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  • Broome County Health Department and Broome County Transit Announce Free Bus Rides to and from Back-to-School Vaccine Appointments

    Broome County departments are working together to remove transportation barriers to childhood immunization for second year in a row

     

    (BROOME COUNTY, NY) – For July 1st through October 31st, 2026, children and a parent or guardian will be able to ride Broome County Transit buses to and from appointments for back-to-school immunizations at doctors’ offices, walk-ins, or Broome County Health Department. Simply board a regularly scheduled BC Transit bus, tell the driver you are on your way to or returning from getting your child a vaccine, and continue to your destination!

     

    After overwhelmingly positive feedback from schools, families, and healthcare providers, BC Transit and BCHD are partnering to help Broome County residents get to the care they need for the second year in a row. Each year, more than 5 million Americans delay or miss out on routine medical care because they simply cannot get to the doctor. With rising gas prices coupled with changes to health insurance policies, BCHD and BC Transit are determined to make sure that lack of transportation is never the reason a child in Broome County misses out on the vaccines that allow them to grow and thrive.

     

    Disease can spread very quickly in a school setting so all children in daycares, preschools, public, private, and religious schools are required to be up to date on routine childhood vaccines. Children who do not meet these requirements will be excluded from school, including instruction, support services, and after-school activities. Broome County takes the health and safety of our children very seriously and is proud of our schools’ commitment to ensuring their students are protected against deadly and debilitating diseases like polio, meningitis, measles, diphtheria, and more.

     

    BCHD urges parents and guardians to schedule their children’s back-to-school immunization appointments with their healthcare providers as soon as possible. If you need help finding or enrolling in an insurance plan, call 211. If your child is uninsured or you have concerns about paying for vaccines, talk to their healthcare provider about the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. VFC provides vaccines to under- or uninsured children at no cost. A list of providers participating in VFC and their nearest BC Transit route can be found at broomecountyny.gov/hd.

     

    If your child does not have a primary care provider and needs an immunization to attend school, contact the Broome County Health Department at 607-778-2839. BCHD holds an immunization clinic every Thursday by appointment only, located on BC Transit routes #7 and #8!

     

     

  • Local Youth Leaders Mobilize Against Tobacco Marketing at Statewide Summit

    Despite progress, more than 1 in 10 New York high school youth still use e-cigarettes

     

    What: Tobacco Free NYS Youth Summit – Youth Interviews

    Who: Reality Check, Broome County Health Department

    When: Thursday, July 2, 2026 | ~3:00 PM (travel depending, contact Devin Link for final time)

    Where: Broome County Health Department: 225 Front Street, Binghamton NY 13905

     

    (JOHNSON CITY, NY) – Despite significant progress in reducing youth vaping in New York, more than one in 10 high school students still use e-cigarettes, and nicotine pouch use is rising in popularity. As manipulative tobacco marketing continues to attract and addict young people to nicotine, local teens are stepping up to fight back.

     

    Several Johnson City students are currently joining more than 80 teens from across the state at SUNY Oswego for the three-day All-Around New York Youth Summit designed to inform, involve and inspire them to fight the tobacco industry’s influence in their home communities.

     

    “This is a rare and incredible opportunity for our local youth,” said Devin Link, Reality Check Coordinator. “By the end of this week, they’ll have the opportunity to grow into community leaders who are equipped with the skills needed to address tobacco use among their peers and elected officials.”

     

    Vaping drops but e-cigarettes are still popular among youth According to the New York Youth Tobacco Survey 2024 , e-cigarettes remain the most used tobacco product among high school students. Efforts by the New York State Tobacco Control Program have helped reduce youth use from 18.7% in 2022 to 13.1% in 2024. Despite this progress, more than one in 10 youth still use e-cigarettes and nicotine pouch use among this group doubled during the same time period.

