By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 November 2021 at 8:46 pm
2 counties among highest positivity rates in state
Orleans and Genesee counties together have 204 more Covid cases since Monday, and the two counties have a positivity rate more than three times the state average.
Orleans has had 118 more cases of Covid since Monday, and Genesee has 86 more. There are now 472 active cases in the two counties, with Orleans up from 200 to 243 active cases in the past three days. Genesee has a decline in active cases, from 271 to 229 since Monday.
Genesee has had more recoveries in the three days, with 123 more previously positive individuals completing their 10-day isolation and being removed from mandatory isolation.
Orleans had 73 more recoveries since Monday, but added 118 new cases.
Genesee currently has 15 people hospitalized due to Covid and Orleans has seven residents in the hospital from Covid.
Orleans also is reporting a resident over age 65 has passed away from Covid. This is the 90th death from Covid of an Orleans resident during the pandemic since March 2020. Genesee has had 135 people pass away due to Covid during the pandemic.
In New York, the state-wide percentage of Covid tests that have been positive in the past seven days is 2.30 percent.
That positivity rate is much higher locally. Orleans is at 8.5 percent, and Genesee is at 7.8 percent.
Only three counties have a higher rate than Orleans: Hamilton, 9.6 percent; Allegany, 9.2 percent; and Cattaraugus, 8.9 percent.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 3 November 2021 at 3:25 pm
Photo contributed by Medina Memorial Hospital: Barbara J. Newton, a registered nurse at Medina Memorial Hospital’s North Wing, is shown with hospital CEO/CIO Marc Shurtz after she was honored by the New York State Health Facilities Association and the New York State Center for Assisted Living (Western Region Buffalo).
MEDINA – For the second time in three years, a nurse at Medina Memorial Hospital has been honored with the Caring Heart Award by the New York State Health Facilities Association and new York State Center for Assisted Living (Western Region Buffalo).
The latest recipient is Barbara J. Newton, a registered nurse in the North Wing at the hospital. She follows in the footsteps of Pamela Heideman, certified nursing assistant, who received the award in 2018 at a banquet at Salvatore’s in Buffalo.
As there was no banquet this year, Newton was presented with her award last week at a hospital lunch to celebrate the hospital’s zero deficiencies survey.
Each year, the New York State Health Facilities Association and New York State Center for Assisted Living (Western Region Buffalo) honor local skilled nursing facilities for service and dedication to the health care field, according to Jessica Capurso, director of Outreach, Education and Marketing at Community Partners.
Newton has been a registered nurse in Medina hospital’s skilled nursing facility for three years.
According to her supervisors, “Barbara J. Newton, RN, embodies patience, perseverance, intelligence and wisdom. In her three years with Orleans Community Health, she has led by her excellent example of hard work, compassion and kindness. We have seen her take the time to sooth an agitated resident and ‘feed’ stuffed animals so their human owners would be inspired to eat. During the past year, she has continually showed strength in the face of adversity. As we felt the crush of the COVID-19 pandemic, she continued to show up to work each day, doing whatever it took to keep residents safe and content. In as much as healthcare is a team sport, it is our desire to recognize a great leader among us.”
The Caring Heart Award is presented to one who lends a hand in times of need, puts others needs before their own, makes a positive impact in the community, brings warmth to everyday activities, takes the time to listen, creates energetic team spirit, rallies around a cause and reaches out to make a difference.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 November 2021 at 6:13 pm
The number of active Covid cases in Genesee and Orleans counties is at 471, up from 382 on Thursday, according to data from the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.
Orleans is at 200 active cases today, up from 190 on Thursday, while Genesee’s active cases increased from 192 to 271 in the four days.
The 271 is a new pandemic record for Genesee. Its previous high was 269 on Dec. 7, 2020. Orleans peaked at 279 on Jan. 7, 2021.
Orleans is reporting 92 new positive cases since Thursday with the cases in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s.
Six residents from Orleans are currently hospitalized due to Covid.
The county is reporting 82 more of the previous positive individuals have completed their 10-day isolation and been removed from mandatory isolation.
