank on factors that influence its overall health ranking,” said Pettit. “For example, Genesee County had a decrease in preventable hospital stays from 4,748 in 2021 to 3,354 in 2022. Genesee County also had a decrease in adults smoking from 23% in 2021 to 19% in 2022. Orleans County had a decrease in the percentage of adults who smoked from 25% in 2021 to 21% in 2022. Additionally, Orleans County had a decrease in the percentage of adult obesity from 37% to 32%.”

Even with the above mentioned positive trends, both counties continue to have challenge areas and are still struggling with health factors specifically with obesity (Genesee – 33% / Orleans – 32%), adult smoking (Genesee – 19% / Orleans – 21%), and local access to clinical care for primary care physicians, dentists and mental health providers.  Although the numbers for adult smoking did decrease for both counties, we are still above the top U.S Performers at 15% and New York State at 13%.

The Rankings have become an important tool for communities that want to improve health for all.  Working collaboratively with community partners in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming Counties (GOW), Genesee and Orleans counties are currently working on the GOW 2022-2024 Community Health Assessment and Community Health Improvement Plan to determine the New York State Prevention Agenda priorities to focus on over the next three years.

We analyze the Rankings along with New York State data and community input from the Community Health Assessment survey and Community Conversations with various community groups and county residents.  If you have not completed a survey you can access the English survey online here or the Spanish survey online here.

Charts courtesy of Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

The latest update from the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments shows Covid-19 cases continue to climb locally.

In Orleans, the cases are up 47 percent in the past week (April 20-26) or from 113 from April 13-19 to 166 the past week.

In Genesee, the cases went up 65 percent, from 168 to 278.

GO Health attributes the increase to the new Omicron variant BA.2, which spreads more easily than other earlier variants, local public health officials said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week changed the community spread level for Orleans from low to high, and Genesee from low to medium.

Statewide there were 7,693 new cases reported on Tuesday out of 109,304 tests for a positivity of 6.70. The seven-day average for positive tests state-wide is 7.09 percent. However, the Finger Lakes Region which include Orleans and eight other counties is the second highest of the 10 regions with a positivity of 13.93 percent over the past seven days. Western New York is the highest at 16.54 percent. New York City is the lowest at 4.48 percent.

Oak Orchard Health says unit will function as primary care site

Photos by Tom Rivers

BROCKPORT – Oak Orchard Health today celebrated a new mobile medical unit that will function as a primary care site, brining healthcare to Orleans, Genesee, Monroe and Wyoming counties.

Holding the scissors are Dr. Danielle Renodin-Mead, Chief Medical Officer for Oak Orchard; and Dr. Michael Mendoza, Commissioner of Public Health for Monroe County.

The new unit was paid for with support from the John R. Oshei Foundation in Buffalo.

Mendoza said the mobile medical unit will help bring much-needed medical care to people with transportation issues. The Covid-19 pandemic revealed a gap in access to care for many people, he said.

Dr. Danielle Renodin-Mead said the site has an exam room, EKG machine, lab (for urine, cholesterol and diabetes), and space for well visits, immunizations and vision and mental health screenings.

“There is everything for primary care on this unit,” she said.

Mary Ann Pettibon, CEO of Oak Orchard in front at right, said Oak Orchard will work with local health departments, and agencies that serve homeless people and Head Start children to bring access to medical care.

“We are taking this state-of-art mobile unit to those who need us the most,” she said.

Oak Orchard also plans to work with other agencies, including Community Action, to “serve those disproportionately affected by the lack of medical care,” Pettibon said.

Oak Orchard operates 12 health care sites. The organization also will soon be unveiling a new mobile dental unit.

By Erika Pozzuolo, LMHC, PMH-C, Maternal/ Child Health Lead Therapist,
Oak Orchard Health, a community health center with 11 locations in the region

You have given birth to your baby, what an exciting time! It can also be an overwhelming time with the middle-of-the-night feedings, sleep deprivation, and maybe there are more children to care for.  Wow!

If you can think of seven women you know who have had a baby– statistics suggest that at least one of those women experienced postpartum depression or anxiety (Postpartum Support International)! This is only part of the reason that this year Oak Orchard Health launched our new Mommy and Me program in all locations. This program is an extremely innovative approach to improve child health outcomes in our region, and not only that but to also improve maternal health outcomes, with special attention to mental health in the postpartum period. 

