Provided photo: The GCASA Peer team – front from left, Chris Budzinack, Charlene Grimm and Gina Schelemanow; back, Cheyenne Richardson, Madeline Rodriguez, Sheila Smith, Nicole Anderson, Amy Kabel and Nick Volpe. Other team members are Trisha Allen, Shawn Kitcho and Marty Taber.

By Mike Pettinella, GCASA Publicist

Unlike a courtroom jury of your peers, the team of Peer Recovery Advocates at Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse is not there to pass judgment, but to provide much-needed support and encouragement to those struggling with substance use disorders.

For the past 13 months or so, about a dozen Peers at GCASA have bonded into a motivated, close-knit group that has had a positive impact on hundreds of people at various stages of recovery.

All of these professionals have lived through recovery – most of them are in recovery themselves. Knowing what it takes to reach and sustain sobriety, they now are sharing with others in need what they have experienced and learned.

“Living with substance use disorder – either personally or dealing with a family member – gives Peers the tools to aid in others’ road to recovery,” said Rosalie Mangino-Crandall, director of project innovation and expansion who also serves as director of the recovery programs at GCASA.

Mangino-Crandall explained that specific training requirements must be met to become a Peer.

“There is a required six-day training for CRPA-P (Certified Recovery Peer Advocate-Provisional), then there are 500 field hours and 25 supervision hours that must completed to become a CRPA,” she said. “GCASA LOCAL Peer onboarding and training program lasts one to two months. In that time, Peers go to trainings and do work that applies toward the credential.”

She added that it takes at least four months at GCASA to have enough hours to be credentialed, however, and can take longer depending on full-time equivalent hours per week, job assignments and other factors.

There also is a test that must be passed to become a CRPA. Re-credentialing is required every three years with 30 more hours of training.

Mangino-Crandall said all but one of the Peers is full-time, with funding derived from a variety of grants.

Apparently, GCASA’s program is paying off in big ways as its Peers have reached out to more than 1,200 people in recovery over the past year. The positive results include the following:

• Improved relationship with treatment providers;

• Increased treatment retention;

• Increased satisfaction with the overall treatment experience;

• Improved access to social supports;

• Decreased criminal justice involvement;

• Reduced relapse rates;

• Reduced substance use and greater housing stability.

“We’re here to support our clients in whatever pathway they are choosing (to reach and maintain recovery),” said Charlene Grimm, the Peer Supervisor who assumed that role in August 2018 after nearly 10 years as a Counselor and  Supportive Living Coordinator.

Grimm, in recovery for 19 years, said her history made it a “good fit” for her to become a Peer leader.

“I have years of experience with the agency, I’m from this area and I know the community,” she said. “All of us understand that we’re equals in one sense but we have ethical standards that enable us to mentor them and support them.”

According to guidelines from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Peer Recovery Coaches walk side by side with individuals seeking recovery from substance use disorders. They help people to create their own recovery plans, and develop their own recovery pathways.

Recovery coaches such as Grimm and Nicole Anderson, a Genesee-Orleans-Wyoming Task Force Peer Recovery Advocate, perform the day-to-day tasks necessary to move the recovery process along – things such as linking clients to food and social services’ sources; providing transportation to medical appointments, meetings and church services; attending court sessions, and offering coaching and motivational support.

“The Peer program allows people to know that they don’t need to walk through this alone,” said Anderson, whose stepfather passed away due to a heroin overdose. “We celebrate little victories and continue our support even if they take a step back. We’re friends on a professional level and we’re here to listen.”

Chris Budzinack Sr. is another Peer Recovery Advocate who began employment at GCASA after working at City Church.

A married father of three teenage boys, he has been in recovery for 10 years. He said he owes his life to the people that reached out to him and just wants to pay it forward.

“I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for those who helped me and supported me,” he said. “Now, we as a team have made a difference. It’s not do we ‘think’ we have – I know we’re making a difference.”

With such a highly-trained team on hand, GCASA is set up well to move into its recovery recreation center at the former Bohn’s Restaurant on Clinton Street later this fall. Several of the Peers will be assigned to the recovery center, with Budzinack serving as the Lead Peer at that location.

“Batavia can become an amazing recovery community,” he said. “Right now there is no place for people to go to socialize without alcohol. There is so much potential (with a place like that).”

