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.

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.

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

In recognition of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are dedicated to increasing awareness about lung cancer and promoting early detection to save lives.

As the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, lung cancer affects thousands of families each year. The April 2023 New York State Health Equity Report found that Genesee County had a lung cancer rate of 71.5 cases per 100,000 people, while the rate in Orleans County was at 98 cases per 100,000 people.

Lung Cancer Awareness Month serves as a crucial opportunity to spotlight the importance of early detection and prevention. Lung cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms, making regular screenings vital for those at risk. We encourage individuals, particularly those with a history of smoking or exposure to environmental toxins, like radon, to consult with their healthcare providers about screening options.

Key Facts about Lung Cancer:

• Lung cancer is responsible for approximately 22% of all cancer deaths.
• Early detection can significantly improve survival rates, with a 5-year survival rate of 56% for those whose cancer is diagnosed at an early stage.
• Risk factors include smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke, radon gas, and other environmental pollutants.

Radon and Lung Cancer:

• Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, after tobacco smoke. It is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.
• Approximately 20,000 lung cancer deaths per year in the US are related to radon.

“Lung Cancer Awareness Month is not just about raising awareness; it’s about taking actionable steps to reduce risk factors associated with lung cancer,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “Avoiding tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke is a key step to lower your risk of lung cancer. Additionally, testing your home for radon and mitigating high radon levels are important actions everyone can take to further reduce their chances of developing lung cancer.”

The Genesee County Health Department’s Radon Program provides short-term radon test kits to residents of Genesee County. The program also offers educational materials and in-services programs on the danger of radon prevalence, and mitigation options for new or existing homes, all available at no charge.

In other counties, short-term test kits can be purchased at your local hardware store or through the New York State Department of Heath website (click here).

For more information about radon, contact the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580 x5555 or Health@geneseeny.gov.

Resources:

American Cancer Society (Click here)

United States Environmental Protection Agency (Click here)

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

As the temperatures drop, people in our community will spend more time indoors, increasing the chance of spreading respiratory illnesses like Influenza (flu), Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and Covid-19.

“During the fall and winter season, we typically have more people getting sick,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “For some people – like children, older adults, and those with underlying health conditions – these illnesses can be serious.”

There are simple ways to keep everyone healthy and small actions can make a big difference. When we work together, we protect ourselves and help protect family, friends, neighbors and coworkers.

Tips to stay healthy

Viruses spread easily and can change over time, so it’s important to practice good habits to limit the spread.

1. Stay away from people who are sick.
2. If you aren’t feeling well, stay home.
3. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
4. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitizer if you can’t use soap.
5. Try not to touch your eyes, mouth, or nose.
6. Talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated and staying up-to-date on vaccinations.
7. Practice other healthy habits:

• Clean surfaces you often touch at home, school, or work.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Eat healthy meals.
• Stay active.

What to do if you become sick

If you have symptoms of an illness, like coughing, a sore throat, trouble breathing, or a fever, it is important to act quickly to help yourself and protect others.

1. Stay home and avoid contact with others to avoid the spread of illness.
2. Watch your symptoms closely.
3. Seek medical advice if symptoms get worse or if you have underlying health conditions that make you more at risk.
4. Drink lots of water.

If you have a respiratory illness, like the flu or Covid-19, you can spread it to others. How long you are contagious can vary based on how sick you are and how long you stay sick, which may be different from person to person. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that once your symptoms are better and you haven’t had a fever for 24 hours (without using fever medicine), you are usually less contagious.

To be extra careful, wear a mask for 5 or more days after your symptoms improve. The CDC offers Respiratory Virus Guidance and continues to monitor health trends and update recommendations as needed. You can get information about the CDC Respiratory Virus Guidance Update here: Respiratory Virus Guidance Update Frequently Asked Questions.

Respiratory Disease Data

For the Genesee and Orleans Counties Respiratory Illness Dashboard that tracks confirmed cases of flu, RSV, and Covid-19, visit: GO Health Respiratory Dashboard. It is important to note the data on this page only includes reported cases. Residents can also access our GO Health Water Analysis Dashboard to see if there has been an increase in respiratory illness activity in their town/village.

For more information on Health Department programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or call your local health department at:

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

Medina Healthcare Center to open at hospital with outpatient services

Provided photo: A crowd of nearly 200 supporters filled White Birch Golf Course on Saturday night for the 30th annual Treasure Island fundraiser. The event, which this year raised more than $45,000, also featured announcement of an innovative new Medina Healthcare Center, which is already in the works with opening of an Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic on Nov. 4.

MEDINA – The 30th annual Treasure Island fundraiser sponsored by Orleans Community Health Foundation was a resounding success, according to Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communications and Outreach.

The event Nov. 2 at White Birch Golf Course was attended by nearly 200 people and raised more than $45,000, making it one of the top years in Treasure Island’s history.

“This was a testament to the community’s dedication to supporting local healthcare,” Robinson said. “The live auction alone brought in nearly $10,000, making it the most successful auction in the history of the event.”

