Have you been feeling sluggish lately? Have you been told you are overweight? Has a healthcare provider told you that you have prediabetes or are at risk of prediabetes? Do you have a parent, brother, or sister with type 2 diabetes? Have you had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or given birth to a baby who weighed over 9 pounds?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be at risk of type 2 diabetes (Type 2).The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are seeking feedback from residents to help plan upcoming Lifestyle Change education programs in both counties. We are asking anyone who is at risk of prediabetes or type 2 diabetes to take a few minutes and answer some questions so we can schedule training sessions in Genesee and Orleans Counties.
Type 2 diabetes is when your cells do not respond normally to insulin (insulin resistance). Type 2 is a chronic disease that affects the way the body processes sugar (glucose) for fuel (energy). When a person has type 2 diabetes their pancreas makes insulin, but their body does not respond well to make the cells let the glucose in, giving the cells the energy they need. The blood sugar is not used and it builds up in the body.
“It is important to note that prediabetes (diagnosed with high blood sugar levels but not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes) and type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed,” stated Brenden Bedard, Director of Community Health Services for GO Health. “Attending an evidence-based lifestyle change program can help people learn how to make healthier food choices, encourage them to be more physically active, and learn more about their overall health.” We encourage residents to consider taking charge of their life and lowering their risk of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Getting feedback from residents will help us design a program that meets their needs. The survey is quick and can be accessed HERE
For more information on GO Health programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or call your respective health department at:
While the holidays can be a time for joy and celebration for many, it can be a time that is lonely, sad, and stressful for others. This can be particularly true for people living with mental health and substance use conditions.
“It is important for folks to focus on self-care and seek support,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “We encourage individuals to prioritize their mental well-being and connect with the resources available in our communities.”
Here are some strategies to support your mental health:
Connect with others for support. Meaningful connections are critical to our mental health. Make time for the important relationships in your life. Connect with yourself through self-care. When you are ready for help, reach out and ask for help. Help is available.
Take care of your body. Eat healthy. Be physically active. Get enough sleep. Avoid alcohol and drugs. Spend time outside. These things may help to keep your mental health on track.
Take care of your mind. Write down your feelings. Take deep breaths to calm your mind and slow your heart rate. Celebrate your small accomplishments, which can lead to larger goals.
“It is okay to not be okay,” stated Lynda Battaglia, Director of Mental Health and Community Services for Genesee County. “Help is always available if you or someone you know is having a hard time around the holiday, or those struggling with mental health, substance use, or feeling overwhelmed.”
“There are people in the community that are available to help,” stated Danielle Figura, Director of the Orleans County Mental Health Department. “If you or someone you know is feeling lonely or missing someone, reach out to your local mental health department or someone you trust.”
The following are some mental health and substance use resources available:
Genesee County Mental Health- 585-344-1421
Orleans County Mental Health- 585-589-7066
Genesee and Orleans County Care & Crisis Line- 585-283-5200
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline- Dial 988 or visit 988Lifeline.org.
Veterans Crisis Line- Dial 988 (press 1)
SAMHSA’s National Helpline- 1-800-662-HELP (4357) – A confidential, free 24-hour that can provide referrals to local treatment facilities and support groups.
To find a local treatment facility, visit FindTreatment.gov.
To find support for issues with mental health, drugs, or alcohol, visit Samhsa.gov/find-support. For more information on Health Department programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or call your respective health department at:
Genesee County: 585-344-2580 ext. 5555
Orleans County: 585-589-3278
Follow GO Health on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at GOHealthNY.
National Influenza Vaccination Week is December 4-8, 2023. This is the time of year to remind everyone that there is still time to get vaccinated against influenza (“the flu”).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every year to reduce the risk of getting the flu and lessening the symptoms if you get sick. The best time to get vaccinated is before flu season has started, but it is never too late to get the flu shot.
Flu usually peaks between December and February and can continue into May.
“It is important for those at higher risk, including young children, pregnant women, adults 65 years and older, and individuals with certain medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma or lung disease, to get the flu vaccine,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “It is also important for people who live with and care for people who are at higher risk and those who care for infants under 6 months old."
Below are the number of reported flu cases for Genesee and Orleans Counties since 2019 according to the New York State Department of Health. It is important to note that during 2020-2021 there were significantly less confirmed cases of flu partly due to a heightened awareness of practicing precautions like staying home when sick, limiting social gatherings and frequent handwashing during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
New York State Department of Health Confirmed Cases of Influenza:
Genesee County
2019-2020 - 598
2020-2021 - 7
2021-2022 - 182
2022-2023 - 743
2023-2024 (as of 11/25/2023) - 9
Orleans County
2019-2020 - 266
2020-2021 - 8
2021-2022 - 100
2022-2023 - 647
2023-2024 (as of 11/25/2023) - 5
In addition to the flu shot, the following practices are recommended to stop the spread of illnesses:
Stay Home When Sick: If you develop flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, or fatigue, stay home to prevent spreading the virus to others.
Practice Good Hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water, and use hand sanitizer when soap is not available. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and manage stress to support a strong immune system.
To find a vaccine site near you visit: https://www.vaccines.gov/find-vaccines/ For the Genesee and Orleans Counties Wastewater Dashboard that tracks RSV, COVID-19, and flu in local sewersheds, visit the GO Health Wastewater Dashboard.
For more information on Health Department programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or call your respective health department at:
Genesee County: 585-344-2580 ext. 5555
Orleans County: 585-589-3278
Follow GO Health on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at GOHealthNY.
Have you ever seen those appeals from the health department looking for the owner of a dog that recently took a bite out of someone on the street?
That’s because those random bites of unidentified animals result in rabies treatments for the victims. Just how often does this happen, Genesee County Legislator John Deleo asked during a Human Services meeting Monday.