This support through the Mommy and Me Program extends to guardians of pediatric patients under the age of 5 at Oak Orchard Health. Patients now, as standard practice, will bemet by a care manager in several of their child’s well visits, from birth to age 4 ½. Through some questions and interviewing, we can identify and help address any needs the family may have. Care managers will be evaluating for postpartum depression and anxiety, and then refer patients to one of our behavioral health counselors specializing in perinatal mental health. 

You now have a care manager on your medical team

These care managers will also be helping to track children’s vaccination due dates, referrals for the first dental visit, and more. We will help fill in the gaps financially by referring to WIC (a supplemental nutrition program for Women, Infants, and Children), as well as maintaining a diaper bank to help supplement families struggling with the cost of diapers. This initiative also includes an early literacy program, where pediatricians will be providing age-appropriate books at well visits and education for parents on how to best help their child develop literacy and language. 

Why this new program? 

The initial idea for Mommy and Me came from our Medical Director and Pediatrician, Dr. Danielle Renodin-Mead. She brought to our attention that the U.S. has some of the poorest health outcomes for children and their birth mothers. Just one large contributing factor to this is our cultures’ approach to postpartum mental health, as well as the stigma that often surrounds this. That stigma is a barrier to mothers seeking the necessary care they need. Most people may have some awareness of “the baby blues,” a very commonly experienced emotional expression of hormonal shifts that take place following the birth of a baby and lasts up to about two weeks postpartum. 

There are, however, many new moms who present as more serious than typical “baby blues.” That often means it lasts longer and can be very debilitating. If left unidentified or untreated, these mood or anxiety disorders can have a significant impact on family, sleep, ability to breastfeed, and overall wellness, negatively impacting both Mom and baby. Fathers also commonly experience anxiety and depression. We also will be paying special attention to other guardians, like grandparents or adoptive parents taking in babies.

The Mommy and Me Program at Oak Orchard Health

Part of our team’s mission for the Mommy and Me Program is to break down the barriers to treating postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, such as depression, anxiety, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and psychosis. We want to send the message that these things are somewhat common and very treatable. Oftentimes we already have risk factors prior to pregnancy, that can make us more likely to develop a postpartum mood disorder. 

Oak Orchard Health’s Mommy and Me program is also here to support women and families who are experiencing infertility, infant loss, or birth traumas, through counseling support. It’s been my experience that a great deal of shame weighs on women who experience postpartum depression, intrusive thoughts, and intense anxiety, after bringing their baby home. However, when given the right information and platform to share, so many women can identify with these experiences. The more we open up the conversation about postpartum mental health, the more women and families can possibly prepare, or recognize the signs, and seek support earlier.

Coincidently, most of our providers involved with Mommy and Me are also women, and mothers themselves, passionate about supporting the women of our communities and seeing families thrive. We have been so excited to see this program come to life, set an example of support, bring awareness, and maybe even inspire other similar programs to be developed elsewhere.  

Because of the Covid pandemic, some children have missed or delayed routinely recommended vaccinations

Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

National Infant Immunization Week is April 24-30. This is an annual observance highlighting the importance of protecting children two years and younger from vaccine-preventable diseases. In the spirit of National Infant Immunization Week, we encourage parents and caregivers to take time to learn about vaccines.

“Childhood vaccinations are one of the best ways to protect infants and children from vaccine-preventable diseases before the age of 2,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health).

Vaccinations not only play a key role in protecting our children from 14 vaccine-preventable diseases such as polio, mumps and the measles, they also protect our community. They are the most successful and cost-effective public health tool available for preventing and reducing the spread of infectious diseases as well as preventing death.

Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, some infants and children have missed or delayed routinely recommended vaccinations.

“Children who may have missed or skipped vaccinations may be at an increased risk of diseases like whooping cough (pertussis) and the measles, which can be serious,” Pettit said. “That is why it is important to stay on track with well-child visits and the recommended vaccination schedule. Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your children are up to date on their routine vaccinations.”

To learn more about vaccinations and to view the latest immunization schedule visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines or speak with your healthcare provider.

