State-wide the number of new cases dropped 43 percent

The number of new confirmed cases has decreased in New York State during the week ending Jan. 3, but the cases went up in Orleans County during that week, especially among those 60 and older.

State-wide, there were 28,554 laboratory-confirmed cases in the week ending Jan. 3, which is down 43 percent from 49,850 cases the previous week. This season there have been 269,433 laboratory-confirmed cases, according to the state Department of Health.

Flu hospitalizations is at 4,228 in the week ending Jan. 3, down 7 percent from 4,546 in previous week. So far this flu season 17,833 people have been hospitalized in New York State.

In Orleans County, the rate of cases is at 353.8 per 100,000 people, according to the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments. That is up from 181.7 per 100,000 from the previous week, and 76.5 the week ending Dec. 20.

The rate for people ages 0-19 is at 226.1 in the week ending Jan. 3, which is down from 440.4 the previous week and 571.3 the week ending Dec. 20.

Overall, the rate of new confirmed cases in Orleans County is at 204.1 per 100,000 people. (The county’s population is the 2020 census was 40,343.) That 204.1 rate is up from the 196.5 in both the previous two weeks.

While the cases was up slightly in Orleans County, Genesee had a rate of new confirmed cases at 146.7 for the week ending Jan. 3. That was down significantly from the rate of 252 new cases the previous week and 239.9 from the week ending Dec. 20.

While the new cases were down statewide, in Genesee and Orleans counties the new cases increased from 217 for the week ending Dec. 20 to 224 in the week ending Dec. 27, according to the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

In Genesee and Orleans counties the new confirmed cases was 166 for the week ending Jan. 3. That is down from 224 the previous week and 217 for the week ending Dec. 20, according to the local health departments.

Provided photo: The Transitional Care Unit team at Medina Memorial Hospital is celebrating a substantial increase in admissions during the past year.

MEDINA – With a nationwide health care crisis, Medina Memorial Hospital has seen the impacts first-hand right here in Medina, according to Scott Robinson, director of marketing.

As the aging population continues to grow, there are an increasing number of challenges for the community, according to Robinson.

Among them is providing needed care and more services in the immediate area. One of those is the ability for members of the community to have access to rehab close to home. During the last year, the Transitional Care Unit at Medina Memorial hospital has seen admissions increase from 244 in 2024 to 308 in 2025, an increase of 26 percent, while referrals for subacute rehab have increased by 37 percent.

“I think it goes to show the reputation our TCU team has achieved with other hospitals and within the community,” Robinson said.

The hospital’s TCU program supports patients referred from other hospitals, as well as those admitted through Medina hospital’s Emergency Department for acute care or observation, who require subacute rehabilitation. Once a patient is medically stable for subacute rehab, they can be converted to the TCU services.

“We have been able to create relationships with more specialty groups, such as infectious disease and orthopedic physicians, which results in higher referral volumes,” Robinson said.

Robinson added they have a robust team at Orleans Community Health that is working to make sure the care being provided is top notch. The team includes care management, physical therapy, infection control, PCUII (Progressive Care Unit 2nd floor), housekeeping, dietary, finance and others.

“Medina Memorial Hospital continues to build a reputation – it’s the place to go for subacute rehab and the place to go to get better,” said Randi Ingersoll, director of Care Management at Orleans Community Health. “It has been a privilege to provide TCU services to more than 300 community members in 2025, and we are eager to see continued growth here at OCH.”

“The entire team deserves a great deal of credit, as Randi shared,” Robinson said. “She highlights the strong support being provided across teams. Although growth of this nature can challenge operations, departments remain closely aligned to keep things running seamlessly. It speaks volumes about the dedication of everyone involved in providing exceptional care.”

The team celebrated the gains on Wednesday and are coordinating to determine ways they can continue to improve the patient experience for those receiving care at Medina Memorial Hospital’s TCU.

Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

January is Radon Action Month and GO Health (Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments) is encouraging families to test their homes for radon.

Radon Facts:

• Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can enter homes through cracks in floors, basement walls, foundations, and other openings. It can build up to dangerous levels, especially in winter when homes are closed up.

• Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, and it is the leading cause in people who have never smoked. Exposure to radon is linked to an estimated 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year nationwide.

• In New York State, about 14% of homes have high radon levels that meet or exceed the level where action is recommended by health experts. Genesee County has been identified as an area with a higher average indoor radon level, meaning many homes could have unsafe radon levels.

• Testing and mitigation are effective in reducing radon exposure and protecting the health of your family.

“Testing your home for radon is a quick, easy step that can help protect your family’s health,” stated Darren Brodie, Environmental Health Director for GO Health. “If high radon levels are found, they can be fixed.”

Genesee County residents can get a free radon test kit by calling 585-344-2580 x5555.

Residents in Orleans and other counties can get radon test kits at their local hardware store or online at www.health.ny.gov/environmental/radon/

For more information about radon visit:

• American Lung Association www.lung.org/clean-air/indoor-air/indoor-air-pollutants/radon
• New York State Department of Health www.health.ny.gov/environmental/radon/

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

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has announced it has been awarded a grant from the Garman Family Foundation, administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, to expand pediatric services, live-saving education and family support programs for children in Orleans County.

The funding will help OCH deliver a holistic and equitable approach to pediatric wellness, addressing critical needs in a rural community where child poverty, limited transportation, high infant mortality rates and a shortage of medical providers continue to impact families. More than 1,500 children and families are expected to benefit within the first year of the initiative, according to information provided by Scott Robinson, director of Marketing for OCH.

“Families in our community deserve access to care and education that protect children’s health and empower parents,” said Megan Johnson, executive director of Orleans Community Health Foundation. “This generous grant allows us to expand resources beyond the clinic walls – bringing safety education, mental health support and essential pediatric equipment directly to the families who need it most.”

The project supported by the Garman Family Foundation will include:

• Free Infant CPR and Newborn Care Classes for parents and caregivers, eliminating the need for families to travel long distances for live-saving training.
• A Pediatric Wellness Fair, offering education and health resources for local families.
• Mental Health and Behavioral Support Tools, including the certification of a pediatric nurse practitioner in the evidence-based COPE (Creating Opportunities for Personal Empowerment) program and the use of anxiety-reducing tools during visits.
• Preventative Child Safety Resources, including helmets, first aid kits and coping tools to reduce emergencies and injuries.
• Important Clinical Upgrades, including pediatric exam tables and an infant warmer for safe and effective care.
• A New Children’s Reading nook and Books Distributed at Well Visits to promote early literacy and development growth.

Leah Brunner, pediatric nurse practitioner who serves children in both OCH’s Medina and Albion offices, shared how the funding will enhance care from the moment the families walk in the door.

“Parents want to feel confident caring for their children, and kids deserve a safe, supportive place to grow,” Brenner said. “With this grant, we can offer families more education, more tools and a more welcoming pediatric environment. It strengthens care for every child who comes through our doors.

The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo is a 501 ©3 organization whose mission is connecting people, ideas and resources to improve lives in Western New York. Since 1919, they have enhanced and encouraged long-term philanthropy in the Western New York Community.

State-wide the cases decline but hospitalizations are up

The flu continues its rampant spread locally and state-wide. A week ago it was big news in New York when the number of confirmed flu cases was the most since 2004, when the state began to weekly track flu cases.

The number of new flu cases is down a week later, from 72,133 to 49,153. That is a 32 percent drop.

However, the number of people hospitalized by the flu has increased 24 percent from 3,666 a week earlier to 4,546, according to the state Department of Health.

The DOH also is reporting a pediatric death from the flu this week. There have now been two pediatric deaths from the flu thus season, according to the state DOH.

While the new cases were down statewide, in Genesee and Orleans counties the new cases increased from 217 for the week ending Dec. 20 to 224 in the week ending Dec. 27, according to the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

In Genesee and Orleans, both counties show the number of younger people getting the flu is declining, but still high. In Orleans the flu cases for people 0-19 dropped from 571.3 per 100,000 to 440.4, while the cases for people 60 and older went from 76.5 per 100,000 people to 181.7 per 100,000. In Orleans, the overall rate of new flu cases per 100,000 people is 196.5, the same as the previous week.