More than you might think.
“You see a lot of press releases, particularly in April and May when the animals come out and people go out, and the weather gets better. On average, 25 to 30 people a year, with dog and cat bites,” Public Health Director Paul Pettit said while requesting a contract renewal for rabies treatment services between the county and United Memorial Medical Center. “Sometimes we're looking for a dog that maybe bit somebody, and we're trying to find the owner. That's been successful from time to time. And bat season is typically in August, where you get a lot of bats in the home at night while people are sleeping. Unfortunately, they let them go. And they just happen to test a lot of people.”
UMMC provides a post-exposure rabies vaccine to those bitten by animals suspected of having rabies or when it’s unknown whether they may have the disease.
The agreement is expected to result in a budget impact of a reduction of expenses for the vaccine and an increase in insurance reimbursements, according to the county resolution. The Human Services Committee agreed, and it is to move on to Ways & Means and then to the Legislature for a final vote.
The committee also approved Pettit’s request for an agreement to pay $750 to The Harvester Center for winter storage of the health department’s RV and trailer; and $8,000 for public health advertising about the ill effects of lead at Dwyer Stadium and the David McCarthy ice arena in Batavia. The advertising expenses are covered by a grant, Pettit said.
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are alerting residents to rising cases of syphilis and congenital syphilis. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is most often spread through sexual contact. Congenital syphilis is a preventable disease that occurs when a mother with syphilis passes the infection on to the baby during pregnancy.
In 2020, there were 12.1 confirmed cases of syphilis per 100,000 population, and to date in 2023, there have been 33.3 cases per 100,000 population, which include confirmed cases and probable cases pending investigation. With a rise in cases, particularly among women, GO Health has also seen a rise in congenital syphilis cases.
Syphilis and congenital syphilis can lead to serious health complications, but they are preventable with screening, early detection, and treatment. “Syphilis is caused by a bacteria that enters the body during oral, vaginal, or anal sex. It can also enter through broken skin that is exposed to the syphilis bacteria”, stated Brenden Bedard, Director of Community Health Services for GO Health. “Newborns can get congenital syphilis before birth or during vaginal delivery if the mother has syphilis.”
Signs and symptoms of syphilis may or may not be noticeable. They may include a painless sore on the genitals, anus, or mouth; a rash on the body; tiredness; fever; sore throat; headaches; swollen glands; loss of appetite; weight loss; patchy hair loss; muscle aches, and fatigue. Oftentimes the signs of syphilis go away and the person does not have it checked out.
If not treated for syphilis, an infected person even without symptoms can still infect others, including an unborn baby. Having syphilis once does not protect you from getting it again, even after successful treatment. A person can get it many times, so that is why people and their partner(s) must get tested and successfully treated. If your sex partner(s) does not get tested or treated, you may get syphilis again. The longer the person waits to be treated, the more damage the disease causes to the body.
Syphilis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth, neonatal death, blindness or deafness, bone abnormalities, skin lesions, developmental delays, and other serious health problems to a developing baby. The best way to protect babies from congenital syphilis is to get screened throughout the pregnancy and just prior to delivery.
Here are some ways to prevent the spread of syphilis:
Not having sex (abstinence) is the only sure way to avoid infection.
Limit sex partners, especially if pregnant.
Use latex or polyurethane condoms each time during oral, anal, or vaginal sex.
If you or your partner have any sores on the genitalia, anus, or mouth, or unexplained rashes on the body, talk with your healthcare provider and get tested. Do not have sex until both partners are fully treated.
Get tested often for sexually transmitted infections/diseases.
If you are pregnant, talk with your healthcare provider about being tested to protect your baby.
If you know someone who is pregnant, encourage them to get tested.
For more information on Syphilis and other Sexually Transmitted Infections, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
For more information on Health Department programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or call your respective health department at:
Genesee County: 585-344-2580 ext. 5555
Orleans County: 585-589-3278
Follow GO Health on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at GOHealthNY.
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are alerting residents that cases of respiratory syncytial virus, known as RSV, are rising throughout Genesee and Orleans Counties. GO Health has also seen an increase in the presence of RSV in wastewater throughout both counties.
RSV is a common respiratory virus that can be mild for most people, but can be very harmful and serious for very young children, older adults, people with medical conditions, those born premature, or with underlying lung conditions.
Symptoms of RSV include fever, fatigue, decreased appetite, coughing, sneezing, and runny nose. These symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once. In young infants with RSV, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties.
Severe illness can result in bronchiolitis, an inflammation of the small airways in the lung, and pneumonia, an infection of the lungs. Hospitalization due to RSV is needed when a person is experiencing difficulty breathing or is dehydrated.
A vaccine is available to prevent and protect against RSV for adults aged 60 and older, infants and young children, as well as pregnant people to protect their unborn child. If you are interested in the vaccine, you are encouraged to talk with your healthcare provider and for the best protection, you should get the vaccine as soon as possible.
To protect against all respiratory viruses including RSV, COVID-19, and the flu, practice the following precautions:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing/sneezing. This may prevent those around you from getting sick. Use your elbow or shoulder to limit the spray when coughing/sneezing.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. It is especially important to wash your hands after you have coughed or sneezed into your hands or blown your nose. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Frequently disinfect shared items, like doorknobs, handrails, phones, pens, remotes, etc.
Practice these other health habits for general health:
Clean and disinfect touched surfaces at home, work, and school.
Get plenty of sleep.
Engage in 30 minutes of physical activity 3-4 days a week.
Manage your stress. Read a book, chat with a friend, take a walk, etc.
Drink plenty of non-alcoholic beverages.
Eat nutritious foods.
For more information about RSV, visit the New York State Department website. For the Genesee and Orleans Counties Wastewater Dashboard that tracks RSV, COVID-19, and flu in local sewer sheds, visit the GO Health Wastewater Dashboard.
