Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH)

09/23/2023

ECDOH distributes free condoms at locations throughout Erie County, including the Rath Building, the Jesse Nash Health Center at 608 William St. in Buffalo.

Organizations and businesses can request free condoms by sending an email to [email protected] or call (716) 858-7277.

See our searchable map:
https://www3.erie.gov/health/condom-distribution

09/22/2023

Thank you, Genesee County Emergency Management Services, for sending our new ambulance crew a beautiful bouquet of flowers and very kind note as we gear up to start service on Monday morning.

Very much appreciated by the team!

🚑💐❤️

09/22/2023

09/22/2023

ECDOH is participating in next week's 3rd Annual BNMC Food as Medicine Symposium, “Transformative Practices for Health."

Join us virtually or in person September 27 and 28 at the Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences - University at Buffalo. A series of panels will highlight partners’ food and nutrition practices that are rooted in integrity, accountability, and transparency in creating meaningful and sustainable change in health outcomes. Workshops will offer opportunities for both professionals and community members to learn how to practice food as medicine in their everyday work.

Full agenda: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/food-as-medicine-symposium-2023-tickets-676106912977?aff=oddtdtcreator

09/22/2023

Older adults can be especially vulnerable during severe weather and power outages.
Here are 10 essential items for your emergency kit.

- Non-perishable food and water
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Sanitation and hygiene supplies
- Sleeping bags and warm blankets
- Communication devices
- Change of clothes and shoes - and socks!
- Eyeglasses and hearing aids, extra batteries
- Medication and equipment
- Health information and documents

www.nia.nih.gov/disaster-preparedness

Erie County Senior Services Erie County Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Services

09/21/2023

RELEASE: Erie County announces start of county-run ambulance service

Erie County officials joined with local municipal leaders and fire department representatives on September 21 to announce the start of a county-run ambulance service.

Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz, Commissioner of Health Dr. Gale Burstein and Deputy Commissioner of Health for Emergency Medical Services Gregory Gill, outlined the scope of this new program and presented newly acquired ambulance equipment in front of Colden Fire Company.

“In consultation with the first responder community and healthcare systems, we saw that Erie County could step in and fill in gaps that address transit time and the burdens on our local EMTs and paramedics,” said Poloncarz. “I thank the health department for designing this innovative program. It takes into account our community’s unique needs, and incorporates the valuable resources that already exist among our local volunteers and ambulance services.”

“Quality, responsive pre-hospital medical care is an important step to making sure people who suffer from a serious injury or acute illness attain the best outcomes possible,” said Dr. Burstein. “This service is a safety net for critical emergency response, especially during peak call volume hours and when special events exhaust local EMS resources. And starting Monday morning, this team will stand ready to assist.”

Erie County officials also introduced the program’s team – a director (who is also a paramedic), six paramedics and two advanced emergency medical technicians (AEMTs), with additional hiring planned. These employees completed two intensive weeks of training and skills assessment in addition to their existing certifications and coursework.

The Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) acquired two ambulances and two fly cars so far, and three more ambulances are on order. These vehicles, which will be equipped with GPS locators for precise location awareness, will be based at Colden Fire Company initially, with more stations planned as more equipment becomes available.

“These are centrally located spots within our initial coverage area, and we thank Colden Fire Company for providing the space and helping us get this program off the ground quickly,” said Deputy Commissioner Gregory Gill. Towns included in the current coverage area include Aurora, Boston, Colden, Collins, Eden, Holland, North Collins and Wales. “Our long-term plans will include constructing a Southtowns building designed as a base for our ambulance operations and a state-of-the-art EMS training facility.”

More: https://www3.erie.gov/health/press/erie-county-announces-start-county-run-ambulance-service

09/21/2023

As promised in my State of the County Address, Erie County, NY is launching an ambulance service in rural towns to ensure that no matter where you live, everyone has access to fast, reliable emergency services. Watch our announcement at 1PM: https://www.youtube.com/live/EpgrvmGVgH4?si=a8yleCqEiRU5rwJx

09/21/2023

Our Harm Reduction team and Cancer Services Program of Erie County will be at next week's Sadie Strong Health and Wellness Expo on Saturday, September 30 at Northland Workforce Training Center from 10am-2pm.
Stop by for health screenings, flu shots, health resources, workshops (healthy meal prep, ask the doctor, CPR training, Zumba), a farmer's market and more.

