BATAVIA – The state announced today it is giving $820,000 to establish a methadone clinic in Batavia that will be open to people fighting opioid addictions in Orleans, Genesee and Wyoming counties.

The methadone clinic will have room for 150 people at the outpatient clinic. It will be located at 430 East Main St. and includes an 1,100-square-foot addition.

The site will work with patients who are chronically addicted and haven’t had success using Suboxone to fight heroin and prescription drug addictions, said John Bennett, executive director of Genesee-Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse.

GCASA took the lead on the project after seeing a rise in opioid addictions locally, including many fatal overdoses. Many local patients have been driving to Rochester or Buffalo daily to receive treatment at methadone clinics.

Bennett said the clinic in Batavia will take 12-14 months to get ready, which includes new construction and developing the program. He expects the site will begin seeing patients in February-March 2018.

It will help people battling addictions, and should also reduce crime in the community because many people with opioid addictions will commit burglaries and larcenies trying to feed their drug addictions.

“These are people already in our community struggling with drug addiction, heroin or prescription medication,” Bennett said today.

The methadone clinic will provide medicine and counseling for patients, as well as structured activities, Bennett said.

The $820,000 for GCASA is part of $8.2 million announced today by Gov. Andrew Cuomo for eight addiction treatment providers, serving 600 people total.

“This administration continues the fight against opioid and heroin addiction and this funding will help ensure more New Yorkers will get the help they need to get on the road to recovery,” Governor Cuomo said in a statement. “These new beds will help change lives and save lives, and bring us one step closer to a stronger and healthier New York for all.”

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If the Affordable Care Act is repealed, an estimated 2.7 million New Yorkers would lose coverage, including 4,522 in Orleans County, according to data from Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Repealing the Affordable Care Act – “Obamacare” – would also cost the state $595 million in lost federal revenue with Orleans County seeing a loss of $667,917 to the county government, according to Cuomo.

“The cost of a repeal of the Affordable Care Act, to state and local budgets and to the New Yorkers who depend on its health care coverage, is simply too high to justify,” Governor Cuomo said. “Since its implementation, the Affordable Care Act has become a powerful tool to lower the cost of health insurance for local governments and New Yorkers, and it is essential that the federal government does not jeopardize the health and livelihoods of millions of working families.”

The NY State of Health exchange has cut the percentage of uninsured New Yorkers in half, from 10 percent to 5 percent. It has also significantly expanded eligibility and access to health coverage, allowing hundreds of thousands of previously uninsured New Yorkers to achieve economic and healthcare security, Cuomo said.

George Gresham, President, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, said, “New York’s healthcare workers see the positive impact of the Affordable Care Act every day. Our patients are able to access preventative care instead of coming to emergency rooms in states of advanced illness. Our employers have reduced losses from uncompensated care. Our friends and relatives are relieved of the fear that getting sick equals financial ruin. Repealing the Affordable Care Act without an adequate replacement would have immediate and devastating consequences for millions of our fellow New Yorkers and for state and local budgets. We applaud Governor Cuomo’s leadership in educating New Yorkers about costs and are proud to stand with him to advocate for the health all New Yorkers,”

Bea Grause, President of the Healthcare Association of New York, said, “In addition to providing care to those in need, hospitals are major employers in communities all across the state. Repeal of the ACA could have tremendous consequences for the delivery of healthcare and also in terms of jobs and economic activity. It’s imperative that Congress be mindful of this reality. I’m pleased to join the Governor in this important effort to protect New Yorkers.”

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Press Release, YWCA of Genesee County

BATAVIA – Just two years after launching the Care+Crisis Helpline throughout Genesee County, YWCA will be adding another component of the GLOW region to its list of customers as of Jan. 1, 2017.

Helpline staff has surpassed initial goals by thousands, with more than 14,780 calls and Live Chats taken in 2016. The addition of Orleans, a county bordering the northern section of Bergen west to Alabama, will mean the potential for thousands more calls fielded by trained Helpline specialists 24 hours a day.

This is a tremendous opportunity to offer Orleans County residents the same life-saving services and support that has been provided to Genesee County since Jan. 1, 2015, Helpline Program Manager Holly Baxter said.

“This includes working to prevent the suicide of those who are actively suicidal and to offer hope and caring to people in crisis,” Baxter said. “Every person in Orleans County who is going through a crisis can now find the help, support and encouragement that they need to solve their problems and have hope for tomorrow 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

YWCA is not the first agency to join forces with Orleans County – it has happened with Community Action and Mental Health Association to name two – and this partnership will only enhance the human services already available there, Executive Director Jeanne Walton said.

“Care+Crisis Helpline staff is continuously trained and updated on all forms of crisis, from substance abuse and terminal illness to domestic violence and mental health issues,” Walton said. “We are grateful to Orleans County officials for allowing us the opportunity to share this expertise in a compassionate way through the Helpline.”

