Author Archives: ongovhealth

Free Colorectal Cancer Screenings Offered During Men’s Health Month

ONONDAGA COUNTY, JUNE 1, 2026 – June is National Men’s Health Awareness Month—a perfect time to shine a light on a critical health issue: colorectal cancer in men. According to the American Cancer Society, men are expected to account for approximately 55,410 new colon cancer cases and 28,750 rectal cancer cases in 2026, totaling around… Read more >

No Menthol Sunday: We are the movement against big tobacco

TOBACCO-FREE CNY, MAY 12, 2026 – No Menthol Sunday is a national initiative created by Center for Black Health and Health Equity to raise awareness about the harmful impact of menthol tobacco and its disproportionate effect on Black and African American communities. The initiative serves as a call to action to address targeted marketing practices… Read more >

Reality Check Youth Take Tobacco Industry Fight to State Capitol

Youth meet with Sen. May, Assemblymembers Magnarelli, Stirpe, Lemondes, and Hunter TOBACCO-FREE CNY, MARCH 4, 2026 – Every year in mid-February, Reality Check youth from around New York State gather in Albany with a common purpose: speaking with legislators on the dangers of tobacco and sharing the success of the New York State Tobacco Control… Read more >

Colorectal Cancer Screening Begins at age 45: Free Screening Tests Available

ONONDAGA COUNTY, MARCH 2, 2026 – March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer among both men and women in the United States, and more than 52,000 people die from the disease each year. National and New York State data indicate… Read more >

January Is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month: Free Screening Services Available in Onondaga County

ONONDAGA COUNTY, DECEMBER 31, 2025 – January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. The Cancer Services Program is reminding people with a cervix age 21 and older to get screened for cervical cancer. Cervical cancer occurs most often in people over the age of 30. Unlike many cancers, cervical cancer can be prevented with the… Read more >

Illuminating 25 Years of Landmark Progress and Great American Smokeout

TOBACCO-FREE CNY, NOVEMBER 19, 2025 – Look out for purple this Thursday, November 20, 2025! Landmarks across New York State will light up in purple to celebrate 25 years of the New York State Tobacco Control Program (NYS TCP). This event is part of a statewide effort to recognize the progress made in reducing the… Read more >

The Tobacco Industry Plays Tricks Year-Round by Selling “Treats”

TOBACCO-FREE CNY, OCTOBER 29, 2025 –  This Halloween season, it is important to remember the manipulative tricks that the tobacco industry uses to addict youth. Making highly attractive products in thousands of flavors is one of the strategies the industry is using to target kids. There are more than 14,000 different flavors of tobacco products… Read more >

Onondaga County Health Department to Offer Free Drive-Thru Flu Shots at NBT Bank Stadium

ONONDAGA COUNTY, OCTOBER 3, 2025 – The Onondaga County Health Department will host a free flu vaccine drive-thru clinic on Monday, October 6, from 1 to 5 p.m. at NBT Bank Stadium (1 Tex Simone Drive, Syracuse). The annual drive-thru clinic is part of the Health Department’s emergency preparedness training, designed to ensure staff are… Read more >

Blue-Green Algae Advisory Issued for Skaneateles Lake

ONONDAGA COUNTY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2025 –  The Onondaga County Health Department has issued a Blue-Green Algae Advisory for Skaneateles Lake following confirmation by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) of a harmful algal bloom. Laboratory testing conducted by the City of Syracuse has detected Microcystin toxins, which are produced by certain types… Read more >