Grimm said Peers also support the residential clients of GCASA –people currently at the Atwater House and those in supportive living – and can utilize a fleet of vehicles acquired from grants to transport clients as needed.

“One of the key reasons for its success is that it offers a lot of things needed outside of the clinical setting,” Mangino-Crandall explained. “The Peers offer more flexibility and can provide essential support with other non-clinical elements of recovery.”

She added that the Peer program is expanding.

“Yes, we’re looking for a few more Peers,” she said.

For more information about the Peer program at GCASA, go to the agency’s website – www.gcasa.net.

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Several upcoming vaccination clinics planned in Orleans

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Cindy Perry meets with Paul Pettit, director of the Orleans County Health Department to discuss their corroboration with Healthy Orleans Network to provide flu shots to everyone. A campaign called “Say Boo to Flu” is being sponsored by Orleans Community Health, Orleans County YMCA, Orleans County Health Department, Oak Orchard Health, Rotary and Middleport Family Health Center.

No one in the field of health in Orleans County can forget the tragic death of 4-year-old Leon Sidari on Christmas Day in 2017 from the flu.

Leon was the son of Albion natives Dr. Laura Sidari and her husband Dr. Tony Sidari. Leon’s memory is being honored by a special program called “Say Boo to Flu” to ensure everyone has a flu shot.

Say Boo to Flu is being sponsored by Orleans Community Health in partnership with Orleans County YMCA, Orleans County Health Department, Oak Orchard Health, Rotary and Middleport Family Health Center, each of whom will host a flu clinic, beginning Oct. 9.

Last year, Orleans Community Health had one site and more than 60 people showed up, said Cindy Perry, director of education, outreach and marketing at Community Partners.

“This year, we are offering flu shots in every town with a school district,” Perry said.

Participating agencies are part of the Healthy Orleans Network, and include Orleans Community Health, Orleans County Health Department, Oak Orchard Health, Albion School, Orleans YMCA, Orleans County Mental Health, Community Action, Lyndonville Library, Hoag Library, Lee Whedon Library, GCASA, Orleans County Office for the Aging, County Legislator Lynne Johnson, Orleans Community Health’s Albion Health Center and Economic Development.  Their goals are to improve the status of the community’s health, promote access to quality health care service and eliminate health care disparities.

Flu shots will be administered by Orleans County Health Department from 2:30 to 6 p.m. Oct. 9 at Holley Elementary School; from 2:30 to 6 p.m. Oct. 15 at Lyndonville Elementary School; and from 3 to 6 p.m. Oct. 16 at Kendall  Elementary School. Individuals of all ages will be given a flu shot.

On Oct. 14, shots will be given to all ages from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Orleans Community Health’s Albion walk-in clinic.

For the first time, Middleport Family Health Center is participating and will give shots to ages 3 and older from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Orleans County YMCA in Medina; and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 19 at Oak Orchard Health, 301 West Ave., in Albion.

The final flu clinic will be Nov. 5 at Hoag Library, where Orleans County Health Department will give shots from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The public is encouraged to “Vote and Vax.”

“I’m excited we’ve got more participants and more sites,” Perry said. “With different days and different times, we hope to make it easy as we can for people to get their flu shots.”

She said there are so many inaccuracies being spread about flu shots, and information will be provided at all sites. There will also be games for kids with small prizes, such as free band-aids, snacks and stickers.

Perry said Leon’s parents are very supportive of the initiative. Leon loved snowmen, she said, which is why snowmen were the theme for last year’s Breakfast with Santa at the hospital.

She also said they are excited about the name for the program, which was a suggestion of Jessica Capurso, who works with Perry.

“One little girl whose mom had our flyer on her refrigerator got so excited about saying ‘Say boo to the flu,’” Perry said.

Pettit said the collaboration of these local agencies really shows a willingness to come together to address health issues of their community. The benefits of collaboration include reducing or eliminating duplication of services, sharing important data and creating grant funding opportunities.

“The general philosophy is we don’t need to be competitors and we need each other,” he said. “Having every agency come together shows a desire to protect our citizens.”

Those with insurance should bring their insurance card to the clinic.

Leon Sidari and his parents were living in San Antonio in 2017. Leon was very healthy and started showing flu symptoms on Dec. 23. Within 48 hours he died despite the efforts of a medical team at the hospital. Leon had been vaccinated for the flu in prior years and was due for a flu shot soon after Christmas. He died from the strain of the virus called H3N2.