For more information on GO Health’s Immunization Clinics, visit GOHealthNY.org. You can also contact your respective health department:

• Orleans County- 585-589-3278 or OCPublicHealth@orleanscountyny.gov

• Genesee County- 585-344-2580 x5555 or Health@co.genesee.ny.us

Both Genesee, Orleans counties report more Covid cases due to new variant BA.2

Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are seeing an increase in the number of people who have tested positive for Covid-19. This recent increase in Covid-19 cases is due to the new Omicron variant BA.2, which spreads more easily than other earlier variants.

“We are looking at Covid-19 community levels of high for Orleans and medium for Genesee,” stated Paul Pettit, Director of the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s weekly metrics used to determine the Covid-19 community level that was updated April 21, Orleans County case rate per 100,000 (this calculation is used to compare larger and smaller counties) is now at 203.21.  The new Covid-19 admissions per 100,000 is at 12 and the percentage of staffed inpatient beds in use by patients with confirmed Covid-19 is 4.6%.

“This updated data now places Orleans at a high community level,” Pettit said. “With this increase it is important for everyone, especially those at higher risk of complications to be more attentive with their public health prevention practices.”

Genesee County is currently at medium Covid-19 Community Level: Case rate per 100,000 population is at 19.29. New Covid-19 admissions per 100,000 is 12 and the percent of staffed inpatient beds in use by patients with confirmed Covid-19 is 4.6%.

To learn more on how community levels are determined, visit the CDC by clicking here.

With any new Covid-19 variant circulating, it is not a surprise to see an increase of positive cases. Even with this increase, our health care capacity in the region currently remains stable with the normal bed capacity levels. Generally, the omicron variant (Omicron BA.2) causes more mild symptoms, although some people may have more severe symptoms depending on their Covid-19 vaccination status, the presence of other health conditions, age, and history of prior infection.

We encourage those that have not been vaccinated and those who are not up-to-date on their Covid-19 vaccination, to be vaccinated and to talk with their primary care provider. You can register for Covid-19 vaccination clinics (click here) or check with your pharmacist, primary care provider, or the vaccines.gov website for other vaccination providers.

We continue to encourage residents to practice the following public health precautions to lower exposure to the virus, especially those who are at higher risk:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water and keep your hands away from your face.
• If you are sick, stay home, get tested and talk with your primary care provider.
• If you test positive for Covid-19, self-isolate and let your close contacts know to watch for symptoms and that they should consider being tested.If you are required to submit paperwork to your school or employer, you can access that here.
• Consider wearing a tight fitting facemask when you are in crowded public places.

Agency’s counselors see increasing demand for services with nearly 500 patients

Provided photo: Pictured from left include Holly Main, assistant director; Kathy Hodgins, chief clinical officer; and Danielle Ludeke, integrated clinic director, at Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse.

By Mike Pettinella, GCASA publicist

By integrating the opioid treatment program and outpatient counseling clinic, Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse has connected the care warranted in a society dealing with the effects of a global pandemic and the stress caused by economic uncertainty.

“Here at GCASA and, hopefully, at other agencies in the behavioral health field, we take a person-centered approach, and medication and treatment go hand-in-hand,” said Kathy Hodgins, chief clinical officer at the nonprofit agency based on East Main Street in Batavia.

The medication prescribed to a person struggling with substance abuse disorder, whether it be suboxone or methadone, is going to help with the physical symptoms, Hodgins said, while counseling with GCASA trained clinicians is important in unlocking changes in behavior.

“It’s the same with a medical condition, such as diabetes and heart disease. You can give a medication to lower blood pressure, but it’s not going to be as effective if you do not have a change in lifestyle to go along with it,” she added. “We give them the tools, not just medication, to learn how to cope with anxiety, depression and trauma without using illicit drugs.”

The OTP (or methadone) clinic attached to the back of the main building opened in the fall of 2018 as a “standalone” clinic.  Hodgins said GCASA recently applied for – and received – a license to integrate the OTP clinic with the outpatient clinic.

“Until now, individuals receiving treatment at the OTP clinic could only participate in services offered through the OTP clinic.  This really limited treatment options for individuals in the OTP,” she said.

Staffing flexibility is paramount

With the integration, GCASA has been able to optimize the utilization of its medical professionals and counselors, she said.

“This really allows our counselors to help our patients at the OTP and outpatient clinic by providing a more person-centered approach to care – regardless of whether the individual is on suboxone or methadone. Patients can now attend groups and individual sessions that fit their individual recovery plan and needs,” she explained.