In Genesee, there are 153 new cases since Thursday. The individuals are in the age groups of 0-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.
Genesee has 17 residents hospitalized due to Covid.
Genesee also has 74 more of the previous positive individuals have completed their 10-day isolation and been removed from mandatory isolation.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 October 2021 at 5:25 pm
Both counties each reporting a death due to Covid
Genesee and Orleans counties are reporting 204 new Covid cases since Thursday. Each county also is reporting another death due to Covid. Both of the people who passed away from Covid are under age 65, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments reported.
In Orleans County, there are 67 new cases, and also 76 more recoveries, or people who have completed their 10-day isolation and have been removed from mandatory isolation.
In Orleans, there are currently four people hospitalized due to Covid.
In Genesee, there are 137 new positive cases, which pushes Genesee past 7,000 cases during the pandemic since March 2020. There have now been 7,028 confirmed cases in Genesee and 4,427 in Orleans.
Genesee also is reporting 86 more recoveries. The county also has 20 people hospitalized due to Covid.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 25 October 2021 at 9:11 am
MEDINA – Orleans Community Health is urging women aged 40 and older to talk with their doctors during National Cancer Awareness Month in October about screening for breast cancer, OCH announced in a press release.
Women who can’t afford mammograms may be eligible for a free screening through the Cancer Services Program of New York State.
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer death in women. Localized breast cancer has a 99% survival rate if detected early. Breast cancer screenings are critical for women older than 50. OCH reports the newest technology on the market has the lowest dose of radiation and is designed for women by women for a more comfortable experience. Orleans Community Health has made these advanced 3D mammograms accessible right here in the Medina community.
In this small community, there are on average 30 women diagnosed with breast cancer and four deaths annually. But when breast cancer is detected early, the five-year survival rate is well about 90 percent.
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month and throughout the year, Orleans Community Health offers high quality women’s health care, including breast care services. They have the latest technology, touting the Senographe Pristina, which is the ONLY FDA-approved 3D mammography that delivers at the same low dose as 2D, the lowest patient dose of all FDA approved systems.
Anyone who is a woman 40 or older is asked not to skip their mammogram, but to call (585) 798-8054 or visit www.orleanscommunityhealth.com to schedule an appointment now.
$1.3 million grant will help address lead paint hazards in 2 counties
Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments
This week is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, which is a call to bring together individuals, organizations, industry, and government to increase lead poisoning prevention awareness in an effort to reduce childhood exposure to lead.
About 3.3 million American households, including 2.1 million low-income households that have children under six years of age, live in homes containing lead exposure hazards. According to the 2015-2019 American Community Survey, there are approximately 33,000 housing units in Genesee and Orleans Counties that were built before 1978 and may have lead exposure hazards.
“Childhood lead exposure is a significant issue in Genesee and Orleans Counties because of the large number of older homes that may contain lead-based paint, which is the main source of exposure in children,” stated Paul Pettit, Director of Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “Lead is a toxic element that can cause damage to the brain and nervous system when it is absorbed into the body.”
Lead poisoning is preventable. The key is to stop children from coming into contact with lead hazards before poisoning occurs. Children can be exposed to lead by swallowing or breathing in lead dust created by old paint that has cracked and chipped, eating paint chips, or chewing on surfaces coated with lead-based paint such as window sills. Lead exposure in children can cause learning and behavior problems, slow growth and development, and
cause hearing and speech problems. These effects may be permanent and can continue into adulthood.
New York State requires health care providers to obtain a blood lead test for all children at age 1 and again at age 2. Health care providers are also required to assess all children ages 6 months to 6 years for risk of lead exposure. Below is a table that shows local screening rates among children in Genesee and Orleans Counties from 2020.
We encourage parents and community members to educate themselves about the dangers of lead exposure by reviewing 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 candles, 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 tend to increase from 6 to 12 months of age and tend to peak at 18 to 24 months.
A simple blood test is the only way to find out if your child has been poisoned by exposure to lead.
Most children with detectable levels of lead in their blood have no obvious symptoms.
