Category Archives: Press Releases

Onondaga County Health Department Reminds Residents to Take Precautions Against Rabies During Warmer Months

ONONDAGA COUNTY, MAY 12, 2023 – As the warmer months approach, the Onondaga County Health Department is reminding residents to take precautions against rabies. Onondaga County Commissioner of Health, Dr. Kathryn Anderson, explains that “Rabies is a deadly but preventable disease, and vaccinating our pets is the key to protecting our pets and ourselves. By… Read more >

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… Read more >

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,… Read more >

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… Read more >

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… Read more >

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… Read more >

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… Read more >

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… Read more >

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… Read more >

Reality Check has Seen Enough Tobacco in New York State

Since 2020, U.S. cigarette smoking has dwindled to an all-time low of 12.5% according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Despite this remarkable milestone, e-cigarettes and vaping devices continue to infiltrate our youth and young adult populations nationwide. The use of flavors in tobacco products is an ongoing issue specifically pertaining to… Read more >