23,377 were hospitalized with flu-related illnesses last flu season

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo is reminding all New Yorkers to get a flu shot during the upcoming flu season, which generally begins in October and runs through May.

During last year’s flu season, there were 23,377 flu-related hospitalizations and 6 pediatric deaths in New York. Over the last four years, there have been a total of 25 pediatric flu deaths in New York State.

“Getting a flu shot still remains the best way to stay healthy during this season,” Governor Cuomo said. “It is critical for all New Yorkers, especially older adults, young children and pregnant women, to get vaccinated as soon as possible and to take other necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus in New York.”

In January 2018, Governor Cuomo signed an emergency executive order allowing pharmacists to administer flu vaccines to children ages 2 to 18 during the 2018 flu season. Following the signing of the emergency executive order, pharmacists vaccinated approximately 9,000 individuals ages 2 to 18 against the flu. Subsequently, the governor passed legislation codifying this order into law. Cuomo urges New Yorkers to take advantage of the expanded access and get vaccinated.

A statewide public service advertising campaign launched this week to further remind New Yorkers to get vaccinated. The Department of Health, Office of Children and Family Services, State Office for the Aging and State Education Department will coordinate efforts to target educational materials to those most at risk, including children, pregnant woman and older adults. Additionally, the State Department of Health is providing access to flu educational materials that can be printed and posted to help raise awareness.

The Office of Children and Family Services makes education materials available to all State-licensed child care providers and all State-funded after-school providers about the importance of the flu vaccine. As required by law, all schools and child care programs must have information about the vaccination clearly posted.

To receive a flu shot, people should contact their local health care provider or pharmacy, or find information about vaccination clinics by contacting their local health department.

The flu can cause severe illness. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea. People infected with the flu may have respiratory symptoms without a fever. CDC recommends that people who are very sick or people who are sick and at high risk of serious flu complications be treated early with flu antiviral drugs. Antiviral drugs work best when started within two days of symptoms first appearing. There are currently no shortages of antiviral drugs, and manufacturers report they expect to meet projected seasonal demands.

“Prevention remains the most effective method to stop the spread of the flu,” said Dr. Howard Zucker, NYS Department of Health commissioner. “Even people who are healthy, if unvaccinated, can easily spread the flu virus to family members, friends or co-workers.”

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Photos courtesy of Orleans Community Health

ALBION – Orleans Community Health held a flu shot clinic on Oct. 8 at the Albion healthcare center at the corner of Route 31 and Butts Road. There were 59 children vaccinated. These four are pictured with Jessica Downey, a health educator with Community Partners at Orleans Community Health.

Orleans Community Health teamed with the Albion Rotary Club for the clinic – “Say Boo to the Flu!”

The Rotary Club donated to Leon’s Fund, which was established as a non-profit organization in memory of Leon Sidari (pictured above), who was 4 ½ when he died on Christmas 2017, two days after getting the flu. Leon is the son of Albion natives Laura (Lyman) Sidari and Tony Sidari. They are both medical doctors who were based in San Antonio for six years before recently moving to Dayton, Ohio.

Leon is the grandson of Nathan Lyman, a long-time Albion Rotarian who now lives in Ithaca.

This youngster was one of the 59 to be vaccinated.

Orleans Community Health is planning more outreach and education events about the importance of getting flu shots.

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Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Members of the Albion Interact Club joined the Albion Rotary Club on Thursday in filling about 100 bags with personal care items. These Interact members include, from left, Susan He, Trinity Allen and Avalina Hand.

They joined Rotarians in filling the bags that are going to Medina Memorial Hospital. The Rotary Club also will be giving new shirts, sweatpants and underwear for the hospital to give to sexual assault victims. Those victims often have their clothing taken to be used as evidence.

The hospital sees about 50 sexual assault victims – females and males – each year at the emergency room.

Sometimes the hospital has to give them gowns or surgical scrubs because there aren’t other clothes available.

Cindy Perry and Jessica Downey from Community Partners at Orleans Community Health will deliver the personal care items to the hospital. Pictured, from left, include: Cindy Perry, director of outreach, education and marketing at Community Partners; Michael Bonnewell, Albion Central School superintendent and a Rotarian; Jessica Downey, health educator with Community Partners; and Trinity Allen, Avalina Hand and Susan He, members of the school’s Interact Club, which is sponsored by the Rotary Club.

