PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT: Spike in Overdoses in Onondaga County

March 31, 2023 | Onondaga County, NY —  The Onondaga County Health Department (OCHD) reports that approximately 40 suspected overdoses occurred in about a 48-hour period between March 29 and March 31, 2023. The warning comes after reports in the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAP) show a concentration in the North and West sides of the city of Syracuse, with sporadic events in the Liverpool and Brewerton areas. Reports link some occurrences to drugs sold in wax bags with a blue teddy bear stamped on them.

The OCHD reminds those who use substances to test their drugs using fentanyl testing strips (FTS). By testing with a FTS, the person using drugs can make an informed choice about their use, by potentially choosing to use a different batch, use less of the current batch, use in the presence of others, and make 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.

If you or someone you know needs fentanyl test strips or naloxone, call or text OCHD’s confidential Narcan and Test Strip Request Line at 315-418-5365. Learn more about opioids and overdose prevention here.

Going forward, OCHD will be providing Public Health Alerts when there is a spike in overdoses where specific information is available to help prevent these occurrences.

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

ONONDAGA COUNTY, MARCH 1, 2023 – March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 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 of 10 of new colorectal cancer cases happen in adults aged 45 and older. The US Preventive Services Task Force and the American Cancer Society recommend that colorectal cancer screenings begin at age 45. People at higher risk may need to begin screening before age 45.   

All people 45 and older should be screened for colon cancer. The FIT (fecal immunochemical test) Kit is an at-home stool testing kit which looks for blood in a person’s stool. A colonoscopy is a test which allows your doctor to view the inside of the entire colon to find and remove polyps in the colon or rectum. Other testing methods are available, talk to your doctor to determine which test is right for you and how often you should be screened.  

 Early detection saves lives. Colorectal cancer usually starts from precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum, which can develop into cancer over time. Sometimes polyps will bleed and a person may notice blood in their stool. Other symptoms of colorectal cancer may include abdominal pain or bloating that doesn’t go away or unexplained weight loss. But, it is important to remember that colorectal cancer does not always cause symptoms at first. This is why having screening tests for colorectal cancer on a regular basis is important to find colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best. Colorectal cancer can be PREVENTED with regular screening and the removal of pre-cancerous polyps in the colon and/or rectum. 

Free colorectal cancer screening tests are available. The Onondaga County Cancer Services Program (CSP) offers free tests for people age 45 and older who do not have health insurance. Take home fecal tests, such as FIT Kit are an easy and effective way to get screened. If the FIT test comes back abnormal, follow-up with a colonoscopy will be scheduled. Any follow-up procedures, including colonoscopies, will be covered at no cost to the patient. If diagnosed with colorectal cancer, CSP staff will assist with the Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program (MCTP) application process. Services are available at many healthcare provider sites throughout the city of Syracuse and Onondaga County.  Call 315-435-3653 or visit the CSP website at ongov.net/health/cancerscreening.html to register for your free screening test.  

Remember, if you are over 45 years old and do NOT have health insurance, call 315-435-3653 to see if you qualify for free colorectal cancer screening. Early detection of colorectal cancer saves lives. Take care of yourself and schedule your appointment today!  

Onondaga County Health Department Releases 2022-2024 Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan

ONONDAGA COUNTY, FEBRUARY 3, 2023 – The Onondaga County Health Department is pleased to announce the publication of the 2022-2024 Onondaga County Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan. The Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan provides an overview of demographic and health indicator data, determinants of health, current health challenges, existing community assets and resources, and the impact of COVID-19 on Onondaga County residents. The document also outlines a collaborative plan for addressing community health priorities. The 2022-2024 priority areas are: 1) Promote Healthy Women, Infants, and Children and 2) Promote Well-Being and Prevent Mental and Substance Use Disorders. 

The Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan was developed by the Onondaga County Health Department in partnership with Crouse Health, St. Joseph’s Health, and Upstate University Hospital. The document was also informed by the Central New York Healthcare Equity Task Force and an extensive community engagement process that obtained direct feedback from over 3,600 county residents on health related issues.

“The Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan helps us understand the health needs and assets of our community and is an important guide for numerous agencies dedicated to promoting health equity and addressing disparities in health access and outcomes” said Dr. Kathryn Anderson, Onondaga County Health Commissioner. Dr. Anderson continued, “With the support of local hospitals, community agencies, and residents, this collaborative effort was made possible.”  