Shannon Murphy, director of treatment at the Batavia clinic, said the integration has additionally resulted in scheduling flexibility for the staff, something of utmost importance in light that about 10 full-time counselors are providing services to around 240 patients in OTP and another 220 or so in the outpatient clinic.

The demand for services has gone up considerably in the past two years, she said, referring to the impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on those at risk of a reoccurrence as well as other societal factors.

Along with substance use disorder counselors, GCASA’s Batavia clinic also employs a medical director, assistant director, clinical supervisors, two nurse practitioners, five full-time nurses and a physician’s assistant.

Fentanyl: a game-changer

Having the proper number of medical personnel on staff has taken on added significance with the emergence of the deadly drug fentanyl, Murphy said.

“Fentanyl has dramatically changed our work as people are sicker now than ever before,” she offered. “Treatment methods that used to help people – prior to the opioid epidemic are just not enough anymore. Medication Assisted Treatment has become a vital part of the services we offer.

“Before we can start to help someone heal from an opioid use disorder, people need to physically feel better. Fentanyl has made this more challenging due to how harmful it is and how prevalent it has become.”

Murphy said that five or six years ago, individuals would test positive for heroin, for example, and they would be shocked when they learned they also had fentanyl in their system.

“At that time, they were scared. Now, they come in and they’re positive for fentanyl only and they are not afraid of it because they don’t think they will be the next to overdose,” she said. “Similar to when we drive too fast or check a text on our phone while driving. We don’t think getting hurt will happen to us, until it does.”

Allison Parry-Gurak, director of Residential Services, said tests are showing that fentanyl is present in many illicit substances, not just heroin.

“For example, we have individuals with a stimulant use disorder whose primary substance is cocaine.  More and more frequently, we are finding when we test them they are also positive for fentanyl but they have no history with opioids.” she said.

The scariest part of the fentanyl epidemic is the frequency of overdose.

“We’ve gotten phone calls from agencies in Rochester and reporting they’ve had six overdoses,” Murphy said. “The hardest part is that the people we see that are having fatal overdoses are patients who have gone long periods without use. And then for various reasons or circumstance they have a reoccurrence, sometimes only one time, and those are the people that are dying because their bodies aren’t used to the fentanyl.”

A continue of care

Parry-Gurak oversees the Atwater Community Residence, as well as several other residential programs offered by GCASA. She said the agency’s ability to expand services over the years gives patients a greater chance in their recovery.

“Well, I think the beauty of this campus is that we pretty much offer the whole continuum of care all on one campus. Additionally, all of our programs have such great working relationships with each other and are able to work collaboratively to support our patients,” she said.

“So, there’s the residences plus now we have the detox center for those in need of medical supervision while they start their recovery journey (usually three to seven days), and then there is the outpatient treatment programs all in one place.”

Hodgins mentioned that the system is working.

“Having a campus like this where we can do the continuum of care is a great thing,” she said. “People will come to detox and then transition to Atwater, and/or walk over to the clinic for their treatment.”

GCASA also offers The Recovery Station, a drug- and alcohol-free social setting at the former Bohn’s Restaurant building on Clinton Street Road, and a shuttle service for those in need of transportation.

For Hodgins and Murphy, both longtime employees at GCASA, integration, effective medications and counseling, and expansion of services provide opportunities for people with a substance use disorder to live healthy lives.

Time to withhold judgement

All three women also mentioned the need to eliminate the stigma associated with substance use disorder.

“We deal with a disease that is encompassed in shame, guilt and hurt,” Parry-Gurak said. “A lot of times, people that are pointing the finger saying to us, ‘What are you doing? You’re not helping them? Or you’re just giving them more ‘drugs’ are either someone who has been hurt by someone with a substance use disorder or someone who truly does not understand how difficult and complex this disease is.”

Murphy acknowledged that substance use disorder is “an ugly disease, and the behaviors that can be associated with it are not pretty.”

“Therefore, the stigma associated with substance use disorder is so strong in our society and this creates an additional obstacle for those with a substance use disorder,” she added.

When asked how she measures success, Hodgins said the word has different meanings for different people.

“It’s really hard to define,” she responded. “People ask me all the time, what’s your success rate? It’s very hard to define because it’s all individualized.”

Access to services

Hodgins, Murphy and Parry-Gurak said they know that many area residents are in need of substance use services and that GCASA has an open access policy where walk-ins are accepted.