His parents are both medical doctors. They both earned licenses as medical doctors with Laura working as a psychiatrist and Tony as a rheumatologist. They are both in the Air Force.

They have become very outspoken in urging people to get flu vaccinations.

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Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming Public Health Column

Often times, you are poisoned by lead you can’t even see! According to the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), children under six years old are more likely to be poisoned with lead than any other age group.

Most often, children are poisoned from breathing in or swallowing dust from old lead paint that gets on floors and windowsills, hands and toys. Only a small amount of lead is needed to harm a child’s growth, behavior and ability to learn. Most children poisoned by lead do not look or feel sick, so the only way to know for sure is to get tested. New York State law requires that every child must be tested for lead at the age one and again at the age two. Providers should also be assessing a child for risks of lead exposure regularly through age six.

NYS has both the nation’s greatest number (3.3 million) and the highest percentage (43.1%) of housing stock built before 1950. Houses of this age are much more likely to contain lead paint, the leading cause of childhood lead poisoning.

Governor Cuomo’s 2019 budget is responding to this public health threat by lowering the acceptable blood lead level from 15 micrograms per deciliter of blood (µg/dl) to 5 µg/dl. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) took that step in 2012 and has since been enacted in several states, including, Connecticut, Idaho, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey and Vermont. These states made their decision to move to the lower CDC guidelines based on the evidence that supports early intervention as the primary way to prevent the serious health effects suffered by victims of lead poisoning.

“Effective October 1st, 2019 a child whose blood lead level is 5 µg/dl or more will be contacted by their local health department who will help families identify sources of lead and create plans to remove it by conducting home inspections,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director.

Pettit explained, “Lowering the blood lead action level will increase home inspections greatly.  The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments are prepared for this change and have hired a Lead Coordinator to be dedicated to this workload for both counties.”

If a child blood lead level is 5µg/dl or more, the health department nurse will report to environmental department. There will be an inspection done at the house by the Environmental Department from the local health department to check for lead exposure, and an educational prevention approach by the nurse from the local health department will be done with the family to decrease the lead level in the child’s bloodstream.

Lead is a metal that is harmful to both children and adults when it enters the body. There are many sources of exposure according to the NYSOH. Subscribe to the Consumer Product Safety Commission to learn about consumer products recalled for lead violations.

Sources of lead

• Paint (older homes, old toys, furniture, crafts)
• Air / Dust
• Soil
• Water (leaching of lead solder on plumbing)
• Folk medicines and cosmetics
• Children’s jewelry and toys
• Workplace and hobbies;
• Lead-glazed ceramics; china; leaded crystal, and pewter
• Imported candies or foods
• Firearms with lead bullets
• Foreign made mini-blinds
• Car batteries and radiators

Lead can harm a young child’s growth, ability to learn and may be linked with tooth decay/cavities, hearing loss, behavior problems, even to the point that Early Intervention services are needed.

Early Intervention is the term used to describe services and support that are available to babies and young children and their families with developmental delay and disabilities. Lead can also be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy. Although lead poisoning is preventable, it continues to be a major cause of the problem among children.

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Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced on Tuesday that New York State is the first state in the nation to implement a ban on the sale of flavored electronic cigarettes and nicotine e-liquids, following a vote on emergency regulations by the Public Health and Health Planning Council.

The ban is the latest in a series of actions to combat the increase in young people using vape products, largely as a result of e-cigarette companies marketing flavors that are intended to get children addicted to nicotine.

The ban on the sale of flavored electronic cigarettes and nicotine e-liquids is now in effect. However, the Department of Health will provide retailers with an approximate two-week grace period before conducting visits to enforce the flavoring ban beginning on Monday, October 4.

Local health departments and the Department’s District Offices, with State oversight, will handle enforcement. Retailers who violate the ban will face fines of up to $2,000 per violation, which is defined as each unit of flavored e-liquid or product containing e-liquid that is possessed, manufactured, sold or offered for sale.

“It is undeniable that vaping companies are deliberately using flavors like bubblegum, Captain Crunch and cotton candy to get young people hooked on e-cigarettes – it’s a public health crisis and it ends today,” Governor Cuomo said. “New York is not waiting for the federal government to act, and by banning flavored e-cigarettes we are safeguarding the public health and helping prevent countless young people from forming costly, unhealthy and potentially deadly life-long habits.”