The 2022-2024 Onondaga County Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan is available on the Onondaga County Health Department website at: https://www.ongov.net/health/documents/OnondagaCountyCHA-CHIP.pdf  

Tobacco-Free CNY and Statewide Partners Call Attention to the Tobacco Industry’s Practice of Marketing Menthol-Flavored Tobacco Products to the LGBTQIA+ Community

CENTRAL NEW YORK, JANUARY 23, 2023 – Tobacco-Free CNY and statewide partners are launching a new campaign, which puts the spotlight on the tobacco industry’s aggressive marketing tactics and promotion of menthol-flavored tobacco products to the LGBTQIA+ community. By introducing the third phase of its statewide “It’s Not Just” campaign, Tobacco-Free CNY aims to educate people about the tobacco industry’s history of injustice towards the LGBTQIA+ community and end the misconception that menthol is just a flavor – menthol is a manipulative way for Big Tobacco to target, attract, and addict LGBTQIA+ individuals.

For decades, the tobacco industry has used deceptive tactics to infiltrate the LGBTQIA+ community such as advertising in gay publications; sponsoring Pride events, street fairs, and film festivals; and funding HIV/AIDS service organizations.[i][ii] While Big Tobacco may have appeared as an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community, their presence is not about support – it’s about aggressively marketing menthol tobacco products. These strategies were first uncovered through an internal marketing plan titled “Project SCUM (Subculture Urban Marketing),” which was intended to boost cigarette sales to the gay community and homeless individuals.[iii] As a result of this deceptive targeting, LGBT adults spend more than $2.6 billion on cigarettes each year and smoke at 2.5 times the rate of their non-LGBT peers.[iv]

Menthol-flavored tobacco products make smoking more palatable by providing a cooling sensation in the mouth and throat. The minty flavors of menthol mask the harshness of tobacco and trigger the smoker to inhale deeper, increasing the risk of nicotine addiction. Karyn Johnson, Program Coordinator for Tobacco-Free CNY, states “The tobacco industry is aware that menthol makes smoking easier to start and harder to quit. The tobacco industry uses menthol-flavored tobacco products as a manipulative way to attract and addict smokers in the LGBTQIA+ community – approximately 36% of LGBT smokers report smoking menthol cigarettes compared to 29% of non-LGBT smokers. Menthol is not just a flavor, it’s an injustice to the LGBTQIA+ community.”

“The LGBTQIA+ community has a long history of fighting for justice and equality, and unfortunately the tobacco industry recognized how the fierceness of our community could make a profit,” said Gabe Glissmeyer, Project Specialist with the National LGBT Cancer Network. “For decades, the targeted marketing of menthol-flavored tobacco products, combined with the experiences of homophobia and transphobia and a lack of access to health resources, has continued to make this a social justice issue.”

The “It’s Not Just” campaign first launched in May 2021 and draws attention to the communities that are disproportionately impacted by Big Tobacco’s manipulative marketing of menthol-flavored tobacco products. The first two waves of the campaign focused on the industry’s impact on African Americans and youth. Individuals can learn more about how to stand with these communities in their fight against the injustice of menthol-flavored tobacco products at the campaign’s website, NotJustMenthol.org.

For New York State residents who wish to overcome tobacco use, the New York State Smokers’ Quitline is a free program that offers individualized coaching, assistance with quit planning, and text and chat support. Adults 18 years of age and older may also qualify for free nicotine patches or gum. Visit nysmokefree.com or call 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) for more information.

The Tobacco-Free CNY program supports Central New York residents who want to live healthy, tobacco-free lives. The program assists community partners with the creation and implementation of tobacco-free policies and serves Onondaga, Oswego, and Cayuga counties. For more information about the Tobacco-Free CNY program, please visit our website at www.tobaccofreecny.org or call (315) 435-3280.

LGB/LGBT/LGBT+/LGBTQ+/LGBTQIA+ are all acronyms for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, and asexual or allied. In NYS, we prefer the acronym LGBTQIA+ as the most inclusive way to acknowledge and respect the diversity of bodies, genders, and relationships. The majority of sources cited here use the same or similar inclusive acronyms; for specific usages, refer to individual sources linked here.

[i] “LGBT History Month: Why Are Smoking Rates Higher in LGBT Communities?” Truth Initiative, 2016.
[ii] “Tobacco Use in LGBT Communities.” Truth Initiative, 2021.
[iii] “How Big Tobacco Is Exploiting the LGBTQ+ Community.” Capital District Tobacco-Free Communities, 2021.
[iv] “Big Tobacco Targets the LGBTQ+ Community.” Cancer Action Network, April 27, 2022. 