Murphy said all prospective patients are assessed to see what treatment is appropriate,

“It’s about having a conversation.  With methadone, it’s a little different because things need to be done before they’re actually admitted,” Murphy said. “There’s a very specific process but it all starts with a phone call to our main number, 343-1124.”

For more information about GCASA’s treatment programs, call 585-343-1124 or visit gcasa.net. Walk-in assessments, with no appointment necessary, are done on Tuesday through Thursday prior to 11:15 a.m.

Chart courtesy of Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

The Covid cases in Genesee and Orleans counties continue to climb, with Genesee at 168 and Orleans at 113 during the week of April 13-19.

That is up from the previous week when Genesee had 119 cases and Orleans had 83, according to data from the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

Statewide the cases are also on the rise. There were 7,862 new cases on Tuesday with a positive test rate of 6.92 percent. The statewide positivity rate in the 7 days is at 5.56 percent. It was 4.35 percent the 7 days before from April 6-12.

Orleans is among the nine counties in the Finger Lakes Region where the 7-day percent positive rate is 11.81 percent, third highest of the 10 regions. Only Western New York at 13.48 percent and Central NY at 13.91 percent are higher. New York Cry is the lowest at 3.67 percent.

The new Covid cases in Orleans in the past week include 29 from home tests and 84 from labs. Genesee’s new cases include 43 from home tests and 125 from lab results.

Gov. Kathy Hochul discussed Covid during a news conference today in Syracuse. She said the state will continue to require masks for public transit, correctional facilities, nursing homes, health care settings, domestic violence centers, buses and train stations.

“With new contagious subvariants circulating, let’s be vigilant in using the tools to keep ourselves and our loved ones healthy and out of the hospital,” Hochul said.

MEDINA – Medina Memorial Hospital is expanding visiting hours beginning today.

Orleans Community Health announced the following update:

Visitors must abide by the following guidelines:

• Visiting hours on the Medical-Surgical floor/Transitional Care will be from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Exceptions may be made in end-of-life situations.
• All visitors will be required to undergo the Covid-19 screening upon entering the hospital.
• Visitors must wear face coverings at all times (covering mouth and nose), regardless of the visitor or patient vaccination status for influenza or Covid-19.
• Visitors who fail to wear a face covering and other PPE as requested by the facility will be asked to leave the facility.
• Visitors must be 16 years of age or older.
• Once in the facility, visitors must remain in the patient’s room throughout the visit, except when directed to leave by hospital staff during aerosol-generating procedures or other procedures or circumstances for which visitors are usually asked to leave or to use the restroom, and must be appropriately distanced from any other patients or staff.

Department visitation guidelines:

• General visiting on the Medical-Surgical floor/Transitional Care: Two visitors may be permitted between the hours of 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., except in certain circumstances. On a case-by-case basis, limitations may need to be made due to the clinical condition of the patient or at a patient’s request. In addition, caregiving by family members is encouraged, at the discretion of the family and patient.
• Emergency Department: One visitor may be permitted. On a case-by-case basis, limitations may need to me made due to the clinical condition of the patient or the treatment being performed.
• Surgery: One visitor may be permitted.
• Lab/Radiology: One visitor may be permitted.
• Ultrasounds: One visitor may be permitted.
• North Wing/Nursing Home Residence: Please review the current policy here: https://orleanscommunityhealth.org/visitor-guidelines/ or call Randi Rushing for additional details (585) 798-8120.

The following will not be permitted:

• Anyone who reports or exhibits shortness of breath, fever, cough, or other potential Covid-19 symptoms
• Individuals who have an active diagnosis of Covid-19 or who are persons under investigation for Covid-19.
• Individuals wanting to visit a hospital patient who has an active diagnosis of Covid-19 or who is a person under investigation with Covid-19 or had contact with a person who is actively under investigation for Covid-19 within 10 days.
• Individuals under quarantine for any other reason as defined by the most current New York State travel advisory.

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

Lead is a heavy metal that is toxic to our bodies and there is no safe level of lead to have in our blood. Lead can be found in homes built before 1978 (before lead in paint was banned), gasoline, water pipes, toys, ceramics, jewelry, pottery and more.

The effects of lead poisoning are irreversible and can affect a child into adulthood.

