Press Release, Hospice of Orleans

ALBION – Hospice of Orleans is pleased to announce that it has received a generous grant for furniture upgrades to the Martin-Linsin Residence which opened in 2012. A check in the amount of $10,000 was received through the Orleans County Foundation, Inc.

“The Martin-Linsin Residence has served nearly 200 patients and their families since opening its doors in 2012,” said Brittany Dix, Development Manager. “Our staff has discovered some typical wear and tear on some of the well-used furniture.”

The grant will allow Hospice to purchase furniture in each of the patient rooms as well as in the communal area, and also will allow for the purchase of larger televisions for each of the patient rooms.

“This is especially significant as some patients spend a good deal of their time in their rooms, and watching television is something they can initiate independently,” Dix said. “This furniture upgrade and purchase of larger televisions will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the quality of life for our patients and the family members that visit.”

Hospice of Orleans extends sincere gratitude to the Elizabeth Dye Curtis Trust and the Orleans County Foundation for this very generous grant and helping Hospice of Orleans to provide care that is about living.

For more information on Hospice of Orleans, Inc. services and supports, call the office at 585-589-0809 or visit the website at www.hospiceoforleans.org.

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Photo and article courtesy of the Arc of Genesee Orleans

ALBION – Ann Marie Suttell, left, of the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation watches students at Rainbow Preschool in Albion engage in dramatic play therapy as teacher Nancy Ellison, right, points out options.

The foundation donated $2,500 toward the dramatic play therapy program today. This program at Rainbow Preschool helps developmentally disabled children learn to cope with, and be successful in, stress-causing environments such as the doctor’s office, grocery shopping, or going out to a restaurant.

Children with disabilities often have difficulty adjusting to new settings, noise, lighting, communicating with new people or cooperating with doctor’s exams. Playing out a potentially stressful scenario with guidance from a therapist proves extremely beneficial for children with developmental delays or autism, according to the Arc of Genesee Orleans.

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Photo by Tom Rivers: Ashley Eagan, program manager for the Alzheimer’s Association Rochester & Finger Lakes, speaks with the Albion Rotary Club last Thursday about the organization’s efforts to increase services in Orleans County.

The Alzheimer’s Association Rochester & Finger Lakes Region has increased its outreach and services in Orleans County this year.

“We’re really trying to connect to Orleans County,” said Ashley Eagan, program manager for the Alzheimer’s Association Rochester & Finger Lakes. “We have resources available. We just need individuals to take advantage of them.”

Eagan addressed the Albion Rotary Club last Thursday. She said the population in Western New York and the Finger Lakes is aging. The Alzheimer’s Association has services for caregivers and people battling the disease.

The Alzheimer’s Association has two community events scheduled for Wednesday in Albion.

There will be representatives from the Alzheimer’s Association for social activities at the Albion Free Methodist Church from 11 a.m. to noon. The church is located at 25 S. Platt St.

The association will lead a discussion, “Effective Communication Strategies,” at Hoag Library from 6 to 7 p.m.. The library is located at 134 South Main St.

The association also has programs each month at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina, the Concordia Lutheran Church in Kendall, and the Orleans County YMCA in Medina.

For more information or to register for a program, call 585.760.5400 or toll free at 800.272.3900. More information on Alzheimer’s is available at www.alz.org/rochesterny.

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Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced the formation of the New York State Suicide Prevention Task Force that includes leaders from state agencies, local governments, not-for-profit groups, and other recognized experts in suicide prevention. The creation of the Task Force was first announced in Governor Cuomo’s 2017 State of the State.

“The rise in the number of suicides nationwide is unacceptable, and New York will continue to make suicide awareness and prevention a top priority until we put an end to this epidemic,” Governor Cuomo said. “The Suicide Prevention Task Force will focus on high-risk communities and groups to build on our efforts to address this challenge, and help build a stronger, healthier New York for all.”