For more information on GO Health programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or call your respective health department at:
Genesee County: 585-344-2580 ext. 5555
Orleans County: 585-589-3278
Follow GO Health on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at GOHealthNY.
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), if you smoke and live in a home with high radon levels, your risk of developing lung cancer increases.
Testing your home for radon is the only effective way to know if you and your loved ones are exposed to toxic levels of this poisonous gas.
Darren Brodie, Environmental Health Director for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) stated, “Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas. It has no smell, taste, or color. Radon forms from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water and mixes into the air you breathe. When radon is formed under homes and buildings, it can enter through cracks in the foundation. This leads to high levels of radon, especially in enclosed areas. Any home can have high radon levels and the only way to know is to test your home.”
The Genesee County Health Department Radon Program has a limited supply of short-term radon test kits free of charge for residents in Genesee County. We also offer educational materials and presentations to those interested in learning more about radon and its risks.
Residents in other counties can get radon test kits at their local hardware store or through radon testing laboratories found at https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/radon/. For more information about radon and how to receive a free radon test kit in Genesee County, contact the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580 x5555 or Health@co.genesee.ny.us.
Replacing the popularity of traditional cigarettes, the e-cigarette was introduced to the market around 2007. Typically branded as a safer alternative to traditional cigarette smoking, e-cigarettes work by using a battery to heat up liquid that usually contains nicotine, flavorings, and other additives and chemicals. Various flavors and scents have been used as a marketing technique to increase the appeal of e-cigarette smoking to young people.
According to the 2021 CLYDE Survey administered to 7th, 9th, and 11th grade students in Genesee and Orleans Counties by UConnectCare (formally GCASA):
3% of 7th grade students reported vaping with nicotine in the past 30 days
19.7% of 11th grade students reported vaping with nicotine in the past 30 days
11.1% of 11th grade students reported vaping with marijuana in the past 30 days
There are many reasons that teens and young adults vape, including peer pressure and wanting to fit in with their friends. However, no tobacco product is safe, especially for adolescents. Many teens believe that vaping is less harmful than smoking and find the lack of smoke and smell, appealing. Young people who believe that e-cigarettes cause no harm are more likely to use them. It is important for parents and educators to work together to teach adolescents about the health risks associated with e-cigarettes.
How can you talk to youth about vaping? Here are some tips:
Make sure you are aware of the facts first, before you talk with youth about vaping. To learn more about vaping, visit the CDC Website or the Surgeon General Website
Consider what they are going through and put yourself in their shoes. Think about what pressures they face at school, at home, and with their friends. Encourage an open dialogue and have empathy throughout the conversation.
Set a positive example by staying tobacco-free. If you use tobacco, it is never too late to quit. For more help or information on quitting, contact your healthcare provider. You can also text, chat or call the New York State Smokers’ Quitline at 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) or visit the New York State Department of Health website.
Wait for the right moment to start the conversation and try to have a more natural conversation, rather than a lecture.
Avoid scare tactics and connect with what youth care about.
If you have questions or need support, talk with your healthcare provider.
After you talk, let them know that you appreciate them for taking the time to listen and for being honest with you.
Continue to follow-up and keep the lines of communication open. New vaping products such as vaping hoodies and vaping flash drives are introduced to youth on a regular basis. Continue to do your research and stay up to date on any new information related to vaping.
For more information on GO Health programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or call your respective health department at:
Genesee County: 585-344-2580 ext. 5555
Orleans County: 585-589-3278
Follow GO Health on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at GOHealthNY.
Sherri Bensley, left, and Allysa Pascoe, of Genesee and Orleans Health Department, give a presentation about radon during this week's City Council meeting at City Hall. Free test kits are available at the health department to find out your home's level for this odorless, tasteless radioactive gas. Photo by Howard Owens.
If you were asked to name the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, it may surprise you that the answer is not second hand smoke, often portrayed as perhaps the most dangerous substance to lungs for those exposed to the fumes of others.
The top cause of lung cancer is actually radon for nonsmokers, and overall is the second leading cause of lung cancer for the general population, Public Health Educator Sherri Bensley of Genesee and Orleans Health Department says.
Not often something discussed at the dinner table or thought about in the home, radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year, according to GO Health statistics.
Although the topic up to now has been a quiet one, Bensley and Environmental Health Specialist Allysa Pascoe have been taking a presentation on the road — including to City Council this week — to review the basics of radon and remind folks about the importance of what to keep in mind with this radioactive gas.
"The GO Health Departments would like residents to know that radon is the leading environmental cause of any cancer and it is the second leading cause of lung cancer, after smoking," Bensley said to The Batavian. "Radon can enter a home through cracks in the foundation, cracks in basement walls, holes, joints, dirt floors, sump pump holes, suspended floors and in the well-water supply.
“Any home (new or old), that has contact to the ground has the potential for radon to enter the home," she said. "Testing your home is the only way to know if high levels are present and corrective action is needed.”
Tests were conducted in Genesee County, and Stafford was found to be the area with the highest levels of radon in the lowest living area of the home, which was the basement.
Levels were at greater than 10 pCi/L (that is picocuries per liter), with several areas reaching greater than 4 and less than 10, including Byron, Bergen, Batavia, Le Roy, Darien, Bethany, Pavilion and Pembroke. Towns and villages of Alabama, Oakfield, Elba and Alexander had the lowest levels of less than 4.
When testing was conducted on first floors in the county, Stafford remained at 10, and was joined by Darien; whereas the 4 to 10 levels were only in Batavia, Bethany and Le Roy and remaining municipalities had levels of 4 or lower.
