Onondaga County Health Department

03/16/2026

There are several ways to get screened for colorectal cancer — including simple, take-home tests that can be done in the comfort of your own home. 💙

If you’re 45 or older, talk with your health care provider about which screening option is right for you.
No health insurance? You may qualify for a FREE colorectal cancer screening through the Onondaga County

Cancer Services Program.
📞 Call 315-435-3653 to learn more.

Screening saves lives — don’t wait.

03/13/2026

We are incredibly proud of our staff, who work hard every day to help refugees transition to life in Onondaga County and to ensure our community is welcoming, supportive, and healthy for all. 💙

Onondaga County is proud to partner with the many incredible organizations in our community that support and welcome refugee and immigrant families. Together, we help ensure every person who arrives here has the opportunity to feel safe, supported, and at home.

This week, County Executive Ryan McMahon, Health Commissioner Dr. Katie Anderson, Upstate Medical University's Dr. Andrea Shaw, and Catholic Charities of Onondaga County Executive Director Mike Melara joined the Refugee Immigrant Health Hub (RIHH) staff to celebrate the team’s outstanding contributions to our community. Catholic Charities is one of the many community partners who make this work possible.

RIHH is a nurse‑led public health program that connects individuals and families with healthcare, resources, and culturally responsive support as they build new lives in Onondaga County. From resettlement agencies and cultural organizations to healthcare providers, interpreters, and neighborhood groups, we are grateful for every organization walking alongside our newest neighbors.

To all refugee and immigrant families: you make our community stronger. We are glad you are here, and we are committed to supporting your journey every step of the way.

03/13/2026

Access to fresh, nutritious food makes a difference. 🥕🍎

There are many community resources in Onondaga County working to improve access to healthy foods for local families. Strong food connections help build healthier neighborhoods for everyone.

To learn more about local food resources available in our community, visit:
https://onondaga.gov/dss/wp-content/uploads/sites/210/2025/11/Community-Food-Connections-Brochure.pdf

Together, we can support healthier families and stronger communities.

03/12/2026

PrEP, Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), is a medication that individuals can take before being exposed to HIV to prevent becoming infected. PrEP medication can lower risk of transmission by 99% or more.

There are daily pills, or injections (every 2 months, or every 6 months) available for individuals to decide what is the best fit for them.

The Sexual Wellness Center has staff available to talk to you and determine if PrEP would be beneficial for you. Staff can also help individuals determine if they qualify for low or no cost medication and follow-up testing.

To learn more call or text to schedule an appointment:
Call 315.435.3236
Text 315.882.4578

Photo Credit: Building Healthy Online Communities

Learn more: https://onondaga.gov/health/sexual-wellness/

03/11/2026

Did you know? Health experts recommend exclusive breastfeeding or chestfeeding for the first 6 months of life.

This means giving only human milk (no water, juice, or solid foods) unless a health care provider tells you otherwise.

To learn more about breastfeeding recommendations, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/php/guidelines-recommendations/index.html

03/11/2026

¿Sabías que? Los expertos en salud recomiendan la lactancia materna exclusiva durante los primeros 6 meses de vida.

Esto significa alimentar solo con leche humana (sin agua, jugo ni alimentos sólidos), a menos que un profesional de la salud indique lo contrario.

Para obtener más información sobre las recomendaciones para la lactancia materna, visita: https://www.unicef.org/mexico/lactancia-materna

03/11/2026

Did you know? Our local Poison Center can help you treat bites and stings! Experts at the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) can answer questions about bites and stings from:

✅ Snakes
✅ Insects
✅ Scorpions

And more! If you have questions about a bite or sting, The Upstate New York Poison Center is always fast, free, confidential, and non-judgmental.

03/10/2026

03/10/2026

We were proud to join the Onondaga Early Childhood Alliance this morning to celebrate the opening of their new lactation space at Salt City Market.

This shared space, created in partnership with the Allyn Family Foundation and Syracuse Urban Partnership, will help support employees who are breastfeeding or expressing milk during the workday.

Supportive workplaces make a real difference for families. When parents have time, space, and support at work, they are more likely to continue providing human milk for their babies.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this possible and for your commitment to supporting working families in our community.

03/10/2026

Before you head out, make sure to take your Narcan.

You may be someone’s good luck charm 🍀 🤞

End overdose now.
Call or text 315-418-5365 for Narcan, test strips, and peer support.

03/09/2026

Colorectal cancer often has no symptoms — which is why screening is so important. 💙

Most people should begin screening at age 45. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear.

No health insurance? You may qualify for a FREE colorectal cancer screening.

📞 Call 315-435-3653 today to learn more.

Early detection saves lives.

03/09/2026

On February 25th, Reality Check students from the Baldwinsville and Liverpool school districts traveled to Albany to meet with their legislators and staff members to discuss to***co issues that impact the community. Congratulations to our students for successfully navigating these meetings and presenting important information to their elected officials.

We would like to thank , , .Magnarelli, , , and their staff for meeting with us!

To learn more about Legislative Education Day, visit https://to***cofreenys.org/our-focus/legislative-education/