Oswego County Health Department

06/18/2026

06/17/2026

The Oswego County Health Department offers FREE Narcan training and Narcan Kits to Oswego County Residents ages 18+.

Narcan is a lifesaving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Narcan is given as a spray up the nose and can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose in 3 minutes.

To request FREE Narcan or risk reduction supplies to be mailed directly to you, visit: https://health.oswegocountyny.gov/.../fentanyl_test...

To request a FREE Narcan training, visit: https://health.oswegocountyny.gov/.../naloxone_(narcan...

Remember, you can save a life by carrying Narcan!

06/16/2026

🌿 Living with a chronic condition doesn't mean you have to navigate it alone. 🌿

The Healthy Living: Pathways to Positive Change workshop is designed to help adults and caregivers impacted by chronic disease build practical skills to better manage everyday challenges. Participants will learn strategies for healthy eating, medication use, improving sleep, managing emotions, communication, action planning, and more.

📅 Every Thursday, July 9 – August 13
🕙 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
💻 Hosted virtually through Microsoft Teams
💲 Free to attend!

Participants will also receive a FREE copy of Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions.

📞 Call 315-349-3574 to register, or scan the QR code on the flyer for more information.

Take the next step toward living well—one positive change at a time. 💚

06/15/2026

🧼 Food Myth Monday: Hand Sanitizer Works Just as Well as Washing Your Hands

While hand sanitizer can help reduce germs when soap and water aren't available, it shouldn't replace proper handwashing in the kitchen.

When preparing food, washing your hands with soap and water is the most effective way to remove dirt, grease, and many harmful bacteria that can cause foodborne illness. Be sure to scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds, paying attention to your fingertips, between your fingers, and under your nails before rinsing thoroughly.

After washing, dry your hands with a clean towel or paper towel. Using a dirty towel can reintroduce germs and lead to cross-contamination.

✅ Wash your hands before cooking, after handling raw meat, after using the restroom, after touching pets, and anytime your hands may have become contaminated.

Hand sanitizer can be a helpful backup, but when it comes to food safety, nothing beats good old-fashioned soap and water.

06/11/2026

🌡️ Need a place to cool off during extreme heat? Cooling centers are public locations that provide a safe, air-conditioned space to escape high temperatures. They are especially important for older adults, young children, individuals with chronic health conditions, pregnant individuals, and anyone without access to air conditioning at home.

📍 A list and map of cooling centers throughout Oswego County is available by scanning the QR code or visiting our website.

Before heading out:
✅ Call ahead to confirm the location is open
✅ Follow the facility's policies and guidelines
✅ Stay hydrated and limit time outdoors during peak heat hours

Taking steps to stay cool can help prevent heat-related illnesses. Check in on family, friends, and neighbors who may need extra assistance during periods of extreme heat. ☀️💧❄️

06/10/2026

The Oswego County Health Department is Hiring!
We have immediate openings for the following positions:

- Public Health Nurse (PHN)
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

You can find these positions listed at https://oswego-portal.mycivilservice.com/ with instructions on how to apply.

Join the team and make an impact every day!

06/10/2026

High heat and humidity are expected in Oswego County. ☀️🌡️

Stay safe by limiting time outdoors, taking breaks in air-conditioned spaces or the shade, and drinking plenty of water. Be sure to check local weather alerts and keep an eye on those who may be more vulnerable to heat-related illness.

Learn more about heat risks and how to protect yourself:
• Heat safety tips: https://www.health.ny.gov/extremeheat
• NYS Heat Dashboard: https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/weather/heat_dashboard/index.htm

06/10/2026

Being prepared can make all the difference during an emergency. Join us for a free Citizen Preparedness Training and learn how to prepare for natural and man-made disasters, create a family emergency plan, and build an emergency supply kit.

📅 Thursday, August 6, 2026
🕐 1:00 PM
📍 Oswego County Health Department
70 Bunner Street, Oswego, NY 13126

Registration is required. Visit www.prepare.ny.gov or scan the QR code on the flyer to sign up. Each family that attends will receive one preparedness kit.

Don't wait until disaster strikes—take steps today to help keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

06/09/2026

Ticks are small and hard to spot.

They can be hiding in many places outdoors but are most commonly found in tall grass or leaf covered, moist and shady areas.
After spending time outdoors, make sure to check yourself, your pets, and your kiddos for ticks that may have hitched a ride home on your body!

Learn more here: https://www.cayugacounty.gov/778/Ticks-and-Tickborne-Diseases

06/08/2026

🚫 Food Myth Monday: Washing Raw Chicken Makes It Safer

Think washing raw chicken helps remove harmful bacteria? Think again.

Washing raw chicken, beef, pork, or other meats does not effectively remove bacteria that can cause foodborne illness. In fact, rinsing raw meat under running water can actually spread bacteria around your kitchen through tiny droplets that splash onto sinks, countertops, utensils, dishes, and even nearby foods.

This process, known as cross-contamination, can increase the risk of foodborne illness for you and your family.

✅ The safest way to kill harmful bacteria is to cook meat to the proper internal temperature. Using a food thermometer is the best way to ensure your food is cooked safely and thoroughly.

Remember:
• Do not wash raw meat or poultry.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw meat.
• Clean and sanitize surfaces and utensils that come into contact with raw meat.
• Cook foods to their recommended internal temperatures.

Skip the rinse and trust the thermometer—proper cooking is what makes your food safe, not washing it.