Onondaga County Health Department

02/07/2026

❄️ Bitter Cold Warning – Onondaga County

The National Weather Service (Binghamton) has issued a Bitter Cold/Extreme Cold Warning with dangerous wind chills expected. Limit time outdoors, dress in layers, and check on neighbors and pets.

👉 Stay safe with these cold weather tips:
https://www.ongov.net/health/coldweather.html

An arctic front will bring light accumulating snow later today with 1-3 inches possible by Saturday afternoon. Much colder air fills in behind the front and combined with strong winds, wind chills will fall as low as -30°F. The Extreme Cold Watch has been upgraded to an Extreme Cold Warning.

02/06/2026

🪳 Bedbugs can hide in furniture, bedding, and cracks, spread easily via luggage and are identified by rusty spots, shed skins, and a musty odor. They are most active at night.

Signs of infestation include: bites, dark spots on mattresses, sheets, furniture and a strong smell.

Prevent infestations in your home by following these tips:
Clean & Vacuum: Vacuum mattresses, furniture, and floors daily, disposing of bag/contents immediately in sealed bags.
Heat Treatment: Wash bedding and clothes in hot water and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
Reduce Clutter & Check Secondhand Items: Less clutter means fewer hiding spots. Carefully inspect used furniture BEFORE bringing it inside.

For more information on bed bugs visit:
https://onondaga.gov/health-env/bed-bugs/

02/06/2026

📢 We’re Hiring! Join the Onondaga County Health Department Team

Looking for a rewarding career where you can make a difference? The Onondaga County Health Department is hiring dedicated professionals to support and improve the health of our community.

Help us protect, promote, and improve public health for all. 💙
Apply today and be part of something that matters!

02/05/2026

❤️ Join us on February 6th for Go Red for Women Day!

Wear red to raise awareness for heart disease and support women’s heart health. Together, we can make a difference and help save lives.

Learn more: https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/

02/04/2026

💧 Water Fact Wednesday 💧
Did you know that skin doesn’t easily absorb lead from water during bathing or showering? Older homes may have lead service lines bringing water into the home or have lead-containing fixtures in indoor plumbing.

The primary risk with lead in water comes from ingestion, especially for young children who might drink bathwater or put their hands in their mouth after touching it. The major concern is swallowing water which can be absorbed internally.

Lead can cause lifelong learning, growth and some behavior problems affecting the brain, kidneys and nervous system.

To learn more information about lead in water, visit: https://www.syr.gov/Departments/Water/Lead-Free-Syracuse

02/04/2026

Narcan saves lives. It can stop an opioid overdose. Test strips check for fentanyl and xylazine. They help you stay safer.

Together, they’re the perfect match ❤️

Get Narcan and test strips by calling or texting: 315-418-536

02/03/2026

Did you know? Cold weather brings mice indoors because they seek shelter, warmth, and scarce food, exploiting tiny cracks and openings in homes to find refuge. Attics, basements, and walls make cozy nesting places for mice to turn into their winter habitat! 🐭 ❄️

Prevent infestations in your home by following these tips:
Close Entry Points: Seal cracks and crevices with steel wool or copper mesh, and install door sweeps.
Secure Food: Store all food, including pet food, in airtight, hard containers.
Clean Up: Keep your home, garage, and yard tidy, and promptly clean up crumbs and spills.
Manage Waste: Use bins with secure lids to keep compost and garbage sealed.
Reduce Clutter: Declutter attics, basements, and garages to eliminate hiding spots.

For more information about rodents, visit: https://www.epa.gov/rodenticides/identify-and-prevent-rodent-infestations

02/02/2026

Febrero es el Mes de la Historia Negra, un momento para honrar la fuerza, la cultura y la comunidad.

La lactancia materna ha sido parte de la historia negra por muchas generaciones. El conocimiento y las tradiciones se han compartido de familias en familias. Hoy, defensoras negros siguen trabajando para que el apoyo a la lactancia materna sea justo y esté disponible para todas las familias.

Este mes, celebramos a las familias negras, a las personas que apoyan el nacimiento y a las defensoras de la lactancia materna que ayudan y animan a las familias a alimentar a sus bebés con leche materna en nuestras comunidades.

Para más información y consejos prácticos sobre la lactancia materna, visite: https://espanol.womenshealth.gov/its-only-natural

02/02/2026

February is Black History Month. A time to honor strength, culture, and community.

Breastfeeding has long been part of Black history, with knowledge and traditions passed down through families and generations. Today, Black advocates continue working to make chest/breastfeeding support fair and available for all.

This month, we celebrate Black families, birth workers, and chest/breastfeeding champions who support and encourage human milk feeding in our communities.

For information about breastfeeding and practical tips, visit: https://womenshealth.gov/its-only-natural

02/01/2026

❄️ Winter time is here – and so is cuffing season! Every day is a good day to take care of your sexual wellness and get tested. Check out the Sexual Wellness Center February 2026 hours.

Services are low to no cost and include STI testing and treatment, PrEP initiation and management, birth control counseling and management and vaccinations (HPV, Hepatitis A & B and M-Pox).

Individuals can walk-in or schedule an appointment at (315) 435-3236.

Folks can stop in for free sexual health supplies any time that we are open!

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

01/30/2026

We have blood lead testing dates scheduled for February! Appointments are available and walk-ins are welcome. To see if your child needs a blood lead test, call us at (315) 435-3271, email LeadFreeKids@ongov.net, or fill out our online form here: https://redcap.link/r8076nak

01/30/2026

Children who live in older homes with chipping or peeling paint are at the highest risk for lead poisoning. If you live in a home built BEFORE 1978, your home likely contains lead paint. If you rent an older home or apartment and are pregnant or have children under age six living with you, you may be eligible for a FREE home lead inspection!

For more information about home lead inspections call 315-435-3271 or visit: https://onondaga.gov/health-lead/home-inspections/