Onondaga County Health Department Warns the Public About Alarming Increase in Opioid Overdoses

ONONDAGA COUNTY, JANUARY 12, 2023 – The Onondaga County Health Department has been made aware of a rapid increase in opioid-related overdoses in the city of Syracuse and surrounding areas. In the last 24 hours, approximately 25 overdoses have been reported in the ODMAP overdose tracking system. Initial information is showing a possible link to fentanyl-laced Spike/Spice, an illegal synthetic drug. Other substances that can potentially be laced with fentanyl include cocaine, Molly, MDMA, and other illicit drugs.

Fentanyl is 50-100 times stronger than heroin and has contributed to an increase in opioid overdose deaths in recent years. Fentanyl is undetectable in substances without testing. 

Onondaga County Commissioner of Health Dr. Kathryn Anderson urges, “While overdoses are on the rise in Onondaga County, we can decrease the risk of fatal overdoses if members of the public learn the signs of overdose, call 911 immediately if someone is unresponsive, and if more people carry the overdose reversal drug naloxone (Narcan).”

In a situation where someone is unresponsive, it is recommended to: 

  1. Call 911. 
  2. Administer a first dose of naloxone. 
  3. Perform rescue breathing (or CPR if you are trained). It may help restart the lungs even if the person doesn’t wake up. 
  4. Repeat step 2 and 3 if the person remains unresponsive. 
  5. If a person does not wake-up after using multiple doses of naloxone, continue rescue breathing or CPR until emergency services arrive. 
  6. If the person starts breathing again but is still sedated, they don’t need more naloxone. Put them on their side and monitor them until emergency services arrive.

Being trained to reverse overdoses is an easy way to potentially save a life. The Onondaga County Health Department provides free in-person or virtual training and also has an on-demand option that can be accessed at ongov.net/health/opioids/NaloxoneTraining.html.

Please contact the Mental Health and Substance Use Initiatives Program at naloxonetraining@ongov.net with any training requests or questions. If you or someone you know needs fentanyl test strips or naloxone, they can be requested by calling or texting the Health Department’s confidential Narcan and Test Strip request line at 315-418-5365.

Opioid death data updates are posted to the Onondaga County Health Department website within the first month of each new quarter. Please note that due to the number of pending cases that remain at the end of a quarter, data are reported with a one-quarter lag in order to give a more accurate reflection of what is happening in the community. The fourth quarter deaths and sum of 2022 will be reported in mid-April.

FREE Cervical Cancer Screening Tests

ONONDAGA COUNTY, DECEMBER 30, 2022 – January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and the Onondaga County Cancer Services Program (CSP) is reminding people ages 21 and older who have a cervix 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 human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and regular screening tests (Pap test and HPV test) and follow-up. Screening tests can find the cells that lead to cancer. These cells can be removed before cancer starts. Screening tests can also find cancer early, when treatment may be most effective. Cervical cancer does not usually have symptoms in the beginning, which makes regular screening the key to finding it early.  

Free Pap and HPV tests are available through the CSP for people ages 40 to 64 who have a cervix and have barriers, such as no health insurance, preventing them from getting the screenings and any necessary follow-up testing they may need. Services are available at many healthcare provider sites throughout the city of Syracuse and Onondaga County. “People without health insurance are less likely to get cancer screenings. Cervical cancer is most often found in those who rarely get screened or have never been screened. Our program can help people without health insurance get screened,” said Dr. Kathryn Anderson, Onondaga County Commissioner of Health. 

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. HPV is a common virus that is passed from one person to another during sexual activity. Usually, HPV will go away on its own, but when it doesn’t, cervical cancer can develop over time. The HPV vaccine can prevent infection from the nine most common types of HPV.  The vaccine is recommended for children at age 11 or 12, but can be given between 9 to 26 years of age. Adults between the ages of 27 to 45 who are not adequately vaccinated may benefit from the HPV vaccine. Check with your provider to determine if you should receive the vaccine. If you do not have insurance that covers the vaccine, please call (315) 435-2000 for more information on the Onondaga County Immunization Clinic.   

There are two tests that can find cervical cancer early. Cervical cancer screening tests are recommended for people with a cervix between the ages of 21 to 65. People aged 21-29 should be screened regularly with Pap tests every three years. Those aged 30 and older may be screened with both Pap and HPV testing every five years. Routine screenings are an important step to help find cervical cancer early.

