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 negative effects of tobacco scenes in media, earning a round of applause from the audience. The event was a success, drawing over 100 community members in attendance.

The purpose of the event was to educate the community about the influence of tobacco imagery on screen, especially among youth. Research indicates that when children are exposed to smoking scenes in movies, it can increase the likelihood of them experimenting with tobacco or nicotine products. This is because tobacco scenes in entertainment and pop culture can make smoking and vaping seem normal, and even appear glamorous. A study conducted by Truth Initiative in 2020 revealed that watching streaming shows containing smoking scenes might triple the chances of youth starting to vape.

In an effort to create positive change, members of Reality Check collected signatures both before and after screening the movie. Their goal was to urge the Motion Picture Association to assign an “R” rating to youth-oriented films featuring tobacco and e-cigarette imagery. Oro Hasan, a member of Reality Check, expressed pride in their initiative, stating “I thought the event was really impactful. A lot of the adults were very interested in giving their signatures when I explained what the cause was for. One lady even said she would sign a thousand if it meant that smoking wouldn’t be shown in children’s movies/TV shows.”

Before the movie, members of Reality Check hosted engaging activities in the lobby, offering games, educational materials, and valuable resources. The trivia game provided attendees with important statistics on the impact of tobacco, allowing them to learn key facts. Reality Check member Khoudia Cisse noted “Many people didn’t know about some significant facts regarding smoking, like 90% of adult smokers started before they were 18. Thanks to the smoke-free movie event, they got to learn this.” Reality Check member Miranda Azemi added “It’s vital to educate others on the impact that smoking on screen has on youth. Young consumers of film and online content are susceptible to believing what they see on screen is normal or even enjoyable. Education is the best prevention of young smoking because it teaches guardians to be wary of what they allow children to watch.”

Reality Check is a statewide, youth-led group that empowers members to speak out about the deceptive marketing practices of the tobacco industry. For more information about Reality Check, visit realitycheckofny.org. Tobacco-Free CNY works to reduce illness, disability and death related to tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure, and to alleviate the social and economic burdens caused by tobacco use. For more information about Tobacco-Free CNY programs, visit tobaccofreecny.org.

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 State Capitol for Legislative Education Day. Reality Check youth met with Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter and staffers from Senator Rachel May and Senator John Mannion’s offices. During each meeting, they discussed local tobacco control program successes and emphasized efforts to address high smoking rates among certain demographic groups.

ITC student Miranda Azemi believed it was a great experience. “My favorite part about our Albany trip was the connection we were able to make with the legislators; tobacco has had a direct or indirect impact in all of our lives through many generations. I specifically appreciated the feedback and advice Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter provided regarding the prevention of future tobacco-use in our communities.”

Since the Tobacco Control Program’s inception, the average adult smoking rate dropped by nearly half, from 23.2% in 2001 to 12% in 2021. The statewide average youth cigarette smoking rate dropped from 27.1% in 2000 to 2.1% in 2020. However, there is more work to be done. One in five New York State high school students still use tobacco products due mostly to the use of e-cigarettes. And while the overall adult smoking rate is at an all-time low, certain demographic groups smoke at much higher rates. The fact is 30,000 New Yorkers still die every year from smoking and secondhand smoke exposure. And for every person who dies because of smoking, at least 30 people live with a serious smoking-related illness, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Despite the Tobacco Control Program’s demonstrated success and identified unmet needs, the state’s funding for the Tobacco Control Program is just 2% of its annual tobacco revenue from tobacco product excise tax ($1.03B) and Master Settlement Agreement funds ($764M). Further, the CDC recommends New York State spend $203 million on tobacco control annually; the state spends $34.8 million, just 17% of CDC’s recommendation. According to a report on the New York State (NYS) Tobacco Control Program (TCP), for every $1 invested in tobacco control, New York saves $11. Data shows for every $1 NYS spent on the TCP between 2001 and 2019, the state spent $11 less in healthcare expenditures attributed to smoking.

Members of Tobacco-Free CNY and Reality Check shared recent successes with state lawmakers.

E-cigarette use, or vaping rate, among NYS high school students declined from a peak of 27.4% in 2018 to 18.7% in 2022—a 32% decline.
The NYS average adult smoking rate dropped by 15% from 14.1% in 2017 to 12% in 2021.