A major highlight of the evening was the announcement of the new Medina Healthcare Center, set to open within Medina Memorial Hospital. The Medina Healthcare Center will be a dedicated outpatient facility designed to address the critical healthcare needs of Orleans County residents, many of whom face challenges in accessing primary and specialized care locally, according to Robinson.

The facility will offer a wide range of services, including the Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic which opened this week, and primary care services scheduled to open within the next several months.

“Our community has consistently demonstrated a commitment to enhancing healthcare access,” said Marc Shurtz, CEO/CIO of Orleans Community Health. “The support shown at this year’s Treasure Island event allows us to take meaningful strides toward making the Medina Healthcare Center a reality, bringing critical outpatient services right here to our community.”

The evening honored the generosity of numerous sponsors who consistently step up to support community health needs, Shurtz continued. Among them was Bill Bixler from Seaway Insurance, who not only sponsored the Tiki Bar, but also contributed more than five Myrtle Beach trips to the live auction, expanding his previous offering of two trips.

This kind of dedication from community members was a key factor in the event’s success. The auction also set new records, raising more than $25,000 – a landmark amount for both the silent and live auctions.

The new Medina Healthcare Center is expected to serve as a beacon of care for Orleans County, addressing a gap in accessible outpatient services. The planned renovations, including more than 13 exam rooms, improved parking facilities and a dedicated entrance on the south end of the campus, are set to enhance the hospital’s capacity to provide efficient, comprehensive care in a single, accessible location.

As Orleans Community Health embarks on a capital campaign to fund this transformative project, the initial steps are already underway, Shurtz added.

“With the community’s ongoing support, we expect to begin offering primary care services in the next couple of months, ensuring Orleans County residents have timely access to essential healthcare,” he said.

“Orleans Community Health extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended, donated, volunteered or sponsored the 30th annual Treasure Island event,” said Megan Johnson, executive director of Orleans Community Health Foundation. “Your generosity makes a lasting impact, ensuring our mission to provide quality, accessible healthcare in Orleans County continues to be strong.”

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has announced the opening of a new Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic at Medina Memorial Hospital.

Jill Klotzbach

Leading this new initiative is Jill Klotzbach, family nurse practitioner, and a native of Western New York.

“Our team is extremely excited to welcome Jill and the ENT Clinic to Medina Memorial Hospital,” said Marc Shurtz, CEO/CIO of Orleans Community Health. “We’re continually trying to bring services to our area that are both lacking and needed in the community. Not only is this a valuable service, but the recent news of the clinic closing in Middleport makes it even more critical.”

Klotzbach brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role, according to Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communication and Outreach at the hospital.

“She is going to be a huge asset to our team,” Robinson said.

Klotzbach began her nursing career at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, and has since practiced in Ohio and Texas before returning to her roots. Her diverse clinical background encompasses medical-surgical, dialysis, intensive care, long-term care, operating room, allergy and ENT services.

A graduate of Daemen College and St. John Fisher, she holds multiple certifications, including those from the National Certifying Board of Otorhinolaryngology and Head-Neck Nurses, the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy and the Council of Occupational Hearing Conservation. She has also contributed her skills to the local community by providing hearing test screenings for various businesses and serving as an on-call nurse at Crossroads House in Batavia, where she provided compassionate end-of-life care.

“I am excited to return to Western New York and serve the communities that are close to my heart,” Klotzbach said. “My focus at the new ENT Clinic will be to offer high-quality care for all age groups, with an emphasis on ENT and allergy diagnosis.”

In her personal life, Klotzbach enjoys traveling, golf, swimming and pickleball. She also cherishes the time spent with family and friends, especially during trivia nights. She has one son who lives in Denver.

The new ENT Clinic at Orleans Community Health aims to address the growing needs of the community with specialized care and accessible services. Everyone is invited to experience the compassionate care Klotzbach and her dedicated team will provide.

For more information or to schedule an appointment at the ENT Clinic, click here or contact (585) 798-2550.

Grant available in GLOW counties to help remediate lead in apartments and homes

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

This year, National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) takes place from October 20-26.

NLPPW is a call to unite individuals, organizations, and government to reduce childhood lead exposure by raising awareness about lead poisoning prevention. This week emphasizes various ways parents, caregivers, and communities can reduce children’s exposure to lead and protect them from its harmful effects.

“Lead poses a significant danger to children because their developing bodies absorb more lead than adults, and their brains and nervous systems are more vulnerable to its harmful effects,” stated Darren Brodie, Environmental Health Director of the Genesee and Orleans County Health Department (GO Health).

 These effects can include developmental delays, learning disabilities, weight loss, hearing loss, seizures, and more. Children can be exposed to lead from paint used in homes before 1978, contaminated water or soil, and products from other countries (spices, pottery, toys, etc.).

According to the 2023 American Community Survey, approximately 73.6% of housing units in Genesee County and 73.0% of housing units in Orleans County were built before 1978 and may have lead exposure hazards. Homes built before this year are at higher risk for having contaminated lead-based paint, which can deteriorate over time and release toxic lead dust or chips, posing significant health risks, especially to young children.