Whether you have health insurance or not, having cervical cancer screening tests is important. Do not delay your screening. Talk to your doctor, and if you are between the ages of 40 to 64 and do NOT have health insurance, call the Cancer Services Program at 315-435-3653 or visit the CSP website to see if you qualify for free cervical cancer screening tests. Take care of yourself and schedule your test today! 

Onondaga County Health Department to Hold COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics for Ages 6 Months—3 Years

ONONDAGA COUNTY, DECEMBER 6, 2022 – Dr. Kathryn Anderson, Commissioner of Health announced that the Onondaga County Health Department will be holding two Moderna COVID-19 vaccine clinics for children ages 6 months—3 years.

The clinics will be held at the Civic Center in Downtown Syracuse on Thursday, December 8 from 9am to 12pm, and on Saturday, December 10 from 9am to 11:30am. Appointments are required and can be made online at covid19.ongov.net/vaccine/.

First and second doses of the Moderna vaccine will be offered at the clinics. Second doses will be available for children who received their first dose at least 4 weeks before the clinic date.

Dr. Anderson explained, “It is important for children starting at 6 months of age to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The rapid spread of the omicron variants and the potential for severe disease in young children are reasons for concern. Notably, COVID hospitalization rates are higher for children under 5 than those 5-17 years old. Please, as we head into the holidays, take steps to make sure everyone in your family is protected.”

ALL residents are urged to stay up-to-date with their COVID vaccines and make an appointment today at one of the many clinics and pharmacies listed on the convenient online Vaccine Finder tool at https://www.vaccines.gov/search/. Those who are 18+ and in need of a primary series or booster dose can make an appointment at the Onondaga County clinic being held on Tuesday, December 13 from 9 to 11:30am and 1 to 3pm at the Civic Center.

For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine and the latest recommendations, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html or call the Onondaga County Health Department at 315-435-2000.

Onondaga County Health Department to Hold MPX Vaccine Clinic

ONONDAGA COUNTY, NOVEMBER 4, 2023 – There continue to be additional cases of monkeypox (MPX) in Onondaga County, for a total of 4 confirmed cases to date. These cases are not connected, individuals have isolated, and there is little to no risk to the general population.

Vaccination is the safest way to protect yourself against MPX when given before or shortly after an exposure. For anyone at risk of contracting the disease, or at future risk of contracting the disease, vaccine is available at the OCHD clinic in Room 080 of the Civic Center by calling 315-435-3236 for an appointment. There will be an upcoming Health Department clinic at ACR Health, 627 Genesee Street, Syracuse on Friday, November 18th from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm for both appointments and walk-ins. First and second doses will be offered. Individuals will need two doses of the vaccine, at least four weeks apart, and are considered fully vaccinated 14 days AFTER their SECOND dose. Anyone who has received a first dose elsewhere can get their second dose at any of the OCHD clinics as long as it has been four weeks since the first dose.

Prevention
Along with getting vaccinated, protect yourself by:

  1. Always talking to your sexual partner/s about any recent illness and being aware of new or unexplained sores or rashes on your body or your partner’s body.
  2. Avoiding close skin-to-skin contact, including hugging, kissing, cuddling and sexual activity with people who have signs like sores or rashes.
    • Sores can look like pimples or blisters and may be painful and itch. The rash or sores may be located on or near the genitals or butt and can also appear on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face, or inside mouth.
  3. Not sharing materials (bedding, towels, clothing, utensils, cups) with someone who has signs of or been diagnosed with MPX.
  4. Washing your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  5. Using appropriate personal protection (like a mask and gloves) when caring for others with signs or symptoms.

Symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and a rash. A rash can look like a blister, pus-filled bump, open sore, or widespread small hard bumps on the body.

If you think you may have been exposed and are experiencing symptoms, please contact your primary care provider immediately. You can learn more by texting “MONKEYPOX” to 81336 or visiting https://on.ny.gov/3RYgHuP.

Clinic Details and Registration                                                                                  The OCHD clinic will be held Friday November 18, 2022 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at ACR Health at 627 Genesee St, Syracuse NY 13204. Those receiving a first-dose vaccine will require a second dose, which will be given on Friday, December 16, 2022 at the same time slot as the first dose. Please note that individuals are not considered fully vaccinated against monkeypox until 14 days after receiving their second dose.

Register for an appointment at https://monkeypox.ongov.net/vaccine/. Walk-ins are welcome.