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Residents urged to take precautions against virus spread by mosquitos

By Nola Goodrich-Kresse, Public Health Educator and Public Information Officer for Genesee and Orleans Health Departments

Mosquitoes are usually considered a nuisance pest, but occasionally they can transmit viruses to people and some animals. In New York State, mosquitoes have been found to transmit Eastern Equine Encephalitis and the West Nile virus. Such viruses can cause serious illness and even death. While your chances of being infected with a disease through a mosquito bite are very small, there are measures you can take to reduce your risk of being bitten. This year WNV has been detected in both Genesee and Orleans counties.

Specifically, per the NYS Department of Health Statewide Mosquito-Borne Disease Activity Report an equine (horse or related animal), bird and human case have tested positive in Genesee County and an equine case in Orleans County.

West Nile Virus Disease is spread by the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. The infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to humans and other animals, such as horses. Vaccine is available to reduce the risk of horses contracting the virus. Unfortunately there is no vaccine for humans, taking the proper preventative actions to avoid getting bit are our best options.

In New York State, cases of WNV occur during mosquito season, which begins in the summer and continues throughout fall. Most mosquitoes are active between dusk and dawn when the air is calm. Sarah Balduf, Environmental Health Director of Genesee and Orleans counties, states that not all mosquitoes are able to transmit the virus.

“While there are about 70 different species of mosquitoes in the State, only certain species have been associated with WNV,” she said.

WNV is not spread through coughing, sneezing, touching live animals, or handling live or dead infected birds. It is strongly advised to avoid bare-handed contact when handling any dead animal. If you are disposing of a dead bird, use gloves or double plastic bags to place the carcass (body) in a garbage can.

Symptoms of WNV vary from person to person. Brenden Bedard, Director of Community Health Services of Genesee and Orleans counties, explains that only a small percentage of people infected with the disease will show symptoms.

“Most people infected, 70-80 percent, with WNV do not develop any symptoms,” he said. “It is estimated that 20 percent of the people who become infected will develop less severe symptoms including headache and body aches, nausea, fever, and occasionally a skin rash and swollen lymph glands. Symptoms of severe infections include (West Nile encephalitis or meningitis) can include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, stupor, disorientation, tremors, seizures, paralysis, coma, and in some cases death.”

Symptoms of WNV usually appear within 3 to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Health care providers diagnose WNV based on the patient’s clinical symptoms and laboratory diagnosis by testing blood or spinal fluids, which will show if the virus or antibodies against the virus are present in the person. Although there is no specific treatment for WNV, health care providers will usually attempt to relieve the symptoms of the illness. In severe cases, patients may need to be hospitalized and closely monitored.

When infected adult mosquitoes are spreading a virus to people, acting quickly can stop further spread and prevent more people from getting sick. By using multiple mosquito control methods at the same time, people and communities can help stop the spread of disease. The New York State Department of Health recommends the following:

• Cover your skin as completely as possible. Wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods or when mosquitoes are more active.

• Use mosquito repellent, which should always be applied according to label directions. Do not let children apply mosquito repellent on himself or herself, and do not apply to the hands of small children.

• Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (the label may say citriodiol or p-menthane 3,8 -diol). Oil of lemon eucalyptus products should not be used on children under 3 years of age. Products containing permethrin kill insects that come in contact with treated clothing, and are for use on clothing only, not skin.

• Use as little repellent as you need, and avoid unnecessary repeat applications. Do not overspray. Apply repellent outdoors.

• Do not apply near eyes, nose or mouth and use sparingly around ears.

• After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water.

• Cover baby carriers with mosquito netting when outside.

• Close doors and make sure open windows have screens on them.

• Limit use of perfumes and scents that would attract mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in or near water, and their offspring “grow up” in water before emerging as adults that fly and bite. Therefore, mosquitoes can be controlled by controlling water. Many types of mosquitoes, including those that can transmit disease, lay their eggs in even small amounts of standing water around the home such as flowerpots, birdbaths and discarded tires. To reduce the mosquito population in and around your home, reduce or eliminate all standing water by following these steps:

• Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers.

• Remove all discarded tires on your property. Check with your local landfill or public works authorities to find out how to dispose of them properly.

• Remove all fallen leaves.

• Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors.

• Clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall. Make sure roof gutters drain properly.

• Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use. Make sure outside toys and play areas are clear of standing water.

• Change the water in birdbaths at least 2 times a week. Clean plants and debris from the edge of ponds.

• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Drain water from pool covers. Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.