The health department distributed radon test kits from Jan. 17 of this year to June 30, with 37 elevated readings out of 174 total kits, Bensley said. From July 1 to now, there were 73 more kits distributed, and 23 elevated readings.
GO Health has been able to do this through a New York State Indoor Radon Grants Program meant to increase public awareness about th risks and health hazards of radon exposure. It’s a sneaky inert gas that’s colorless, odorless and tasteless that cannot be detected by one’s senses.
Exposure to radon can damage tissue and may cause lung cancer since it is a carcinogen. It also can be found anywhere, since it’s produced by the decay of uranium in soil, rock and water.
So now that you may be sufficiently scared, or at least concerned, what to do about it?
“With funding provided by the New York State Department of Health, the Genesee County Health Department has free radon test kits available to residents of Genesee County,” Bensley said. “If someone finds that their home has a high level of radon, we would recommend that they hire a certified mitigator to install a radon mitigation system to reduce radon levels in their home.”
The department has also proposed that all new homes be built with radon-reducing features, which would be more cost effective, eliminate potential exposure and is currently a requirement in 11 other states, she said.
The test is made of charcoal, and it is uncapped for at least 12 hours during the test period. It will be placed on the lowest level of the home that is frequently occupied. Once radon is detected, certification is not required in New York State, but is recommended, she said.
She also recommends that, when pursuing mitigation, obtain several estimates, check references, and obtain a guarantee that the mitigator will reduce the radon to below 4.0 pCi/L. Go here for more information about mitigators.
For more information about radon or obtaining a test, email Allysa.Pascoe@co.genesee.ny.us or Sherri.Bensley@co.genesee.ny.us or call 585-344-2580, Ext. 5528.
Paul Pettit’s decided to get the lead out. Of his next grant opportunity, that is.
The director of Genesee Orleans Health Department reviewed a $1.5 million grant with the county’s Human Services Committee on Monday that will stray from his last one that focused strictly on lead-based products.
“So there's a HUD grant that came through about two weeks ago. This one's a little unique compared to our current HUD grant that we have, which is focused on lead. This one's a little broader,” Pettit said. “So it's any type of healthy homes issue, similar to the grant we have right now in the City of Batavia and the Town of Batavia, that helps us, you know, provide different assistance for healthy homes. This one's a little broader for the entire county. We'd be putting it as a global application.”
Funding would help income-eligible applicants within the county qualify for grants of $10,000 to $15,000 to work on health-related safety issues around their homes, such as mold, radon, lead, pests, and weatherization needs, he said.
“I’m not sure we'll get it or not. But we believe we have a very successful model with the HUD lead grant. That's actually doing a lot of good work in the GLOW region,” he said.
In January 2019, the Genesee County Health Department (GCHD) received a $1.3 million federal grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to address lead-based paint hazards in residential buildings within the counties of Genesee and Orleans.
Of this total funding, $1 million was to be used specifically for lead-based paint hazard reduction activities and $300,000 was directed to other health-related home repairs, maintenance, and upgrades. The funds were initially earmarked strictly for use in the City of Batavia and the Village of Albion, and HUD later approved an expansion of the program in December 2020.
That lead program has a coordinator and online details and applications for applicants and contractors involved in addressing the issues.
“So this would mirror that we already had systems in place. It obviously would probably involve hiring another environmental health specialist who would oversee that program for the region, with the funding to cover all that,” he said. “We’ll let you know: hopefully, we'll be accepting a grant soon.”
The committee approved the resolution, which will go on to Ways & Means and then to the county Legislature for final approval.
The resolution states that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development issued a notice of funding opportunity titled Healthy Homes Production Grant Program, and WHEREAS, the grant will address housing-related diseases and injuries from housing health and safety hazards in underserved and low-income communities and will mitigate health and safety issues such as radon, pests, mold, lead, weatherization and other housing hazards, and WHEREAS, the Environmental Health Unit of the Health Department is desirous of submitting a complete application inclusive of required assurances, certifications and disclosures, and WHEREAS, the Human Services Committee did review this request and does recommend approval at this time.
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) will be holding their Local Early Intervention Coordinating Council (LEICC) Quarterly Meeting. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 25 from 4 - 5 p.m. at the Genesee County Health Department (3837 W. Main Street Road Batavia) or by zoom.
During the meeting, advocacy will be discussed and the election of officers will take place. Refreshments will be provided.
The LEICC is a supportive group made up of county officials, Early Intervention providers, childcare providers, parents of children with disabilities, and other community members. The members of the council are encouraged to collaborate and voice their opinions to help raise concerns to better the program, and ultimately, help the children.
The goal of the LEICC is to afford the opportunity for parents and other members to voice their thoughts and concerns on the strengths and weaknesses of the Genesee and Orleans County Early Intervention Program and to work together to improve the program. The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments are encouraging parents to attend and to offer input as to how we can best meet the needs of all infants and toddlers.
For Zoom connection information or for more information on the meeting, please contact Sarah Kathryn McLaughlin, Early Intervention Service Coordinator for Genesee County, at 585-344-2580 ext. 5503 or 585-589-3147.
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) have identified a concerning trend of elevated cocaine use locally that is causing fatal fentanyl overdoses. Fortunately, these deaths are preventable, and resources are available locally to help.
Since 2021, there have been 29 fatal fentanyl overdoses confirmed in Genesee County, and at least 72% of these deaths have also involved cocaine.
In some instances, bystanders reported that the person who died of a fentanyl overdose thought they were taking only powder cocaine or crack cocaine. In Orleans County, there were 10 fatal fentanyl overdoses during this same time period, of which 40% involved cocaine.
GO Health has also identified through wastewater analysis that cocaine consumption is very high in Batavia and Le Roy compared to other areas nationally. GO Health regularly analyzes wastewater samples from wastewater treatment plants throughout Genesee and Orleans Counties for high-risk substances to better understand local patterns in drug consumption and these trends are compared to upwards of 160 sites nationally by the wastewater epidemiology company Biobot Analytics.