In Genesee, the cases for 0-19 year olds dropped from 553.9 per 100,000 people for the week ending Dec. 20, to 446.2 for the week ending Dec. 27. The cases for people 60 and older increased from 249.3 to 324.1 during that time period. Genesee’s overall flu rate is at 252 per 100,000 people, up from 239.9 the previous week.

State health officials said flu typically peaks in January so the cases may continue to rise.

The Department of Health encourages people to get the flu shot, and take antivirals if it’s been less than 48 hours since symptoms began.

People are also urged to wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

People are advised to stay home when sick, and avoid close contact with people who are ill.

Orleans County has seen a significant spike in the number of flu cases, and statewide the number of the cases is the most since 2004 when the state started doing a weekly tracker of the cases.

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments reports there were 217 flu cases in the two rural counties in the week ending Dec. 20.

In Orleans, there are 196 cases per 100,000 people, according to the Health Department online flu tracker. The county’s population totals 40,343, according to the 2020 census. A week earlier, Orleans had 60.5 confirmed cases per 100,000 people.

The 196 cases in the most recent week is the third highest for Orleans County this year, topped by 196.8 for the week ending March 22, and 236.6 in the week ending March 15.

Genesee County just had the most confirmed flu cases in a week this year with 239.9 per 100,000 people for the week ending Dec. 20. (Genesee’s population was 58,388 in the 2020 census.)

That 239.9 is up from 60.4 in the week ending Dec. 13. The previous high was 233.7 for week ending Feb. 15.

State-wide there were 71,123 flu cases last week. That is up 38 percent from the previous week. The state Department of Health reports there have now been 189,312 cases of flu so far this season.

The DOH said hospitalizations from the flu rose 63 percent in the week from 2,251 to 3,666 statewide.

State health officials said flu typically peaks in January so the cases may continue to rise.

The Department of Health encourages people to get the flu shot, and take antivirals if it’s been less than 48 hours since symptoms began.

People are also urged to wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

People are advised to stay home when sick, and avoid close contact with people who are ill.

Renee Hungerford, Karen Kinter both complete 18-month program

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Renee Hungerford, executive director of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, left, and Karen Kinter, executive healthcare consultant and former CEO of Oak Orchard Health, posed for this picture in Hoag Library when they announced their acceptance into the Health Foundation of WNY’s Health Leadership Fellows 18-month program. They graduated from the program on Nov. 16.

ALBION – Renee Hungerford, director of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee County, and Karen Kinter, executive healthcare consultant and former CEO of Oak Orchard Health, have graduated from the prestigious Health Foundation of WNY’s Health Leadership Fellows program.

When they were selected for the 18-month program in 2024, neither realized the other Albion businesswoman had also applied.

Graduation took place Nov. 16 at the Memorial Art Gallery in Rochester, followed by a reception at the Strathallan in Rochester.

During the two-day graduation celebration, each team presented their projects to a team of panelists and a large audience, Hungerford said. Team members were named after characters of the Apple TV show, Ted Lasso, and Hungerford and Kinter were members of Team Nate.

During the course of 18 months, their team worked together to create the Fresh Start Care Center located at Community Action’s Main Street Corner Thrift Store. In addition to creating, planning, executing and implementing the project, the team worked together on an evidenced-based paper which substantiated the need for the intervention, according to Hungerford.

The project goal, she said, was to reduce chronic student absenteeism and increase student success by removing barriers to attendance, such as lack of the ability to launder clothes, obtain personal care items or have adequate facilities for personal hygiene.

The Fresh Start Center is a groundbreaking initiative designed to address hygiene insecurity among disadvantaged youth in Orleans County. Information supplied by Hungerford states the center is in response to alarming data showing up to 39 percent of students in Orleans County live in poverty, with many homes lacking basic plumbing.

Teachers have reported that hygiene-related stigma contributes to chronic absenteeism and social isolation, particularly among high school students. She said on a daily basis, as many as a dozen students are lined up at the door to the nurse’s office, waiting to take a shower.

Kinter likened the WNY Health Fellowship Program to Leadership Orleans. She said during their participation their team built a business plan and a pilot to operate the Fresh Start Center.

