Category Archives: Press Releases

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 >

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… 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 >

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… Read more >

Weather Favorable for Aerial Mosquito Spraying of Cicero Swamp

UPDATE: The spraying was completed by 8:00 pm on Friday, September 1, 2023. ******* 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… Read more >

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. **************** ONONDAGA COUNTY, AUGUST 30, 2023 – The forecast is showing favorable weather conditions for aerial mosquito… Read more >

Upcoming $1 cigarette tax hike projected to save 15,300 New Yorkers’ lives

Higher costs deter youth from smoking, but flavored tobacco products continue to attract and addict new smokers Health care providers and the NYS Smokers’ Quitline offer support for quitting ONONDAGA COUNTY, AUGUST 30, 2023 – Beginning Sept. 1, 2023, New York State’s cigarette tax will be the highest in the nation. The $1 hike is… Read more >