In August, the estimated cocaine consumption in Batavia was higher than 94% of other tested sites in the United States, and in Le Roy it was higher than 95% of other tested sites. Substance use is estimated in each sewershed by taking the amount of the metabolite found in the wastewater and dividing by the size of the population served by the wastewater treatment plant.
“For the last several years, Genesee County’s opioid overdose death rates have surpassed the state’s average, and been higher than neighboring counties too,” stated Paul Pettit, the Public Health Director for GO Health. “Unfortunately, what we are seeing here are indications of a relatively high amount of cocaine use locally, and when that cocaine is contaminated with fentanyl, it is causing preventable overdoses and deaths,” Pettit explained.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that can be prescribed by physicians to treat patients’ severe pain that is not responsive to other medications, such as in cases of advanced-stage cancer.
Because it is 50 times stronger than heroin, illegally-made fentanyl has largely replaced heroin and other opioids in the U.S. drug supply, and is commonly mixed with other drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Many people who use street drugs like cocaine or counterfeit pills are unaware that what they are taking may contain a lethal dose of fentanyl.
Individuals who are aware of the risks of fentanyl overdose when using cocaine are empowered to make safer choices that could save their life or the life of a loved one, and a number of resources are available:
Narcan (naloxone) nasal spray can be used to reverse an opioid overdose, and should be administered to anyone who is showing signs of having difficulty breathing or who is not breathing at all, regardless of whether the person is known to have taken an opioid. Narcan is available for free from the Genesee-Orleans-Wyoming Opioid Task Force simply by texting “KIT” to 1-877-535-2461.
Fentanyl test strips, which can be used to check for fentanyl in drugs, are available for free from the MATTERS Network at mattersnetwork.org/individual-request.
People who use cocaine or other drugs can reduce their risk by never using alone, taking turns when using drugs with others, or calling the Never Use Alone Hotline at 1-800-484-3731.
Treatment for substance use disorders is available locally from Hope Haven at 585-922-9900, from Horizon Health Services at 585-815-0247, and from UConnectCare (formerly GCASA) at 585-343-1124 (Genesee County) or 585-589-0055 (Orleans County).
Entry points to treatment are also available in person 24 hours a day at the City of Batavia Fire Department, the City of Batavia Police Department, the Genesee County Sheriff, and the Le Roy Police Department through the Public Safety Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative (PAARI).
For information on Health Department programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or call your respective health department at:
Genesee County Health Department: 585-344-2580 ext. 5555
Orleans County Health Department: 585-589-3278
Follow GO Health on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at GOHealthNY.
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are offering their final 2023 free drive-thru rabies vaccination clinics in October. Funding for the rabies clinics are provided by the New York State Department of Health.
The Genesee County Rabies Vaccination Clinic will be held on Thursday, Oct. 12 from 4 - 6 p.m. at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 East Main Street, Batavia).
The Orleans County Rabies Vaccination Clinic will be held on Saturday, Oct. 21 from 9 - 11:30 a.m. at the Orleans County Fairgrounds (12690 State Route 31, Albion)
Vaccinations are free for dogs, cats, and ferrets. Animals must be at least 3 months old. Each animal must be leashed or crated and accompanied by an adult who can control the animal. Limit 4 pets per car maximum.
“We encourage all Genesee and Orleans County residents to take advantage of our last rabies immunization clinics of 2023 and ensure their pets are protected against rabies,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health.
“Rabies continues to be a serious public health concern in both Genesee and Orleans Counties and is a preventable viral disease most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal.
Please leave wildlife alone and do not feed, touch, or adopt wild animals, stray dogs, or cats.” For more information on GO Health’s programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org. You can also contact your respective health department:
Genesee County- 585-344-2580 x5555 or Health@co.genesee.ny.us
Orleans County- 585-589-3278 or OCPublicHealth@orleanscountyny.gov
As the colder weather starts drawing people into their homes, the windows are closed, and the heat is turned on. This creates a perfect setting for viruses that cause respiratory illnesses to spread.
“Respiratory viruses include rhinovirus (the common cold), influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19. These viruses are spread from person to person by coming in contact with fluids like saliva (spit), respiratory droplets (from coughing and sneezing), or mucous from someone who is sick,” stated Brenden Bedard, Director of Community Health Services for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health).
“These viruses tend to mutate or change, making it difficult to destroy, making it possible to get any of these viruses more than once.”
Generally, these viruses can be mild for most people; however, for the very young, the very old and those with weak immune systems, or underlying health condition(s), they can cause serious illness.
Daily practicing of good health precautions throughout the year can limit the spread of all respiratory illnesses. Make sure you and your family practice the following:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing/sneezing. This may prevent those around you from getting sick. Use your elbow or shoulder to limit the spray when coughing/sneezing.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. It is especially important to wash your hands after you have coughed or sneezed into your hands or blown your nose. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Frequently disinfect shared items, like doorknobs, phones, pens, remotes, etc.
Talk with your healthcare provider about being vaccinated for flu, COVID-19, RSV, and pneumonia. For information on vaccinations visit vaccines.gov.
Practice these other health habits for general health all year:
Clean and disinfect touched surfaces at home, work, and school.
Get plenty of sleep.
Engage in regular physical activity. As you are able, work up to 20-30 minutes a day most days of the week.
Manage your stress. Read a book, chat with a friend, take a walk, etc.
To access New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) COVID-19 isolation orders, visit: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/isolation. Residents should follow the COVID-19 isolation guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/isolation.html.
For more information on Health Department programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or call your respective health department at:
Genesee County: 585-344-2580 ext. 5555
Orleans County: 585-589-3278
Follow GO Health on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at GOHealthNY.