Blood lead tests are also recommended for pregnant women who think they may have been exposed to lead.
“Please contact your health care provider and make it a priority get your child tested for lead,” stated Pettit. “Early detection is the key to preventing long-term health problems.”
In January 2019, the Genesee County Health Department received a $1.3 million federal grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to address lead-based paint hazards in homes and apartments in Genesee and Orleans counties.
“This funding can be used specifically for lead-based paint repair activities as well as other health-related home repairs,” stated Darren Brodie, Lead Program Coordinator for GO Health. “Eligible homeowners and landlords with qualified tenants may apply to receive these funds.” Contact the Genesee County Health Department for eligibility rules.
For more information on the HUD program, to obtain an application or to determine if your family and home fits the criteria, contact GO Health’s lead program staff at the Genesee County Health Department at 344-2580 ext.5555 or Health.GOlead@co.genesee.ny.us. You can also visit the GO Health website at www.GoHealthNY.org. Program staff can quickly determine your initial eligibility, and will help to guide you through the application process.
To learn more about the New York State Lead Poisoning Prevention program, click here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 October 2021 at 8:21 am
Recoveries outpacing new infections in 2 counties
The number of active Covid cases in Genesee and Orleans counties dropped by nearly 100 in the seven days from Oct. 14 to Oct. 21, according to the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.
There were 432 active cases on Oct. 14 with 237 in Orleans and 195 in Genesee. Those cases were down to 339 seven days later with the active cases at 155 in Orleans and 184 in Genesee.
The counties still are seeing Covid community transmission with 68 new cases reported in Orleans and 95 in Genesee from Monday through Thursday.
However, the recoveries – people who have completed their 10-day isolation and have been removed from mandatory isolation – included 70 in Orleans and 135 in Genesee during the three days.
There are currently two Orleans County residents hospitalized due to Covid and 12 in Genesee.
A person passed away from Orleans County due to Covid in the past week. The county has has 87 residents die from Covid since March 2020. Genesee County is reporting 132 deaths from Covid during the pandemic.
Photo courtesy of New York Attorney General’s Office: Letitia James, the state’s attorney general, was in Batavia on Thursday as part of a statewide “HealNY” tour. She visited the Recovery Station in Batavia, a community restaurant and safe space for individuals going through recovery. Pictured include Assemblyman Steve Hawley, Genesee County Manager Matthew Landers, Genesee County Legislature Chair Shelley Stein, Genesee County Legislators Chad Klotzbach, Gordon Dibble, Gregg Torrey and John Deleo.
Staff Reports Posted 15 October 2021 at 11:21 am
ROCHESTER/BATAVIA – New York Attorney General Letitia James was Thursday visited Rochester and Batavia as part of her statewide “HealNY” tour of the state.
She is announced funding for the Finger Lakes as part of $1.5 billion in a settlement to combat the opioid crisis in counties across New York state.
The Finger Lakes counties are to receive $29.2 million to $53.1 million of those funds. The share for Orleans County is a minimum of $356,743 to a maximum of $615,993.
The allotments for Finger Lakes counties include:
Genesee County: $614,045 to $1,060,280
Livingston County: $586,539 to $1,012,784
Monroe County: $11,143,437 to $19,509,989
Ontario County: $1,131,905 to $1,954,475
Orleans County: $356,743 to $615,993
Seneca County: $334,269 to $577,187
Wayne County: $858,979 to $1,483,210
Wyoming County: $355,707 to $614,204
Yates County: $214,215 to $369,887
“For more than two decades, the Finger Lakes Region has been ravaged by the opioid crisis, but, today, we are finally starting to heal New York by announcing that we will be delivering up to $53 million to the area to invest in the prevention, treatment, and recovery programs,” James said. “No amount of money will ever make up for all the addictions, all the deaths, and all the communities devastated by opioids, but these funds will be essential in helping the Finger Lakes Region turn the tide on this epidemic.”
Every region in the state will receive millions of dollars for prevention, treatment, and recovery programs to combat the opioid crisis.