On Sunday, Governor Cuomo directed the Department of Health to convene an emergency meeting of PHHC to consider this ban. The Governor also directed State Police and DOH to immediately partner to ramp up enforcement efforts against retailers who sell to underage youth, with the possibility of criminal penalties, in addition to announcing that he will advance legislation to ban deceptive marketing of e-cigarettes to teens and children.

As part of the Family Smoking and Tobacco Prevention Act of 2009, the U.S. Congress banned the sale of cigarettes with flavors other than menthol and tobacco.

New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said, “The alarmingly high numbers of young people in New York State who are using vape products is nothing short of a public health crisis. These regulations are a part of many critical steps we are taking to combat this disturbing trend. We will continue to be aggressive in our efforts to prevent nicotine addiction and bad marketing practices under Governor Cuomo’s leadership.”

Flavors are largely responsible for the dramatic increase in use of e-cigarettes by youth and are a principal reason that youth initiate and maintain e-cigarette use. According to Department of Health data, nearly 40 percent of 12th grade students and 27 percent of high school students in New York State are now using e-cigarettes, and this increase is largely driven by flavored e-liquids.

High school use in 2018 (27.4%) is 160 percent higher than it was in 2014 (10.5%). While New York’s high school student smoking rate dropped from 27.1% in 2000 to a record low of 4.3% in 2016, aggressive marketing strategies promoting flavored e-cigarettes is primed to turn that trend.

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Retailers that sell tobacco and vaping products to underage individuals will face criminal penalties

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced on Sunday an emergency executive action to ban the sale of flavored electronic cigarettes in New York State – the latest in a series of actions to combat the increasing number of youth using vape products, largely driven by e-cigarette companies marketing flavors that are intended to get children addicted to nicotine.

DOH Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker will hold an emergency meeting with the Public Health and Health Planning Council, or PHHPC, this week to ban flavored e-cigarettes. The Governor directed State Police and DOH to immediately partner to ramp up enforcement efforts against retailers who sell to underage youth, with the possibility of criminal penalties. Finally, the Governor announced he will advance legislation to ban deceptive marketing of e-cigarettes to teens and children.

“Manufacturers of fruit and candy-flavored e-cigarettes are intentionally and recklessly targeting young people, and today we’re taking action to put an end to it,” Cuomo said on Sunday. “At the same time, unscrupulous stores are knowingly selling vaping products to underage youth – those retailers are now on notice that we are ramping up enforcement and they will be caught and prosecuted.”

To further crack down on retailers selling tobacco and vaping products to underage youth, State Police is partnering with DOH to conduct undercover investigations across the state under The Adolescent Tobacco Use Prevention Act, which enlists underage youth to attempt to buy tobacco and e-cigarette products. Retailers found selling tobacco and vaping products to underage individuals will now face criminal penalties in addition to civil penalties. When the legislation signed in July is effective on November 13, these sweeps and compliance efforts will continue with a renewed focus on sales to those under age 21.

State Police Superintendent Keith M. Corlett said, “Retailers who sell E-cigarettes and vaping products must ensure they are checking IDs and only selling to those who are old enough to purchase. State Troopers will partner with the Department of Health to crack down on those who sell to minors and will hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

These efforts follow a series of actions taken by the Governor aimed at addressing the growing use of vaping products, which have come under national scrutiny following a rising number of cases of vaping-associated respiratory illnesses.

On September 12, Governor Cuomo signed an executive order that directs state agencies to deploy education awareness programs on vaping and include vaping and e-cigarette prevention and cessation measures in their educational programs and employee trainings. The order also directs DOH to work with the State Education Department to immediately develop and deploy these measures for school districts to incorporate into their curriculums. The Governor also signed legislation to expand current school-based programs and marketing campaigns aimed at reducing tobacco use to include e-cigarettes and liquid nicotine.

On September 9, the Governor directed DOH to launch an investigation into companies that produce vaping substances. DOH served three subpoenas so that DOH can determine the ingredient mix in their diluent-thickeners. DOH also passed emergency regulations to require shops that sell e-cigarettes to post a warning that lets people know that it poses a significant health risk. Regulations are now in place to do this.

