Rensselaer County Health & Human Services

05/01/2026

May is National Wildfire Safety Month 🔥🌲

As temperatures rise and conditions get drier, the risk of wildfires increases. It’s a great time to take simple steps to protect our homes, communities, and natural spaces.

✔️ Clear dry leaves and debris from around your home
✔️ Keep grills, fire pits, and equipment away from flammable materials
✔️ Never leave fires unattended
✔️ Follow local burn regulations and weather advisories

Wildfire prevention starts with all of us. Stay aware, stay prepared, and help keep our environment safe this season. 💚

04/23/2026

This Saturday, April 25th visit any of these locations to turn in your unused prescription medications safely.

Rensselaer County will again participate in the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on April 25. A safe and convenient way to dispose of unwanted prescription drugs at six locations coming this Saturday with participation by our Sheriff's Office and local law enforcement.

04/22/2026

Opening Night is only a few weeks away! Join the Rensselaer County Department of Health at The Joe on Friday, May 15th as the Tri City Valley Cats take on the Quebec Capitales. Gates open at 5:30 with Health Department staff to greet you. Did we mention there is post game fireworks?

04/22/2026

Happy Earth Day! 🌎

The Earth takes care of us every day—today is a great day to return the favor. Get outside, plant something, reduce waste, or try composting. Even the smallest changes can grow into something meaningful.

04/17/2026

📚Join the Rensselaer County Bookmark Challenge!📚

Calling all young readers and artists (up to 5th grade)! Stop by your local library and take part in our Bookmark Challenge!

This year’s theme: “What does health mean to you?”
Show us your creativity by designing a bookmark that reflects your ideas of staying healthy—whether it’s eating well, being active, getting enough sleep, or being kind to others.

*Open to students up to 5th grade
*One submission per contestant
*Submit your design at a participating local library by May 8th!

Participating libraries are:
Castleton Public Library, East Greenbush Library, Grafton Community Library, Hoosick Falls Cheney Library, Rensselaer Library, Stephentown Library, Brunswick Library, Troy & Lansingburgh Public Library Branches, North Greenbush Library.

Don’t miss this fun opportunity to share your ideas and be part of something that brings our community together through reading and healthy habits!

Let’s turn the page together and inspire a healthier Rensselaer County, one bookmark at a time.

04/09/2026

Have you considered how your career plays a role in Public Health?

Today we visited Russell Sage College and Hudson Valley Community College to educate the students more about what public health is and how there is no set path when it comes to this career. Whether it be nursing, social work, engineering, or environmental science, you are all a part of Public Health.

If you are interested in learning more about these careers, please visit NYSACHO's website to look through each branch of Public Health: https://nysacho.org/careers/faces-of-public-health/

04/09/2026

This Public Health Week, take a moment to remember: your voice matters when it comes to your health.

Being your own advocate means asking questions, seeking information, and making choices that support your well-being. Whether it’s scheduling that appointment, speaking up during a visit, or learning more about your health, every step counts.

You know your body best—trust it, listen to it, and don’t be afraid to stand up for what you need.

04/09/2026

A Red Flag Warning has been issued by the US National Weather Service Albany NY for Rensselaer County and other areas of the Capital Region and upstate for tomorrow (Thursday, April 9). The warning is due to weather conditions that increase the possibility of wildfires.

More from our Rensselaer County - Public Safety :

RED FLAG WARNING – THURSDAY (NOON–6 PM) 🔥🚨
The Rensselaer County Bureau of Public Safety is advising all residents that a Red Flag Warning is in effect this Thursday from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
What does this mean?
A Red Flag Warning is issued when weather conditions are just right for fires to start and spread rapidly. This typically includes:
Very low humidity
Dry fuels (leaves, brush, grass)
Gusty winds
Put simply—any spark can turn into a fast-moving fire in seconds.
Why this matters:
During Red Flag conditions:
Fires spread faster than crews can contain them
Embers can travel and ignite multiple spot fires
What starts as something small can quickly threaten homes, property, and lives
🚫 IMPORTANT REMINDER – BURN BAN IN EFFECT 🚫
There is already a burn ban in place for a reason—and during a Red Flag Warning, the risk is even greater.
👉 ALL outdoor burning should be avoided
—even activities that might normally be permitted under the burn ban.
This includes:
Brush burning
Fire pits
Campfires
Burning debris
👨‍🚒 Help Us Keep Our Community Safe
We don’t want to be knocking on a door delivering bad news because of a preventable fire. Conditions like this leave zero margin for error.
✅ Dispose of smoking materials properly
✅ Avoid anything that could create sparks
✅ Report any signs of fire immediately by calling 911
Stay aware, stay cautious, and help protect your neighbors and first responders.
– Rensselaer County Bureau of Public Safety

04/08/2026

Narcan Blitz!

On Friday, April 10th, we will be at the Troy and East Greenbush County Office Buildings offering Narcan Training to anyone interested. Please stop in and see us to learn how to administer Narcan in under 5 minutes! If you are in need of a replacement kit, please stop in to see us too! Here is the schedule for our Narcan Blitz on Friday, April 10th:

1600 7th Avenue, Troy, NY 12180
8:30 AM to 11:30 AM : Inside DSS Entrance (3rd Floor)
12:30 PM to 3:30 PM : Inside DMV Entrance (1st Floor)

99 Troy Road, East Greenbush, NY 12061
12:30 PM to 3:30 PM : Inside on the 3rd Floor

If you are unable to visit us on Friday but still need Narcan, please use our Naloxone Now program. Just text NARCAN to the number 21000 and we will deliver it to your door.

We look forward to seeing you!

04/07/2026

Today for Public Health Week, we also focus on Public Health Emergency Preparedness.

We challenge you today to take 5 minutes and check your emergency plans and make any updates necessary. Do you have at least two emergency contact phone numbers memorized if you ever need to call anyone in case of an emergency? Do your friends or family members have your phone number memorized?

If you have any questions or are interested in scheduling Emergency Preparedness education sessions, give us a call to speak to our Preparedness Team at 518-270-2655!

04/07/2026

Today is World Health Day 🌎

It’s a reminder that health is more than just doctor visits—it’s the everyday choices we make, the environments we live in, and the support we give one another.

Communities thrive when people have access to the resources they need to live healthy, safe, and fulfilling lives. Whether it’s staying active, eating well, connecting with others, or supporting local initiatives, every step matters.

Let’s continue working together to build a healthier future for everyone!