1062 State Route 38
PO Box 120
Owego, NY 13827
Main Phone:
607-687-8600
Fax:
607-223-7019
So You Want to Prepare and Serve Food in Tioga County? CLICK HERE to go to our Food Safety Page!
Tioga County Public Health’s mission is to protect and promote the health and well-being of our community through advocacy, education, enforcement, prevention and partnerships. In striving to provide the Ten Essential Services of Public Health, we aim to serve as the public health leader to ensure the needs of our community are met through an integrated and coordinated network of resources that empower people to make healthier choices. Tioga County Public Health supports the citizens of the County through Environmental Health, Dental Health, Disease Control, Nursing Services, Children's Services, Emergency Preparedness and Health Education programs.
Self-Attestation for Isolation and Quarantine
If you test positive for COVID-19 with an at-home test or a lab confirmed test, immediately isolate yourself and notify your close contacts and your workplace or school. You may complete a self-attestation form as legal documentation for your isolation or quarantine. These forms and additional information about isolation and quarantine are available at https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/new-york-state-contact-tracing.
Attestation Form for Isolation:
Attestation Form for Quarantine:
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2022/09/ct_affirmationofquarantine_fillin_091322.pdf
These forms are for your own use, DO NOT submit them to the Health Department. Forms may be printed after they are completed, or saved as PDF and emailed to your employer or school. If you do not have access to a computer, you may call 607-687-8600 (option 1).
If you tested positive using an at-home test, please complete the attestation form above for your own record. You do not need to report any additional information to the health department.
If you have questions, please visit https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/contact-tracing-frequently-asked-questions
Isolation
Isolation keeps someone who is infected with COVID-19 away from others. Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 regardless of vaccination status must isolate.
Anyone who has been exposed to COVID-19 should:
Vaccination Definitions:
Fully Vaccinated
Fully Vaccinated and Boosted
Additional Dose for Some Immunocompromised People
Some moderately or severely immunocompromised people ages 5+ should get a third dose of vaccine to be considered fully vaccinated. If you are eligible, you should get this additional dose 28 days after your second dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine and before you get a booster shot. Consult with your healthcare provider for further guidance.
For information on COVID-19 Testing, please speak with your Health Care Provider or visit: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-testing
Find a COVID-19 Vaccination Site near you at: https://www.vaccines.gov/
Looking for more information on the COVID-19 Vaccine? Visit CDC Key Things to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines
Vaccine Recommendations
Tioga County Child Passenger Safety Program
Tioga County Public Health oversees the Child Passenger Safety Program for Tioga County. This program includes free car seat checks by a Certified Car Seat Technician. Free car seats are available at any of our 3 fitting stations to families meeting eligibility requirements. The car seat program includes an educational component to ensure that families receiving seats are able to reinstall seats on their own, and are able to keep their child safe in the car as they grow.
To be eligible for a free car seat, families must be on one of the following forms of public assistance:
If you are fostering a child or have been given custody of a child suddenly and are in need of a car seat, please call Tioga County Public Health at 607-687-8612 to see if you are eligible for a free car seat.
Car Seat Check Events
Car Seat Check Events are held across the county at least 3 times a year.
To find upcoming events in Tioga County and across New York State please visit SafeKids.org or like us on Facebook to find upcoming events!
Certified Technicians
All Certified Car Seat Technicians must complete a 4-day training to receive their certification, and must get re-certified every 2 years. We make sure that every child leaves our fitting stations safer than they came in!
Fitting Stations
Appointments are available at any of the following locations:
Tioga County Public Health
Phone: (607) 687-8612
1062 State Route 38
Owego, NY 13827
Waverly Police Department
Phone: (607) 565-2836
32 Ithaca St.
Waverly, NY 14892
This program is funded by grants from the Floyd Hooker Foundation and Visions Federal Credit Union.
Early Intervention Program
This program is for children from birth to age three who have developmental delays and disabilities. Its purpose is to provide the services needed to improve child and family development. Early intervention can be provided anywhere in the community, in the home, or at daycare providers location. The program is offered free for all Tioga County families.
Services include but are not limited to:
NYS Early Intervention Program
https://www.health.ny.gov/community/infants_children/early_intervention/
Developmental Milestones
Child Find
Child Find is for children birth through age three. The purpose of Child Find is to screen children who are suspected or at risk for a developmental delay or disability. The parent/guardian is sent a developmental questionnaire starting at six months through 36 months to monitor the child's growth and development by completing the questionnaires and returning them to the Child Find Coordinator.
If a potentially qualifying disability or delay is identified, your child will be referred to our Early Intervention Program for evaluation.
The Environmental Health Division of Tioga County Public Health builds relationships with residents and business owners to assure regulatory compliance with Tioga County Sanitary Code and New York State laws through education, risk assessment, communication, prevention and, when necessary, enforcement.
Our programs address the concerns of housing, food, recreation, water supply, wastewater, among other environmental factors which affect public health and safety.
BLUE-GREEN ALGAE
Purpose is to monitor recreational beaches for potentially harmful blue-green algae. For more information, check out Blue-Green Algae Advice!