On July 16, Governor Cuomo signed legislation to raise the age to purchase tobacco and electronic cigarette products from 18 to 21, effective November 13, 2019. The Governor also signed legislation in October 2017 to ban the use of electronic cigarettes on all school grounds and everywhere that smoking products are prohibited.

New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said, “E-cigarettes have been implicated as a key indicator in the upward trend of the use of tobacco products among youths in recent years. These regulations will help curb this dangerous trend and will further safeguard the health of all New Yorkers, especially among underage youths.”

Anyone experiencing symptoms who uses vape products should contact their healthcare provider immediately. Healthcare providers should report possible cases to the local poison control center (1-800-222-1222). If you are concerned at all with your vaping device or products or just want more information, call the NYSDOH’s Vaping Hotline at 1-888-364-3046.

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Photos by Tom Rivers

KENDALL — Oak Orchard Health held its first farm-to-table dinner on Saturday with 150 people attending the event at Partyka Farms.

Proceeds from the first-time fundraiser, called Rootstock, will go towards Oak Orchard’s new health and wellness center that is opening in Albion next month at the former OTB, next to Oak Orchard’s doctor’s offices at 301 West Ave.

The new center will offer behavior health (mental health), alternative pain therapy and substance abuse.

Mary Ann Pettibon, Oak Orchard Health chief executive officer, was pleased with the event, and expects it will be back next year.

Staff from The Farmer’s Table in Hamlin, which is owned by the Partyka family, prepared the meal, led by chef Guy Warren. This photo shows Bob Ryan, a friend of the family, scooping ice cream on the baked fruit desserts.

The dinner buffet included beef tenderloin, chicken saltimbocca, gourmet pasta and cheese, smashed potatoes, mixed vegetables and roasted corn on the cob from the farm.

Chris Wilson provided music during the dessert time.

Oak Orchard shared testimonials during the dinner from doctors who serve Oak Orchard’s 22,000 patients at sites in Albion, Lyndonville, Brockport, Warsaw and Hornell.

The display at the dinner included cards showing milestone events in Oak Orchard’s history, including its founding in 1966 in Albion. Oak Orchard initially was focused on provided healthcare and services for farmworkers. Oak Orchard has expanded many times since it started. Farmworkers remain an important focus of the organization’s mission, with Oak Orchard serving about 1,500.

Oak Orchard serves the general population, including many people without insurance or who are underinsured. The organization also provides dental and eye care, and has a mobile dental unit that goes to local school districts.

Oak Orchard Health in 1991 built a new site at 301 West Ave.

Lora Partyka helps scoop ice cream for the desserts during the dinner. The family was happy to host the big event. The field for the dinner was next to Partyka’s Farm Market on Monroe-Orleans Countyline Road. The farm has two kitchens which were used to cook the meals.

The field for the dinner was in an apple orchard.

Oak Orchard Health presented an award to Lora’s husband, Jeff, who served on the OOH board of directors for several years.

Adam Krenning, who led Albion’s FFA and agriculture program for about 20 years, also was recognized with an Agricultural Connection Award during the event.

Jerry Archibald brought these five classic cars to add to the ambiance to the farm-to-table dinner at Partyka Farms. Archibald works with Oak Orchard Health through his job as a partner and CPA with the Bonadio Group.

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Cuomo directors Department of Health to issue emergency regulations for warning signs in all vape and smoke shops in NY

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Monday directed the New York State Department of Health to take a series of measures to address two emerging public health crises: the increasing number of cases of vaping-associated respiratory illnesses and the increasing number of youth that are using vape products and developing lifelong nicotine addictions.

The Governor directed the Department of Health to issue subpoenas to companies marketing and selling “thickening agents” used in black market vaping products and to issue emergency regulations mandating that warning signs must be posted in all vape and smoke shops in New York State. Additionally, the Governor announced that he will advance new legislation to ban flavored e-cigarettes.

“Common sense says if you do not know what you are smoking, don’t smoke it, and right now we don’t know what you are smoking in a lot of these vaping substances,” Governor Cuomo said. “The rise in vaping-associated illnesses is a frightening public health phenomenon and I am directing the Department of Health to take several actions to address this crisis.”

Governor Cuomo ordered the Department of Health to issue subpoenas to three companies that the Department has identified as marketing thickening agents to companies that manufacture vape liquids. These thickeners are being marketed and readily available on the internet as a cheaper, safer alternative that does not negatively impact flavoring or odor of existing products and can be used to cut vape products to any level of THC.