“Lead poisoning can affect anyone, but it is especially dangerous for infants and small children because their bodies are rapidly developing,” stated Paul Pettit, director for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health).

Childhood lead poisoning can damage the brain and nervous system leading to learning difficulties, lower IQ, difficulty in paying attention, hyperactivity, kidney damage, and, at very high levels, it can be fatal. Lead poisoning can also be dangerous for pregnant women because lead can pass to the baby during pregnancy.

Childhood lead poisoning is a concern throughout the year, but cases of lead poisoning increase during the spring and summer months because children spend more time outdoors, on the porch or in the yard.

Homes built before 1978 may have chipping and peeling lead paint on the porch or on siding, which could be more deteriorated than other parts of the house due to the effects of weather. Children playing on the porch can unknowingly pick up lead paint chips and dust on their hands and toys and then place hands or toys into their mouths.

Lead dust can also be found in the soil outside where children are playing. Strong winds can blow lead dust from nearby factories or from the chipped paint off houses and then settle into your yard. Although leaded gasoline was phased out in the 1970s, lead may still be in the soil after it was released into the air from car exhausts and then settled into the ground nearby.

Lastly, many home improvements begin in the spring and summer. Renovations to areas of the home containing lead-based paint can put lead dust into the air, both inside and outside of the area being worked on. Lead dust can also collect on windowsills and in window wells. On warm days when the window is open, lead dust in these areas can blow into the house.

“Lead poisoning in children is completely preventable,” Pettit said. “You can follow these steps to protect yourself and your family from the effects of lead exposure.”

• Talk to your doctor about a simple blood lead test. New York State requires that health care providers test children for lead at ages 1 and 2 and whenever there is a risk of lead exposure.
• Wash children’s hands before eating and naps or bedtime.
• Wash children’s toys regularly.
• Have children play in a sandbox, rather than on the ground.
• Clean floors with a wet mop and cleaning solution.
• Wet-wipe dusty areas such as windowsills, window wells, countertops, and furniture.
• Keep your home free of chipping or peeling paint and renovate safely.
• Mist surfaces with water before scraping or sanding to prevent creating dust.
• Have your children eat a balanced diet rich with iron, vitamin C and calcium.

For more information on GO Health’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Programs, visit GOHealthNY.org. You can also contact your respective health department:

Genesee County: 585-344-2580 or Health.GOlead@co.genesee.ny.us

Orleans County: 585-589-3278 or OCPublicHealth@orleanscountyny.gov

Charts courtesy of Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

The number of confirmed Covid cases in Genesee and Orleans counties continues to climb after very low numbers in February and most of March.

Orleans is reporting 83 new cases the past week from April 6 to 12, while Genesee has 119 new cases.

That is up from 54 in Orleans and 62 in Genesee the previous week. The week before that from March 23 to March 29 there were 25 cases in Orleans and 33 in Genesee.

Both counties remain low for community spread, according to the federal CDC.

The Genesee and Orleans County health Departments reports that another Genesee resident passed away from Covid bringing Genesee’s total Covid-related deaths to 185 during over two years of the Covid pandemic. Orleans has had 113 Covid-related deaths.

The new Covid cases in Orleans include 53 from lab tests and 30 from at-home tests. Genesee’s  119 cases include 75 from lab tests and 44 from at-home tests.

Statewide the positivity rate for tests is up to 5.32 percent or 6,546 confirmed positives out of 123,079 tests on Tuesday. The 7-day positive rate is 4.35%, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced today.

“As we inch closer to the Easter and Passover holidays and many New Yorkers prepare to travel and gather with their loved ones, it is critical that we continue to utilize the tools at our disposal to prevent COVID spread and protect those around us,” Governor Hochul said. “Those who are traveling should get tested before they leave home, and those who test positive should stay home and discuss possible treatment options with their doctor.”

In 2021, GO Health tested 46 animals for rabies and 4 tested positive

Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Department

Spring is here and that means wild animals will be giving birth to their babies. Sometimes these cute baby animals will stray away from their mothers and wander into backyards, into barns, and onto porches tempting people to catch them and take them in as their own.

“Please leave them alone because it can put you and other family members at risk of exposure to a fatal disease such as rabies,” stated Paul Pettit, Director of the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health).