     

    Teens prepare to take action During the three-day summit, teens are developing leadership, communication and mobilization skills by engaging in workshops, learning storytelling techniques and creating displays for community education. They’re also planning and practicing activities to carry out locally. Their aim is to raise awareness about industry tactics that normalize tobacco use—marketing sweet, low-cost products that appeal to young people and make it harder for current users to quit. The teens are part of Reality Check of Broome County Health Department, a program of the statewide Tobacco Control Program funded by the state’s Department of Health. Reality Check is a youth-led movement that empowers young people to become community leaders. Supported by adults, the initiative exposes the manipulative and deceptive marketing tactics of the tobacco industry.

     

    The youth leaders will be returning from Youth Summit on July 2nd, 2026, around 3pm. They will be available for interviews immediately upon their return. Please contact Devin Link at devin.link@broomecountyny.gov or (607) 349-3707 to inquire.

     

    Reality Check of New York State is funded by the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Tobacco Control’s, Tobacco Control Program of New York State (TCP). TCP aims to reduce illness, disability and death related to tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure, and to alleviate the social and economic burdens caused by tobacco use. To learn more about the Reality Check program, visit https://tobaccofreenys.org/our-focus/reality-check/.

  • CarFit Event

     

    CarFit Event

    Tuesday, June 16th

    11:30AM-1:30PM

     

     

    (JOHNSON CITY, NY) – The Broome County Traffic Safety Program along with its partners will be conducting a CarFit event at Johnson City Senior Center located at 30 Brocton Street, Johnson City from 11:30am-1:30pm on Tuesday, June 16th.     

    CarFit is an educational program that provides a quick, yet comprehensive look at how well an older driver and their vehicle work together.  As we age, changes in our vision, flexibility, strength, range of motion and even size and height, may make us less comfortable in our vehicle and increase our risk for severe injury in a crash.

    CarFit Technicians help us explore the safety features within our vehicle to ensure they are adjusted appropriately for our body, allowing us to receive the safety benefits from those features in the event of a crash.   These features may include our seat belt use, steering wheel position, mirrors, head rests and much, much more! 

    At the event, you’ll meet individually with a trained CarFit Technician, who will review the 12-point checklist and determine recommendations for the best and most comfortable “fit” for YOU.  It’s quick, it’s easy and it’s FREE. 

    Pre-registration is encouraged but walk-ins are welcomed.  Please call 607-778-2807.  

  • Free Child Safety Seat Check Event

    Free Child Safety Seat Check Event

    Saturday, May 30th

    12PM-4PM

     

     

    (ENDICOTT, NY) – Did you know that car crashes are a leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13 years old?  Correctly used child safety seats can reduce the risk of death by as much as 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers.   Most parents believe that they are using their child’s car seat correctly, but almost 50% of parents and caregivers have incorrectly installed the seat and in Broome County, that percentage is closer to 85%. 

     

    That is why the Broome County Traffic Safety Education Program in partnership with the Southern Tier Community Center will be offering FREE car seat inspections during their Sirens and Superheroes Event occurring on Saturday, May 30th from 12PM-2PM at their location on 1 Clubhouse Road, Endicott.   

     

    Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will be available to help you with all your car seat needs.  Technicians will check things like proper installation, correct harnessing, expiration date and overall safety of the seat.  Families and caregivers should bring their child safety seat(s), their child/children, their vehicle, and if available the car seat and vehicle manuals.  No appointment is needed.  

     

    For more information, you may contact the Broome County Traffic Safety Education Program at 607-778-2807. 

     

     

    5.30.26 STCC Car Seat Check Event Press Release.docx

  • Men’s Health Month Highlights Wellness, Prevention, and Cancer Screening

    Men’s Health Month Highlights Wellness, Prevention, and Cancer Screening

    Cancer Services Program screens people without insurance

     

    Binghamton, NY (June 10, 2026) — June is Men’s Health Month, a time to remind the men in our lives that their health matters, and so do they. This year, the Cancer Services Program wants to remind you that taking care of your health means more than seeking treatment when you’re sick.

