Author Archives: ongovhealth

Changes to Onondaga County Health Department Clinics

Onondaga County Health Department will be adjusting the following direct-service programs: The Office of Vital Statistics: Closed to walk-in traffic effective immediately. Birth and death certificates can continue to be ordered by mail, by fax, or online at https://www.ongov.net/vital/index.html. Please call 315.435.3241 with any questions. TB Clinic and the Sexual Health Center (STD Center): Visits… Read more >

Take Care of Yourself by Getting Screened for Colorectal Cancer

By Kara Verbanic, Public Health Educator, Cancer Services Program March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month! Did you know that about 1 in 3 adults between the ages of 50 and 75 years old are not getting tested for colorectal cancer? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, colorectal cancer is the third leading… Read more >

Reality Check Program Hosts Free Smoke-Free Movie Events

As part of International Week of Action for Smoke-Free Movies, the Reality Check program serving Onondaga, Cayuga, and Oswego counties is hosting two free smoke-free movie events. Reality Check is a statewide youth program empowering youth to stand up against the tobacco and e-cigarette industry. The Reality Check and Tobacco-Free CNY program work to engage … Read more >

Onondaga County Health Department Releases 2019-2021 Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan

The Onondaga County Health Department is pleased to announce the publication of the 2019-2021 Onondaga County Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan. The Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan provides an overview of demographic and health indicator data for Onondaga County residents, as well as current health challenges, determinants of health, and existing community assets… Read more >

HPV Vaccine is Cancer Prevention

By Andrea Flood, MPH, Public Health Educator January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month. The CDC and the National Cervical Cancer Coalition promote the protection against cervical cancer through vaccination and regular screening. Each year, approximately 13,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer. More than 9 of every 10 cervical cancer… Read more >

Join the Great American Smokeout to Quit Smoking and Support Tobacco-Free Outdoor Air Policies

Each year, on the third Thursday of November, the American Cancer Society encourages individuals to join the Great American Smokeout (GASO). GASO is a day for individuals to make a pledge and a plan to quit smoking and for family members and friends to support their loved ones in their quitting journey. If you or… Read more >

Potential Exposure to Hepatitis A Virus in a Local Restaurant

The Onondaga County Health Department (OCHD) has confirmed a new case of hepatitis A virus infection in a local restaurant worker. OCHD was notified on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 that a food handler who works at Camillus Hills Golf Course, also known as the Camillus Country Club (5690 Bennetts Corners Rd, Camillus, NY 13031) was… Read more >

The Onondaga County Health Department Wants You to Know About PrEP

Did you know that October 20 – October 26, 2019 is PrEP Aware Week? PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is the use of daily medicine that can reduce your chance of getting HIV. PrEP can stop HIV from taking hold and spreading throughout the body. The Onondaga County Health Department is raising awareness about PrEP, which… Read more >

Don’t Forget Your Flu Vaccine!

This fall, remember to get your flu vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older receive an annual flu vaccine. Everyone should be vaccinated yearly because immunity to flu viruses declines over time and circulating flu strains often change from year to year. Onondaga County Health Commissioner,… Read more >