For more information on the West Nile Virus, click here.

For more information on mosquitoes and diseases, click here.

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Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced expanded addiction treatment services are now available at the Genesee-Orleans Council on Alcohol and Substance Abuse’s Batavia campus.

The expansion includes a new opioid treatment program, a mobile treatment unit and renovations to the residential treatment facility on the campus. The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services provided more than $900,000 in capital funding for this expansion, and is also providing more than $200,000 in annual funding to support operation of services at the campus.

“New York will fight this epidemic with every tool at its disposal and will help ensure that anyone in need of care receives the help they need,” Governor Cuomo said. “By expanding access to addiction treatment services in Batavia, we are allowing residents to access these critical, lifesaving services close to home, building a healthier, stronger New York for all.”

The new opioid treatment program at GCASA is the first in Genesee County. Opioid treatment programs provide medication assisted treatment for those suffering from addiction, which involves the use of medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a patient-centered, individualized approach to the treatment of substance abuse. Research shows that when treating substance use disorders, a combination of medication and behavioral therapies is most successful.

The mobile treatment unit will offer peer engagement and support services, as well as evaluations and counseling. It will also provide tele-practice services to help people in rural areas access treatment. This mobile unit is being funded through the $25.2 million Opioid State Targeted Response Grant, awarded to New York State by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

The Atwater residential facility, on the Genesee Council on Alcohol and Substance Abuse Batavia Campus, offers 17 residential treatment beds for men and numerous services, including treatment, training programs, and opportunities for volunteer work. The provider also operates an outpatient treatment facility on the same campus. As part of the facility’s renovation project, a group room, new offices and a medical room were added to the facility, and the kitchen and intake area were renovated. In addition, the Genesee Council on Alcohol and Substance Abuse is planning to add 16 detox beds in a future expansion, with funding provided by OASAS.

“As our state continues to grapple with the heroin and opioid addiction epidemic, I am very pleased to see that some of the millions in state resources we have allocated at the state Capitol are being put to good use here at home in Batavia,” said State Assemblyman Steve Hawley. “Too many New Yorkers are struggling with addiction and I would like the public to know that there is no shame in asking for help. In fact, there is no time like the present to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, and I know that the professionals at Genesee Council on Alcohol and Substance Abuse will be there to assist you.”

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Cases confirmed in Steuben, Suffolk, Cattaraugus and Livingston counties

Press Release, NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets

Photo by Tom Rivers: 4-H riders and their horses are lined up in the show arena in Knowlesville in this photo from July 28, 2015 at the Orleans County 4-H Fair.

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball is encouraging horse owners in New York State to vaccinate their horses to reduce the risk of West Nile virus.

There have been four confirmed equine cases of the mosquito-borne infection in the state this year. Samples tested by Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine confirmed that horses in Steuben, Suffolk, Cattaraugus and Livingston counties were infected.

“This is the time of year when the risk of West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases goes up significantly,” Ball said. “Taking simple, proactive steps to protect yourself and your animals can be extremely effective in reducing the chance of getting ill.”

Infected mosquitoes can pass West Nile virus to humans, horses and other animals, but infected horses cannot spread the disease to other animals or people.

Symptoms can resemble the flu, with horses appearing mildly anorexic and depressed. Horses can also experience fine and coarse muscle and skin twitching, fever, hypersensitivity to touch and sound, and mental changes. Other signs can include drowsiness, weakness on one side, an unsteady gait, an inability to rise and a loss of control of body movements.

Horses exhibiting signs of West Nile virus should be immediately examined by a veterinarian and reported to the State Department of Agriculture and Markets and the local health department. Horse owners should also consult their veterinarians about vaccinations against West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis, as well as other easily prevented horse diseases. If the horse travels to warmer parts of the country, the Department’s veterinarians recommend that horse owners discuss whether their animals may need two vaccinations a year to provide ample coverage.

Horse owners should also remove stagnant water sources to reduce mosquito populations and breeding areas. If possible, animals should be kept inside early in the morning and evening, when mosquitoes feed.

Twelve cases of West Nile virus have been reported in humans this year. Most people do not experience signs or symptoms but some develop flu-like symptoms, swollen glands and a rash. Less than 1 in 150 experience serious symptoms, which are usually sudden and can include a high fever, stiff neck, altered mental status, convulsions, tremors, paralysis, inflammation of the brain or membranes of the brain and spinal cord or coma.

