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

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prevent Chronic Diseases

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Organization has ‘Code Blue’ sites in Albion and Brockport

Press Release, Oak Orchard Health

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

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

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

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

Take Action to Protect Your Family:

1. Test Your Home for Radon

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

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

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

3. Educate Your Friends and Family

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

4. Health & Safety First

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

Radon Facts:

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

Resources:

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

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

Press Release, Oak Orchard Health

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Homeless Alliance of Western New York

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

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

About Oak Orchard Health  

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

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

Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Warning signs include:

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

How to help others:

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

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

Orleans County Mental Health

14014 State Route 31 Albion, NY 14411

(585) 589-7066

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

Genesee County Mental Health

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

(585) 344-1421

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Press Release, Oak Orchard Health

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Karen Kinter, CEO of Oak Orchard Health

You might think homelessness could never happen to you or your loved ones. But life can bring sudden changes that leave you with impossible choices. Statistics show that 70 to 80 percent of individuals facing homelessness are from the community or have lived there for a year or longer before becoming unhoused.

The homeless population in Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming counties (GOW) is growing. The Homeless Alliance of Western NY states that in 2023, 710 people in GOW counties lost their housing, a 12.9% increase from the previous year. This included an 8% rise in youth homelessness and a 17.9% increase in clients 62 years and over.

When people talk about homelessness, there are many misconceptions and myths about how someone might have become homeless or what homelessness looks like.

Here are some common myths—and the facts that clear up these misperceptions.

Myth 1: “They did this to themselves.”

Fact: Homelessness is more often due to sudden illness or an accident, job loss, or financial problems that lead to eviction. The NYU Silver School of Social Work Professor Deborah K. Padgett and the Coalition for the Homeless says that some are fleeing domestic violence or are living in overcrowded, substandard housing.

Myth 2: “They’re lazy and don’t want to work.”

Fact: The primary cause of homelessness is the lack of affordable housing, according to the Coalition for the Homeless. The National Alliance to End Homelessness estimates that 53% of those who are unhoused are employed full-time or part-time and sometimes working two to three jobs.  A job does not guarantee stability because they are not earning life-sustaining wages to afford to pay rent or other bills. Those looking for employment face additional barriers when applying for jobs, including no permanent address or transportation, internet access to apply for jobs, or access to showers or appropriate clothes for interviews.

Myth 3: “They’re all addicts or mentally ill.”

Fact: Substance use disorders are rarely the sole cause of homelessness and, more often, are a response to it. Living on the street or in overcrowded housing puts the person in frequent contact with those who are in active addiction and facing the same issues, according to the Homeless Alliance of Western New York (HAWNY). However, the trauma of becoming homeless can certainly lead to depression or other mental health disorders and make it harder for people to find help because of the stigma of being homeless.

Myth #4: “They’re dangerous criminals.” 

Fact: The reality is that most people without housing spend their time and resources trying to survive, improve their situation, or find a job. Others are teens with no place to turn or older adults on fixed incomes who can’t make ends meet. Unhoused individuals are more likely to be victims of a violent crime than to commit one, according to the Coalition for the Homeless. The risks of being victims of a crime were higher for older adults, women, or those who were homeless for more than two years.

Oak Orchard Health and its Community Partners are here to help with warming centers.

Winter in Western New York is especially brutal for those individuals facing homelessness.  In 2023, Oak Orchard Health and its community partners opened the Orleans County Warming Center at Christ Church.  It provides a warm and safe environment when the temperature hits 32 degrees or below, called Code Blue. Code Blue is activated when temperatures or the wind chill are at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit for at least two consecutive hours.

The Orleans County Warming Center at Christ Church served 60+ people in the 2023 winter season. People come here not only to get out of the cold but also to get a hot cup of soup, snacks, toiletries, and rest. Working with community partners, they can also get referrals to the county and local non-profits for ongoing support.

If someone you know is in a housing crisis, call 211.

This is a central human services hotline for the Western New York region that can direct the appropriate community resources for help with housing, emergency services, food, utilities, healthcare, and employment.

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get Help Today

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

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

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

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

Press Release, Genesee & Orleans Counties Health Departments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Speaking in Holley, senator says telehealth has improved healthcare access in rural areas

Photos by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer was at the Eastern Orleans Community center today in Holley to highlight his push to keep telehealth services fully reimbursable by Medicare.

Schumer is shown at the eastern Orleans Community center with Dr. Danielle Renodin-Mead, Chief Medical Officer of Oak Orchard Health (left), and Renee Hungerford, executive director of Community Action of Orleans & Genesee, which runs the community enter in Holley.

“This helped thousands of seniors in rural areas across Upstate NY when the closest doctor is hours away access critical health care services,” Schumer said about telehealth services. “Telehealth is one of the biggest tools for supporting rural Upstate communities that face shortages of doctors. Especially for seniors who can have difficulty going to a doctor’s office due to mobility challenges, telehealth lets people get routine care without having to worry about how to get to the doctor’s office.”

Hungerford said it is “paramount” that telehealth continued to be covered by medicare and health insurers. She said telehealth has increased access to healthcare professionals for many Orleans County residents, who would often face transportation challenges to get to doctor’s appointments in person.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer wants telehealth services to become a permanent and accessible option for all on Medicare.

