Columbia County Mental Health Center

04/07/2026

04/07/2026

Raccoons are one of the most common carriers of Rabies in the U.S., so it’s important to stay cautious around them.

Rabies is a serious virus that affects the brain and can spread through bites or scratches. While not all raccoons have rabies, you should never approach or feed them—even if they seem friendly. Watch for unusual behavior like stumbling, aggression, or appearing unusually active during the day.

1. Keep a safe distance
2. Secure trash and remove outdoor food sources
3. Make sure pets are up to date on rabies vaccinations

If you see injured or orphaned wildlife, contact a trained & DEC-licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Licensed wildlife rehabilitators are the only people legally allowed to receive and treat distressed wildlife, and have the experience, expertise, and facilities to successfully treat and release wild animals: https://appfactory.dec.ny.gov/SpecialLicensesSearchSystem/rehab

If you see wildlife that appears to be behaving abnormally, contact your closest DEC regional wildlife office or an Environmental Conversation Police Officer: https://dec.ny.gov/about/contact-us/statewide-office-information

If nuisance wild animals are living in parts of your home, consult with a nuisance wildlife control expert about having them removed. You can find wildlife control experts, who work on a fee-for-service basis, online by searching "pest control" or visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website: https://appfactory.dec.ny.gov/SpecialLicensesSearchSystem/Nwco

Report all animal bites or contact with wild animals to your county health department (CCDOH, 518-828-3358). If possible, do not let any animals escape that have possibly exposed someone to rabies: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/zoonoses/rabies/contact.htm

For more information on rabies visit:
NYSDOH: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/zoonoses/rabies/
CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/prevention/index.html

04/07/2026

Reaching out for help is a sign of strength—please keep going. connects young adults to resources for mental health and substance use, and a supportive community. Visit samhsa.gov/recoverme

04/07/2026

8 Fun Ways to Improve Your Brain https://buff.ly/301XkZY

Adopting healthier habits to benefit your brain doesn't have to be all work. 🧠 💪
It can be fun! 😃 🎉
For example, did you know video games can be good for your brain?🎮
Here are eight ways you can help your brain and enjoy yourself at the same time.👍

04/07/2026

NAMI’s theme for this year is more than a message — it’s how we move from silence to healing, together.

For too long, stigma has kept people quiet about their mental health. But when we speak up, we make space for understanding, connection, and healing.

So how do we begin? By sharing our stories.

When you share your story, you show someone else they are not alone. You help turn silence into support — and strengthen the path toward healing for all of us.

Join NAMI this Mental Health Awareness Month.
Share your story. Help break the silence: nami.org/mham

04/07/2026

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and tomorrow is "Wear Teal Day."

Join us in showing support for survivors and raising awareness by wearing teal—the color of solidarity, healing, and hope. Together, we can spark important conversations, stand with those affected, and help create a culture of respect and safety for all.

Wear teal. Start the conversation. Make a difference.

Do make a contribution to our domestic violence and sexual assault survivor support programs, please visit: https://bit.ly/FamilyDonation