Author Archives: ongovhealth

Tobacco Flavors Target Youth

Additional restrictions on flavored tobacco products would reduce youth use ONONDAGA COUNTY, APRIL 10, 2024 – Tobacco flavors including menthol have long been used to hook youth on tobacco products. In addition to youth, flavored tobacco products have been heavily marketed to groups including the LGBTQIA+ community, and African Americans. These flavors can be found… Read more >

Remains Identified as 5-Year-Old Nefertiti Harris

ONONDAGA COUNTY, MARCH 27, 2024 – The Onondaga County Medical Examiner’s Office announced today that preliminary autopsy results confirm the identity of the human remains recovered on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 in the City of Syracuse as those of 5-year-old Nefertiti Harris. An autopsy performed on March 27, 2024 determined the immediate cause of death… Read more >

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

ONONDAGA COUNTY, MARCH 20, 2024 – March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States, and close to 52,000 people die every year. National and New York State data show that 9 out… Read more >

Reality Check and Tobacco-Free CNY Host Smoke-Free Movie Event

ONONDAGA COUNTY, MARCH 11, 2024 – On March 2, 2024, the Reality Check and Tobacco-Free CNY initiatives in Onondaga, Cayuga, and Oswego Counties collaborated to host a smoke-free movie event at the Palace Theatre in Syracuse, NY. The Reality Check team, composed of dedicated seniors from ITC High School, delivered a compelling speech on the… Read more >

For every $1 invested in tobacco control, New York State saves $11

Onondaga County tobacco control representatives meet with lawmakers to discuss NYS’s Tobacco Control Program ONONDAGA COUNTY, FEBRUARY 12, 2024 – On February 6th, Reality Check youth from the Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central, along with Onondaga County Health Department’s Tobacco-Free CNY staff and Tobacco Control Program partners from around the state traveled to the… Read more >

Onondaga County Health Department Issues Warning—Reports of Fentanyl in Synthetic Marijuana Products Sold Locally

Extreme caution urged heading into the holiday season ONONDAGA COUNTY, NOVEMBER 21, 2023 – The Onondaga County Health Department (OCHD) issued a warning on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 that fentanyl has been reported to be present in synthetic marijuana (Spike) sold in Onondaga County. Synthetic marijuana is a chemical mixture used to mimic THC, the… Read more >

Elevated Blood Lead Level Linked to Recalled Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches

ONONDAGA COUNTY, NOVEMBER 15, 2023 – The Onondaga County Health Department (OCHD) is aware that at least one local child has an elevated blood lead level associated with the consumption of recalled products as announced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA):  WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches  Schnucks-brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety… Read more >

Onondaga County Health Department Issues Warning About Potentially Rabid Fox

Those Who Were Bitten Must Seek Medical Attention Immediately UPDATE: Laboratory testing confirmed that the fox had rabies. SYRACUSE, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 17, 2023 – The Onondaga County Health Department is issuing a public warning about a potentially rabid fox in the Burnet Avenue area of the city of Syracuse. Reports indicated that the fox… Read more >