Chenango County Health Department

10/31/2026

Ready for Trunk or Treat in Norwich!!
Remember kids… don’t touch wild animals.

10/30/2026

Knowledge is a powerful prevention tool.

During National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, families are encouraged to learn about possible lead hazards, ask their healthcare provider about blood lead testing, and consider testing their home when they have concerns about lead exposure.

For HCR’s Leading in Lead Prevention Program information and local contacts in participating communities, visit: https://on.ny.gov/4hNnHIK

10/30/2026

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (October 26, 2026) – Glow sticks, face paint, and light-up toys are part of Halloween fun, but they can also lead to unexpected exposures. Before celebrations begin, the Upstate New York Poison Center encourages families to check these products and supervise young children using the...

10/29/2026

🏡 Did you know lead-based paint can be found inside and outside older homes? Learn where lead hazards may be hiding and how to help protect your family!

🔎 Learn more about lead poisoning prevention from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): https://www.epa.gov/lead

📌 Infographic courtesy of the EPA.

10/28/2026

It’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Week! October 25–31, 2026

Neisa Pantalia, RN, Lead Coordinator, and Dustin Lieb, Public Health Sanitarian, work together to support lead poisoning prevention efforts throughout Chenango County!

Through education, outreach, and environmental health services, our team works to help protect children and families from the harmful effects of lead exposure. From connecting families with resources to helping identify and address lead hazards, their work plays an important role in creating healthier, safer homes in our community.

🏡 Did you know? Lead exposure can affect a child's brain development, learning, and behavior. Young children are especially vulnerable, and even low levels of lead in the blood can be harmful.

Prevention starts at home! If you live in an older home, are planning renovations, or have concerns about possible lead exposure, take steps to learn about lead hazards and how to reduce your family's risk.

Join us in recognizing Neisa and Dustin for their work to keep Chenango County families safe and healthy! 🧡

10/27/2026

Today is week four of our Tuesday TIPS.
Many families struggle with sleep deprivation when they become new parents. It’s important to keep baby safe during this difficult time. We hope you found some of the TIPS useful.

10/26/2026

This week is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week! We will be sharing Lead related information throughout the week.

This program provides funding for lead hazard remediation, helping you create a safer living environment for families and children.

For more information, contact us!

https://www.greaterops.org/family-individual-social-programs/leading-in-lead-prevention-program

10/23/2026

💙October is Safe Sleep Awareness and SIDS Prevention Month 💙

At Guthrie Tioga/Chenango HFNY PACT, we’re passionate about helping families keep their little ones safe. Healthy Families New York (HFNY) and the NYS Department of Health recommend following the “ABCs of Safe Sleep” — Alone, Back, Crib — to reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths.

💙Key Safe Sleep Tips:💙

A – Alone: Baby should sleep in their own crib, bassinet, or play yard. Room-sharing is encouraged, but bedsharing is not safe. Keep pillows, bumper pads, blankets, toys, and other objects out of the crib. No bedding - especially soft bedding.

B – Back: Always place baby on their back to sleep—even if they were born premature. Tummy time is important when baby is awake and supervised to help build strong neck and shoulder muscles. Back to Sleep - Every Sleep.

C – Crib: Use a safety-approved crib, bassinet, or play yard with a firm mattress and fitted sheet. Avoid drop-side cribs (banned by federal standards). If baby falls asleep anywhere else (bed, couch, chair, sling, swing, or car seat), move them to their crib to finish sleeping.

Additional American Association of Pediatrics Aligned Recommendations:
🧸Avoid smoking, ni****ne, alcohol, and illicit drugs during pregnancy and around the infant.
🧸Breastfeeding reduces SIDS risk.
🧸Offer a pacifier at naps and bedtime once breastfeeding is established.
🧸Avoid overheating by keeping room temperature cool, no excessive clothing, and never cover baby's head
🧸Keep pillows, stuffed animals, loose bedding and other soft items out of the sleeping space

Share this post to spread awareness and help protect little lives. 💙💤

10/22/2026

10/21/2026

💊 Clear out your medicine cabinet! Drug Enforcement Administration - DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is THIS Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Drop off unused or expired medications for free, anonymous disposal.

Have va**ng devices? Check with your collection site first. Devices containing lithium-ion batteries cannot be accepted. Do not force open a device to remove its battery.

📍 Find a collection site: https://www.dea.gov/takebackday