Category Archives: Press Releases

Fight the Bite: Protect Yourself from Diseases Caused by Mosquitoes and Ticks

SYRACUSE, NY:  With some sunny days in the forecast and the arrival of spring in Central New York, the Onondaga County Health Department urges the public to protect themselves from diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks now and throughout the fall season. Health Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta reminds residents, “After the long winter in Central… Read more >

Tell Us What You Think About the Health of Our Community

Every three years, the Onondaga County Health Department (OCHD) performs a community health assessment and improvement plan. An important part of this process is a Community Health Survey to get feedback from you Onondaga County residents about health issues that matter to them. These thoughts on the health of our community will be used to… Read more >

Reality Check Program Says Rate Smoking “R”

This year for International Week of Action for Smoke-Free Movies, the Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central (ITC) Reality Check group spoke out against the tobacco industry using entertainment media to market their products to youth by creating and displaying posters with facts and statements throughout their school to educate their peers. International Week of… Read more >

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

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. The newest guidance from the US Preventive Services Task Force and the American Cancer Society recommends that colorectal cancer screenings begin at age 45. The recommended age to begin screening was lowered because colorectal cancer cases are on the rise among individuals younger than 50. According to the… Read more >

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, FREE Screening Tests 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. 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… Read more >

New Documentation Available for COVID-19 Isolation and Quarantine

The recent rise in COVID-19 cases across the state and in Onondaga County has caused a delay in the case investigation and contact tracing process. It is crucial to remind those who test positive to immediately isolate and notify their close contacts who may have been exposed. To alleviate this problem and meet the needs… Read more >

Overdose Spike Alert in Onondaga County

The Onondaga County Health Department reports that fourteen suspected overdoses occurred over a 24-hour period on November 23rd and 24th. Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAP) data has shown that, while this issue is prevalent throughout the county, recent reports show a concentration in the North and West sides of the City of Syracuse, with… Read more >

Tobacco Policies Support Smokers Trying to Quit During the Great American Smokeout

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States. Smoking kills about 28,000 New York residents every year and 750,000 adults in New York State are living with a smoking-related illness. The Tobacco-Free CNY program of the Onondaga County Health Department is joining with community members to celebrate the… Read more >

County Executive McMahon Announces Expanded Upcoming COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics for Ages 5-11

An additional 240 appointments are now available over four days. SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon today announced that the Onondaga County Health Department will be further expanding four COVID-19 vaccine clinics for children ages 5 – 11 in response to community demand. The clinics for children ages 5 – 11 will be… Read more >

County Executive McMahon Announces Expanded Upcoming COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics for Ages 5-11

Registration is required SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon today announced that the Onondaga County Health Department will be expanding four COVID-19 vaccine clinics for children ages 5—11 beginning next week. The clinics for children ages 5—11 will be held at the Civic Center on Mondays and Fridays from 9:00 AM to 11:30… Read more >