“We also got seed money from the Foundation to buy a washer and dryer,” Kinter said. “We got other money from the community and a private donation which funded supplies. Our class also donated laundry supplies and money to continue to help with operating costs.”

Kinter called the fellowship program a great networking opportunity which provided collaboration with more than 40 organizations from across the region.

“This program made them aware of Orleans County, who we are and what we are doing,” she said. “We learned what other organizations are out there in the region that can be of help to us. The president of the Foundation met us and got to hear our suggestions.”

Hungerford also praised the program.

“I felt truly honored to be selected for the 11th cohort of the Health Leadership Fellows program, as it fit well into my personal goal of doing my part to fix our broken healthcare system,” Hungerford said. “Good health outcomes start with ensuring people have resources for basic needs, such as nutritious food, shelter, access to health services and knowledge. Health literacy is paramount for people to thrive. I am thrilled that we chose a project that is focused on young people. Children and youth have little to no control over economic circumstances. All of us, as a supportive community, need to ensure they have what they need to achieve success.”

Accumulating enough money to purchase a shower for the Fresh Start Center continues to be an ongoing goal for Community Action. Hungerford’s family donated their time to install plumbing and electrical for the Center, and donations will continue to be accepted to purchase a shower. Checks may be made out to Community Action, designated for the Fresh Start Center and mailed to 409 East State St., Albion, 14411.

Hungerford said they had been quoted $16,000 for a shower, but she is confident they can acquire one cheaper than that.

Cassie Healy, manager of the Main Street Corner Thrift Store, also oversees the Fresh Start Center.

Provided photo: Karen Kinter and Renee Hungerford, fourth and fifth from left, are shown with their fellow team members after graduation in November from the WNY Health Leadership Fellows program. They are shown at the Memorial Art Gallery in Rochester.

By Valerie Mostyn, DSW, LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker for Oak Orchard Health

Valerie Mostyn

The holidays are a joyful time for many families, but they can also be one of the most stressful times of the year. Parents are juggling work, school breaks, holiday events, shopping, and family obligations all at once.

While kids may be excited for time off from school, the change in routine can bring new challenges at home. The good news is that small changes and planning ahead can help families enjoy the holidays with less stress.

Helping Kids Keep Healthy Sleep Habits

When kids are home from school for extended breaks, sleep schedules can quickly fall apart. Late nights turn into sleeping until the afternoon. Then, when school starts again, kids are exhausted and the return to routine becomes a struggle.

Parents don’t need to keep a strict school-night schedule during break, but it helps to keep bedtimes and wake-up times close to normal, especially during the last few days before school begins again. Slowly moving bedtime earlier helps kids adjust without feeling overwhelmed.

Making Screen Time Easier to Manage

Managing screen time is one of the biggest challenges for families today, especially during breaks when kids are home more. Many kids stay up late gaming, scrolling, or texting, even after parents think they’re asleep.

Helpful tips for parents include:

• Set a clear “screens off” time each night
• Keep phones, tablets and gaming systems downstairs overnight
• Use built-in phone settings or parental controls
• Encourage reading, puzzles or quiet music before bed

Clear boundaries help kids sleep better and reduce daily conflicts at home.

Keeping Holiday Schedules Simple

Many parents feel pressure to fit everything into the holidays—shopping, parties, school events, family visits, sports and travel. Trying to do it all often leads to burnout.

Instead of overloading your calendar, choose what truly matters most to your family. Simple activities at home can bring just as much joy as big outings. Watching a holiday movie, decorating cookies, doing crafts or decorating your home together can all create lasting memories without added stress.

It’s okay to say no sometimes. Rest is just as important as celebration.

Easing the Pressure Around Holiday Spending

Money can be a major source of stress during the holidays. Kids may ask for expensive toys, clothes or electronics. But meaningful gifts don’t have to come with a big price tag.

Parents can:

• Choose one special gift and keep the rest simple
• Use secondhand shops for clothes, toys and books
• Talk openly with older kids about budgets
• Focus on experiences instead of expensive items

What kids remember most is spending time together—not the cost of what they receive.