Commercial Tanning Facilities
The purpose is to permit and inspect commercial tanning facilities, as well as increase the public's knowledge of the hazards of indoor tanning, minimize user injuries and limit tanning access by minors.
Rabies
Responsibilities include the assessment of human and/or pet exposure to rabies, treatment authorization, testing suspect animals, and the investigation of animal bites and quarantines.
Healthy Neighborhoods
This program provides FREE in-home assessments to evaluate home safety. A Healthy Neighborhoods team member will discuss ways to improve safety in the home.
Mobile Home Parks
The Department investigates complaints concerning mobile home parks and provides routine inspections of permitted parks.
Recreation
The Department is also responsible for inspecting children's camps, public swimming pools, spray grounds, and recreational beaches.
To view regulations and New York State Sanitary Code: NYS Regulations for Swimming Pools and Recreational Beaches
Tobacco Control
Provides programs designed to prevent the sale of tobacco products to minors, minimize exposure to excessive levels of second-hand smoke and enforcement of New York Clean Indoor Air Act.
Wastewater Systems
We work to prevent the spread of disease by ensuring proper design, construction, and operation of septic systems. A permit for new construction and repair of existing septic systems is required and must meet the standards set forth in NYSDOH Residential Wastewater Handbook
Water Supply
Enforces regulations to assure safe drinking water for residents of Tioga County through water quality analyses of public and private water supplies. Regulations may be downloaded by clicking on the links below:
Food Safety
Staff monitor and inspect food service establishments that include restaurants, commissaries, mobile food units, school cafeterias, and food stands at fairs and carnivals in order to protect the community from foodborne illnesses. For more information on New York State Regulations and Permit Requirements: NYS Regulations and Permit Requirements
To File a Complaint with Tioga County Public Health Department:
If you are or are looking to operate a food establishment please CLICK HERE or visit https://www.tiogacountyny.com/programs-agencies/food-safety/ for information on the required permits and the Food Safety Course.
The Environmental Health Division is responsible for rabies control in Tioga County. They investigate exposures and offer preventative vaccinations to pets through rabies vaccination clinics scheduled throughout the year.
Tioga County Rabies Clinic Registration Link
The goal of Tioga County Public Health’s Immunization Program is to increase immunization rates in children and adults, as well as protecting the community from vaccine-preventable diseases by making sure that children and adults receive the vaccines that they need. Tioga County Public Health works closely with primary care providers, local hospitals (including Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, Pennsylvania), school nurses, day care providers, pharmacists and other local agencies to encourage increasing immunization rates throughout Tioga County. By auditing the providers’ immunization records of the 2 and 13 year olds in their practice it shows how many of the children are up-to-date with their immunizations. TCPH works with them to help increase their rates. TCPH reviews the providers’ storage and handling of their vaccines to ensure proper storage and handling which is vital to vaccine effectiveness. Adult immunizations are also encouraged, as is using the New York State Immunization Registry (NYSIIS).
Immunization Clinic:
Immunizations are provided for uninsured children less than 19 years of age through New York State’s Vaccines For Children (VFC) program. Find out if your child qualifies for VFC! The MMR immunization may be available to those adults who qualify. Through partnership with New York State Department of Health and Tioga Opportunities Family Planning, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B immunizations are available to uninsured adults who have been screened and found to be at high risk for Hepatitis infection. Tioga County Public Health provides the Hepatitis B immunization series to its employees and others who are at risk of blood-borne pathogen exposure including various local governmental units, other non-profit agencies, and private industry depending on their need.
School Vaccine Requirements:
2022 - 2023 School Vaccine Requirements
Immunization Schedules:
Additional Information:
Tioga County’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Program is responsible for identifying children newborn to eighteen years of age with elevated blood lead levels and tracking follow-up services to make sure that they are appropriate and timely. Tioga County’s LPPP staff provides case management to all children in the county with blood lead levels of 5 mcg/dL or greater.
For more information on lead poisoning prevention:
New York State Department of Health: www.health.ny.gov/environmental/lead
Environmental Protection Agency: www.epa.gov/lead
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: www.cpsc.gov. This site provides information on product recalls due to lead.
Our nursing staff promotes public health and prevents disease in several ways.
Are you a new or expecting mom? Click here for info on a phone app that can help you throughout your pregnancy and your baby's first year!
Immunizations
We participate in the Vaccines for Children and Vaccines for Adults (VFC, VFA) programs which assure that under-insured or uninsured people can receive vaccines at a low cost or no cost. We work with the county’s 11 healthcare providers to assure that vaccines are correctly handled and maintained. We also work with these providers, as well as schools and other community partners, to increase vaccination rates. We provide education to both healthcare professionals and the public so that higher immunization rates can be reached.
Do you need a vaccine but aren't sure where to go? Enter your address here to find a location closest to you!
Lead
Encouraging lead testing of children and preventing/ treating lead poisoning are two topics we address in our Lead program. We receive the lead test results of all Tioga County children tested. We provide education, resources, case management, and home visits, depending on the child’s lead level and individual needs. We strive to increase our lead testing results. This assures that children with elevated blood lead levels are identified and helps to prevent potential physical and mental growth issues that can occur with increased levels.