There is no vaccine for humans. People can take precautions by using repellants and larvicides, eliminating standing water, installing window and door screens, removing debris and vegetation near ponds and keeping pools and hot tubs clean and chlorinated.

“The most effective way to reduce the spread of West Nile Virus in our state is for all New Yorkers to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their animals from mosquito bites,” said New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard A. Zucker. “Earlier this summer, the Governor directed the Department of Health to launch an aggressive mosquito-borne disease plan, and we continue to work with our local partners to reduce public health risks.”

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Press Release, Orleans County Health Department

Fierce winds whipped across Orleans County and Western New York in this photo from Nov. 24, 2014, which shows the Orleans County Courthouse and County Clerks Building.

There are many reasons to prepare for an emergency, such as a natural disaster, a power outage or another crisis.

Most Americans do not have supplies set aside or plans in place to protect their own or their family’s health and safety. National Preparedness Month, recognized each September, provides an opportunity to remind us that we all must prepare ourselves and our families now and throughout the year.

Albert Cheverie, Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator of Genesee and Orleans Counties, encourages all residents to take the time to prepare for an emergency now. “Disasters can strike at any time,” Cheverie said. “One of the most important tools every individual and family can have to protect themselves in possible emergencies is a plan of action.”

Make and Practice Your Plan

Having a family emergency plan will save time and make real situations less stressful. As you plan ahead about what to do during an emergency, be sure to take into account any members of your family with special needs, specific preparations for children, and what you will do with your pets.

Here are a few simple things you can do to start your Emergency Action Plan:

Create a Communication Plan

Make a plan as a family for communicating in the event that you are separated during an emergency. Use a sheet or card with all the phone numbers and information every individual in the family may need, and make sure every member of the family has a copy of the communication plan. Make sure to regularly review and update the contact list as needed.

Make an Evacuation Plan

As a family, discuss where you will go in the event of an emergency. Discuss where your children will go if they are in school or daycare at the time of the emergency, and make sure they understand where you will be. Your plan should also include how to safely shut off all utilities.

Practice Your Plan

Set up practice drills at least twice a year for your family to ensure everyone knows what to do and where to go in the event of an emergency. Update your plan according to any issues that arise. Make sure everyone knows where the plan is located.

Learn Life Saving Skills

If something happens where people are injured, act quickly and with a purpose. Remember to call 911 as soon as possible. Move the injured away from any remaining danger and do anything within your ability to keep the person alive. This may include: applying pressure to stop bleeding, repositioning the injured person to help them breath, or by simply talking to them and providing comfort if they are conscious.

Check Your Coverage

Your home and personal belongings are meaningful and valuable assets. If a disaster strikes, having insurance for your home is the best way to ensure you will have the necessary financial resources to help you repair, rebuild, or replace whatever is damaged. Yet, more than half of all homeowners in the United States do not carry adequate homeowners insurance to replace their home and its contents should a catastrophic loss occur. Now, before a disaster strikes, take the time to:

1. Document Your Property: Store paper copies in a waterproof and fireproof box, safe, or bank deposit box. Leave copies with trusted relatives or friends. Secure electronic copies with strong passwords and save them on a flash or external hard drive in your waterproof box or safe.

2. Understand Your Options for Coverage: An insurance professional can help you customize your home insurance policy based on your particular needs.

3. Ensure You Have Appropriate Insurance for Relevant Hazards: Most homeowner insurance policies do not cover damage from earthquakes and floods. Talk with your insurance professional if you reside in a flood zone or are at risk for flooding or mudflows.

Save For an Emergency

Americans at all income levels have experienced the challenges of rebuilding their lives after a disaster or other emergency. In these stressful circumstances, having access to personal financial, insurance, medical, and other records is crucial for starting the process of recovery quickly and efficiently. Taking the time now to collect and secure these critical records will give you peace of mind and, in the event of an emergency, will ensure that you have the documentation needed to start the recovery process without delay.

In addition to financially saving for an emergency, it is also important to stock up on essential items you may need, but might not have access to in the event of an emergency. A large-scale disaster or unexpected emergency can limit your access to food, safe water, and medical supplies for days or weeks.

The Department of Homeland Security recommends you have a basic emergency supply kit that includes enough food and water for each of your family members for at least 72 hours — that’s 1 gallon of water per day per person and canned (nonperishable) food for three days. Other supplies on their list includes flashlights, extra batteries, a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio, a basic first-aid kit, trash bags for safe sanitary waste disposal, a week supply of prescription medications, pet supplies (if needed), as well as entertainment such as books, magazines, playing cards, and coloring books with crayons. It is also important to keep your emergency kit up to date, replacing water and perishables periodically.