Discover the inspiring story behind the Sadie Strong Project - https://sadiestrong.org/sadie-2/

09/20/2023

If your home or business has a septic system, this post is for you.

We are in the middle of SepticSmart Week (September 18-22). What goes down the drain can have a big impact on your septic system.

Save time, money and worry in the long run with these helpful tips from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency:
🤔 Think at the Sink! Fats, grease, and solids can clog a system’s pipes and drainfield.
🚽 Don’t Overload the Commode! A toilet is not a trash can. Disposable diapers and wipes, feminine hygiene products, coffee grounds, cigarette butts, and cat litter can damage a septic system.
🚰 Don’t Strain Your Drain! Use water efficiently and stagger use of water-based appliances. Too much water use at once can overload a system that hasn’t been pumped recently.
🌳 Shield Your Field! Tree and shrub roots, cars, and livestock can damage your septic drainfield.
🧪 Keep It Clean! Contamination can occur when a septic system leaks due to improper maintenance. Be sure your drinking water is safe to drink by testing it regularly.
🔎 Protect It and Inspect It! Regular septic system maintenance can save homeowners thousands of dollars in repairs and protect public health.

More info at http://www.epa.gov/septicsmart
📺 Video: Think at the sink (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NK-DJYG9WuQ)

The web site provides guidance and technical assistance for homeowners, government officials, industry professionals, and EPA partners about how to properly develop and manage individual onsite and community cluster systems that treat domestic wastewater.

09/20/2023

The sixth annual Igniting Hope Conference with the Buffalo Center for Health Equity has a theme of Building a Healthy, Just Community For All. Register now! https://www.buffalohealthequity.org/conference

09/20/2023

Most people have felt picked on, put down, or left out by peers at some point in their life. Conflict between children, even friends, can be a normal part of development. But some aggressive behaviors cross the line into bullying.

National Institutes of Health (NIH) has information on addressing childhood bullying - when peer aggression goes too far

Conflict between kids, even friends, can be a normal part of growing up. But how do you know when it’s gone too far?

09/19/2023

We just finished up an emergency kit distribution at the Hulbert Library of the Town of Concord - great to see households building their emergency kits for home and vehicles.
Live Well Erie Erie County Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Services Erie County, NY Buffalo & Erie County Public Library - Central Library United Way of Buffalo & Erie County

On this national , we want to remind everyone of the importance of being prepared for disasters all year round.

Simple steps —such as knowing your evacuation routes or having an emergency kit — can save your life during an emergency.

Learn more: www.ready.gov/plan

09/19/2023

With schools back in session, we're sharing this message from the Upstate New York Poison Center. New routines can mean new distractions which could result in unintentional or intentional poisoning.

Make sure you have 800-222-1222 in your phone in case of a poisoning or for information purposes. The Center is available 24/7, 365 days a year to health professionals and the general public.

SAFETY TIPS THIS SCHOOL YEAR:
💊 MEDICATIONS: Teach children to never take medicine meant for someone else, it could be a deadly mistake. Keep all medicines up & away from children. Carefully read and follow directions and warnings on all labels before taking or giving medicine. Schools have medication policies, so be sure to find out what they are and discuss them with your child. Consider buying a medication lock box.
🔒 CANNABIS: Store cannabis & cannabis-containing products up high and out of reach and sight of children. If you can, in a medication lock box. Children exposed to cannabis may experience trouble walking, sleepiness, difficulty waking up, and trouble breathing.
🚸 PLAYGROUNDS: Playgrounds can be a breeding ground for poisonous and non-poisonous mushrooms. It is hard to tell the difference. Teach children to never pick a mushroom. If they do, wash their hands, and then call us.
🍕 SCHOOL LUNCH: Keep hot food hot and cold food cold to prevent food poisoning. Pack appropriate lunch items, like ice packs, to prevent food from spoiling. Washing fruits and vegetables beforehand helps remove dirt, bacteria, and pesticides. Encourage children to wash their hands every time before eating.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (September 12, 2023) – School is in session, and we remind all teachers, parents, and caregivers to remember to talk with your child(ren) about potential poisons at school. New routines can mean new distractions which could result in unintentional or intentional poisoning.