The Task Force will be co-chaired by Christopher Tavella, PhD, Executive Deputy Commissioner of the New York State Office of Mental Health, and Peter Wyman, PhD, Professor Department of Psychiatry at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. A full list of Task Force members can be found by clicking here.

Task Force members will examine and evaluate current suicide prevention programs services, and policies. Members will then make recommendations to increase access, awareness, and support for children, adolescents and adults in need of assistance. The Task Force will also explore methods to address and prevent bullying and cyber-bullying, which negatively impact an individual’s mental health and in some cases have caused a number of children and young adults to take their own lives.

A Focus on High Risk Groups

The Task Force will focus on suicide prevention targeting high-risk demographic groups and special populations, including members of the LGBT community, veterans, individuals with mental illness, and individuals struggling with alcohol and drug use. Veterans in New York State represent more than 15 percent of suicides, while nationally, LGBT adolescents are four times more likely to have attempted suicide than their non-LGBT peers.

Other high risk populations include middle-aged men and Latina adolescents.

New York has the fifth largest total number of suicides in the nation, with 1,652 in 2015, and it is estimated that for every suicide death there are 25 non-fatal attempts. In 2014, there were more than 21,000 hospitalizations and emergency department visits for self-inflicted injuries in New York State, and adolescents made up a disproportionately high number of these injuries.

The formation of this Task Force makes good on the Governor’s promise to prioritize suicide prevention and address the need for increased awareness of support services in every community across the state.

Ann Marie T. Sullivan, M.D., Commissioner of the NYS Office of Mental Health, said, “With a problem as complex as suicide, it is critical to have a well-coordinated, collective effort that includes our health and behavioral healthcare systems, as well as our schools, communities and other stakeholders. The Governor’s Task Force will help us to collaborate and share the best available information and practices.”

State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia said, “The sad reality is that suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people and it is a tragedy that reverberates throughout the entire community. Through our continuing partnership with the Office of Mental Health and now with the Suicide Prevention Task Force, we can—and have to—reduce the number of suicides and promote mental health across the state.”

State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II said, “Our Troopers witness the heartbreak and devastation left behind when a person chooses to take their own life. We are committed to working with our task force partners to examine the causes and find solutions that will help support those who are in need of assistance.”

Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez said, “Sadly, for many people, suicide and substance use disorders are linked, and the approach to their care needs to reflect this reality. The NYS Suicide Prevention Task Force will strengthen our ability to provide the comprehensive care that vulnerable New Yorkers need.”

OMH’s Suicide Prevention Office was created in 2014 to coordinate all OMH-sponsored suicide prevention activities. The SPO also funds the Suicide Prevention Center of New York, which provides free or low-cost educational and training sessions to individuals, agencies, schools and community groups to raise awareness and reduce the incidence of suicide in New York. More information is available by clicking here.

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ALBION – Lisa Franclemont, coordinator of cancer services program of Genesee and Orleans counties, introduces some of the cancer survivors at today’s walk at Watt Farms.

About 200 participants today raised money for cancer screenings and to support people battling cancer in Orleans and Genesee counties.

Watt Farms for 11 years was a host for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. Several hundred people attended that walk each year and raised $350,000 for the American Cancer Society. Watt Farms last year shifted to a more local focus for the fundraising effort.

This group Holley firefighters attended the walk. Holley has sent a contingent of firefighters to the walk for several years.

Ella Suhr is now a one-year cancer survivor after being treated for a brain tumor last year. She is pictured with her parents, Joe and Maegen Suhr of Lyndonville.

Albion chorus students sang the national anthem. The group includes Taylor Walczak, Riley Seielstad, Victor Benjovsky, Zachary Moore, Enoch Martin and director Gary Simboli.

Albion cheerleaders provided encouragement along the walk.

Keira Lemcke of Albion celebrated her father Kevin and grandmother Peggy, who are both cancer survivors.

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Provided photos, Orleans Community Health

MEDINA – Staff at Medina Memorial Hospital (Orleans Community Health) on Friday dressed in pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This photo shows nurses Rebecca Mannella, left, and Mary Dunham.

