What we do:
We offer mandated services in broad program areas of Community Health Assessment and Planning, Emergency Preparedness and Response, Communicable Disease Prevention and Control, Chronic Disease Prevention and Control, and Family Health. We also provide services in Children’s Services, operate a WIC Program and run a Certified Home Health Agency. Specific programs and services we thought most applicable to the School Resource Binder are described below with contact information.
Who we are:
Essex County Health Department is a Local Health Department of NYSDOH. Our mission is to prevent disease, promote health, and protect life by contributing to conditions within our communities such that people can be healthy.
What services we provide:
Services are listed below.
Contact Person:
Each Program has their own separate contact.
Programs and Services
Living Well in Essex County Newsletter:
By signing up, you will receive our monthly Living Well in Essex County Newsletter that delivers timely health tips, seasonal insights, and valuable local resources for you and your family, right to your inbox.
Contact:
Lindsay Java
Lindsay.Java@EssexCountyNY.gov
518-873-3517
Baby Steps to Bright Futures Program:
The Baby Steps to Bright Futures program is a voluntary universal newborn home visiting program. It includes three (3) home visits and one (1) phone visit. It is designed to serve Moms, Dads, Foster Parents, Adoptive Parents, Grandparents…Families! A health professional visits caregivers and newborns right within the comfort of your home. Health professionals are Health Educators and/or Certified Lactation Consultants who understand the health needs of you and your newborn. Visits focus on what families need – connecting them to health insurance, providers, community programs and services.
Contact:
Elizabeth Terry
Elizabeth.Terry@EssexCountyNY.gov
518-873-3857
Breastfeeding Support:
We support breastfeeding as the #1 choice for newborn and infant nutrition! We have several initiatives that support breastfeeding including breastfeeding/chestfeeding support; Peer Counselor Connection; Breast Pump Connection & Support.
Contact:
Elizabeth Terry
Elizabeth.Terry@EssexCountyNY.gov
518-873-3857
Lead Poisoning Prevention Program:
Lead can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties and more health problems. At your 1 year & 2 year well-child visits, have your infant/child tested for lead. If your child tests high for lead, we will work with families to come up with a plan to remove the sources of lead exposure.
Contact:
Elizabeth Terry
Elizabeth.Terry@EssexCountyNY.gov
518-873-3857
Car Seat Program:
Essex County Health Department has certified car seat technicians who can check to see if your child’s car seat is installed properly and securely. We also have a technician certified to check and install car seats for children with special health care needs. This service is available to everyone regardless of income! Car seats are also available at no cost to low-income and other qualifying families that meet criteria after a car seat fitting.
Contact:
Elizabeth Terry
Elizabeth.Terry@EssexCountyNY.gov
518-873-3857
Early Intervention Program:
The EI Program helps children who are delayed in their development or have a diagnosed disability. The program is for those ages birth – 3 years of age. If your child is eligible for the Early Intervention program, your Service Coordinator will assist you in developing a family-centered plan. Most services are provided at your home, daycare, Head Start, or other community setting. Your Service Coordinator can assist you with other resources such as connecting you to health insurance programs, other community resources, and information on child development. Any child residing in Essex County who meets the criteria of delay or who has a qualifying diagnosis is eligible for this program.
Contact:
Lucianna Celotti
Lucianna.Celotti@EssexCountyNY.gov
518-873-3522
Children & Youth with Special Healthcare Needs:
The Children with Special Health Care Needs Program (CSHCN) is dedicated to achieving a system of care for children with special health care needs and their families. Program goals are to link families to correct health and related services, identify gaps and barriers, assist in family resolutions, and assure access to quality health care.
Contact:
Lucianna Celotti
Lucianna.Celotti@EssexCountyNY.gov
518-873-3522
Preschool Program:
If your preschool child received early intervention services [as an infant or toddler up to age three and may still need special education services] your Service Coordinator will help you with transition planning and making a referral to the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE). If your preschool child did not receive early intervention services but has some delays such as difficulty in talking, moving around, thinking, learning or is facing physical or behavioral challenges — you, or professionals who know your child, may make a referral to the chairperson of your school district’s Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) who will assist you in completing the referral process.
Contact:
Lucianna Celotti
Lucianna.Celotti@EssexCountyNY.gov
518-873-3522
WIC Program:
WIC is the nation’s most successful and cost-effective public health nutrition program. We provide wholesome food, nutrition education, and community support for income eligible women who are pregnant or post-partum, infants and children up to five years old. The program provides a card with benefits (eWIC card) for WIC approved foods, nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support and health referrals to families. We talk a lot about moms, but we offer support to anyone – working or not – who cares for a child.