09/19/2023

Do you know the difference between a storm watch and a storm warning? Our friends at the Normal Fire Department went viral for their post explaining the difference and it is never a bad time to share this:

Watch: All the ingredients for a storm exist
Warning: There is a storm

09/18/2023

It’s peak week for asthma flares, ER visits and hospitalizations. Learn more about why and what you can do to help control asthma:
https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/asthma/brochures.htm

09/17/2023

In case you missed this message last month:
It sounds like something out of a horror movie.

You wake up at night to feel something touching your leg. A spider? No. A stray sock? No.

A bat. You feel a bat under your sheets, touching your leg, and as you jump and let out a shriek, it flies away and out a window. It's then that you notice a bright red scratch on your leg.

Our department gets calls like this often, and if something like this happens to you, we want to hear about it. Call (716) 961-6800 to report encounters with bats or other wildlife. You may be recommended for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP - rabies shots).

If you *can* catch the bat safely, please try so it can be sent for rabies testing.

https://www3.erie.gov/envhealth/rabies-ratsrodents-vectors-arboviruses-and-related-information #:~:text=bat%20encounters

09/17/2023

Are you and your family prepared in the event of an emergency? Did you know that children should have their own emergency kit?

Play this fun and interactive game with your kids to help them learn more about the supplies that belong in an emergency kit: https://www.ready.gov/kids/games/data/bak-english/index.html

Don’t wait, be prepared for an emergency!

09/16/2023

Dispose of unused/expired medicines at a local kiosk - find one near you at thepointny.org.

09/16/2023

We’re set up at BPS School 84 (behind ECMC) for our free rabies vaccine clinic until 1pm today, Saturday, 9/16. Lines are running smoothly and we can handle some walkins, so if you don’t have an appointment, it’s ok to stop by with your dog, cat or ferret!

09/15/2023

We're one day away from the last free rabies vaccine clinic for 2023. Our Vector Control team and volunteers from The SPCA Serving Erie County, NY, Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society and Erie County MRC will be at Buffalo Public School 84 on Sat., 9/16 from 9am-1pm. More: https://tinyurl.com/ECSept23.

09/15/2023

Let's talk about pregnancy - if you or your loved ones can become pregnant, our Office of Health Equity has an easy-to-read newsletter with health care options for pregnancy.

https://www3.erie.gov/health/sites/www3.erie.gov.health/files/2023-05/henewsletterpregnancyenglish.pdf

This newsletter is also available in español (Spanish), عربى (Arabic), বাংলা (Bengali),
Kiswahili (Swahili), and မြန်မာဘာသာ (Burmese).

09/14/2023

The updated COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 mo. or older who has not received a COVID-19 vaccine in the past 2 months to protect against potentially serious illness from COVID-19.

Recommended dosages vary depending on age & COVID-19 vaccine history.

See https://www.vaccines.gov/ for COVID-19 vaccine locations.

: “As we head into the fall and winter months, and once again see an uptick in COVID across the State, I urge all New Yorkers to remember that COVID is a treatable disease, and we now have an updated vaccine that will help reduce your chance of serious illness and hospitalization. Remember, it’s about personal protection, personal prevention, and personal wellness.” Learn more: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-updates-new-yorkers-new-covid-19-vaccine-and-urges-precautions-covid-19-cases

09/14/2023

211 Western New York is your free and confidential link to health and human services. This service is available 24/7.

- Health and wellness
- Domestic abuse
- Housing
- Food and nutrition
- Support groups
- Mental health and substance use
- Legal services

https://www.211wny.org/

09/14/2023

And in-depth look at the New York State Smokers' Quitline from WBFO What's Next.

If you want to take a step towards stopping smoking or to***co use, support is available. Call 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) for free and confidential help in English and Spanish.

On today’s episode of What’s Next?, we tackle one of the leading causes of death in this country – to***co use. Lorenzo Rodriguez speaks with the Director of The New York State Smokers’ Quitline, Dr. Andrew Hyland, as well as one of the program’s participants, Herman. They discuss the uniq...

09/14/2023

Sharing for today 9/14 - we expect to reopen our health services at 608 William Street tomorrow, Friday, 9/15.

09/13/2023

The Jesse Nash Health Center at 608 William St. in Buffalo will be closed tomorrow, Thurs., 9/14 for building maintenance. It will reopen on Fri., 9/15. Services affected include the Sexual Health Center, Family Planning Center, PrEP Clinic, TB Program and Immunization Clinic.