No matter who we are or where we come from, we all know at least one person affected by opioid use disorder (OUD). An estimated 2.1 million Americans have OUD 1.
Since 2019, there have been 57 fatal opioid overdoses in Genesee County, with additional deaths still pending official causes of death. What many don’t realize is that OUD is a medical disorder characterized by an inability to stop the use of an opioid, despite the negative consequences associated with its use.
HEALing Genesee is committed to reducing opioid overdose deaths. Many families are broken and lives are disrupted due to misuse of opioids. Research findings are clear: medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) are the single most effective tool to promote long-term recovery.
Recovery from OUD also requires more than willpower, and medications can be part of the solution. Three FDA approved medications – methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone – can lower the risk of relapse and overdose.
Evidence shows that these medications reduce or eliminate withdrawal symptoms (methadone, buprenorphine), blunt or block effects of illicit opioids (methadone, naltrexone, buprenorphine), and reduce or eliminate cravings to use opioids (methadone, buprenorphine).
MOUD treatment can be combined with psychotherapy, support groups, or other treatment opportunities where available. To reduce overdose deaths and the many other destructive effects of opioid use disorder on our community, we must increase the number of people who seek MOUD treatment and who stay in treatment long enough to recover.
A HEALing Communities Study spokesperson, Johnny, has been taking MOUD for over 5 years as part of his recovery path. During an interview led by study staff, Johnny provided some ways for how he overcame treatment barriers. “At the beginning there were many people who didn’t believe in MOUD.”
He noted there were many people in his life who believed MOUD was just substituting one drug for another, but it’s not. He says, “Don’t give up. This [MOUD] works. If it doesn’t work for you the first time, try again. Be honest with yourself and your counselors and the people trying to help you. It is your treatment and your recovery. Stay in treatment, your life is worth it!”
You Can Help HEAL our Communities
How can you help? If you know someone with opioid use disorder, encourage them to seek MOUD. If you know someone who is in MOUD treatment, let them know you support their efforts and recognize the courage it takes to break the cycle of drug dependence. If someone you know has a family member in MOUD treatment, tell them how glad you are to hear it and how you hope their family member stays in that treatment as long as they need it.
Your encouragement matters because one of the reasons that some people leave MOUD treatment too soon, or never enter it at all, is lack of support from family and friends. The notion that MOUD “isn’t real recovery” has prevented too many people from using MOUD to succeed in recovery and there are challenges people in recovery face. Some challenges may include separating from previous drug-using social networks and managing anxiety and depression, withdrawal, and potential occasional relapse events.
For a person with opioid use disorder, chances of recovery become much greater when MOUD treatment efforts are supported by friends, family, and the connections within their social networks, and transportation, housing, and employment are accessible in the community.
Together, we can HEAL our communities.
To learn more about the challenges people face with opioid use disorder, and some tips to overcome them, visit www.HealTogetherStories.org to watch the powerful testimonials of people on MOUD in communities like ours. It is up to all of us to help as many people in Genesee County recover from opioid use disorder.
To learn more about the HEALing Communities Study, visit:
HEALing Communities Study Website: www.HealTogetherNY.org/Genesee
GOW Opioid Task Force Website: www.gowopioidtaskforce.org/
Both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) have identified Genesee County as having a high average indoor radon screening level greater than 4 pCi/L (pico curies per liter).
Radon can build up to dangerous levels in your home, which can occur in new homes or older homes.
“Radon can enter your home through cracks in the foundation, cracks in basement walls, holes, joints, dirt floors, sump pump holes, suspended floors, and in the well-water supply,” stated Darren Brodie, Environmental Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health).
“Any house that has contact with the ground has the potential for radon to enter the home. That is why training contractors and code enforcement officers about the risk of radon is important.”
On Wednesday, Nov. 15 from 1 - 4 p.m., the Genesee County Health Department will be hosting George Schambach, the Vice President of the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologies, Inc., and President/Owner of Professional Home Inspection Service to implement a training for all contractors and code enforcement officers.
This training will be held at the Genesee County Emergency Management Office on 7690 State Street Road, Batavia.
Topics will include:
Radon Measurement
Radon Mitigation
Radon Abatement
Health Risks of Radon to Construction Personnel
This training is free of charge. Any Contractor or Code Enforcement Officer interested in attending can contact Allysa Pascoe at 585-344-2580 x5508 to register. For more information on radon or other GO Health programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org.
Lead is a metal that is toxic to our bodies. Young children under 6 years old are most at risk for lead poisoning because their bodies are rapidly developing. A child with lead poisoning can experience learning difficulties, lower IQ, difficulty paying attention, organ damage, and anemia. At very high levels, lead poisoning can be fatal.
“Lead poisoning is preventable,” stated Gabrielle Lanich, Lead Program Coordinator of Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “It is important to stop children from coming in contact with lead hazards before poisoning occurs.”
The Genesee County Health Department has expanded its Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes Grant, funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), to include Livingston and Wyoming Counties. The grant now includes Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming Counties.
The Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes (HUD) Grant addresses lead-based paint hazards, as well as certain health concerns, in homes and apartments in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming (GLOW) Counties. In order to be eligible for these funds, homeowners and property owners must meet all of the following requirements:
Tenants or homeowners who are income eligible (limited funds for vacant units, call for more information)
The building was built prior to 1978
At least one child under the age of 6 living in the home or visiting 8 or more hours a week, or a pregnant female
Lead-based paint hazards in the home
Current on tax and mortgage payments
Other requirements are determined on a case-by-case basis
Rental property owners are also required to match 10% of the total project costs. For example, a rental property owner would be required to pay $2,000 for a $20,000 project.