There are several reasons why this move makes sense, said Mark O’Brien, director of Mental Health and Community Services at Orleans County. First and foremost, the Helpline has a “strong record” of successfully working with Genesee County.

“We do a lot of shared services and coordination with Genesee County Mental Health. We share constituents and consumers between our agencies,” he said. “The Helpline has an ability to handle a greater volume of calls and make referrals as needed. It supports our efforts to be more community-based and accessible.”

Orleans County Mental Health has made great strides in offering access to the public, including a satellite office at each of the five county school districts. His agency has Mobile Mental Health Crisis teams that serve children and adults, and ongoing cooperative efforts with county law enforcement.

“The Care+Crisis Helpline will be a primary way to triage and activate them,” O’Brien said. “This combines it all into one place.”

The Helpline is available 24/7 for any type of crisis and is free and confidential for callers. For more information, call toll-free at (844) 345-4400 or (585) 344-4400 or go to ywcagenesee.org and click on the Live Chat box that appears.

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Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Orleans County Legislator Ken DeRoller, left, and Nicole Cummings, a nuclear medicine technologist, look over a new nuclear medicine camera for radiology this afternoon at Medina Memorial Hospital.

The hospital spent about $300,000 to acquire the new equipment that replaces one that was 16 years old. The new nuclear medicine camera does quicker scans, with half the radiation dosage. The scans are also more accurate, said Jennifer Maynard, the director of imaging and cardia services for the hospital.

The hospital celebrated the new equipment with a ribbon-cutting today. Pictured from left include: Cindy Perry, director of Outreach, Education and Marketing for Community Partners; Dr. Dale Sponaugle, radiologist; Nicole Cummings, a nuclear medicine technologist; Jennifer Maynard, director of imaging and cardiac services for the hospital; and Sean Mulligan, CT and Molecular Imaging Product Sales Specialist at GE Healthcare.

Local officials look over the new equipment. Paul Pettit, public health director in Orleans County, is at far right. He congratulated the hospital and its parent organization, Orleans Community Health, for the upgrade.

“I applaud Orleans Community health for the continued investment in bringing new technology to Orleans County residents,” Pettit said.

Jennifer Maynard holds up a cake to celebrate the new nuclear medicine camera. The equipment can be used to check for cancer, thyroid problems, heart conditions and other health issues.

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Mary Anne Fischer has led the organization since 1992

Mary Anne Fischer

ALBION – The chief executive officer of Hospice of Orleans since 1992 has announced her retirement.

Mary Anne Fischer has the the organization in its push to expand programs for people battling advanced illnesses and to offer support for their families and loved ones.

“Through her guidance and dedication, Mary Anne has developed Hospice of Orleans through its infancy to the highly regarded state that it is today,” Hospice said in a news release. “Her involvement was vital in providing the community of Orleans County the level of care that has become a high quality standard and was the shepherd in conceptually constructing and opening the doors of the Martin-Linsin Residence in 2012, which has served so many patients and families.”

The Martin-Linsin Residence opened behind Hospice’s administrative building on Route 31 after a $2.3 million capital campaign. The 8,500-square-foot hospice home has rooms for eight residents. There is 24-hour-a-day nursing care.

File photo by Tom Rivers: Mary Anne Fischer is pictured with Cora Goyette, who served as Hospice’s development director during the campaign to build the Martin-Linsin Residence.

Hospice serves about 130 patients a year, with most receiving care in their homes.

The Martin-Linsin Residence provides “a home away from home” for residents with complex medical issues, Fischer has said.

The eight residential suites were designed to accommodate visitors and allow family members to stay overnight. The site includes a family kitchen, lounge and dining room, spa area with therapy tub, family meeting room, a chapel and an indoor courtyard.

Fischer was praised by Hospice officials for her “tireless efforts” for nearly a quarter of a century.

Joel Allen, Hospice’s director of finance and facilities management, will assume the duties of chief operating officer. The board of directors for Hospice will soon begin a search for a new chief executive officer.

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Four of the five school districts in Orleans County are waiting for the results to see if there are elevated lead levels in the water outlets.

New York State on Sept. 6 passed a new law requiring water in schools be tested for lead. The state gave the school until Oct. 31 to get the tests done.

Albion, Holley, Lyndonville and Medina have all been tested, but they are waiting for the results.

Medina tested drinking fountains and water outlets in the spring and the results showed no spots had elevated levels, said Mark Kruzynski, the district’s business administrator. Medina did that before the state law was enacted.

However, the state’s new mandate required expansive testing, including any source of water, Kruzynski said.

“Now we have to test all every possible place where water comes out,” Kruzynski said today.