The Department is ordering them to provide additional information to aid its investigation of this public health crisis. The Wadsworth Center has obtained samples of thickeners from these three companies and determined that they are nearly pure vitamin E acetate oil. The companies being served with this subpoena and their product names are: Honey Cut Diluting Agent by Honey Cut Labs LLC in Santa Monica, California; Uber Thick by Floraplex Terpenes in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and Pure Diluent by Mass Terpenes in Amherst, Massachusetts. These three companies are the first to be subpoenaed, but more companies are likely to be ordered to provide samples as the investigation continues.

While the investigation is still ongoing, laboratory results have shown very high levels of vitamin E acetate in nearly all cannabis-containing samples analyzed by the Wadsworth Center. Vitamin E acetate is a commonly available nutritional supplement that is not known to cause harm when ingested as a vitamin supplement or applied to the skin. However, the Department continues to investigate its health effects when inhaled because its oil-like properties could be associated with the observed respiratory symptoms.

In addition, Governor Cuomo directed the Department of Health to issue emergency regulations, subject to approval by the Public Health and Health Planning Council (PHHPC), to require entities in New York State that sell vaping products to post signage on the dangers of vaping. The Department is also launching a public service campaign to further educate the public on the numerous risks involved with vaping.

Finally, the Governor said he will advance legislation to prohibit the possession, manufacture, distribution, sale or offer for sale of flavored electronic liquids to discourage electronic cigarette use in New York State.

According to Department of Health data, nearly 40 percent of 12th grade students and 27 percent of high school students in New York State are now using e-cigarettes, and this increase is largely driven by flavored e-liquids.

High school use in 2018 (27.4%) is 160 percent higher than it was in 2014 (10.5%). While New York’s high school student smoking rate dropped from 27.1% in 2000 to a record low of 4.3% in 2016, aggressive marketing promoting flavored e-cigarettes stands to turn that trend. Flavoring is a key youth marketing strategy of the vaping/aerosol industry just as it is in the cigarette, cigar, and smokeless tobacco markets.

E-cigarette marketing highlights flavors such as mint chocolate, bubblegum and cherry cola, and creates a mistaken belief that they are not harmful to users. Studies show nearly 78% of high school students, and 75% of middle school students report being exposed to pro-tobacco marketing in 2016.

“The current outbreak of vaping-associated illnesses and the increasing number of young people using vape products and developing lifelong addictions are two serious public health crises,” said New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker.

Anyone experiencing symptoms who uses vape products should contact their healthcare provider immediately. Healthcare providers should report possible cases to the local poison control center (1-800-222-1222). If you are concerned at all with your vaping device or products or just want more information, call the NYSDOH’s Vaping Hotline at 1-888-364-3046.

Patients using vape products reported a variety of symptoms, developing over a period of days to weeks, including: pulmonary symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, chest pain); gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea); fatigue; fever; headache; and weight loss.

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Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the state Department of Health today urged people to temporarily stop using vaping products after hundreds of people were recently diagnosed with a severe and puzzling lung  disease linked to electronic cigarettes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday said the number of vaping-related illnesses is up to at least 450 cases in 33 states.

The CDC recommended that people avoid vaping devices while investigators try to find out what is causing the illnesses.

“There is an investigation ongoing,” Cuomo said today. “Nobody knows exactly what it is. Our health guidance is no one should be using vaping products period until we know what it is.”

Dr. Howard Zucker, commissioner of the state Department of Health, issued this statement about vaping-associated illnesses:

“Heeding the warnings from CDC and at the direction of Governor Cuomo, today I am urging New Yorkers to stop using vape products while the investigation into the definitive cause of reported vaping-associated illnesses nationwide can be better determined. The Wadsworth Center, New York State’s public health laboratory, is diligently testing both cannabis and nicotine-containing vape products received from people experiencing serious lung-related illnesses.

“Rigorous testing also continues on all vape products currently authorized in the state’s highly regulated Medical Marijuana Program. There have been no adverse events related to vaping among certified patients in this program since this investigation began. However, out of an abundance of caution, we are also urging patients in the medical marijuana program to consult with their health care providers on potential alternatives to vaping products while the investigation continues. For additional information, patients can also contact the state’s Medical Marijuana Program at 844-863-9312.”