Youth also highlighted areas of unmet needs.

20.8% of NYS high school students still use tobacco products—primarily e-cigarettes at 18.7%.
Smoking rates among certain demographic groups in New York State hover around 65% higher than the statewide adult average. These include adults:
- - living with a disability at 17.4%,
  - enrolled in Medicaid at 19.1%,
  - with less than a high school education at 19.2%,
  - reporting frequent mental distress at 19.7%, and
  - with an annual household income under $25,000 at 20.0%.

The tobacco control representatives stressed the human cost of continued tobacco use.

Progress has stalled among NYS high school students using tobacco products. Exposure to nicotine in any form during adolescence can lead to addiction, as well as harm the developing brain.
1.7 million adult New Yorkers still smoke.

Flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes and cigars, pose significant risk.
More than 80% of young people who ever used tobacco started with a flavored tobacco product. In New York State, menthol cigarettes are used by over half of all adult smokers (52%), while 86% of Black and 72% of Hispanic smokers exclusively smoke menthol cigarettes.

Support is available for New Yorkers who want to quit smoking and vaping.
Talk to your health care provider today! Tobacco-free living increases the potential for better health outcomes and reduced health care costs. When health care professionals treat nicotine addiction with medication and counseling, it can double or even triple their patients’ chances of success.

The New York State Smokers’ Quitline is a free and confidential service for all New York State residents who wish to overcome use of commercial tobacco and/or vape products. Participants can receive individualized coaching and assistance with quit planning from highly trained tobacco treatment specialists, text and online chat support, and a free starter supply of nicotine replacement therapy medications such as patches, gum and/or lozenges for those 18 and older. Residents of all ages may contact the Quitline for support and educational materials. Visit nysmokefree.com anytime or text QUITNOW to 333888 for more information, or call 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) seven days a week, beginning at 9 a.m.

Looking to Quit Smoking in the New Year?

Planning ahead is the key to success!

ONONDAGA COUNTY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 – If you are looking to start the New Year smoke free, you are not alone. A common resolution is to stop smoking. Most adults who smoke want to quit, and it is possible! Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions a person who smokes can make to improve their health and to protect the health of others. With a cessation plan in place, you can make 2024 the year you quit for good!

If you want to stop smoking, it can be hard to know where to start. Building a plan before you want to quit is the best way to be prepared for what’s ahead. Make a list of all your reasons you want to quit smoking. This will be a great tool to look back on when you get the urge to smoke. Think about what triggers you to smoke and come up with a plan on how to avoid or deal with these triggers. Choose a date to quit, and tell your friends and family about your decision for their support. Before your quit date, make sure you throw out all tobacco products and remove all smoking materials such as ashtrays and lighters.

Quit attempts are more likely to be successful if smokers use a multi-layered approach (such as medication with counseling) and have lots of support. Talk to your health care provider before your quit date to determine if they suggest any quit-smoking medications. Some medications are by prescription only, and your provider can work with you to determine the best option.

Quitting is hard work, but there are many resources available to those who are ready to make the commitment. The New York State Smokers Quitline provides free, confidential coaching by phone that can increase your chances of quitting successfully and staying tobacco-free. In addition, most people qualify for free nicotine replacement therapy. The Quitline can be reached at 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) or online at nysmokefree.com.

Tobacco-Free CNY works in Onondaga, Oswego and Cayuga Counties to support CNY residents who want healthy, tobacco-free lives by reducing the negative impact of tobacco marketing, increasing the number of local laws that prohibit tobacco use in outdoor areas, and decreasing secondhand smoke in multi-unit housing. For more information, visit our website at tobaccofreecny.org.

Onondaga County Issues Warning: Increase in Overdoses Related to Cocaine and Crack Cocaine

Onondaga County Health Department Issues Warning—Increase in Overdoses Related to Cocaine and Crack Cocaine

Extreme caution urged heading into the holiday week

ONONDAGA COUNTY, DECEMBER 15, 2023 – The Onondaga County Health Department (OCHD) issued a warning on Friday, December 15, 2023 over an increase in unintentional overdoses related to the use of cocaine and crack cocaine. Over the past week, at least eleven confirmed overdoses were reported.