Rental properties must have 4 units or less. All recipients are required to maintain ownership of the residence for 5 years after the project is completed. Applications can be obtained by contacting our lead program staff or found on the GO Health website.
Possible contracted work may include:
Painting
Window replacement
Entry door replacement
Porch repair or replacement
Bare soil treatment/landscaping
Other general repairs
All work is completed by pre-approved local contractors trained and EPA-certified in lead-safe work practices. If you would like to be added to our list of contractors, please contact the Genesee County Health Department.
Our GLOW Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) team collaborates with HUD to offer education on preventing lead poisoning and how to renovate safely. If you have any lead-related questions, contact the GLOW CLPPP team.
For more information, help determining eligibility, or to be added to our list of contractors, contact the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580 ext. 5555 or Health.GOlead@co.genesee.ny.us. You can also visit GOHealthNY.org for an application.
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) encourage residents to protect themselves, their children, and their pets from tick-borne diseases. Not all ticks can cause disease and not all bites will make you sick, but as ticks become more widespread, there is a higher risk the ticks will carry disease.
It is important to learn how to prevent a bite, how to check for ticks, how to remove a tick, and what to do if you think you could have a tick-borne disease.
“Lyme disease is endemic (widespread) throughout New York State,” states Brenden Bedard, Director of Community Health Services for GO Health. “Lyme disease is also the most common disease spread by ticks in New York, but there are other serious diseases ticks spread including Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichiosis, Babesiosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. There are many different species of ticks, but locally the most common is the deer tick. The deer tick is a vector (carrier) for several diseases (Lyme disease, Babesiosis, Anaplasmosis) and received the name because of its habit of living and feeding on white-tailed deer, however, ticks acquire Lyme disease by feeding on infected mice and other small rodents,” stated Bedard.
“According to the New York State Department of Health Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, Genesee and Orleans Counties have had 36 local cases of Lyme disease between 2018-2020,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “Ticks are here locally and you can’t tell which are infected by disease or not.”
Ticks are found in many types of settings such as woodlands, tree stumps, lawns and gardens, around stone walls, nature trails, outdoor summer camps, and playing fields. Ticks do not jump or fly, they attach to their host when a human or animal makes contact with something that a tick is on, like tall grass, shrubs, or an animal. The risk of human infection with Lyme disease is greatest in late spring and summer, but ticks can be active any time the temperature is above freezing.
“We know the ticks that cause Lyme disease are in Western New York, that is why it is so important to make sure you do regular checks for ticks while outdoors and when you first get home,” said Pettit. “It is also important to check pets for ticks after they spend time outdoors.”
GO Health started conducting local tick surveillance in both counties this month. Tick dragging is a widely used technique for the active collection of host-seeking ticks and is done by dragging a cloth over the top of vegetation and regularly checking it for the presence of ticks. The collected ticks are sent to the laboratory and tested for the presence of tick-borne diseases. Over the next few months, health department staff will continue tick dragging in local parks and public places.
To prevent tick-borne illness exposure while outdoors, you and your family can do the following: (https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/lyme/)
Wear light-colored clothing with a tight weave to spot ticks easily.
Wear enclosed shoes, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Tuck pant legs into socks or boots and shirt into pants.
Check clothes and any exposed skin frequently while outdoors.
Use insect repellent with 20-30% DEET. Follow the instructions.
Stay on cleared, well-traveled trails. Avoid dense woods and busy areas.
Avoid sitting directly on the ground or on stone walls.
Keep long hair tied back, especially when gardening.
Bathe or shower as soon as possible after going indoors (preferably within two hours) to wash off and more easily find ticks that may be on you.
Do a final, full-body tick check at the end of the day (also check children and pets), and remove ticks promptly.
Additional prevention tips to create a tick-free zone in your backyard to keep you, your family, and pets safe from tick exposure include: (https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/2825/)
Keep grass mowed, along with clearing tall grasses and brush.
Remove brush and leaves around stonewalls and woodpiles.
Keep woodpiles and bird feeders away from your home.
Keep family dogs and cats out of wooded areas to reduce ticks brought into your home.
Place swing sets, sand boxes, decks and patios in a sunny spot away from yard edges and trees.
Place a 3 foot wide barrier of wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas and around patios and play equipment.
To properly remove a tick, you should use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the ticks by its mouthparts, as close to the surface of the skin as you can. Carefully pull the tick straight up without twisting. Do not touch the tick. Do not squeeze the body of the tick (it may increase your risk of infection). Clean your hands and the areas on your skin where the tick was. Watch the site of the bite for rash (3-30 days after bite).
Removing a tick within 36 hours of attachment to the skin can lower the risk of contracting Lyme disease. You can view the following video to learn more about what you can do if you find a tick attached to you: https://youtu.be/oGrK4ZKUfhQ.
To learn more about ticks, Lyme disease and other diseases ticks can spread visit the New York State Department of Health, https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/lyme/.
For more information on Health Department programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or call your respective health department at:
Genesee County: 585-344-2580 ext. 5555
Orleans County: 585-589-3278
Follow GO Health on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at GOHealthNY.
While some areas in New York are seeing an uptick in COVID cases — enough to warrant stricter masking policies — that hasn’t been the case in Genesee County so far, Genesee and Rochester Regional Health officials say.
Two Upstate Medical hospitals recently reported revised policies to reinstate mandatory masking for all staff, visitors and patients in clinical areas of the hospitals’ spaces, and masking was also strongly encouraged for non-clinical areas as well, according to news reports.
Genesee Orleans (GO) Health’s Public Information Officer Kaitlin Pettine said that there’s been an increase in COVID cases in the second week of August, but there has not been any new masking policy considered.
Her agency is reflecting the recommendations set forth by the state Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at this time, even though “medical centers/systems can also determine their protocols at their own discretion.”