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Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Association of Counties both issued statements today opposing cuts in federal Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital payments to hospitals.

“New York State hospitals receive more than $1.8 billion annually in DSH payments and proposed cuts by Congress will have a devastating impact on our health care system,” said Stephan Acquario, executive director for NYSAC.

“Fiscally strong hospitals are the cornerstone of a comprehensive and accessible health care system for patients, especially low-income and vulnerable populations, throughout this great state and across the nation,” Acquario said. “NYSAC, along with the National Association of Counties, has opposed these cuts in the past and will continue to do so.”

Congress delayed implementation of these federal funding cuts each year since 2014, but they are set to begin October 1, 2019 if no further action is taken by Congress to again delay the cuts.

“The impending Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital program cuts would decimate hospitals that provide uncompensated care to uninsured and low-income New Yorkers by taking away over $2.6 billion over the next 18 months and more than $14.5 billion cumulatively through 2025,” Cuomo said.

“Health care is a right, not a privilege, and Congress must stand up for the safety of our most vulnerable neighbors,” he said. “I am calling on Congress to immediately rescind these impending cuts before they take effect on October 1st. If they don’t, they will put critical health care services at risk for millions of New Yorkers.”

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Press Release, Oak Orchard Health

BROCKPORT – Oak Orchard Health has received an $82,503 Quality Improvement Award from U.S. Health and Human Services.

OOH was recognized in three categories: Clinical Quality Improver, Advancing Health IT, and delivering Patient-Centered Care.

Quality Improvement Awards are given to the highest performing health centers nationwide as well as those health centers that have made significant quality improvement gains from the previous year. Patient Centered Medical Home is a model of care that puts patients at the center of care, which builds great relationships between patients and their clinical staff.

The National Committee for Quality Assurance commended Oak Orchard Community Health Center on Achievement of Recognition for Systematic Use of Patient-Centered, Coordinated Care Management Processes.

Oak Orchard Health – with locations in Brockport, Albion, Lyndonville, Warsaw and Hornell – was one of the centers receiving this certificate of recognition in all locations. Oak Orchard Health was recognized and awarded for their high quality work in being a PCMH. OOH has been a Patient Centered Medical Home since 1973.

“Oak Orchard Health has always endeavored to put our patients first,” said Mary Ann Pettibon, CEO of Oak Orchard Health. “It’s great to be recognized for something that has always been a core part of our mission.”

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Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

August is recognized as National Immunization Awareness Month. Today’s vaccines protect against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases, including polio, measles, whooping cough, and chickenpox. Because of advances in medical science, your children and family can be protected against more diseases than ever before

Paul Pettit, Public Health Director of Genesee and Orleans Counties has continually supported vaccination and vaccine education in our communities and believes vaccines are the best defense against preventable diseases.

“Vaccination is safe and effective,” Pettit said. “All vaccines undergo long and careful review by scientists, doctors, and the federal government to make sure they are safe.”

Immunizations are important for a variety of reasons. When you get vaccinated, you not only protect yourself but you also help protect the people around you who might be too young or too sick to get vaccinated themselves. This is called “community immunity” or “herd immunity.” If enough people stop getting vaccinated, more outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles, will occur.

On June 13, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation removing non-medical exemptions from school vaccination requirements for children. Public Health Law §2164(1)(a) defines “school” to include any public, private or parochial child caring center, day nursery, day care agency, nursery school, kindergarten, elementary, intermediate or secondary school.

This means that if your child does not have a medical exemption, your child must receive vaccines in order to attend school. This new law will help protect against vaccine-preventable diseases within our communities.

From infants to senior citizens, getting vaccines on time is one of the important ways to protect yourself and your family from serious diseases and infections. The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments encourage you to talk to your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional to ensure that you and your family are up to date on recommended vaccines.

We also encourage you to visit CDC’s Interactive Vaccine Guide, which provides information on the vaccines recommended during pregnancy and throughout your child’s life. Adults can use the CDC’s adult vaccine assessment tool to see which vaccines might be right for you.

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Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation further strengthening women’s health care protections. The bill (S.3852-A/A.5502-A) requires large group insurers to cover medically necessary mammograms for women aged 35 to 39.