09/13/2023

Are you worried about someone? 988 is for everyone. Help someone you care about get the support they need this Month: https://health.ny.gov/prevention/injury_prevention/suicide_selfharm.htm

09/13/2023

We're celebrating our Public Health Lab team this month for September, which is Public Health Laboratory Appreciation Month.

Working behind the scenes, these science professionals test clinical – human – samples for a wide range of diseases and conditions, and test environmental samples for toxins and bacteria.

Join us in thanking them for their work!

https://www3.erie.gov/health/public-health-laboratory

09/13/2023

For National Preparedness Month - a video with Erie County Park Ranger Nicole Klimowicz as she discusses emergency preparedness in parks and in winter weather.

🖥 Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4BX-OdbIYM

Live Well Erie Erie County Parks, Recreation & Forestry Erie County Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Services Deputy County Executive Lisa Chimera

09/12/2023

September may cause a perfect storm of triggers. Learn more about these triggers and what you can do to help control your asthma: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/asthma/brochures.htm

09/12/2023

Job Opening: Immunization Specialist - apply through and including September 25, 2023.

This and other positions posted at: https://www3.erie.gov/health/employment-0

09/12/2023

Summer and Fall are the perfect times to complete home improvement projects before the winter. Consider "Winterizing" your home to prepare for the storms before they hit!

09/11/2023

What can you or your organization do to support health literacy?
✍️ Write for your audience
🗃️ Organize information
📖 Choose words carefully
🔤 Use concise language
😃 Keep it conversational

More resources from ECDOH and Literacy Buffalo Niagara at https://www3.erie.gov/health/health-literacy

09/11/2023

Our final (free!) rabies vaccine clinic for 2023 is on Saturday, September 16 from 9am-1pm at Buffalo Public School 84 (behind ECMC, off Kensington). Bring your dogs, indoor and outdoor cats, and ferrets. Register for an appointment at https://tinyurl.com/ECSept23

Many thanks to our volunteers from the Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society, SPCA Serving Erie County, NY and the Erie County Medical Reserve Corps for being a part of these events.

09/11/2023

Each day we get closer to winter weather. Erie County Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Services has these tips from weather.gov to stay warm when the power is out.

Staying warm when the power is out is important. Use some of these tips if you lose power or heat this winter. Layering up and plugging up the areas that heat can escape from rooms or buildings can help tremendously while power is restored.

09/10/2023

The Erie County Sexual Health Center offers screening, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), along with confidential HIV and Hepatitis C testing, testing and vaccinations for Hepatitis A & B, pregnancy testing and EPT (Expedited Partner Therapy).

www.erie.gov/sexualhealth

09/10/2023

Do you know what to do during a power outage? Do you have a generator? Do you have a plan for electrical devices and appliances? Do you have a way to heat your home besides your gas stove? These are all things that need to be considered before a disaster, not during one!

09/09/2023

The Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) program is a free resource and referral program to improve care coordination for infants, children and youth from birth to 21 years old who have a serious or chronic medical, physical, behavioral, emotional or developmental condition.

A diagnosis is not required in order to participate in the CYSHCN program. Parents and caregivers may notice changes at any stage of a child’s physical and social development that could raise questions and concerns. “We have a list of eligible conditions and circumstances, but our criteria for inclusion is much more expansive,” she offered.

CYSHCN will connect families with community resources, including:

Medical referrals, providers and specialists; medical supplies and equipment; medical appointment scheduling and transportation
Mental and behavioral health resources
Health insurance
Education resources – GED, tutoring, college planning
Employment resources – vocational counseling, working papers, career planning and interview skills
Translation and interpretation services
Transition to adult services (medical, education, housing, medical providers)
Play/support groups
People eligible to participate include parents, caregivers, friends and family members of infants, children and youth; school personnel; and, medical professionals. Youth ages 18-21 years are also able to participate on their own. Once enrolled, CYSHCN will follow up regularly with parents, caregivers or older youth, continuing to offer resources and encouragement.

To apply or learn more, visit erie.gov/cyshcn, call (716) 858-1920 or email [email protected]. Anyone with questions about their child’s eligibility is encouraged to call.

If you know someone who would benefit from this program, please share this information with them.

https://www3.erie.gov/health/press/erie-county-restarts-specialized-resource-and-referral-service-children-birth-21-years

Live Well Erie Erie County Senior Services Erie County Department of Mental Health Erie County, NY Erie County Department of Social Services