     

    We want our fathers, brothers, sons, partners, friends, and neighbors around for the birthdays, backyard barbecues, graduations, holidays, and ordinary moments that mean everything. Taking care of your health is not a sign of weakness, but rather an investment in more time with the people who love and depend on you.

     

    Every year in New York State, approximately 4,700 men hear the words, ‘You have colorectal cancer.’, and more than 1,400 lose their lives to this disease. Yet colorectal cancer is often preventable through screening, and when found early, is highly treatable. Adults at average risk should begin screening at age 45. Screening can detect precancerous polyps before they become cancerous and identify cancer early, when treatment is often most effective.

     

    Men should also talk with their healthcare providers about prostate cancer screening. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in New York, and understanding your personal and family history can help you make informed decisions about screening. If cost or lack of insurance is preventing you from taking the next step, help is available through the CSP. Contact the CSP at 607-778-3900 to find out if you qualify for free cancer screening.

     

    “For many men, fear, embarrassment, uncertainty, or the belief that they should simply ‘tough it out’ can become barriers to care,” says Maggie Gareca Outreach coordinator for the Cancer Services Program (CSP). This Men’s Health Month, let’s change that. It’s okay to ask questions, talk about your concerns, and admit when you’re nervous. You don’t have to navigate these decisions alone.”

     

    The CSP can help eligible uninsured and underinsured New Yorkers access colorectal cancer screening and diagnostic services. The program may also provide support and assistance to uninsured men who are facing a diagnosis of colorectal or prostate cancer, helping connect them with treatment resources and navigating the next steps in care.

     

    This June, let’s give men permission to put themselves on the to-do list. Start the conversation, ask the questions, and make a plan. The people who love you want you here, healthy and thriving, for all of life’s moments still to come.

     

    Men’s health month PR 2026.docx

  • Keeping Safe Memorial Day Weekend

    Keeping Safe Memorial Day Weekend

    (BROOME COUNTY, NY) – Warm weather is here! With it comes outdoor gatherings, swimming, camping, and changing weather conditions. The Broome County Health Department (BCHD) is reminding community members to take steps to protect their health this summer. Spending time with friends and family is great for mental health and social well-being. Social gatherings can help improve mental health by triggering the release of bonding hormones like oxytocin and endorphins, which may help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

     

    If you are hosting a cookout, practice safe food handling. Start by washing your hands with soap and water, using clean surfaces and utensils, and keeping preparation areas sanitary. If meat is marinating, always do so in the refrigerator and never reuse marinade. Prepare raw and cooked foods on separate surfaces and clean thoroughly between uses. Once food is cooked, store it properly and be mindful of how long it sits out. Perishable food can spoil after just two hours at room temperature. Keep food shaded when outdoors and cover trash containers to help keep flies away.

     

    When grilling outdoors, help prevent food poisoning by ensuring foods are cooked to the proper internal temperature. Undercooked meats such as hamburgers and chicken may contain harmful germs like E. coli and salmonella. Use a food thermometer to ensure food has reached a safe temperature before serving.

    Keep food covered outdoors to protect it from pests like flies. Never spray insect repellents or chemicals near food, as they may contaminate it. Use proper food covers and limit the amount of time food remains outside.

    If your gathering includes hiking or visiting a park, protect yourself from ticks and mosquitoes. Ticks can carry organisms that cause illnesses such as Lyme disease, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and Powassan virus disease. Protect yourself by wearing long sleeves and light-colored clothing, using EPA-approved insect repellent, staying on cleared trails, checking for ticks, and showering soon after coming indoors.

     

    If you find a tick on your body, remember that not all ticks carry disease. Use tweezers or a tick removal tool to grasp the tick close to the skin and pull it straight out carefully, making sure no parts remain behind. Clean the area thoroughly and wash your hands after disposing of the tick. Symptoms following a tick bite may include chills, fatigue, headache, or a bullseye-shaped rash. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any symptoms after a tick bite.