The AG filed a lawsuit in 2019 that her office said was, at the time, the nation’s most extensive lawsuit against the various manufacturers and distributors of opioids. These manufacturers and distributors were responsible for heavily marketing opioids to doctors, hospitals, health care systems, and others, which led to the over prescription of the drugs across New York and the rest of the nation over the last two decades, James said.
The manufacturers named in Attorney General James’ complaint included Purdue Pharma and its affiliates, as well as members of the Sackler Family (owners of Purdue) and trusts they control; Janssen Pharmaceuticals and its affiliates (including its parent company Johnson & Johnson); Mallinckrodt LLC and its affiliates; Endo Health Solutions and its affiliates; Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. and its affiliates; and Allergan Finance, LLC and its affiliates. The distributors named in the complaint were McKesson Corporation, Cardinal Health Inc., Amerisource Bergen Drug Corporation, and Rochester Drug Cooperative Inc.
Last month, a settlement with Endo was announced that has already delivered $50 million to New York state and Nassau and Suffolk counties to combat the opioid crisis and remove the opioid manufacturer from New York’s ongoing opioid trial.
Also, last month, a settlement that secured more than $4.5 billion – at least $200 million of which will be earmarked for New York – from the Sackler family and foundations that they control, ends the Sacklers’ ability to manufacture opioids ever again, and will shut down Purdue Pharma was announced.
In July, a settlement with McKesson, Cardinal Health, and Amerisource Bergen that will deliver up to $1 billion to New York state to combat the opioid epidemic was announced.
In June, a settlement that ended Johnson & Johnson’s sale of opioids nationwide and that will deliver $230 million to New York alone was announced. The deals with Johnson & Johnson, McKesson, Cardinal Health, and Amerisource Bergen have a global value of approximately $26 billion.
The cases against Mallinckrodt and Rochester Drug Cooperative are now moving separately through U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
The trial against the two remaining defendants – Teva Pharmaceuticals USA and Allergan Finance – is currently underway and continues in state court.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 October 2021 at 11:04 am
The number of active Covid cases in Orleans County continues to trend up and is getting close to passing the high during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Orleans was at 237 active cases on Thursday, up from 212 on Tuesday. The county’s record high was 279 cases on Jan. 7, 2021.
Orleans reported 72 new positive cases from Tuesday through Thursday, and 47 more recoveries, or people who completed their 10-day isolation and have been removed from mandatory isolation.
Orleans currently has three people hospitalized due to Covid, according to the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.
In Genesee, the active cases dropped from 249 on Tuesday to 195 on Thursday. Genesee reported 99 new cases in the two days, and 152 more recoveries. Genesee currently has 12 people hospitalized with Covid.
Press Release, Mental Health Association of Genesee and Orleans Counties
Photos courtesy of Marsha Rivers: RTS representatives, from left, include John Arneth, Denise Klos and Ken Boasi.
BATAVIA – The Regional Transit Service (RTS), longtime Mental Health Association employee Alan Moore, and scholarship winner Ava Flores were honored at the annual meeting of the MHA of Genesee and Orleans Counties. The event took place on Oct. 7 at Terry Hills Golf Course.
MHAGO Executive Director Tom Christensen credited the dedication of the staff for keeping the agency open through the pandemic, noting that as an essential business, MHAGO has remained open to in-person services, with no staff layoffs or reduction of hours.
“The Covid-19 crisis highlighted for us how important everyday mental health and wellness practices are to managing social isolation, anxiety, and stress,” Christensen said. “We believe our services contributed to the emotional resilience of both our participants and our community during these uncertain times.”
RTS also contributed to the community’s well-being, according to MHAGO, by providing free rides to and from medical appointments – including visits essential for mental health – for the two counties’ residents.
John Arneth, RTS’ Regional Manager for Genesee & Orleans, accepted the Constance E. Miller Award of Excellence on behalf of the organization. Constance E. Miller, along with a small group of dedicated volunteers, founded the Mental Health Association in 1993. This award honors her commitment to excellence by recognizing individuals and organizations who work to promote mental wellness, instill hope, and improve the quality of life for people living in Genesee and Orleans counties.
