Author Archives: ongovhealth

New Screening Recommendations for Colorectal Cancer

By Kara Verbanic, Public Health Educator Onondaga County Health Department Cancer Services Program March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Did you know that the US Preventive Services Task Force and the American Cancer Society are now recommending colorectal cancer screening starting at age 45? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, colorectal cancer… Read more >

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

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. The newest guidance from the US Preventive Services Task Force and the American Cancer Society recommends that colorectal cancer screenings begin at age 45. The recommended age to begin screening was lowered because colorectal cancer cases are on the rise among individuals younger than 50. According to the… Read more >

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, FREE Screening Tests Available

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. All women are at risk for cervical cancer, but it occurs most often in women over the age of 30. Unlike many cancers, cervical cancer can be prevented with the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and regular screening tests (Pap test and HPV test) and follow-up. Screening tests can… Read more >

New Documentation Available for COVID-19 Isolation and Quarantine

The recent rise in COVID-19 cases across the state and in Onondaga County has caused a delay in the case investigation and contact tracing process. It is crucial to remind those who test positive to immediately isolate and notify their close contacts who may have been exposed. To alleviate this problem and meet the needs… Read more >

Overdose Spike Alert in Onondaga County

The Onondaga County Health Department reports that fourteen suspected overdoses occurred over a 24-hour period on November 23rd and 24th. Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAP) data has shown that, while this issue is prevalent throughout the county, recent reports show a concentration in the North and West sides of the City of Syracuse, with… Read more >

Tobacco Policies Support Smokers Trying to Quit During the Great American Smokeout

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States. Smoking kills about 28,000 New York residents every year and 750,000 adults in New York State are living with a smoking-related illness. The Tobacco-Free CNY program of the Onondaga County Health Department is joining with community members to celebrate the… Read more >

The Village of Baldwinsville Expands Smoke-Free Policy

The Village of Baldwinsville has recently passed an expansion of their smoke-free policy to prevent the use of tobacco, vapes and electronic cigarettes, and cannabis within village-owned outdoor spaces. The new policy includes Mercer Park, McHarrie Park, Diane Reeves Little League, Community Park, Papermill Island, Baldwin Canal Square, and their associated facilities. This policy was… Read more >

County Executive Ryan McMahon Announces Expanded COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics Starting November 1

Clinic serves ages 12 and older; offers first, second, third, and booster doses to those eligible. Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon today announced that the Onondaga County Health Department will be expanding its COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics for the week of November 1 to help meet the needs of those in the community who are now… Read more >

Weather Favorable for Mosquito Spraying Planned for the Cicero Swamp

The weather forecast is favorable for aerial mosquito spraying planned for this evening in the Cicero Swamp and the immediate surrounding areas. The spraying will take place after 5:30pm today, Wednesday, October 6. The spraying is due to EEE-positive mosquitoes from traps located in the Cicero Swamp area. An additional pool was found positive this… Read more >

Spraying of the Cicero Swamp Scheduled for Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Due to the recent finding of EEE virus in mosquitoes in the Cicero Swamp area, aerial spraying of the Cicero Swamp and the immediate surrounding areas will take place on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 after 5:30 pm, weather permitting. If weather or wind conditions are unfavorable on Wednesday, the spraying will be conducted on the… Read more >