Across the country, and most recently in neighboring Oneida County, similar instances of cocaine and crack cocaine containing fentanyl have been reported. Situations like these are particularly dangerous because it is likely that the individuals believed they were consuming only cocaine or crack cocaine. Individuals who do not usually use an opioid or are unaware of the presence of an opioid, such as fentanyl, are more likely to suffer an overdose. Locally, overdose symptoms indicated that fentanyl was present.

Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Kathryn Anderson urges residents to be vigilant. “The public needs to be aware that it is not possible to tell by looking if a product contains fentanyl. We encourage anyone who uses drugs or knows people who use drugs to learn about overdose reversal, obtain a naloxone kit, and test all substances if you plan on using.”

The OCHD urges those who use substances to test their drugs using fentanyl testing strips (FTS). By testing with an FTS, the person using drugs can make an informed choice about their use. Although the strips do not identify the exact amount of fentanyl present, testing can provide enough time, space, and information for a user to consider the options. You can learn how to use a fentanyl test strip here.

Naloxone and test strips can be obtained by contacting the OCHD’s Substance Use Initiatives confidential Narcan and Test Strip Request Line at 315-418-5365. Through this, naloxone and strips can be dropped off, picked up, or mailed to whoever requests them.

If you witness someone experiencing an overdose, please call 911 and administer naloxone as soon as possible.

Warning Signs of Fentanyl Overdose:

Loss of consciousness
Slow or shallow breathing
Extreme drowsiness or difficulty waking up
Inability to speak or be awakened
Blue or gray lips and nails
Pinpoint pupils
Seizures

The Onondaga County Health Department remains committed to safeguarding the well-being of our community and will continue to monitor and address this situation and other emerging public health threats.

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 main psychoactive ingredient in naturally grown marijuana. The products are sold in many locations, including convenience stores and gas stations. However, they are illegal and have unpredictable and harmful effects.

Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Kathryn Anderson urges residents to be vigilant. “Synthetic marijuana products often contain harmful substances. Now that we have received reports of fentanyl in some of these products being sold locally, residents must exercise extreme caution as the substances could cause overdose or even death. If you witness someone experiencing an overdose, please call 911 and administer naloxone as soon as possible.”

Warning Signs of Fentanyl Overdose:

Loss of consciousness
Slow or shallow breathing
Extreme drowsiness or difficulty waking up
Inability to speak or be awakened
Blue or gray lips and nails
Pinpoint pupils
Seizures

Synthetic marijuana products are sold under a variety of names and packaging, making it crucial for consumers to be aware of the potential dangers associated with their use. The products are also reportedly being marketed as naturally grown marijuana.

OCHD urges those who use substances to test their drugs using fentanyl testing strips (FTS). By testing with an FTS, the person using drugs can make an informed choice about their use by potentially choosing to use a different batch, using less of the current batch, using in the presence of others, and making sure naloxone is on hand. Although the strips do not identify the exact amount of fentanyl present, testing can provide enough time, space, and information for a user to consider the options.

The holidays can be a time of great joy or the hardest time of the year for some people. People often turn to substance use in celebration or to cope with difficult emotions and situations such as family conflict, financial strain, loneliness, grief, and seasonal affective disorder.

With the noted presence of fentanyl in synthetic marijuana and other substances like cocaine and counterfeit prescription pills made to look like Xanax, Adderall, Oxycodone, etc., it is incredibly important that the public exercises caution when using substances. If you or someone you know needs fentanyl test strips or naloxone, they are available at no cost by calling or texting OCHD’s confidential Narcan and Test Strip Request Line at 315-418-5365. Learn more about opioids and overdose prevention here.

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 pack
Weis-brand cinnamon applesauce pouches

The affected pouches were distributed nationwide and sold at various retailers. Information on lot codes and UPCs can be found in the company’s recall announcement.

The Health Department urges parents and caregivers to check their homes, and if they have any recalled products with the specified batch numbers and expiration dates they should stop using the product immediately and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Lead exposure in children can have serious health implications, including developmental delays and behavioral problems. Parents and caregivers whose children have consumed the recalled product should consult with their healthcare providers and request a blood lead level test. Children who do not have a usual source of medical care can contact the Onondaga County Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at 315.435.3271 or email LeadFreeKids@ongov.net for information about testing.

