- Home
- Your Government
- Health & Human Services
- Public Health
Ontario County Public Health
What's New With Flu?
National Influenza Week (December 4-8, 2023) is coming to a close and flu cases are on the rise. On December 6, 2023, the New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald declared that influenza is now prevalent in New York State. You may notice some healthcare workers are wearing a mask. The NYSDOH declaration mandates that healthcare workers who have not received this year's flu vaccine wear masks in certain health care settings.
What Does A Rise in Flu Cases Mean to You?
Hand washing, healthy eating, staying home if you are sick, drinking water, getting plenty of rest, and exercise remain a great game plan to a healthy and happy holiday season. Don't be shy in indoor spaces, wear a mask if you are more comfortable.
Consider adding a flu shot to your holiday activity list. It isn't too late to get a flu shot. Getting a flu shot now will allow your body two weeks to build flu antibodies. Area pharmacists have plenty of flu vaccine. If you are over 65- years-old speak with your doctor or pharmacist about High Dose flu vaccine. High Dose flu vaccine can help your immune system build a better response. Remember, babies 6 months and older need a flu shot too. Babies and kids under three years old often receive their flu vaccine at their healthcare provider office. Stay informed. New York State Department of Education monitors and updates positive influenza cases every week (Thursday). You can track the number of flu cases and stay informed and by visiting the NYSDOH Influenza Weekly Activity Report. (12/8/2023)
COVID-19 Hospitalizations are on the Rise
Updated: 9/27/2023
Chronic Disease Self-Management Classes
Learn to manage your chronic illness without leaving your home.
Super easy!
- No computer needed. All you need is a phone.
- The program is mailed to you.... Free!
- We meet over the phone (conference call) once a week for six weeks.
- Small classes of only 5 people.
Interested? Call 1-800-299-2995 or HealthEducation@ontariocountyny.gov
Family Health History Month
My Family Health Portrait Cancer App
Use My Family Health Portrait Cancer App to collect your family history of Breast Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Colorectal Cancer and learn your personal risk level for developing these conditions.
Download for Apple
Download for Android
Wild Fire Survey
Public health researchers at Cornell University want to hear from people who spent time in the Northeastern US during the Summer 2023 wildfire season.
Cornell Wild Fire Survey
2023 Choose Health Ontario Award
Church Member, Victor Nelson and the Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church Wins the Choose Health Ontario Award!
Victor Nelson and the Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Geneva are the winners of the 2023 Choose Health Ontario Award! Pastor Victor Nelson and the Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Geneva worked tirelessly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Victor Nelson and the Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church:
- Provided education and promoted COVID-19 vaccine among parishioners and the Geneva community.
- Graciously opened its doors to Public Health staff and hosted vaccination clinics for adults and children in the Geneva community between April of 2021 and June of 2022.
- Leadership scheduled appointments for community members via the NY State Countermeasure Data Management System (CDMS).
- Volunteers staffed the clinics, working elbow-to-elbow with public health staff and other county employees. They provided traffic control, check-in of vaccines, and post-vaccination observation. Their presence demonstrated to their community that vaccine was desirable and reassured them that it was safe.
A very special congratulations and thank you to church member, Victor Nelson and the Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church. Their actions significantly increased vaccine uptake in the Geneva area.
The award is presented on behalf of the Ontario County Health Collaborative (OCHC) which consists of Ontario County Public Health, local healthcare systems, community agencies and healthy-minded volunteers. The OCHC work collaboratively to improve the health of Ontario County residents.
Food Insecurity in the Finger Lakes
A recent Food Insecurity Survey created by Pivital Public Health Partnership surveyed 1100 people residing in Ontario, Livingston, Yates, Wayne, Seneca, and other neighboring counties, Pivital Public Health Partnership discovered 61% of those households are unable to always keep food on the table. Please take a moment to watch the video and learn about food insecurity in the Finger Lakes. Want to help? Contact your local food pantry to volunteer in your community. (5/4/2023)
211/LIFE LINE is a free, 24-hour confidential phone, chat, text service, and searchable online database.
Search 211 Database Online
Call 211
Chat 8AM - 11PM
Text 898211
Contact Us
Kate Ott, RN, MPH
Director of Public Health
Hours: M-F, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Ph: 585-396-4343
- Fax: 585-396-4551
After Hours Emergency
- Ph: 585-394-4560, ask for the Public Health Nurse on call.
- Community Engagement Toolkit
- County Clerk, Permits
- County Health Profile, 2017
- Dental Card Program
- Ontario County Health Collaborative
- Ontario County Resource Guide
- Permits & Licenses, (Including Food Permits) NY State
- Restaurant Violations, NY State
- Strategic Plan 2023
- Pivital Rural Health Network
- Reportable Diseases
- 2-1-1 Lifeline
- Bill of Rights
- Health Education Classes