“Buzzy” joins in raising awareness for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Anthony Drisdom, supervisor of registration and a financial counselor at the hospital, dressed in a pink shirt to show his support for the cause.

The hospital urges early detection of breast cancer which can save lives.

The Cancer Services Program offers free screenings at no cost to men (yes, men can get breast cancer, too) and women who:

• Do not have health insurance or have health insurance that doesn’t cover the screenings
• Cannot pay for these screenings
• Meet age requirements
• Live in NYS

For more information, call the Cancer Services Program of Genesee and Orleans County at 585-798-9541 or 585-344-5497.

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File photo by Tom Rivers: Carlton firefighters put out a big brush fire on Aug. 29, 2015.

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation to deliver health care benefits to volunteer firefighters who have been diagnosed with certain cancers.

“New York is forever grateful to the 96,000 volunteer firefighters who selflessly put their own personal safety at risk in order to keep their neighbors and communities safe,” Governor Cuomo said. “With this measure, we will provide these courageous New Yorkers the protections they need and the peace of mind they deserve.”

Currently, volunteer firefighters are eligible for accidental disability and death benefits through Workers’ Compensation if they are injured in the line of duty. Effective January 1, 2019, firefighters will also be eligible for health benefits to support treatment for life-threatening cancers.

Under the bill (S1411B- A711B), volunteer firefighters who contract certain cancers will receive access to tax free disability and death benefits. Specifically, volunteer firefighters diagnosed with lung, prostate, breast, lymphatic, hematological, digestive, urinary, neurological, reproductive systems, or melanoma cancer will be automatically eligible for health benefits if:

• Upon entry to volunteer, a physical exam did not show any evidence of the cancers covered by this bill;

• Individuals have at least five years of service fighting fire in the interior of buildings; and

• The firefighter is currently active or within 5 years of his or her last active date.

Kenneth Pienowski, President of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York said, “This is a great day for New York State. Governor Andrew Cuomo and our elected representatives in Albany have acted to decisively protect those who protect the people of this great state. New York’s brave volunteer firefighters now have the protections and help they need in the tragic event of a cancer diagnosis. We are tremendously grateful to the Governor for his action. We also thank State Senator Joseph Griffo, Assemblymember Aileen Gunther, Assemblymember Anthony Brindisi, and Assemblymember Brian Kolb for their leadership and support through this entire process. Because of them, the future generation of volunteer firefighters will not have to face cancer alone.”

John P. Sroka, President of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs said, “All firefighters, regardless of whether they are paid or volunteer, fight identical fires. Because of this, all firefighters should be treated equally and receive equal benefits in the event of a cancer diagnosis. Thanks to Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, this is now a reality. New York’s selfless volunteers, who sacrifice so much to protect all of us, now have the benefits that they need. The Fire Chiefs of New York applaud Governor Cuomo and the Legislature for their actions today and throughout this year’s session.”

Thomas Rinaldi, President of the Association of Fire Districts of the State of New York said, “The Fire Districts of New York are grateful to Governor Andrew Cuomo and bill sponsors State Senator Joseph Griffo, Assemblymember Aileen Gunther, and Assemblymember Anthony Brindisi for protecting New York State’s brave volunteer firefighters. Presumptive cancer coverage is an essential benefit for 21st century firefighters, and the signing of this legislation ensures that all firefighters in New York State will be equipped for 21st century fires. It is fitting that volunteers who sacrifice their time, safety, and health to protect their communities now have essential assistance available in their times of need.”

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Provided photo: Kendall seventh-grader Cameron Faulks warns about the dangers of smoking.

Press Release, Tobacco-Free WNY

KENDALL – Youth in Kendall and across New York State declared Friday, October 13, as the first-ever “Seen Enough Tobacco Day.”

The day gives youth a chance to protect themselves and other children from the billions of dollars of tobacco promotions in places where they and other youth can see and be influenced by them. The goal is to put an end to youth smoking and other tobacco use.