"For the week of August 9 to 15, Genesee County had 10 new cases,” Pettine said. “As expected, we are seeing new strains of COVID. Each strain will present with varying levels of transmissibility and severity. We will continue to monitor activity in our communities and provide recommendations as indicated."
Rochester Regional Health is seeing some increase in COVID inpatient admissions, but the number is considered “rather small,” communications specialist Cristina Domingues Umbrino said.
“We are not considering reinstituting the mask mandate at this time,” she said. “Some restrictions remain in high-risk areas.”
A pop-up demonstration Friday in downtown Batavia showed pedestrians and motorists alike ways to slow traffic and make crosswalks safer. Photo by Howard Owens
Ann Falco made a special trip to visit downtown Batavia Friday afternoon to share her many thoughts about sections of Bank Street being safe to cross -- or not.
Members of a county health committee had set up displays of potential future curbing, lights and artistic license to demonstrate ways to help slow down traffic and make crosswalks a more viable way to cross over from the east and west sides of Bank Street at three points between Main Street and Washington Avenue.
“I came just for this,” Falco said as organizers were wrapping up their survey stations. “It’s a joy to drive down Park Road. I want to see that replicated here.”
Falco said that she didn’t want to use the crosswalk leading closest to the Senior Center, and therefore she spoke to The Batavian as organizers were on the opposite side of the street moments before it began to rain.
She had given the matter careful time and consideration, writing down a page's worth of notes about what’s been done on Park Road at the crosswalk in front of Batavia Downs Gaming. Falco appreciates the small, young trees every five to six feet along the road, the speed bumps before and after the crosswalk, yellow warning cones with reminders to “stop” when pedestrians are in the walk — three of them at the Downs — and decorative street lamps and flags, she said.
In similar fashion, why can’t Bank Street have speed bumps, more warnings to motorists, and decorative embellishments, she wondered. She hopes that her suggestions will be taken.
Emily, who asked that her last name not be used, was pleased with the new look on Friday. She takes that crosswalk all the time to YMCA, and she liked the new, albeit temporary, setup.
“It definitely made me go slower when driving and definitely alerted me of the crosswalk,” she said. “I work at the Y, and one of the worst parts is crossing the street. Anything they can do to make it safer is a good thing.”
She was one of the 94 people that gave positive feedback during the nearly four hours the Genesee Orleans Health Department staff surveyed walkers.
GO Health staff Meghan Sheridan, Emily Nojeim and Cora Young. Photo by Joanne Beck
“Everyone loved the set-up. They said the greenery was really pretty,” Emily Nojeim said. “They want safer places to walk.”
She had ticked off 93 people by about 1:45 p.m. after beginning at 10 a.m. She and fellow staff members also asked why people chose that crosswalk over another makeshift one set up several feet north, and most people said because they parked directly across from it in the lot.
Parked on the sidewalk at the other crosswalk, County Planning Director Felipe Oltramari had tallied up 70 pedestrians.
“They said it was more functional, and it’s a pretty artistic crosswalk. With the bump-outs, it’s a shorter distance to walk, they said. ‘It’s about time’ we had this, and ‘this is where I used to jay-walk,’” Oltramari said.
There were two people that said his group members were wasting their time and that people will cross wherever they want to, he said. A delivery driver suggested that they reconsider the turf with straw curbing directly across from the Senior Center, as it makes a convenient place to park the truck for deliveries, and a grassy area may not be optimal for that, he said.
Felipe Oltramari, left, works the other side of Bank Street during the pop-up demonstration Friday. Pudgie's Lawn & Garden donated the use of more than 250 plants to help out with the beautification effort. Photo by Howard Owens
So how did this all begin? “We had a 10-week course that was funded through the Health Department. And it's to help with reducing instances of chronic disease. So the health department received this grant, it's actually funded originally from the CDC, and it goes through this not-for-profit organization. Five of us took this 10-week online course to learn how to promote walkability in our communities,” he said. “And this is kind of like our final project, we're required to do a popup demonstration somewhere. So we took an existing site design that the city had proposed for this road. And we decided to implement that with temporary materials like we got turf donated from Batavia Turf, and we got straw wattle, that's got straw inside to kind of show where the curbs are. And we got lighting, to show where the new street lighting would be, and planters, to sort of present where some of the things like trees might be, and the new curb extensions. It helps promote walkability but makes it safer to walk across Bank Street and more enjoyable, also, to walk down on the sidewalk.
“So hopefully, some of the comments and the feedback that we get as a result of doing this pop-up will inform the decision makers at the city that will finalize the design for the street when it gets finally redone in a year or two.”
There’s an expected surge in traffic on Bank Street with the impending new police facility right on Bank and Alva in the next year or two, and the Healthy Living campus on the opposite side behind where the current YMCA is now to be completed by the end of 2024. City officials have an infrastructure project planned to coincide with the developments, at which time there would also be upgrades to the streetscape layout.
Given that this was a county-led project, why was it only implemented on Bank Street? “We needed to come up with this because walkable places are usually located in villages or cities. The county really doesn't have jurisdiction over those roads. We don't have anything as a county that we could implement on a road like this. So it was just an opportunity that we had,” he said. “So if the village or another village or hamlet or something like that wants to do something like this before they finalize their final street design, we can sort of roll this up and do it in a different community. So that's part of the process; the grant setup was basically to create a committee that could serve to be as kind of informed decision makers along in other parts of the county that might have designed something that will have other communities to kind of take advantage of their knowledge.”
So what’s the next step? “So we have to create a report. We'll present that to the city as well, just as a document for them to review. And then, hopefully, they'll take that into consideration as to the design of this road,” he said. “And then, like I said, hopefully, other communities take advantage of the knowledge that our team has gained through going through this process, and maybe we can implement this somewhere else in the county.”