When Sickness Changes Your Plans

Cold and flu season often overlaps with the holidays. When kids get sick, plans may have to change quickly. Big gatherings may need to be canceled, and disappointment can set in.

Parents can shift to low-key activities at home, such as movies, puzzles, music, and quiet time together. If family visits must be missed, video calls can help kids stay connected. And remember, holidays don’t have to happen on one specific day. Celebrating later is always an option.

Finding Balance for the Whole Family

The holidays don’t need to be perfect to be meaningful. What children need most is connection, stability, and love. Keeping routines steady, setting healthy screen limits, simplifying schedules, managing money wisely, and caring for emotional health can make a big difference.

Parents already do so much every day. During the holidays, giving yourself grace may be one of the most important gifts you give your family.

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

ALBION – The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) will be holding their Local Early Intervention Coordinating Council (LEICC) Quarterly Meeting.

The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 17, from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Orleans County Health Department (14016 State Route 31, Suite 101, Albion, NY 14411). Refreshments will be provided.

The LEICC is a supportive group made up of county officials, early intervention providers, childcare providers, parents of children with disabilities and other community members.

The goal of the LEICC is to afford the opportunity for parents and other members to voice their thoughts and concerns on the strengths and weaknesses of the Genesee and Orleans County Early Intervention Program and to work together to improve the program.

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments are encouraging parents to attend and to offer input as to how we can best meet the needs of all infants and toddlers in our local communities.

For zoom connection information or for more information on the meeting, please contact Deborah Krenzer-Lewter, Director of Children with Special Needs, at 585-344-2580 ext. 5572 or 585-589-2777.

Surgical Associates will keep Lockport office but will be doing all surgeries at Medina hospital

Dr. Jeffrey Schratz, left, and Dr. Robert Hodge are surgeons with the Great Lakes Surgical Associates, which has become part of the Orleans Community Health Surgery Clinic.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has announced that Great Lakes Surgical Associates has officially become part of the Orleans Community Health System, strengthening the hospital’s shared commitment to accessible, high-quality surgical care throughout the region.

This partnership, effective Dec. 1, represents a significant expansion for Orleans Community Health, while ensuring continuity and stability for patients and providers, the hospital said in a recent announcement.

As part of this integration, the Great Lakes Surgical Associates’ name will remain unchanged, and patients will continue to seeing the same trusted providers they rely on today, the announcement said.

Locations and office hours will remain the same, insurance relationships are unchanged and day-to-day operations will continue without disruption.

Great Lakes Surgical Associations is already home to two highly respected surgeons, Dr. Jeffrey Schratz and Dr. Robert Hodge, both of whom are part of the Orleans Community Health Surgery Clinic and are well-known, trusted names across the community, said Scott Robinson, director of marketing at Orleans Community Health.

Their continued presence further strengthens the alignment between the organizations and reinforces a seamless experience for patients.

“This partnership allows us to enhance care while keeping the experience familiar and seamless for patients,” said Marc Shurtz, CEO of Orleans Community Health. “We look forward to integrating our systems and aligning our clinical teams to deliver even better care for our community.”

This acquisition moves procedures to Medina Memorial Hospital, increasing surgical procedures occurring at Medina. Both surgeons, however, will continue to see patients at both the Lockport location and Medina.

The collaboration will bring additional resources, coordinated services and expanded support for both patients and staff, while preserving the personalized, community-focused care Great Lakes Surgical Associates is known for, Robinson said.

Press Release, GLOW Out!

ALBION – December is national HIV/AIDS Awareness Month, and GLOW Out! Is hosting a free event in Albion to share information and resources with the community.

On Friday, December 12 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Hoag Library in Albion, GLOW Out! will partner with Trillium Health to share information about HIV prevention, as well as honor the history of HIV/AIDS Awareness Month.

There will be presentations on the history of the AIDS epidemic in the United Sattes, as well as current updates and options for local testing and treatment for HIV. Trillium Health will provide information and resources, as well as free rapid onsite HIV testing at the event for those interested.

Learn more about Trillium Health’s services at trilliumhealth.org.