Increase in Overdoses in Onondaga County

Through the Onondaga County Health Department ODMAP overdose tracking system, there has been notification of 16 or more overdoses occurring in the last 24 hours. In some instances, the individual did not respond to the administration of naloxone (Narcan.) This pattern of overdoses is consistent with reports of the sedative Xylazine in other communities across the country.

Xylazine is a non-opioid sedative, analgesic, and anesthetic agent approved for veterinary use in horses and some other large animals. It slows breathing and heart rate, as well as decreases blood pressure, amplifying the sedative effects of an opioid like fentanyl or heroin. Xylazine is not considered a controlled substance, meaning it can be bought as a prescription medication from a veterinarian. This substance was identified in the journal Forensic Science International as an “emerging adulterant in abused drugs.” Across the country, Xylazine has been discovered in street drugs like fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and methamphetamines and people using drugs are often unaware of its presence.

In a situation where someone is experiencing an overdose where they do not respond to naloxone, it is recommended that:

-First, call 911 and administer naloxone and rescue breathing like you normally would.

— Start rescue breathing after giving the first dose of naloxone. It may help restart the lungs even if the person doesn’t wake up.

-If a person does not wake-up after spraying multiple doses of naloxone into their nose, continue rescue breathing or CPR until emergency services arrive

– The immediate goal is to make sure the person is getting oxygen into the brain.

-If the person starts breathing again but is still sedated, they don’t need more naloxone. Put them in rescue position and keep an eye on them.

In light of the increase of overdose occurrences, community members are urged to get trained to reverse overdoses using the drug naloxone, also known as Narcan, a medication that is available as a nasal spray and to utilize rescue breathing. Being trained to reverse overdoses is an easy way to potentially save a life. The Onondaga County Health Department provides free in-person or virtual training and also has an on-demand option that can be accessed here: https://ongov.net/health/opioids/NaloxoneTraining.html . Please contact the Mental Health and Substance Use Initiatives Program at: naloxonetraining@ongov.net with any training requests or questions. If you or someone you know needs fentanyl test strips or naloxone, they can be requested by calling or texting the Health Department’s confidential Narcan and Test Strip request line at 315-418-5365.

What is SIDS?

By Sunny Jones, Public Health Educator

October is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month. SIDS is the unexplained death, usually during sleep, of a seemingly healthy baby less than a year old. SIDS is one of the leading causes of Infant Mortality (when a baby dies before their first birthday).

Many SIDS deaths can be linked to unsafe sleep. To reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths, including accidental suffocation and SIDS, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants sleep on their backs, positioned on a firm, empty surface. This surface should not contain soft objects, toys, pillows, or loose bedding.

The Mayo Clinic lists the following as risk factors for SIDS:
Sex. Boys are slightly more likely to die of SIDS.
Age. Infants are most vulnerable between the second and fourth months of life.
Race. For reasons that aren’t well understood, non-white infants are more likely to develop SIDS.
Family history. Babies who’ve had siblings or cousins die of SIDS are at higher risk of SIDS.
Secondhand smoke. Babies who live with smokers have a higher risk of SIDS.
Being premature. Both being born early and having a low birth weight increase your baby’s chances of SIDS.

Here are a few steps to help reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths:

  • Get early and regular prenatal care.
  • Avoid having baby sleep on a pillow, waterbed, couch, chair, or other soft surfaces.
  • Do not let your baby fall asleep on a surface that isn’t made for sleeping babies, such as a car seat, a feeding pillow (like the Boppy pillow), or an infant lounger.
  • The firm crib mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet and no other bedding. Keep soft objects and loose bedding out of the sleep area.
  • Do not use a crib bumper pad. In May 2022, crib bumper pads were federally banned due to their link to infant deaths.
  • It is recommended that infants share a room with their parents while they sleep but on a separate surface, like a bassinet or crib next to the bed until the child’s first birthday.
  • Breastfeeding or feeding expressed breast milk can reduce the risk of SIDS.
  • Dress your baby for the room temperature to avoid overheating. Signs of overheating include, sweating or feeling hot to the touch.
  • Smoking or using alcohol or drugs during pregnancy or after birth can put the baby at risk for SIDS. Exposure to secondhand smoke can also increase a baby’s risk, especially if a parent who smokes shares the bedroom with a baby.
  • Stay up to date on all recommended immunizations for you and your baby. Studies have shown that babies who receive their vaccines have a lower risk of SIDS.