Category Archives: Press Releases

FREE Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests Are Available

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. All men and women are at risk for colorectal cancer but it occurs most often in adults over the age of 50. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women in the United States. Early… 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 >

Protect Yourself From Secondhand Smoke This Winter

As winter sets in and the temperature continues to drop, more people may decide to stay inside to smoke. This decision can be very dangerous, especially to those who live in apartments and multi-unit housing. Even if someone decides to smoke inside just during the winter months, there is no risk-free level of secondhand smoke… Read more >

FREE Tests to Detect Cervical Cancer Are 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. In the United States, approximately 13,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. Cervical cancer is preventable with vaccination and regular screening tests (Pap test and HPV… 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 >

Boil Water Order LIFTED for Town of DeWitt

The Onondaga County Health Department has lifted the Boil Water Order for the residents served by the Town of DeWitt Water Department. The Boil Water Order was issued on Friday, October 4 when test results from routine sampling confirmed the presence of coliform bacteria. The Town of DeWitt Water Department spent the weekend flushing the… Read more >