Contact:
Cecile MacFarlane
Marie.MacFarlane@EssexCountyNY.gov
518-873-3565
Sexual & Reproductive Health Education Program:
We offer comprehensive reproductive education to community members through school classes, groups, camps and other platforms. Topics include puberty and development; reproductive health; sexually transmitted infections (STIs); contraception; Healthy Relationships; Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity; Decision-Making and Consent; Sexual Abuse and Assault Prevention.
Contact:
Cassidy Christian
Cassidy.Christian@EssexCountyNY.gov
518-873-3521
Condom Access Program:
Our Condom Access Program (CAP) places education about sexual health, birth control options and more in easily accessible locations throughout Essex County. CAP packs are small bags with condoms, information on proper condom use, all birth control options and STD/HIV testing information. CAP Packs are FREE and available at several community locations.
Contact:
Cassidy Christian
Cassidy.Christian@EssexCountyNY.gov
518-873-3521
STI Screening Program:
We understand that getting tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is a personal matter. Everyone deserves affordable, compassionate, and confidential health care. That’s why we offer testing options to ensure your privacy. You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7 with Planned Parenthood of the North Country or Planned Parenthood of Greater New York or you can call to book your appointment by location or ask further questions. If you don’t have insurance, or do not wish to use your insurance, Essex County Health Department will be billed and pay for costs of your STI testing. Please mention the Essex County Health Department when scheduling your appointment to receive free testing.
Contact:
Cassidy Christian
Cassidy.Christian@EssexCountyNY.gov
518-873-3521
Community Opioid Overdose Prevention Program:
The Essex County Health Department (ECHD) is a registered overdose prevention program through the NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH). The focus of ECHD’s Community Opioid Overdose Prevention (COOP) Program is to train community members to recognize and respond to an overdose and increase access to give naloxone (Narcan) to prevent fatalities. Through our COOP program, community members can anonymously request a Naloxone (Narcan) kit, receive training on administering, and report Narcan usage below. Included in each kit are local contacts to connect people with recovery support, 24hr crisis access, and referral services.
Addiction can happen to anyone, any family, at any time. Essex County Health Department has initiated a local response to the abuse of Prescription (Rx) drugs and heroin in Essex County. We’ve gathered community partners and co-chair the Essex County Heroin and Other Prevention Coalition (known as ECHO). Check out OPIOIDS – THE TRUTH site – to learn more about the opioid epidemic – personal stories, the science of addiction, what’s going on nationally, being part of the solution and finding help if you need it.
Understand the Epidemic and Learn About Opioid Addiction – CDC’s Opioid Site
Rx Awareness Campaign
ECHO Pocket Guide Resources
ECHO-Essex County Heroin & Other Coalition – Essex County, Health Department
Contact:
Cassidy Christian
Cassidy.Christian@EssexCountyNY.gov
518-873-3521
Community Care Kiosk Program:
No cost public health resources vending machines throughout the county. These innovative machines provide essential items to residents, enhancing accessibility to vital health resources. Locations: Mountain Lake Services – Thrift Store – Port Henry; Essex County Jail Lobby – Lewis; DMV Lobby – Elizabethtown. Our Kiosk Items are now available to request online!
Contact:
Cassidy Christian
Cassidy.Christian@EssexCountyNY.gov
518-873-3521
School Wellness Policies:
We are required to conduct an evidenced-based chronic disease prevention program that focusing on the prevention of chronic diseases and their associated risk factors – Nutrition, Physical activity, and Tobacco. School wellness policies are the perfect place to create a foundation of a supportive environment for students, faculty and staff for foods, activities and addiction-prevention. Let us join you in these efforts!
Contact:
Molly Lawrence
Mary.Lawrence@EssexCountyNY.gov
518-873-3502
Immunization Records and/or scheduling immunizations:
Decades of research show that vaccines prevent disease. An overwhelming number of studies also show that they are safe and effective. Our department serves as a safety net provider. This means, if you can’t get an appointment at your regular healthcare provider, health center or local pharmacy, or if you don’t have health insurance, we can serve you.
Contact:
Susanna Cushman
Susanna.Cushman@EssexCountyNY.gov
518-873-3536
Laurel Rule
Laurel.Rule@EssexCountyNY.gov
518-873-3520