Youth advocates of Reality Check New York and Kendall Junior-Senior High School showed their community they’ve “Seen Enough Tobacco” in graphic and creative ways outside their school. Students chalked the walkway with alarming statistics on tobacco promotion. They also posted and carried colorful posters and hand signs encouraging them to take action as well.

According to the U. S. Surgeon General, “advertising and promotional activities by tobacco companies have been shown to cause the onset and continuation of smoking among adolescents and young adults.” The day is part of the overall statewide “Seen Enough Tobacco” initiative.

“We know that most adult tobacco smokers first tried tobacco as kids,” said Maansi Bansal-Travers, PhD, a research scientist with the Department of Health Behavior at Roswell Park Cancer Institute who focuses on tobacco advertising and promotion.  “Decreasing exposure to tobacco products and tobacco advertising is critical to decreasing youth smoking today.”

“The average age of a new smoker in New York State is 13,” said Reality Check member and Kendall eighth grader Shaylee Stoner. “We need to make people in our community aware of this and take action.”

“Reality Check is a youth-led, adult supported movement,” said Reality Check coordinator for Tobacco-Free GLOW, Shelly Wolanske. “These youth work hard not only for ‘Seen Enough Tobacco Day,’ but every day to advocate for change and create a tobacco-free generation.”

Findings on youth tobacco use and tobacco industry marketing in places where children and young adolescents can see them indicate:

• The average age of a new smoker is 13 years old, and 90 percent of adult smokers say they first tried smoking by age 18.
• The U.S. tobacco industry spent an estimated $9.5 billion on advertising and promotion of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco in 2013. This includes nearly $220 million annually in New York State, or nearly $602,000 a day.
• Stores popular among adolescents contain almost three times more tobacco marketing materials compared to other stores in the same community.

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Provided photo

ALBION – The Care Net Center of Greater Orleans has a new location at 168 South Main St., Suite #2. The organization, which started nearly 27 years ago, moved late last month from the Freeze Dry building on West Avenue across from McDonalds. Freeze Dry is expanding and needed the additional  office space.

Care Net is happy with its new offices in a highly visible plaza that includes Subway, KFC, Family Dollar, Chia Sen and Rent-A-Center.

“It’s really a blessing,” Kimberly Scott, Care Net executive director, said about the new location.

Care Net served 539 clients in 2016. The center has a pro-life mission and provides services for free, including pregnancy testing, parenting classes, limited ultrasounds, STI testing and education, and material aid for enrolled clients.

Photos by Tom Rivers: The new Care Net offices, which opened on Oct. 3, include four material aid rooms, up from one at the former location. Jocelyn Wilson, left, is the client advocate and Kimberly Scott is the executive director. They are pictured in a material aid room, a “Blessing Boutique” for girls, which includes lots of clothes.

There is also a material aid room with clothes and supplies for boys.

Sally Grout, the nurse manager, is pictured with a new ultrasound machine that Care Net purchased for $13,000 in June. The ultrasound machine confirms heart beats and pregnancies. Care Net held several fundraisers to pay for the machine, and also received donations from the Knights of Columbus and the recently disbanded Habitat for Humanity.

The offices have new carpet and paint throughout the suite. The staff includes, left to right, Jocelyn Wilson, Sally Grout, Kimberly Scott, and Sharon Sugar, the office manager.

Care Net is open Mondays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and by appointments. The organization has its annual “Walk for Life” this Saturday at Mount Albion Cemetery at 10 a.m., with registration starting at 9 a.m.

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Photos by Tom Rivers

KNOWLESVILLE – Hahn, a black lab, meets Mia Slick, 10, of Albion during Family Game Night on Thursday at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.

Al Cheverie, the emergency preparedness coordinator for the health departments in Orleans and Genesee counties, brought Hahn to the Game Night. Hahn is Cheverie’s dog. He is bringing Hahn to public events to help teach children about emergency preparedness.

Hahn is wearing a reflective backpack. Inside there are bottles of water, treats, cleanup bags and a collapsible water bowl for Hahn.