“We had some rigorous protocols to follow in order to keep everyone safe, but we were really happy to be able to continue to provide medical transport services during a time that created a lot of anxiety and fear for people,” Arneth said.
Alan Moore, 25-year employee of MHAGO, was recognized for his commitment to the agency.
MHA recognized Alan Moore as a 25-year staff member. Colleagues described Moore as a mild-mannered, versatile, reliable team member who “quietly supports and encourages (MHAGO) participants.”
It was also noted that he models self-care by walking regularly and “getting his steps in” each day.
MHAGO awarded the Board of Directors’ Educational Scholarship to Ava Flores, 2021 graduate of both Oakfield-Alabama High School and Genesee Community College. Flores is now studying psychology at Roberts Wesleyan College. The scholarship program provides financial support to individuals pursuing higher education in the fields of human or social services. Flores received $500 toward her studies.
Kylee Criscione, a mental health program specialist from the state Office of Mental Health – WNY Field Office, gave a presentation via Zoom. She noted, aptly, that telehealth visits represent one of several ways MHAGO has stepped up to address the challenges of meeting community needs.
In the annual report distributed at the meeting, Christensen noted that MHAGO Medicaid Managed Care HCBS services increased in 2020 to become the largest local provider of Mental Health HCBS, with 267 combined in-person and telehealth visits across 271 hours of service. “We look forward to further expansion of managed care services through the State’s newly proposed CORE (Community Oriented Empowerment Services) model,” he wrote.
Other noteworthy 2020 stats:
A total of 256 persons were served by MHAGO programs, including 186 in the Recovery Center, 147 in the Social Club, and 50 in the Drop-In Center.
MHAGO’s Recovery Center provided 5,009 combined in-person and telehealth visits across 3,028 hours of service.
Social Club: 3,397 combined in-person and telehealth visits
Drop-In Center: 1,726 combined in-person and telehealth visits
Warmline: 2,852 outreach messages and 5,879 completed calls
The agency also provided 1,014 one-way trips. All transportation staff also provided outreach telehealth calls and wellness checks during office hours.
Ava Flores
MHAGO reported $576,030 total support and revenue, with $618,689 in total expenses. The agency ended 2020 with $129,358 cash on hand. The 2020 Financial Statement and Auditors’ Report were prepared by EFPR Group, CPAs, PLLC. Copies of the Audit and Form 990 may be obtained by request from the Mental Health Association of Genesee and Orleans Counties, 25 Liberty Street, Batavia, NY 14020.
“Even in good times,” Christensen said, “a lack of social engagement has been a leading predictor of poor health outcomes, poor quality of life, and shortened lifespans. With Covid bringing out the worst of these troubles, our staff really stepped up and made a big difference. I’m very pleased with our team.”
BATAVIA – The Genesee County Health Department is seeking information about the location of a dog and its owner following a dog bite incident on the late morning of Monday, October 11 at Centennial Park in Batavia (near Lincoln Avenue).
The dog is described as a gray pit bull with white markings around its neck, front paws and left ear. The dog was approximately 55 to 60 pounds and was wearing a camo collar. The dog was not accompanied by its owner and was running loose throughout Centennial Park.
It is important to locate the dog to determine whether or not it is current on its rabies shot. If the health status is not identified, post-exposure rabies shots will be offered to the victim.
If you have information about the location of the dog and its owner, please contact the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580 ext. 5555.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 October 2021 at 5:51 pm
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments today reported 271 new Covid cases the past five days in the two counties with 150 in Genesee and 121 in Orleans.
The number of active cases in the two counties is at 461, which is up from 423 on Oct. 7 and 358 on Oct. 4.
Orleans County, however, has a slight drop in active cases, down from 217 on Oct. 7 to 212 today. Genesee is up from 206 on Oct. 7 to 249 today, according to the local health departments.
Genesee currently has 10 residents hospitalized due to Covid, while Orleans has four in the hospital from Covid.
Genesee is reporting 99 more recoveries and Orleans has 122 more. These are people who have completed their 10-day isolation and been removed from mandatory isolation.
