By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 January 2026 at 12:28 pm
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.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 December 2025 at 6:06 pm
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.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 16 December 2025 at 9:36 pm
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.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 9 December 2025 at 10:14 am
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.
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.
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.
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.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 3 December 2025 at 8:44 am
Provided photo: Lisa McQueen, a licensed practical nurse at Medina Memorial Hospital, has received the Caring Heart Award from NYSHFA/NYSCAL’s western region.
MEDINA – A stellar reputation for kindness, humility and unwavering commitment to the residents she cares for has earned Lisa McQueen the Caring Heart Award.
McQueen has been a valued member of the Orleans Community Health family for six years. She consistently goes above and beyond – offering support to colleagues, lending a hand wherever it’s needed and bringing comfort to those who rely on her.
“Lisa represents the best of what compassionate care truly looks like,” said Tom Bloomer, administrator of Orleans Community Health’s North Wing. “Her warmth, her dedication and her steady presence make a meaningful difference every single day.”
The honor was given by the New York State Health Facilities Association and New York State Center for Assisted Living.
This prestigious award celebrates long-term care professionals who exemplify compassion, service and dedication, said Scott Robinson, director of marketing at Medina Memorial Hospital and Orleans Community Health.
“We are thrilled to celebrate Lisa with this well-deserved honor,” Robinson said. “She is an incredible asset to our team and we couldn’t be prouder.”
The Caring Heart Award reflects qualities that McQueen embodies effortlessly – empathy, professionalism and a deep respect for the individuals and families she serves, Robinson added.
“Her heart for service continues to inspire us all,” he said.
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.
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:
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:
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.
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.
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.
Press Release, Orleans County Veterans Services and Orleans County Health Department
MEDINA – The Orleans County Health Department and the Orleans County Veterans Services/Dwyer Peer-to-Peer Program are hosting a Veteran Health and Benefit Fair.
The event on Monday, November 17, will be from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Medina VFW Post 1483, 216 East Center St.
Veterans and one guest can come to learn about healthcare, benefits, and local community programs. Attendees can meet and talk with representatives from various organizations and veterans service providers. Flu vaccines and blood pressure checks will be available for veterans.
There also will be free snacks and refreshments. The event is funded by the Dwyer Peer-to-Peer Program.
To register, click here or call Orleans County Veterans Services at 585-589-3219.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 October 2025 at 4:19 pm
Local pastor says many senior citizens aren’t accessing services that would help them live longer, healthier lives
ALBION – Representatives from HCR Home Care will be at Hoag Library at 6 p.m. today to discuss the agency’s services in the community.
HCR has been invited by the Rev. Mark Washington of Kent, who is pastor of the Greater Lamb of Life Church of God in Christ in Rochester.
In Rochester, the clergy helped spread the word about the home health care services that are available in the community, and covered by Medicare and health insurance.
The Rochester pastors were part of the Diverse Care Project to promote the home healthcare services, especially among the African American and Latino populations, which Washington said were underserved.
There has been an historic lack of trust in the healthcare system in communities of color, Washington said.
“Black seniors have higher rates of heart disease, are more likely to be hospitalized for avoidable cardiac-related causes, higher rates of diabetes and obesity, and higher incidence and mortality rates from many cancers,” Washington said.
There also is a long tradition of these communities taking care of their own, which furthers exacerbates the introduction of home care, he said.
He would like a similar Diverse Care Project initiative in Orleans County and welcomes all clergy members to assist with promoting HCR Home Care and other health services.
He noted the some key health challenges in Orleans County:
Rural challenges & aging population – Seniors in Orleans County face compounding barriers related to geography, limited infrastructure, and socioeconomic constraints.
Severe physician shortage – In 2023, the patient-to-primary-care-physician ratio was 13,397:1, far above the state average.
Geographic isolation – Seniors struggle to reach medical care, grocery stores, and essential services due to the county’s rural layout.
Lack of care facilities – Few adult care, rehab, or nursing facilities are available locally, especially for short- or long-term needs.
For more information about the Diverse Care Project initiative and promoting home health care in Orleans County, Pastor Washington may be contacted at (585) 410-0568, or at markawashington4@gmail.com.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Orleans County Legislator Don Allport, right, presents a proclamation in observance of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. Accepting the proclamation are Paul Pettit, Public Health Director; and Nicole Pierce, Epidemiologist/Program Manager.
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
ALBION – October 19-25, 2025 is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, a time to raise awareness about the dangers of lead poisoning and how to keep children safe.
To highlight the importance of preventing lead poisoning in our communities, Orleans County accepted a NLPPW proclamation on September 23, followed by Genesee County on October 22.
Lead is a naturally occurring metal found in dust, air, water and soil. Children can be exposed to lead by swallowing or breathing in lead dust from paint that is cracked or chipped, eating paint chips, or chewing on things that have lead paint.