Though National Preparedness Month concludes at the end of September, the conversation about emergency preparedness should not. Cheverie encourages residents to take action now by enrolling in a skills class such as CPR or Stop the Bleed, participating in community exercises, and volunteering to support local first responders.

“The good news is that it is never too late to prepare for a public health emergency,” he said. “You can create plans, make healthy choices, and download free resources, such as the Ready Genesee and Orleans Aware Mobile Apps to stay informed and up-to-date on what is happening in your local community.”

The Ready Genesee and Orleans Aware Mobile Apps are free and available to everyone using an iOS or an Android device. The apps can be downloaded directly from the App Store or Google Play.

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Items will be given to sexual assault victims

Photo by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – The Medina and Albion Rotary clubs today donated toiletries and new clothing to Medina Memorial Hospital with the items to be given to sexual assault victims. Those victims often have their clothing taken to be used as evidence.

The Rotary clubs are given new shirts, sweatpants and underwear to the hospital, which sees about 50 sexual assault victims each year at the emergency room. Rotary is also giving 100 bags with toiletries for showers.

Pictured from left include Medina Rotary President Carl Tuohey, Albion Rotary President Karen Sawicz, Medina Memorial ER director Kaitlyn Miller, and Medina Rotarian Edee Hoffmeister. They are pictured at Fitzgibbons Public House in Medina, where the Rotary Club held its lunch meeting today.

Miller, the ER director at Medina Memorial, said the donations will help females and males who have been victims of sexual assault. Sometimes the hospital has to give them gowns or surgical scrubs because they aren’t other clothes available.

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Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the distribution of $25.2 million dollars in federal funding through the Opioid State Targeted Response Grant, which will expand critical initiatives to combat the opioid crisis. In the second year New York State has been awarded this grant, 19 additional counties have been selected to receive funding. Funding will be distributed to programs that offer prevention, treatment, and recovery services in high-need areas across the state to increase access to treatment, and reduce unmet need and overdose-related deaths.

“This opioid crisis devastates families and entire communities and we must do everything in our power to fight back against this very real threat to New Yorkers,” Governor Cuomo said. “It’s critical that we continue to lead the nation in implementing new, effective solutions to save lives, and this funding will provide the expanded services and treatment that those suffering from addiction so desperately need.”

Funding for the Opioid State Targeted Response Grant is administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Last year, 16 counties were recipients of the grant funding. This year, 19 additional counties have been identified as having high needs, for a total of 35 counties being supported through the second year of the grant. New counties to receive funding were designated as having high needs based on the number of opioid overdose deaths, hospitalizations involving opioids and residents leaving the county to access addiction treatment services.

The 19 counties awarded funding through the second year of the grant are: Suffolk, Broome, Oneida, Orange, Bronx, Cortland, Schenectady, Monroe, Richmond, Genesee, Nassau, Columbia, Kings, Herkimer, New York, Otsego, Dutchess, Queens, and Wayne. These counties will share more than $15 million to increase access to treatment through initiatives that include expanded mobile treatment, telepractice and peer services.

The Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, Inc. has been approved for $650,000.

In addition, these high-need counties will share more than $1.3 million to expand medication-assisted treatment and treatment transition for patients in local correctional facilities and state parole violator facilities.

Since taking office, Governor Cuomo has instituted an aggressive, multi-pronged approach to addressing the opioid epidemic by expanding access to traditional services, such as treatment programs, and recommending new, non-traditional services, including recovery centers and 24/7 open access centers. The governor has also worked to increase the availability of naloxone, resulting in more than 300,000 individuals in New York State receiving training to administer the opioid overdose reversal medication.

New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).

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Press Release, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand

WASHINGTON, DC – As NAFTA renegotiations resume with Canada this week, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, on Tuesday urged the Trump Administration to reject any trade agreement unless it protects New York dairy farmers.

Unfair Canadian trade policies limit American dairy producers’ access to the Canadian market, and Gillibrand called on the Administration to end these practices in any new trade negotiation. In addition, with the Administration’s trade war and historically low dairy prices continuing to harm dairy farmers, Gillibrand also called on the Trump Administration to immediately distribute authorized emergency relief payments to help support dairy producers.