BATAVIA – The Genesee County Health Department will be hosting the last free drive-through anti-rabies immunization clinic of 2021 on Thursday, Oct. 14, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Genesee County Fairgrounds on 5056 East Main St., Batavia.
Vaccinations are free for dogs, cats and ferrets, but voluntary donations are accepted. Animals must be at least 3 months old. Each animal must be leashed or crated and accompanied by an adult who can control the animal. Limit 4 pets per car maximum.
“Rabies is a fatal, but preventable viral disease that can spread to people from pets if they are bitten and scratched by an infected animal with rabies,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “We encourage residents to take advantage of our last anti-rabies immunization clinic of 2021 and ensure their pets are protected against rabies.”
Face coverings are recommended and please follow all social distancing requirements. To save time, click here to fill out a registration form in advance. Be sure to print out two copies for each pet to be vaccinated and bring them with you to the clinic.
For more information, please contact the Genesee County Health Department: 585-344-2580 x.5555 or Health.Dept@co.genesee.ny.us.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 October 2021 at 8:54 pm
Orleans goes over 4,000 cases during pandemic since last March 2020
The number of active Covid cases in Genesee and Orleans counties has topped 400. The two counties are at 423 today, with 206 in Genesee and 217 in Orleans.
Both are nearing their pandemic highs for active cases. Genesee hit a high with 269 on Dec. 7, 2020. Orleans peaked at 279 on Jan. 7, 2021.
The 423 cases in the two counties is up from 358 on Monday when there were 186 in Genesee and 172 in Orleans.
Orleans is reporting 97 more cases since Monday, while Genesee has 92 more, according to the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.
The latest update since Monday puts Orleans past 4,000 cases during the Covid pandemic since March 2020.
The number of people hospitalized due to Covid in Orleans is up from 1 to 6 since Monday, while Genesee’s Covid hospitalizations are down from 11 to 9 since Monday.
Orleans also is reported 52 more recoveries and Genesee has 72 more since Monday. These are people who have completed their 10-day isolation and been removed from mandatory isolation.
Hochul says those staff need to have vaccine by Nov. 1
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the plan to expand the healthcare worker vaccine mandate to include employees who work in certain facilities offering health care to individuals served by the Office of Mental Health and the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities.
Under the new directive, staff who work in settings that treat some of the most vulnerable New Yorkers will be required to show proof of at least the first shot of a Covid-19 vaccine series by Nov. 1, without a test-out option. Ahead of that requirement, staff in these settings will be required to submit to weekly testing, if unvaccinated, beginning Oct. 12.
“Vaccine requirements work in getting people to do the right thing, and all professionals in health settings must take every basic precaution against Covid-19, including the vaccine, so they do not spread the virus to the people coming in for treatment,” Hochul said. “We have an obligation to extend this assurance to those who need to receive mental health services and special care, which is why we are making the vaccine mandatory for all staff who work in these facilities that fall under State jurisdiction.”
The vaccine requirement that went into effect on Sept. 27 applied only to covered personnel at facilities regulated by the Department of Health, including all hospitals and nursing homes. On Oct. 7, the vaccine requirement will take effect for covered personnel at additional facilities regulated by the Department of Health, including adult care facilities, home health agencies, long term home health care programs, AIDS home care programs, hospice care, and diagnostic and treatment centers.
This new requirement, established within OMH and OPWDD agency regulations, will apply to all individuals working at the psychiatric hospitals in the OMH network, as well as those working at the specialty hospital certified by OPWDD.
Governor Hochul plans to continue expanding the vaccine requirement into the human service and mental hygiene care settings in the coming weeks, while also taking necessary steps to ensure staffing levels continue to be appropriate across those service systems.
“Many of the people OMH serves have underlying medical conditions that make them far more vulnerable to the Covid-19 virus,” said OMH Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan. “The vaccine has proven to be safe and effective and will protect our patients and employees as well as our families and communities. I urge everyone to get the vaccine and I applaud Governor Hochul for extending the mandate.”