     

    Be mindful of wildlife while outdoors. Stay away from animals such as foxes, deer, and other wild animals, which can carry diseases like rabies. BCHD Medical Director Dr. Gehring reminds residents, “If you can catch a wild animal, something is not right.” Animals acting unusually may be sick. Keep your distance and contact the proper authorities if needed.

     

    Hot summer days may make you want to cool off in a pool or lake. Be sure to avoid blue-green algae in lakes, which can make water unsafe for both people and pets. If the water looks like pea soup, has a paint-like film, or smells unpleasant, stay out of the water.

     

    Always follow the buddy system and never swim alone. Stay alert around all bodies of water and supervise swimmers closely. Drowning is a serious medical emergency that can happen quickly and often silently. Even in shallow water, constant supervision is important.

     

    Help prevent heat-related illness by taking care of your body during outdoor activities. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Limiting alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks can also help prevent dehydration. Plan gatherings for the early morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. If activities take place during the hottest part of the day, take breaks indoors or in shaded, cool areas whenever possible. Protect yourself from the sun by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade. Remember to reapply sunscreen as directed.

     

    These tips can help you enjoy your summer gatherings safely and leave with good memories, full bellies, and a healthy body. The Broome County Health Department thanks all those who served in the United States Armed Forces and wishes everyone a safe and healthy summer season.

     

     

     

    BCHD Press Release Memorial Day Safety.docx

  • Ink and Graphic Family Daycare Earns HEART of New York Physical Activity Certification

    Ink and Graphic Family Daycare Earns HEART of New York Physical Activity Certification

     

     

    (BROOME COUNTY, NY) – Ink and Graphic Family Daycare, in partnership with the Creating Healthy Schools and Communities (CHSC) Grant through the Broome County Health Department, has been awarded the Healthy Eating and Activity Recognition Tag (HEART) of New York Physical Activity Certification.

     

    The HEART of New York recognition is awarded to early care and education (ECE) programs that demonstrate a strong commitment to improving physical activity, nutrition practices, policies, and learning environments. Ink and Graphic Daycare earned this distinction through its ongoing efforts to promote healthy habits and active lifestyles for the children in its care.

     

    As part of this initiative, the daycare staff completed Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) approved professional development training, including:

     

    • Physical Activity and Learning Session (PALS)
    • Active Play with Mixed Age Groups
    • Physical Activity in Small Spaces: Four Games to Promote Movement

     

    These trainings provided staff with practical strategies to incorporate more movement and active play throughout the day. One staff member shared, “This is one of the best trainings I have received.”

     

    Following the training, Director Sarah Esther Franco-Nevarez and Daycare owner Miguel A. Nevarez worked closely with Brooke Goosman, Early Childhood Education Coordinator for the CHSC grant, to develop an action plan focused on increasing physical activity opportunities throughout the daycare day. Together, they also updated the program’s policies to reflect Ink and Graphic Daycare’ commitment to prioritizing children’s health and movement.

     

    Brooke Goosman stated, “Ink and Graphic has shown outstanding dedication to improving daily physical activity opportunities for children. Their commitment to implementing best practices in early childhood health makes them a model program in the community.”

     

    After submitting their application through the CHSC grant, Ink and Graphic Daycare was officially awarded the HEART of New York Physical Activity Certification within one month. This achievement marks a significant milestone, as Ink and Graphic Daycare is the first daycare in Broome County to receive this recognition.

     

    Director Sarah Franco-Nevarez shared, “We are incredibly proud to be the first daycare in Broome County to earn this certification. Our goal is to ensure that every child in our care has the opportunity to move, play, and grow in a healthy and supportive environment.”