The legislation, known as “Shannon’s Law,” is named for Shannon Saturno of Babylon, Long Island, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at 28 years old and passed away at 31.

“We know that with cancer diagnoses, early detection is the best possible treatment. This administration has taken and will continue to take aggressive action to break down any barriers to breast cancer screenings for women across the state,” said Governor Cuomo. “By signing this legislation, we are taking another step to break down barriers to breast cancer screening and improve access to health care for all women in New York.”

Currently, many insurance companies are only required to cover annual mammogram screenings for women over the age of 40, but over 12,000 cases of breast cancer are detected annually are in women under the age of 40 and are oftentimes in later stages and more aggressive forms of cancer.

Shannon’s Law will require large group insurance companies to cover annual mammogram screenings for women aged 35 to 39 when medically necessary.

“We are continuing to double down on our efforts to expand access to potentially life-saving services,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “We know mammograms and cancer screenings must be available for all New Yorkers, and this law will help to ensure coverage, early detection, and treatment. We are committed to promoting breast cancer screenings statewide and continuing to save lives.”

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Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation (S.2833/A.558) to raise the minimum sales age for tobacco and electronic cigarette products from 18 to 21. This legislation builds on the governor’s comprehensive efforts to combat health threats from tobacco and e-cigarette products. The bill will take effect 120 days after becoming law.

“New York is taking aggressive action to stamp out smoking among teens and children, but tobacco and e-cigarette use still persists thanks to irresponsible corporate marketing campaigns targeting young people,” Governor Cuomo said. “By raising the smoking age from 18 to 21, we can stop cigarettes and e-cigarettes from getting into the hands of young people in the first place and prevent an entire generation of New Yorkers from forming costly and potentially deadly addictions.”

Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, New York State has moved from the 18th healthiest state in the nation in 2012 to the 10th healthiest state in the nation in 2017. In 2017, Governor Cuomo expanded the Clean Indoor Air Act to prohibit e-cigarette use in nearly every workplace to protect workers and the public from harmful secondhand tobacco smoke and vaping aerosols.

Despite this progress, tobacco use continues to be the number one cause of preventable death in New York State. About 28,000 adult New Yorkers die every year as a result of smoking. Additionally, an increasing number of underage youth are using both traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes. From 2014 to 2018 youth use of e-cigarettes increased by 160 percent from 10.5 percent to 27.4 percent and more than half of teens falsely believe that e-cigarette use is harmless.

Because tobacco use persists among youth and adults, New York State continues to prevent young adults from starting smoking. According to the Surgeon General, 88 percent of adult smokers started using tobacco before age 18 and 90 percent of the people who purchase cigarettes for minors are between the ages of 18 and 20. By raising the legal purchase age to 21, this legislation will help prevent underage children from obtaining tobacco products from their friends, reducing the likelihood young adults ever start smoking and become addicted, and ultimately save thousands of lives.

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Provided photo: Pictured from left include: Gary Skoog, Oak Orchard Health Board Chairman; Dr. Nancy Ciavarri, OOH Chief Medical Officer; Congressman Joseph Morelle; Mary Ann Pettibon, OOH CEO; Kathy Williams, OOH Board member; Dr. James Goetz, OOH Pediatrician; and Stacie Bridge, OOH Director of Operations.

Press Release, Oak Orchard Health

BROCKPORT – Congressman Joseph Morelle visited the Oak Orchard Health facility in Brockport last week. During the visit the Congressman listened to concerns regarding funding for health centers and the difficultly of recruiting providers to work in the rural communities that Oak Orchard Health serves.

The congressman was pleased and excited to hear about Oak Orchard Health’s new Behavioral Health collaboration with The College at Brockport and Brockport School District recognizing the need for early intervention for mental health issues in adolescents. He also learned about the Alternative Pain Management program at The Wellness Center at Oak Orchard Health in Albion, which is slated to open this fall.

Congressman Morelle spoke about the many initiatives that he is involved in at the national level while keeping his ties to Monroe County and the constituents that he serves by participating on local committees. He recognized Oak Orchard Health for its work and impact it has on the surrounding rural communities.

Oak Orchard Health is a Federally Qualified Health Center non-profit organization that has five locations – Albion, Lyndonville, Brockport, Warsaw and Hornell as well as a mobile dental unit. OOH strives to improve community wellness and provide the best possible care to their patients.

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