Rabies is a central nervous system disease, which attacks the brain and almost always results in death if a rabies exposure is not treated. Rabies is most often spread through bites, scratches, and contact with infected saliva. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rabies is most often seen in bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes, but any mammal can be infected with rabies. In addition, pets and livestock can get rabies if they are not vaccinated to protect against infection.

In 2021, GO Health tested 46 animals for rabies and four tested positive. Additionally, 221 dogs and 54 cats were observed in 10-day confinement between the two counties. A domestic animal is subject to 10-day confinement if they bite a human. The animal’s health and behavior is monitored for 10 days to determine if rabies may be present and if further action is required.

What can you do to protect yourself against rabies?

• Leave all wildlife alone, including any injured animals. If you find an injured animal, do not touch it and contact your local animal control office for help.
• Avoid feeding, approaching, touching, or adopting wild animals and stray domestic animals such as cats and dogs.
• If you see a stray dog or cat, do not pet it. This is especially important if you are traveling out of the United States to a country where rabies in dogs is common.
• If you find any animal that is acting strangely, you should contact your local animal control office for help.
• Be sure that your pets (dogs, cats, and ferrets) are up-to-date on their rabies vaccination. Even indoor pets should be vaccinated and it is also recommended that livestock animals are vaccinated.
• Public Health Law, Article 21, Title 4 requires New York State (NYS) residents to keep their pets (cats, dogs, and ferrets) up-to-date on their rabies vaccination.
• Keep family pets indoors at night and do not let them roam alone.

Anyone who has been bitten by any animal or may have been exposed to rabies needs to take immediate action. Make sure to thoroughly clean any wounds or bites with soap and water, and then call your health care provider for further instructions. If you can do so safely, capture the animal (being careful not to damage the head/brain) and call your local health department to report the incident. Capturing the animal is vital in order for it to be tested for rabies. Testing will confirm if the animal is infected with the virus or not, making sure that only those who need treatment get it.

A doctor in consultation with the health department will determine who needs to be vaccinated with rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (RPEP). The cost to treat an individual varies considerably based on weight, number of doses, and insurance. In 2021, treatment costs ranged from $2,000 to $9,000. GO Health will work with the patient’s insurance company, but what is not covered by insurance is ultimately the responsibility of the taxpayers. In 2021, Genesee County treated 14 people and Orleans County treated 13 people.

“We encourage residents to do their part to prevent rabies in the community by vaccinating their pets and practicing caution around wild and stray animals,” stated Pettit. “Please visit one of the upcoming free drive-thru anti-rabies immunization clinics for dogs, cats and ferrets.”

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

• Thursday, May 19th, from 4 to 7 p.m.
• Thursday, August 11th, from 4 to 7 p.m.
• Thursday, September 15th,  from 4 to 7 p.m.
• Thursday, October 13th,  from 4 to 6 p.m.

Orleans County Clinics at the Orleans County Fairgrounds (12690 Rt. 31, Albion, NY)

• Saturday, April 23rd, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Saturday, June 4th, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Saturday, August 13th, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Saturday, October 15th, 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, Genesee-Orleans-Wyoming Opioid Task Force

BATAVIA – “Medicated-Assisted-Treatment in Our Communities” is the topic of the GOW Opioid Task Force quarterly meeting scheduled for 10-11 a.m. April 21 at The Recovery Station, 5256 Clinton St. Rd., Batavia.

The hybrid-style meeting – both in person and via Zoom videoconferencing – is open to the public at no charge.

“We are excited to offer this hybrid option and, more importantly, to provide information on M-A-T to the community,” said Christen Ferraro, GOW Opioid Task Force coordinator.

Discussion will center around what M-A-T is, how it is used in substance use disorder treatment and recovery and its effectiveness, as well as sharing their experiences working with M-A-T services in various settings.

Speakers are:

• Ann Bowback, clinical director at Spectrum Health & Human Services in Warsaw. She is the project director of the Medicated-Assisted-Treatment program in collaboration with Evergreen Health.
• Melissa Weingarten, Wyoming County Jail nurse. In November 2021, she joined the Wyoming County Health Department in a full-time capacity as the nurse for jail medical services, administering medication to the inmates.
• Kathy Hodgins, chief clinical officer at Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse. She oversees the M-A-T services and Opioid Treatment Program clinic in Genesee and Orleans counties.

For more details and how to register, visit www.gowopioidtaskforce.com or contact Ferraro at cferraro@gcasa.org.