     

    CHSC is a five-year initiative funded by the New York State Department of Health to establish and support healthy behaviors in high-needs communities. The New York State Department of Health Division of Chronic Disease Prevention implements evidence-based, evidenced-informed, and innovative public health strategies in order to support New Yorkers to live healthier lives and eliminate health disparities by reducing the incidence and burden of chronic diseases and conditions For more information, visit https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/obesity/prevention_activities/chsc/

     

    Ink and Graphic Press Release.docx

  • Free Farm Stand Expands Programs and Reach

    Free Farm Stand Expands Programs and Reach

    Broome County Health Department Grant Helps with Food Access

     

    (WAVERLY, NY) – The Broome County Health Department’s Creating Healthy Schools and Communities (CHSC) Grant is excited to announce the expansion of Happy Compromise Farm + Sanctuary (HCF+S)’s Community Farm, which provides beyond organic produce and plant starts to those in need through their Free Farm Stand.

     

    HCF+S was awarded funds under the CHSC Grant’s Food Service Guidelines initiative, a strategy that aims to improve access to healthy food in Broome and Tioga counties. Before working with the CHSC grant, the nonprofit was already serving a rural and food insecure community, giving away thousands of pounds of produce and plant starts each year. The funds from the CHSC grant supported the addition of food preparation items and farm supplies. These will assist HCF+S in expanding their programs and reach, particularly in educating the community about healthy eating, locally grown vegetables, and food preservation.

     

    “Happy Compromise is helping such a hard-to-reach population,” says Devin Link, Public Health Educator at the Broome County Health Department. “People living in rural areas often have a hard time getting to or affording fresh fruit and vegetables, especially if they’re organic. By being available right in their community, the farm stand helps to remove that transportation barrier.”

     

    “These new items are going to be a huge help,” adds Eryn Leavens, Co-Founder and Executive Director at Happy Compromise Farm and Sanctuary. “They’ll make it possible for us to extend our open hours beyond the traditional growing season by dehydrating or canning our produce, which expands the shelf life of what we grow”

     

    Happy Compromise Farm + Sanctuary’s Free Farm Stand is open from 11am-7pm every day. If community members would like to stop by, they can reach out to HCF+S directly on Facebook/Instagram @HappyCompromiseFarm or email at info@happycompromisefarm.org.

     

    CHSC is a five-year initiative funded by the New York State Department of Health to establish and support healthy behaviors in high-needs communities. The New York State Department of Health Division of Chronic Disease Prevention implements evidence-based, evidenced-informed, and innovative public health strategies in order to support New Yorkers to live healthier lives and eliminate health disparities by reducing the incidence and burden of chronic diseases and conditions For more information, visit https://broomecountyny.gov/hd/chsc. 

    Happy Compromise Press Release.docx

  • Broome County Health Department Celebrates National Infant Immunization Week

    Broome County Health Department Celebrates National Infant Immunization Week

    Reminds parents and providers of the importance of on time vaccination

     

    (BROOME COUNTY, NY) – The Broome County Health Department is celebrating National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) from April 20-27, 2026. NIIW is an annual observance to remind parents and providers of the importance of on time vaccination to protect children two years and younger from deadly diseases. Diseases like diphtheria and polio that were a common part of childhood 100 years ago are almost unheard of in the United States today because of vaccines. Immunizations are the most effective way of keeping our children and community safe from vaccine-preventable diseases.

     

    Vaccines are one of the most effective and powerful tools we have to keep our children safe and healthy. The New York State Department of Health and Broome County Health Department endorse the science-based childhood vaccination schedule from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Beginning with the hepatitis B dose at birth, this vaccine schedule protects children from 16 different diseases by the time they are two years old, allowing them to grow, learn, and thrive. Delaying vaccine doses leaves kids vulnerable to disease and can cause problems when it comes time to enroll in daycare or school.

     

    Immunization protects the whole community. When one person receives a vaccine, they reduce the chances of everyone around them getting that disease. This also means that small drops in vaccine coverage can lead to disease outbreaks like the United States has seen recently with measles. Between January 1 and April 9, 2026, there have been 1,714 confirmed measles cases in the United States. 92% of these individuals were not vaccinated. We do not want to see this situation replicated in Broome County.