“As a key provider of health- related social needs, including facilitation of telehealth, we understand how critical telehealth is for vulnerable populations who live in rural areas with very limited transportation,” Hungerford said. “Losing the availability of payer-covered telehealth would result in people not receiving much needed care and would deteriorate positive health outcomes.”

Medicare started covering telehealth during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and has continued to cover it since. However, that authorization is due to expire Dec. 31, 2024, Schumer said. He said there is bipartisan support to keep telehealth services as fully reimbursable through Medicare.

“Telehealth services are essential in places like Orleans County; it is a lifeline for our rural areas and seniors who can’t easily travel to the doctor to get the healthcare they need and we can’t let it expire,” Schumer said.

There are 9,770 senior citizens in Orleans County covered by Medicare, Schumer said. There are 14,219 in Genesee County, and 169,605 in Monroe, he said.

“We saw telehealth surge in use during the pandemic, and we should make sure that access to your doctor is as easy as picking up your phone,” Schumer said. “I was proud to help Medicare expand telehealth services during the pandemic, but we need to act quickly to preserve this program and ensure this lifeline isn’t cut off for our seniors come 2025.”

Dr. Danielle Renodin-Mead, Chief Medical Officer of Oak Orchard Health, said telehealth has been used at Oak Orchard, including by mental health counselors as well as other healthcare professionals.

“Telehealth breaks down barriers,” she said during a news conference with Schumer.

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer was joined at today’s news conference by Dr. Danielle Renodin-Mead, Chief Medical Officer of Oak Orchard Health (left); Renee Hungerford, executive director of Community Action of Orleans & Genesee, which runs the community enter in Holley; and Marc Shurtz, CEO of Orleans Community Health and Medina Memorial Hospital.

Marc Shurtz, CEO of Orleans Community Health and Medina Memorial Hospital, said telehealth is a lower-cost option for care, and often much easier to access for residents in a rural community.

“Healthcare access in rural areas is often fraught with obstacles,” Shurtz said. “Long travel distances, a shortage of specialists, limited medical resources, and transportation challenges make it difficult for our patients to receive timely, consistent care. For seniors, these challenges can be even more daunting.”

Telehealth keeps patients engaged in their health management, particularly those with chronic conditions, Shurtz said.

“As we face the Medicare cliff we know that the financial strain it could place on healthcare providers could result in fewer services for our seniors,” he said. “Telehealth allows us to continue delivering quality care in a more cost-effective way, reducing the need for emergency room visits or hospitalizations.”

MEDINA – In recognition of November as National Lung Cancer Month, Orleans Community Health and Medina Memorial Hospital are emphasizing the importance of early lung cancer detection throughout the month.

As part of the observance, the hospital is raising awareness about the critical role of low-dose CT scans in detecting lung cancer early when treatment is most effective.

Lunch cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, but when diagnosed early, it is more treatable and survival rates significantly improve, according information from the hospital.

With Lung Cancer Awareness Month in full swing, Medina Memorial Hospital is urging individuals who are at high risk of lung cancer to consider screening with low-dose CT, an advanced imaging tool that can detect potential issues before symptoms appear.

Those who should consider lung cancer screening are individuals between the ages of 50 and 80 who meet the following criteria:

• Age 50 to 80 years
• Asymptomatic (no current symptoms of lung cancer)
• Tobacco smoking history of at least 20 pack-years (one pack-year is equivalent to smoking one pack of cigarettes per day for one year).
• Current smoker or someone who has quit within the last 15 years

For those who meet these criteria, low-dose CT scans could be a life-saving tool in detecting lung cancer early. These scans are non-invasive, quick and highly effective at identifying lung cancers before symptoms appear, allowing for earlier intervention and better treatment outcomes.

Medina Memorial hospital is proud to offer low-dose CT screenings for eligible patients. Unlike traditional chest X-rays, LDCT uses lower levels of radiation and is more sensitive in detecting early-stage lung cancers. Since lung cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages, screening through LDCT provides an invaluable opportunity for earlier diagnosis, leading to more treatment options and better survival rates.

“Lung cancer is often diagnosed at later stages when it is more difficult to treat, but LDCT screening allows us to catch it early, before patients even notice symptoms,” said Erica Chutko, director of imaging services at Orleans Community Health. “This can make all the difference in a patient’s prognosis. As we observe Lung Cancer Awareness Month, we want our community to know that early detection through screening is key, and we’re here to help guide you through the process.”

For individuals who meet the screening criteria, Medina Memorial Hospital offers convenient, accessible lung cancer services with LDCT. To determine eligibility for screening, individuals should speak with their primary care provider, who can provide a referral and guide them through the screening process.

“We urge our community members to reach out, especially if they have a history of smoking,” said Scott Robinson, director of marketing at Orleans Community Health. “Taking proactive steps now can save lives later.”

Medina Memorial Hospital is committed to raising awareness about lung cancer and the importance of early detection throughout the entire month of November. Together, we can encourage at-risk individuals to take action, learn about available screening options and ultimately reduce the impact of lung cancer in our community, Robinson added.