The Onondaga County Health Department is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. We will continue to provide necessary information and support to the public.

For more information about protecting children from lead poisoning, visit the Onondaga County Lead Poisoning Prevention Program website at https://www.ongov.net/health/lead/.

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 was displaying abnormal behavior and had attacked multiple people. The fox is now dead and is being submitted for laboratory confirmation for rabies. Rabies is a serious and potentially fatal disease that can be transmitted to humans and other animals through bites and scratches.

If you or your pet have been bitten, scratched, or had any direct physical contact with a fox in the Burnet Avenue area of the city, it is crucial to take immediate action. Call the Onondaga County Health Department at 315-435-3236 and visit an Emergency Room or bring your pet to a veterinarian for evaluation. All residents in need of post-exposure rabies shots will receive them at no cost.

What to Do if Bitten or Scratched

Clean the Wound: Wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water for at least 10 minutes. This is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of rabies infection.
Call the Health Department at 315-435-3236.
Seek Medical Attention: If you or your pet have been bitten or scratched, or had any direct physical contact with a fox, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately. Prompt and appropriate medical treatment is the best way to prevent the onset of rabies.

Preventive Measures
Residents are urged to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves, their families, and their pets from rabies year-round.

Avoid Wildlife: Do not approach or attempt to feed any wild animals, including foxes. Keep a safe distance and ensure that children and pets are also kept away from wildlife.
Vaccinate Your Pets: Ensure that your pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations. Rabies vaccination is not only essential for the health of your pet but also required by law.
Secure Garbage: Properly secure garbage cans and eliminate potential food sources to discourage wildlife from coming near your property.
Educate Your Community: Share this information with your neighbors, friends, and community members to raise awareness about the presence of a potentially rabid animal.

The Onondaga County Health Department is closely monitoring the situation and working to ensure the safety and well-being of our community members. For more information about rabies please visit our website: https://www.ongov.net/health/env/rabies.html

FREE Mammograms Available

ONONDAGA COUNTY, OCTOBER 2, 2023 – October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In New York State, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, and is the second leading cause of cancer death. One in eight women will get breast cancer at some point in their lifetime. Many things affect a person’s chance of getting breast cancer, these are called risk factors. Some risk factors cannot be controlled and include getting older, having dense breasts, having radiation to the chest area early in life, and family history/genetics. Other risk factors can be controlled. These risk factors include being overweight, not being physically active, eating unhealthy food, drinking alcohol, and smoking cigarettes.

Additional risk factors that increase your chance for breast cancer include never giving birth, not breastfeeding, or giving birth to a first child at a later age. The good news is you can lower your breast cancer risk by making healthy lifestyle choices. Remember, it is important to see your health care provider for regular check-ups.

Do not wait to get your mammogram. Regular breast cancer screening is the key to finding breast cancer early when treatment may work best. The Onondaga County Cancer Services Program (CSP) encourages anyone who has put off their mammogram, or is due for a mammogram, to call their health care provider. If you do not have health insurance, the CSP may be able to help!

Most women (about 8 out of 10) who get breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease. However, women who have close blood relatives like a mother or sister who have had breast cancer are at a higher risk themselves. About 5-10% of breast cancers are thought to be hereditary, meaning they result directly from gene defects passed on from a parent. The most common cause of hereditary breast cancer is inherited defective BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.

Breast cancer may not cause any symptoms in its early stages. If symptoms do appear, they may include the following:

A lump, thickening, or swelling in part of the breast or underarm area
New pain in one spot that does not go away
Nipple discharge other than breastmilk, including blood
Pulling in of the nipple or other parts of the breast
Dimpling or puckering of the breast skin
Any change in the size or shape of the breast
Swelling, warmth, redness, or darkening of the breast skin
Itchy, scaly, sore, or rash on the nipple or other parts of the breast

The Cancer Services Program (CSP) offers free breast cancer screenings to women ages 40 and over who do not have health insurance, or who experience other barriers to completing their screenings. If any follow-up tests are needed, the CSP will provide those tests, too. If breast cancer is found, CSP will help enroll people who qualify in the NYS Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program for full Medicaid coverage during treatment. Services are available at many healthcare provider sites throughout the city of Syracuse and Onondaga County.