Exposure in children can cause learning, behavior, growth, hearing and speech problems that may last into adulthood. “Children under six are most at risk because their bodies are rapidly developing,” stated Gabrielle Lanich, Lead Program Coordinator for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health).
According to the census, 72.6% of occupied homes in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming counties were built before 1978, when lead paint was banned for residential use.
“Childhood lead exposure is a significant issue due to the number of older homes that may contain lead-based paint,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director of GO Health. Fortunately, lead poisoning is preventable. “Contact your healthcare provider and make it a priority to get your child tested for lead,” stated Pettit.
GO Health encourages parents and community members to learn more about preventing lead exposure by exploring the three key themes of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week:
Get the Facts!
Any exposure to lead hazards can be serious, especially for children. The only safe blood lead level is zero!
The most common source of lead exposure in children is through eating dust particles or paint chips so small that they may not be visible to the naked eye.
The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes, faucets, and fixtures.
Other sources of lead could include metal toys, wooden toys or furniture painted with lead-based paint, metal jewelry, lead-glazed pottery or porcelain, some candies, spices, and even make-up.
Get your Home Tested!
Many homes built before 1978 have lead-based paint. If your home was built before 1978, you should get it tested for lead paint.
If you rent, ask your landlord to have your home or apartment tested.
Contact GO Health for more information on getting your home tested.
Get your Child Tested!
Children’s blood lead levels start to rise between 6 and 12 months old and are highest between 18 and 24 months old.
The only way to know if your child has lead poisoning is through a simple blood test.
Most children with detectable levels of lead in their blood have no obvious symptoms.
Pregnant women who have been around lead should also be tested.
The Genesee County Health Department has a Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes Grant, funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), to help address lead-based paint hazards and other health concerns in homes and apartments in the GLOW region.
For eligibility and program details, contact the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580 ext.5555 or Health.GOlead@geneseeny.gov. To learn more about local lead data and trends, visit the Lead Poisoning Surveillance Dashboard on the GO Health website.
To learn more about GO Health programs and services, or to get assistance through our lead programs, visit GOHealthNY.org or contact your local health department at:
For families in Orleans County, the early years of raising a child are full of joy—but they can also be filled with questions, stress, and uncertainty. That’s why Oak Orchard Health (OOH) in Albion is offering extra support to local families through a national program called HealthySteps—and it’s already making a big difference.
Local Help for Families with Young Children
HealthySteps began a year ago and is a free program for families with children from birth to age five. To date, we have helped 142 families in Albion. Every child under age three that is seen at Oak Orchard is automatically enrolled. The program adds an important member to the care team: a Healthy Steps Specialist who works closely with your pediatric provider to support the entire family.
“Our goal is to support the whole family—not just the child,” said Dr. Karen Mawn, a pediatrician at Oak Orchard in Albion and the program’s physician champion. “Sometimes that means helping with a referral, and sometimes it’s just listening and reassuring a new parent that they’re doing a great job.”
This nationally recognized program was made possible by a three-year grant, and Albion is the only OOH site currently offering it. Our Warsaw office has already been accepted in the program—we are working on implementation.
What Does HealthySteps Offer?
The program provides extra support at your child’s medical visits, as well as follow-up and care coordination. The HealthySteps Specialist can:
Talk through parenting questions and challenges
Address anxiety, stress, postpartum depression, or family well-being
Screen for child developmental delays and autism
Help connect families to WIC, food programs, and housing services
Offer guidance on speech delays, sleep struggles, and child behavior
Support mothers in recovery or those facing substance use challenges
Families are matched with the right level of support based on their needs. Some may have check-ins every few visits, while others receive help at every well-child appointment.
More Than Just Medical Care
What makes HealthySteps stand out is its focus on the whole family. The HealthySteps Specialist doesn’t just talk to moms, they also talk with grandparents, foster parents, and other caregivers. All are included. If your family is raising a child under five, the HealthySteps Specialist is here for you, too.
Unlike typical pediatric visits, which are often limited by time, the Care Specialist is available to follow up, offer emotional support, and guide you to services you may not have known were available.
“It’s like having an extra teammate who’s focused on your child’s development—and your family’s well-being,” Dr. Mawn added.
A Community-Based Solution
HealthySteps also plays a key role in addressing critical social drivers of health—the non-medical issues that affect families, like food insecurity, housing instability, and access to childcare. With direct links to local support programs, the HealthySteps Specialist can help families get what they need to stay safe, healthy, and stable.
How to Get Started
If your baby or young child receives care at Oak Orchard Health in Albion, you’re already part of the HealthySteps program. Ask your pediatric provider about meeting the Specialist and learning more about the resources available to you.
To learn more, call Oak Orchard Health in Albion at (585) 589-5613 or find out more during your child’s next appointment.
Your family’s well-being is our priority—every step of the way.
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.
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.
