Onondaga County Health Department

04/21/2026

April is Sexually Transmitted Infections Awareness Month – did you know that taking PrEP, Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) can prevent HIV transmission.

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

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

04/20/2026

Eat the rainbow 🌈🥦🍓

Fruits and veggies come in all kinds of colors—and each one brings different vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to help support your immune system, digestion, and heart health.

Challenge yourself this week: add at least one new colorful fruit or veggie to your meals 🍽️
Small changes = big benefits!

Get tips to get started: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/add-color

04/18/2026

🐾 Protect your pet—mark your calendar!

The Onondaga County Health Department is hosting a FREE rabies vaccination clinic!

🗓️ April 23rd
⏰ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
📍 Thornden Park Fieldhouse | 610 South Beech St, Syracuse

✔️ Free rabies vaccines for cats & dogs
✔️ Help keep your pet and community safe
✔️ Small voluntary donations are welcome

Appointments are appreciated—please arrive on time and bring your pet’s previous rabies records if available.

👉 Register for an appointment at https://ochdrabiesclinic.as.me/.../appointment/31137429 See less

04/17/2026

Living a healthy and active life with asthma requires proactive and personalized care for kids, often with daily medications and continuous awareness of triggers. In this session, learn about diagnosis and treatment options, along with helpful parenting tips like treatment adherence and how to manage the stress that children and caregivers may experience. This session also will cover what respiratory therapy is and how it can help.

Karyn Reinhardt, RRT-NPS, Respiratory Therapist, Upstate Pediatric & Adolescent Center

Register for this FREE virtual information session.

https://upstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/srO0PZC_RB6LUQ12y_UPtQ #/registration

Join us online on Tuesday, May 12, at noon for this free session with Respiratory Therapist Karyn Reinhardt.

Living a healthy and active life with asthma requires proactive and personalized care for kids, often with daily medications and continuous awareness of triggers. In this session, learn about diagnosis and treatment options, along with helpful parenting tips like treatment adherence and how to manage the stress that children and caregivers may experience. This session also will cover what respiratory therapy is and how it can help.

Register here for your Zoom link: https://upstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/srO0PZC_RB6LUQ12y_UPtQ

04/17/2026

April is Sexually Transmitted Infections Awareness Month! Did you know the Onondaga County Health Department shares STI data about Onondaga County on our webpage (see link below).

Chlamydia is the most common bacterial STI in our county – and because it is often asymptomatic (meaning there are no signs or symptoms) it is important for sexually active individuals to get tested. Chlamydia can be treated and cured with antibiotics.

The Sexual Wellness Clinic offers low to no cost walk in STI testing. Come get tested in the basement level (suite 80) of the Civic Center to get tested for Chlamydia and other STI’s!


STI Data: https://onondaga.gov/health/sti-data/
NYS STI Data: https://www.stidashboardny.org/

04/16/2026

Narcan (naloxone) is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids—including he**in, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications—when given in time. It is easy to use and small to carry. Get trained, you may save a life!

Zoom Narcan trainings take place on the first Tuesday of each month from 2pm-2:45pm.
Monthly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZAqdeyspzIrH9cTOr1aoiVp_cHh2TfjFBxq/ics?icsToken=DJL_8dTnPGk6VPNoSAAALAAAALgkJWujkz23plRR8JCeWlphMxCtmPq3wI1Vbc_S_ZSXj3xNW_t9Fqycd80eLS14JB9G-X5BqqV0-dYnKDAwMDAwMQ&meetingMasterEventId=YoXQIY6aQH2In8Ev3nwyQw

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84725499153?pwd=JDALX8lDMyOGtAADZY55UQGXM6zNWl.1

Meeting ID: 847 2549 9153
Passcode: 808280

04/15/2026

Breastfeeding supports the health of babies and parents. It is also good for the planet.

Human milk is a natural, renewable food that requires no packaging, shipping, or waste. Supporting breastfeeding helps families and the environment.

To learn more, visit: https://womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/making-decision-breastfeed

04/15/2026

La lactancia materna apoya la salud de los bebés y de las personas que dan a luz. También es buena para el planeta.

La leche humana es un alimento natural y renovable que no requiere empaques, transporte ni produce desechos.

Apoyar la lactancia materna ayuda a las familias y al medio ambiente.

Para más información, visita: https://espanol.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/making-decision-breastfeed

04/14/2026

March Madness might be over but our monthly series, Method Madness is still here! Each month we feature a different type of birth control method. There are many options out there so each person can find the best method that is the best fit for their individual body and needs!

The Patch is a hormonal birth control method with estrogen and progestin that is worn like a band aid and absorbs into the skin throughout the week. Every week on the same day the individual would replace the patch with a new one and then would go without a patch for the 4th week of the pattern. With perfect use the patch can be 99% effective, typical use is 93% effective.

The Sexual Wellness Clinic offers birth control including the patch! Call to schedule an appointment today to talk through different options and make the right selection for you! Call us at (315)435.3236

Looking for more information about the Patch– you can schedule an appointment with the Sexual Wellness Center or read more online here: https://www.bedsider.org/birth-control/the_patch

04/14/2026

Did you know? Hazards in the home can affect your health and safety. Everyone can have a healthy home by using this checklist. The illustrations show some key action steps to take in each room and area of the home!

To review the checklist, visit:
https://onondaga.gov/health-lead/wp-content/uploads/sites/197/2021/03/HealthyHomeChecklist.pdf

04/13/2026

Protein plays a key role in keeping your body strong and energized 💪

It helps build and repair muscles, supports your immune system, and keeps you feeling full longer throughout the day.

Try adding more protein to your meals with:
🥩 Meats
🥚 Eggs
🧀 Dairy
🫘 Beans
🥜 Nuts & seeds

A little boost can go a long way in maintaining your energy!
Get ideas: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/nutrition/add-protein