Whether you have health insurance or not, having a mammogram may save your life. If you are a woman age 40 and older and do NOT have health insurance, call 315-435-3653 or visit ongov.net/health/cancerscreening to see if you qualify for a free mammogram.

Weather Favorable for Aerial Mosquito Spraying of Cicero Swamp

UPDATE: The spraying was completed by 8:00 pm on Friday, September 1, 2023.

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ONONDAGA COUNTY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2023 – The weather forecast is favorable for aerial mosquito spraying planned for this evening of the Cicero Swamp and immediate surrounding areas. The spraying will take place after 6:30pm today, Friday, September 1. The spraying is due to EEEV and WNV-positive mosquitoes from traps located in the Cicero Swamp area.

Please see the announcement here which contains pesticide information and recommended preparations for those who live in the spray area.

Spraying of the Cicero Swamp and Surrounding Areas Scheduled for Thursday, August 31, 2023

UPDATE, 8-31-23: Due to winds being greater than 7mph on Thursday evening, the aerial mosquito spraying of the Cicero Swamp and the immediate surrounding areas has been delayed. The spraying is now planned for Friday, September 1, 2023.

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ONONDAGA COUNTY, AUGUST 30, 2023 – The forecast is showing favorable weather conditions for aerial mosquito spraying of the Cicero Swamp and the immediate surrounding areas on Thursday, August 31, 2023 after 6:30 pm. The spraying was postponed from an earlier date due to weather.

The decision to spray was made as a result of mosquitoes that were found positive for eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) and West Nile Virus (WNV) from traps located in the Cicero Swamp area. Additional mosquito pools collected on August 22 were found positive for EEEV and WNV from from an Island Road trap and EEEV from a trap on Taft Road.

This proactive measure is an attempt to interrupt the mosquito breeding cycles. Reducing the number of mosquitoes (although it is temporary) can reduce the number of mosquitoes available to transmit the virus to humans.

If weather or wind conditions are unfavorable on Thursday, the spraying will be conducted on the next appropriate day and will be announced through local news, social media, and other communication channels. Residents in the spray areas will be notified by phone through the 911 emergency notification system.

The designated spray areas are generally bounded on the north by Route 31, on the west by Northern Boulevard, on the south by Taft Road, and on the east by the county line (Chittenango Creek). Roads included in this area are: all or parts of Route 298, Bull Street, Eastwood Road, Island Road, Cicero Center Road, Fergerson Road, Ferstler Road, and Oxbow Road. To view a map of the spraying area, visit: www.ongov.net/health/documents/SprayMapCicero.pdf.

The pesticide that will be used for aerial spraying is Kontrol 30-30. This pesticide is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Division of Environmental Conservation for this use. A copy of the pesticide label can be found on the Onondaga County Health Department website at ongov.net/health/env/documents/Kontrol3030Label.pdf. A written copy of the label can be provided by calling 315-435-1649.

If you live in the spray area, from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm on the day of the scheduled spraying, it is recommended that you:

Refrain from using any flying camera drones, model aircraft or similar aerial flying products.
Stay indoors and keep your windows closed for one hour after the area has been sprayed.
Keep your pets indoors if possible.
Set your window air conditioners to circulate indoor air. It is safe to use your central air conditioning.
Keep outdoor gardens covered and rinse vegetables before eating.
Be sure children’s toys, outdoor furniture, and clothes on outdoor clotheslines are brought inside. If toys or clothes are left outdoors, wash each thoroughly with soap and water before using and launder clothes before wearing them.
Close your car windows and car vents if you are driving during the spraying.

Onondaga County residents who would like to receive community alerts by wireless phones, text messages, and/or TTY may register for the Hyper-Reach Emergency Notification System through the Department of Emergency Communications—911 Center at www.ongov.net/911/notification.html. Landlines are already included in the 911 emergency notification system.

As temperatures remain warm, so will the threat of mosquito bites that can transmit disease. The Onondaga County Health Department urges residents to use personal protection measures when spending time outdoors. For more information about spraying and protecting yourself from mosquitoes, visit www.ongov.net/health/env/mosquitoes.html or call the Onondaga County Health Department at 315.435.1649.