“New York’s dairy farmers are struggling right now,” said Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “Milk prices are too low, our dairy insurance programs aren’t working, and the trade wars that President Trump started are hurting our dairy industry. As the Trump Administration renegotiates NAFTA, I am calling on the Trump Administration to guarantee that any final deal with Canada protects our dairy farmers. In addition, I am calling on the Secretary of Agriculture to immediately release the emergency relief payments that have been authorized for dairy farmers to help them bear the burden of the Trump Administration’s trade war. I will always fight for New York’s dairy industry in the Senate, and I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure that any new trade deals protect our dairy farmers.”

Gillibrand wrote to the United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to ensure that any new trade agreement creates opportunities for dairy farmers. Under NAFTA, American dairy producers have not benefited from fair trade or unrestricted access to the Canadian market for their products. Instead, Canadian dairy subsidies and discriminatory trade quotas restrict New York dairy producers from selling their products to the nearest trade market. Gillibrand called for any final agreement with Canada to prioritize the well-being of dairy farmers, end discriminatory practices, and establish fair trade opportunities.

Gillibrand also called on the Trump Administration to immediately distribute emergency relief funding for dairy farmers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced $12 billion in assistance to farmers across America. Dairy is supposed to receive an estimated $127 million, but there has been no clear explanation for how or when these payments will be issued. As historically low dairy prices and the Administration’s trade war continue to force dairy farmers to shoulder increasing amounts of debt to continue operating their farms, Gillibrand called on the USDA to issue these payments immediately to help keep farmers out of bankruptcy.

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File photo by Tom Rivers: This photo from Oct. 14, 2015 shows some of the 400-foot-high turbines in Sheldon, Wyoming County. Apex Clean Energy is proposing projects that would have taller turbines in Barre, and also the towns of Yates and Somerset.

The Western New York Public Health Alliance, which includes the public health departments in Orleans and seven other counties, is asking the state to make sure industrial wind turbines get a stringent environmental review that addresses local concerns.

The state, since it enacted the Article 10 process for siting large-scale wind energy project, has waived a thorough environmental review at the local level. By deeming the projects Type II actions a more detailed environmental review can be waived at the local level, The Western New York Public Health Alliance wrote in a letter to the Public Service Commission.

“Under the Article 10 legislation, our local boards of health home rule ability to take steps to safeguard the health and wellness of our residents and protect the environment within our counties has been put at risk,” according to a June 12 letter from the WNY Public Health Alliance.

The Alliance sent the letter to the Honorable Kathleen H. Burgess, secretary to the commissioner of the Public Service Commission. The Alliance today sent a press release to the media, drawing attention to the group’s stance on the issue.

“What is the State’s position and plan to ensure that our residents’ health is protected and the impacts on our local environment have been reviewed and vetted through the standard state assessments for projects of this magnitude?” the letter asks.

The Boards of Health for Niagara and Orleans have earlier sent a similar letter to the Public Service Commission, asking that environmental concerns over the projects be a high priority.

“Our membership believes that any project of this nature and magnitude only be considered following a complete and transparent process including all the standard environmental and health impact studies and local input,” the Alliance states in its letter. “The WNYPHA, lacking both the resource and expertise in this very broad matter, believe it is both reasonable and prudent to require a full SEQRA environmental review prior to any further consideration or action by the Article 10 Siting Board.”

The state has formed a seven-member Siting Board that includes two representatives from a local community where a project is proposed, as well as the chairman of the Department of Public Service, commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation, commissioner of the Department of Health, chairman of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, and the commissioner of Economic Development.

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State Sen Robert Ortt, chairman of the Senate’s Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Committee, is praising the passage of two laws that will assist people with autism and other developmental disabilities.

One of the new laws requires the state to establish new screening guidelines for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in children under four years old. Screening is a way to detect a disorder, such as autism, before the onset of symptoms. Previously, there had been no standardized screening approach for the early identification of autism, Ortt said.

Recent studies indicate that early detection and treatment have proven to be highly beneficial for the well-being of children who are on the autism spectrum, and thanks to this legislation, established and consistent screening guidelines will now be in place, he said.

“This will make certain that all parents and children, regardless of where they are tested, receive the most effective and beneficial methods that medical providers have to offer,” Ortt said.

The second new law creates a new optional identification card to help improve communication with people who have developmental disabilities. The new optional identification cards can be given to law enforcement or other first responders in an emergency and convey important details, such as potential difficulties with interpersonal communication or physical contact, or an inability to respond verbally, as well as additional contact information.