Lead poisoning is entirely preventable. We encourage parents and community members to learn about the dangers of lead exposure by exploring the three key messages of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week:

1. Get the Facts

• Any exposure to lead hazards can be dangerous, particularly for children.
• The only safe blood lead level is zero!
• The most common way children are exposed to lead is by ingesting tiny dust particles or paint chips, often too small to see.
• Other potential sources of lead include metal toys, wooden toys or furniture painted with lead-based paint, metal jewelry, lead-glazed pottery, certain candles, spices, and even makeup.

2. Get Your Child Tested

• A blood test is the way to determine if your child has lead poisoning.
• Most children with detectable levels of lead in their blood show no noticeable symptoms.
• If you think your child may have been exposed to lead, talk to their healthcare provider about getting a blood lead test.
• Blood lead tests are also recommended for pregnant women who believe they may have been exposed to lead.

3. Get Your Home Tested

• Many homes built before 1978 contain lead-based paint. If your home was built before that year it is important to have it tested for lead paint.
• If you rent, request that your landlord have the home or apartment tested.
• For more information on testing your home, contact GO Health.

The Genesee County Health Department has a Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes Grant, funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), that can address lead-based paint hazards and other health concerns in homes and apartments in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming counties.

“This funding is designated for lead-based paint remediation as well as other health-related home repairs,” said Gabrielle Lanich, Lead Program Coordinator for GO Health. “Eligible homeowners and property managers with qualifying tenants can apply for these funds.”

For more information or to determine eligibility for these programs, contact the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580 ext. 5555 or Health.GOlead@geneseeny.gov.

For more information about GO Health Programs and services and eligibility details for lead programs, visit GOHealthNY.org or contact your local health department:

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

Press release, UConnectCare

This work from Peter Langen of Batavia is representative of the artistic expression that empowers people to be successful in their recovery journey. Richmond Memorial Library will be hosting the Grateful for Recovery art show throughout the month of November.

BATAVIA – Understanding that creative expression serves as a therapeutic means toward healing and self-esteem, the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Genesee County and UConnectCare are partnering to sponsor the Grateful for Recovery art show throughout November.

“The mission of this art show at Richmond Memorial Library is to let the community know that people do recover from substance use disorder, mental health and other issues while giving them the opportunity to share their experiences and break down the stigma surrounding recovery,” said Sue Gagne, Suicide Prevention Coalition coordinator.

This local initiative follows on the footsteps of the national Art of Recovery project started earlier this year by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Gagne said all submissions will be displayed in the Gallery Room at the library from Nov. 1-30. Artists are requested to drop off their work by Oct. 28 at The Recovery Station, 5256 Clinton St. Rd., Batavia. Participants may submit up to three pieces of art for this show.

“We’re accepting work in various genres – original drawings, paintings, photographs, mixed media, poetry and more,” Gagne noted, adding that family members of those in recovery are welcome to submit as well as those under 18 years old, with parental permission.

“Additionally, we’re asking that each artist submit a short bio or a paragraph about his or her journey in recovery,” she said.

Artists are able to sell their work through this show, Gagne added. Each piece does not have to be framed but all pieced need to have a proper hanging system or hardware to be placed in the Gallery Room.

For more information about the show and/or to receive entry and consent forms, contact Gagne at sgagne@uconnectcare.org or at 585-813-6448.

Press Release, UConnectCare

The “scene” is set for UConnectCare’s Prevention Department to “direct” local school and community projects during this month’s Red Ribbon Week, which is draping itself in the theme, “Life is a Movie, Film Drug Free.”

Red Ribbon Week, the nation’s largest and longest-running drug-use prevention campaign, will take place from Oct. 23-31. The observance has touched the lives of millions of people around the world since its inception nearly 40 years ago.

This year’s theme, “Life is a Movie, Film Drug Free,” encourages everyone to contribute to creating safe, healthy, and drug-free communities,” said Sheila Harding, UConnectCare assistant director of Prevention. “It highlights the significant impact that healthcare professionals, educators, parents, and others can have through their dedication and commitment.”

The campaign was started as a response to the 1985 murder of Drug Enforcement Agency Agent Enrique Camarena in Mexico by members of the Guadalajara drug cartel.

Angered by this terrible act, parents and youths in communities across the United States began wearing red ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raise awareness of the killing and destruction caused by drugs.

Today, Red Ribbon Week, which is sponsored by the National Family Partnership, serves to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities.

UConnectCare Prevention educators reported that numerous schools in Genesee and Orleans counties have scheduled Red Ribbon Week activities. Furthermore, red ribbons are being placed in the City of Batavia and the cupola at the Old Courthouse will be lit up in red during that week.

“We invite you to celebrate not just this week, but to embrace healthy choices throughout the year and inspire those around you to do the same,” Harding said.

For more information about Red Ribbon Week and the substance use prevention efforts at UConnectCare, contact Harding at sharding@uconnectcare.org.