The dog made his public debut as Health Department spokesdog on Sept. 30 at the Kendall Scarecrow Festival.

Cheverie pushed for Hahn to be the spokesdog after hearing about Fred the Preparedness Dog in Kansas. Fred has his own website (click here) that teaches about emergency preparedness.

Hahn is named after the fire truck manufacturing company. Cheverie is a long-time member of the Albion Fire Department, which has a fire truck, Engine 30, made by Hahn.

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By Nola Goodrich-Kresse, Health Educator and Public Information Officer for Orleans County Health Department

Although we are moving into fall, conditions are still conducive for mosquitoes. Recent reports of confirmed positive pools of West Nile Virus (WNV) mosquitoes have been reported across the region including two unvaccinated horses in Orleans County which acquired West Nile Virus. The horses had not been outside of the county. Both are doing well and recovering.

Take action

“You can prevent WNV and other mosquito borne diseases by properly using insect repellant, wearing long sleeves and pants when practical, screening windows and draining standing water,” stated Paul Pettit, Director of the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

Typically the mosquitoes that transmit WNV breed in very small and dirty pools of water (as opposed to ponds and lakes).  Common breeding sites include old tires, roof rain gutters, bird baths, wheelbarrows, and any other item that will hold small amounts of water for several days. Make sure all areas where there is standing water are drained frequently or removed to limit mosquito breeding areas.

“Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn, try to minimize exposure by staying indoors during these hours or making sure you are properly using an effective insect repellant,” reminded Pettit.

Choose an effective insect repellant

The CDC recommends a variety of effective products to avoid mosquito bites.  Check the label for one of the following active ingredients: DEET, Picaridin, IR 3535 and oil of lemon eucalyptus.

Most pediatricians recommend using products with 30 percent or less of these ingredients on children. Once you’ve bought an insect repellent, read the instructions carefully and use it whenever you and your children are outdoors. Put a few bottles or packets of repellent anywhere you might need them – in the car, by the door, in your bag. Make it easy so you’ll remember.

Most individuals, 70 to 80 percent, who contract WNV do not develop any symptoms. Those who do develop symptoms, about 1 in 5, will experience a fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash for several weeks or months. In rare cases, less than 1 percent, experience serious neurological illness, such as encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues). If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or have specific concerns about WNV, talk with your healthcare provider.

For more information about vector-borne diseases (transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas), click here.

If you have additional questions or concerns about flooding health risks contact:

• Orleans County Health Department at: 589-3278 or check out our website by clicking here. Visit Facebook and Twitter: the user name for both is OrleansCoHealth.
• Genesee County Health Department at: 344-2580 ext. 5555 or visit their website by clicking here. Visit Facebook at Genesee County Health Department and Twitter at GeneseeCoHealthDept.

BARRE – There will be dozens of firefighters and other first responders on Hill Road in Barre on Saturday morning in a mass casualty drill.

The scenario will include a school bus laying on a truck. Firefighters will practice extrication with the bus, removing chunks of the bus to remove passengers. Firefighters and other first responders will also practice a triage setup.

Firefighters from Orleans and Genesee counties will be joined in the drill by law enforcement officers, Department of Health staff, doctors and workers from Medina Memorial Hospital and the United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia, and emergency management personnel.

First responders are expected to start the drill on Hill Road at about 8 a.m., said Al Cheverie, the county’s emergency preparedness coordinator.

The county will handle emergency communications through the backup dispatch center at the Orleans County Emergency Management Office on West Countyhouse Road. The drill will give dispatchers a chance to test the backup equipment, which has recently been upgraded, Cheverie said.

Lyons Collision in Medina is bringing a school bus to the scene. Firefighters will practice using equipment to make openings on top of the bus and on the bottom.

“We will review our mutual aid plan,” Cheverie said about the drill, which is expected to include firefighters from Albion, Barre, Carlton and East Shelby in Orleans County, as well as Elba and Oakfield in Genesee County. “We are looking for our strengths and our weaknesses.”

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