Early detection of HIV is vital for effective treatment, and with more knowledge, HIV can be and is manageable for many people who live with HIV+ status in America. Prevention options exist for those whose partners are HIV+ as well. Open communication with partners is another important tool in prevention and management of HIV.

Residents can seek more information and testing for HIV (and other infections) at their primary care provider or: the Batavia location of Rochester Regional Urgent Care on Oak Orchard Road; at the Batavia Health Center location of Planned Parenthood of Central & Western New York on West Main Street; or at either the Albion or Medina locations of Orleans Community Health.

Attendees at the event will be welcome to participate in coloring crafts or make a red ribbon pin, the symbol of HIV/AIDS awareness. Other local human service providers will also be present with information and resources.

Free HIV awareness stickers will be available, as well as a chance to win a raffle prize. Light refreshments are also included.

Email Director@GLOWOUT.org for more information.

GLOW Out! connects the LGBTQ+ population in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans & Wyoming counties, through advocacy and education, creating a beacon for those in need of a safe and supportive community when we need it most. More information is available at glowout.org.

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) want to hear from you! We are working to make our programs better for people who want to quit smoking, vaping, or using tobacco. Your feedback will help us plan future classes, resources, and support for those who are ready to quit.

“We want our programs to meet the needs of our community,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “Whether you’ve tried to quit before, are thinking about quitting, or have already quit, your ideas can help us make our programs more helpful and easier to access.”

The online survey only takes a few minutes to fill out. It’s open to everyone in Genesee and Orleans counties, whether you smoke now, have quit, or are helping someone who wants to quit. Answers will be used to improve GO Health’s programs to help people stop using tobacco.

Take the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CessationFeedback

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, and local support can make it easier. By sharing your thoughts, you’ll help GO Health offer programs that work better for our community.

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

Photo and information courtesy of Fidelis Care

BROCKPORT –  Fidelis Care presented a $20,000 rural health grant on Thursday to Oak Orchard Health. The grant was presented at Oak Orchard’s community health center in Brockport.

Fidelis Care gave the “Here for Your Health” rural health grant in observance of National Rural Health Day. This grant is one of seven totaling $130,000 awarded to providers and community-based organizations that support innovative preventive care programs in rural communities across New York State, Fidelis Care said.

Fidelis Care is a statewide health plan with more than 2.4 million members in New York State. Fidelis Care offers coverage for children and adults of all ages and at all stages of life.

Oak Orchard Community Health Center, Inc. is a Federally Qualified Health Center and Patient-Centered Medical Home with 10 locations and two mobile units serving Orleans, Monroe, Genesee, Wyoming, and Steuben counties.

Oak Orchard serves a large population of low-to-moderate-income individuals who face significant obstacles to accessing preventive and other care. It plans to use the Fidelis Care Here for Your Health rural health grant to enable its team to personally contact low-income patients, ensuring they have the resources they need to visit the health centers and receive the care they deserve.

People can protect their health by testing for radon

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. While smoking remains the primary cause of lung cancer, radon gas is the second leading cause and the leading cause among non-smokers.

Radon is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas that forms naturally when uranium in soil and rock breaks down. It can enter homes through cracks and openings in foundations and become trapped indoors. Long-term exposure to high levels of radon increases the risk of developing lung cancer.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), one in every 15 homes in the U.S. has elevated radon levels. The only way to know if your home has radon is to test for it.

“You can’t see or smell radon, but it can pose a serious health risk over time,” said Darren Brodie, Environmental Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “Testing your home is simple and inexpensive, and if high levels are found, radon problems can be fixed.”

Protect your family in three easy steps:

1. Test your home. Radon test kits are low-cost and easy to use. You can buy short-term test kits online and or at local hardware stores. The Genesee County Health Department also has a limited number of free test kits for Genesee County residents.
2. Fix high levels. If your test result is 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher, contact a certified radon mitigation professional to lower levels.
3. Retest after mitigation. Regular testing ensures your home remains safe.

Smoking combined with radon exposure greatly increases lung cancer risk. Quitting smoking and reducing radon exposure are two of the most effective ways to protect your lungs.

To learn more about radon testing, mitigation, and local resources, visit https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/radon/

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