“Creation of an official document with consistent language, appearance, and application standards will improve the ability of individuals with developmental disabilities across the state to effectively communicate important information about their diagnoses,” Ortt said.

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Photo by Ginny Kropf: Jessica Downey, left, and Cindy Perry with Community Partners at Orleans Community Health display a poster board with information on prediabetes. Community Partners is offering classes in Medina and Albion on identifying those at risk and the prevention of type 2 diabetes.

Orleans Community Health’s Community Partners is offering a free 16-week workshop that has proven to help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes, according to Cindy Perry, director of outreach, education and marketing at Community Partners.

“Just making small changes in diet and exercise can be beneficial,” Perry said. “Exercise, which can just be cleaning house, can make a big difference.”

The Prevent T2 Lifestyle Change workshops will be offered at locations in Albion and Medina.

The Albion location will be at the Orleans County Health Department, with classes from 9 to 10 a.m., beginning Sept. 26.

In Medina, the classes are scheduled from 6 to 7 p.m. at Community Partners, 200 Ohio St. (Medina Memorial Hospital).

Trainers (or coaches) will be Perry and Jessica Downey.

“We are offering a night class to accommodate people who have careers during the day,” Downey said.

Individuals will learn skills to make lasting lifestyle changes, including healthy eating, adding physical activity to their lives, managing stress and staying motivated.

A study conducted by the Center for Disease Control showed that nine out of 10 people don’t know they have prediabetes, and those who took part in a structured lifestyle change program cut their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent (71 percent for people over 60).

The study was so successful, it was discontinued ahead of time, Perry said.

In a previous program sponsored by Community Partners, one participant lowered her A1c from 6.3 to 5.7, which is the very bottom of the pre-diabetes range. She also lost seven percent of her body weight.

“My goal was to prevent diabetes and lower my A1c,” said the woman, who asked to be identified only as Anna. “It is possible to achieve positive results. It does take dedication and isn’t always easy, but it is definitely worth it. The class really helped me to become healthier. I enjoyed the interaction from the other participants, and we helped each other to stay on track and remain motivated.”

The impact of taking this program can last for years to come, Perry said. After 10 years, people who complete the program are one-third less likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

To register for the program, call 798-9541 or e-mail NDPP@orleanscountyny.gov.

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Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that 100 percent of all New York State public colleges at The State University of New York and The City University of New York will have a food pantry or stigma-free food access for students in need by the end of the fall semester.

The accomplishment will make New York the first state in the nation to have such a comprehensive program to combat student hunger. Currently, as classes begin, nearly 90 percent of SUNY and CUNY campuses offer these services as part of the Governor’s “No Student Goes Hungry Program.”

“Hunger should never be a barrier for those seeking to achieve their dreams of a higher education,” Governor Cuomo said. “New York is proud to be the first state in the nation to require every public campus to have a food pantry, ensuring that our students have all they need on the path to success.”

In his 2018 State of the State address, the Governor announced a five-point plan to combat hunger for students in kindergarten through college. The plan seeks to provide healthy, locally-sourced meals to the almost one million children in New York who do not have access to the adequate nutrition they need. As part of that plan, the Governor tasked SUNY and CUNY with the establishment of physical food pantries on campus or stigma-free access to free food.

“Food insecurity can affect anyone, including the students enrolled in our campuses,” said SUNY Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson. “Under the Governor’s leadership and with incredible support from all 64 SUNY campuses and partnerships across the state, we are quickly changing not only the conversation about hunger on our campuses, but how we support our students in critical need. Together, we are providing needed nutrition, ending the stigma around food insecurity, and helping ensure no student is forced to drop out because of limited access to the healthy food they need.”

In 2018, directly following the Governor’s announcement, SUNY created a Food Insecurity Task Force, drawing members from a broad spectrum of constituencies, including students; staff; faculty; auxiliary food service providers; food bank associations; civic organizations; and community and philanthropic organizations, to study the issue of food insecurity on college campuses and recommend the necessary changes and best practices to alleviate this serious issue to date.

In addition to the expansion of and access to food pantries, the task force’s efforts have helped establish and grow innovative intervention programs on SUNY campuses, including mobile food trucks, local farm crop sharing, a subsidized on campus grocery store, and programming that allows students to “pay” a campus parking ticket in food donations to an on-campus pantry.

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