The schools hired contractors to do the tests. Only Kendall has the results back and Kendall’s showed one classroom sink in the Jr./Sr. Science wing is above acceptable levels for lead. The affected sink will be posted as unacceptable for drinking, but is safe for hand washing, Julie Christensen, the school district superintendent, said last week.

In the Kendall Elementary School, six outlets located in low-use classrooms/restrooms tested above the acceptable threshold for lead. Christensen said of those six, four are located in limited-use office areas. She said signs in those areas indicate sinks should only be used for hand washing and three affected water fountains will be shut off until they are replaced.

In Buffalo, 18 city schools have tested positive for elevated levels of lead, The Buffalo News reported today.

Before the new law was approved on Sept. 6, schools in New York were not required to test their drinking water for lead, or notify parents or government officials of results.

“These rigorous new protections for New York’s children include the toughest lead contamination testing standards in the nation, and provide clear guidance to schools on when and how they should test their water,” Governor Cuomo said on Sept. 6. “As children begin another school year, I’m proud to sign this legislation, which marks a major step forward in protecting the public health and ensuring the future growth and success of students across the state.”

(Includes reporting by correspondent Kristina Gabalski.)

ALBION – Many red ribbons are tied on branches, railings and signs at the Genesee-Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse at 249 East Ave., Albion.

This week is Red Ribbon Week and GCASA staff are visiting local schools to push an anti-drug message.

The National Family Partnership started the Red Ribbon Week in 1985 in response to the murder of DEA Agent Enrique Camarena. His death angered parents and youth across the country and many began wearing Red Ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raise awareness of the killing and destruction caused by drugs in America.

Locally, GCASA spreads that message throughout the year. This week GCASA has a big show of support for Red Ribbon Week.

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Brian Krieger, executive director of the Albion Running Club, and Margy Brown (center) present a check for $5,708.83 to Hospice of Orleans Development Coordinator Brittany Dix.

Provided photos

ALBION – The 20th anniversary Brown’s Berry Patch race on Oct. 8 raised a record $5,708.83 for Hospice of Orleans. That brings the total since 1996 to more than $45,000.

The top picture shows runners and walkers at the beginning of the 5-kilometer course.

This year’s 5K run and Memory Walk was in memory of Libby Jurs, a beloved school nurse at Kendall who died last Dec. 12 after a long battle with ovarian cancer and, more recently, leukemia.

The race was organized by the Albion Running Club and the Brown family. About 130 runners and walkers completed the course.

The race proceeds saw a big increase due to generous sponsors whose names are on the race/walk T-shirts.

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

This week is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. The Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming County Health Departments encourage you to learn about lead, lead poisoning, and the importance of preventative testing in order to make our community a healthier one.

Lead is a metal found in the earth and it is a poison. For years, lead was used in paint, gas, plumbing and many other items. Since the late-1970’s lead paint was banned in the United States, however other countries may not have regulations regarding the use of lead products.

Lead can be found in the soil, deteriorated paint, household dust, contaminated drinking water from old plumbing, lead-glazed pottery, some metal jewelry, and at some jobsites (typically construction, manufacturing and mining).

Lead poisoning is preventable but when ingested, even a small amount can cause severe and lasting harm. Exposure to lead can happen from breathing air or dust, eating contaminated foods, or drinking contaminated water. All houses built prior to 1978 are likely to contain some lead-based paint.  According to the CDC, approximately 24 million housing units have deteriorated leaded paint and elevated levels of lead-contaminated house dust.

Lead dust, fumes and paint chips can cause serious health problems. Too much lead in the human body can cause serious damage to the brain, nervous system and red blood cells. Everyone, young and old, can be affected if exposed, but children and pregnant women are considered at highest risk.

Young children between 6 months and 6 years old are more likely to suffer health problems from lead exposure. Lead poisoning can slow a child’s physical growth and mental development and may cause behavior problems, intellectual disability, kidney and liver damage, blindness and even death.

“New York State Department of Health requires health care providers to obtain a blood lead test for all children at age 1 and again at age 2,” said Brenden Bedard, Director of Community Health Services for Genesee and Orleans Counties. “Up to age 6, your doctor or nurse should ask you about ways your child may have had contact with lead. Pregnant women are at high risk because lead can pass from mother to her unborn baby, as well as be responsible for high blood pressure and miscarriage. Also, be concerned if you or someone in your home has a hobby or job that brings them in contact with lead.”

Prevention is the key! Protect yourself and your family from possible lead exposure by talking to your Primary Care Provider about lead testing. There are also many precautions that can be taken to protect yourself and your family. Here are a few: Prior to consuming food, make sure hands are washed; clean your home weekly; do not allow your child to chew on something that is dirty; avoid wearing shoes in the house; and hire a qualified professional if you suspect there is lead in your home that you want removed.

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