     

    The people of Broome County have been enthusiastic supporters of vaccination, even being among the first to support mass vaccination against polio in the 1950s. We are fortunate to have healthcare providers and community partners that advocate for our children. Despite this, only 68.8% of children are up to date on recommended vaccinations by the time they are 2 years old. Delays in vaccination leave our community vulnerable to outbreaks and our individual children vulnerable to disease. This National Infant Immunization Week, we encourage you to call your child’s healthcare provider and make sure your child is up to date on all recommended vaccines.

    NIIW 2026 press release.docx

  • Students Thrive in Math Through Movement-Based Learning at Whitney Point CEA

    Students Thrive in Math Through Movement-Based Learning at Whitney Point CEA

     

     

    (BROOME COUNTY, NY) – During the 2025-2026 school year, Whitney Point Caryl E. Adams (CEA) Primary School hosted a Math & Movement professional development workshop, made possible at no cost through the Broome County Health Department’s Creating Healthy Schools and Communities (CHSC) Grant.

     

    Math & Movement is a kinesthetic, multi-sensory approach to teaching multiplication facts that integrates physical activity with colorful floor mats. Developed by Suzy Koontz, founder and CEO, the program was inspired by her own daughter’s learning experience. The training helps teachers connect math instruction to New York State essential standards NY-3.OA (7a-7b), which focus on fluently solving single-digit multiplication and related division problems.

     

    Graci Shrauger, CEA Math Interventionist, took the program a step further by attending the 2-

    day intensive Math & Movement training last June through a grant provided by the nonprofit, the National Math Foundation. Inspired by the results, she launched a six-week pilot project with her third-grade students.

     

    During the project, students explored multiplication facts (3s, 4s, 6s, 7s, 8s, 9s) using the mats and corresponding notebooks. On the first day, the class reviewed a pre-test and engaged in group activities on the mats. Days 2-4 focused on independent practice, with a post-test on the fourth day. Graci observed that students retained the concepts long after the initial lessons.

     

    “When we revisited the concept later, my students remembered it. They could connect it back to the movement-based activity and explain their reasoning. That showed me the learning truly stuck beyond the initial lesson,” said Shrauger.

     

    The pilot project yielded remarkable results: students demonstrated 132% growth in their multiplication fact fluency over the six weeks.

     

    “After implementing Math & Movement in my lessons, I noticed a big shift in my students’ confidence. They were more willing to explain their answers, share their thinking, and try challenging problems. Math class became active, collaborative, and engaging,” added Shrauger.

     

     

    “The CHSC grant program was thrilled to see the sustainable impact of the Math & Movement initiative at Whitney Point CEA,” said Brooke Goosman, Public Health Educator with the Broome County Health Department. “Programs like this help schools integrate physical activity into the classroom in meaningful ways. By combining movement with academic learning, teachers are creating engaging environments that support both student wellness and educational success.”

     

    Math & Movement is offering additional 2-day intensive professional development sessions for educators. Participants will gain hands-on experience with kinesthetic strategies that make math and literacy instruction active, inclusive, and engaging. Attendees leave with a ready-to-use toolkit of playful, standard-aligned activities designed to boost fluency, confidence, focus, and retention for all learners. More details are below but for additional information, contact Suzy Koontz at suzy@mathandmovement.com. Math and Movement PD Flyer .pdf

     

    Dates and Times:

    March 26 & 27 9:00 AM-3:00 PM

    May 7 & 8 9:00 AM-3:00 PM

    June 4 & 5 9:00 AM-3:00 PM

     

    Location

    Math & Movement Learning Center, 40 Catherwood Road, Ithaca, NY. 

     

     

    CHSC is a five-year initiative funded by the New York State Department of Health to establish and support healthy behaviors in high-needs communities. The New York State Department of Health Division of Chronic Disease Prevention implements evidence-based, evidenced-informed, and innovative public health strategies in order to support New Yorkers to live healthier lives and eliminate health disparities by reducing the incidence and burden of chronic diseases and conditions For more information, visit https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/obesity/prevention_activities/chsc/