Communicable Disease
Our communicable disease program collaborates with New York State Department of Health to monitor and minimize the risk of diseases being transferred from one person to another. Examples of some of the diseases we address are Hepatitis, food-borne illnesses, and sexually transmitted diseases. We assure that people are compliant with treatment and we educate them to assure that diseases will not spread. We work with our Environmental Health staff to assure that people who may have been exposed to rabies complete the recommended treatment.
Respiratory Program
Our respiratory program monitors for tuberculosis (TB), a respiratory infection caused by bacteria. TB can attack the lungs and is spread in the air from person to person. We do tuberculosis skin tests to check if a person has TB in his/her body. We assure that people with positive TB tests or people who have signs/symptoms of TB receive proper education, treatment, monitoring, and follow up.
Tioga County Public Health is dedicated to preventing substance use and fighting substance use disorders in Tioga County.
Tioga County Public Health currently has initiatives in place to help in the fight against the heroin and opioid epidemic. Members of the community who are interested in becoming a Non-Medical Opioid Overdose First Responder can get a free Naloxone kit at the Health Department. A brief training will be given to help individuals learn about opioid addiction, heroin use, signs of an opioid overdose, and how to properly reverse an opioid overdose with Naloxone. This program is free and available for anyone living in Tioga County.
Tioga County Public Health is an active member of the Tioga County Advocacy, Support, and Prevention Coalition (ASAP). Educational material is available on tobacco use, alcohol use, and other substance use disorders at the Health Department.
For more information on Tioga County ASAP, click here.
Substance Use Treatment and Services: For services related to a Substance Use Disorder, please view the attached resource guide to see available services in Tioga County and surrounding counties.
For immediate assistance with substance use issues, please contact Tioga County Mental Hygiene at 607-687-0200 or after hours at 607-687-1010. If you think someone might be having a drug overdose, call 911 immediately.
For an interactive map of medication and sharps drop boxes and Narcan supplies, click here.
For more information on the Free Narcan program, to request educational material, or for other substance abuse related questions, please contact Kylie Holochak at (607) 687-8612 or [email protected].
Tioga Mobile Dental Services
The Tioga Mobile Dental Van travels throughout Tioga County providing dental care. Sites include Tioga County schools where children have easy access to receiving care during the school day. Adults can also receive care before or after-school and on school vacations. Services include dental cleanings, sealants, fluoride treatments, fillings and extractions. Must be a Tioga County resident. All dental insurances are accepted, plus a Sliding Fee Scale is available. To schedule an appointment, please call (607) 972-7552.
When should I start brushing my baby's teeth and how?
Cleaning any child’s teeth can be difficult, but a squirmy baby’s can be extremely challenging.
It is best to start cleaning your baby’s mouth even before the first tooth comes in, around six months.
Always start with washing your hands. There are many types of toothbrushes and gum cleaners in stores but we have found that a baby’s washcloth works best. Wrap the washcloth around your index finger and wet it. Gently wipe the baby’s gums and teeth with your covered finger. This is the time when your baby wiggles, squirms, and whines. Don’t give up! Hold the baby in a cradle-hold with one of their arms around your back and your arm cradling their head while holding their other arm - this should help!
Clean your baby’s mouth every night before bed after their last feeding. This can also help to be a sign to your baby that it is time for sleep. Good luck and do not give up!
Why is it that some people never get cavities and others seem to get cavities overnight?
To begin to understand this, it is important to understand how a cavity is made. First, you need to start with bacteria, those tiny germs that are everywhere but we cannot see them. There are several different kinds of bacteria, but the one that lives in the mouth and causes cavities is called Strep. mutans. The Strep. mutans bacteria needs food to live, as do all things, and Strep. mutans loves sugary, sticky carbohydrates. Things like gummy worms, soda, cookies, and cake are Strep. mutans foods of choice. When people eat these kinds of foods, this bacteria eat it too. When Strep. mutans chows down, it makes an acid-like substance and this acid eats away at the teeth. The more Strep. mutans and sugary foods equals more cavities.
If you do not want cavities, your first step is to get rid of the bacteria. This is where a toothbrush and floss are handy. A toothbrush brushes away plaque, the sticky stuff which helps to hold Strep. mutans to your teeth. Floss gets in-between the teeth where food, plaque, and Strep. mutans hide out. Fluoride toothpaste makes a fluoride “shield” on the tooth, which makes it harder for the acid to form a cavity. By not eating sugary foods, the bacteria will not have a food source, so this will also help.
People who do not get cavities do not have a lot of Strep. mutans living in their mouths. They could eat all the wrong things and still not get a cavity because they do not have the bacteria in their mouth to make the acid.
People who have a lot of bacteria in their mouths need to be the best brushers and flossers and eat a very healthy diet. Plus, they have to be careful because they can share the bacteria with other people by sharing food, drinks, toothbrushes, etc.
Remember, you cannot brush away a cavity. Only your dentist can clean out a cavity and fill in the hole so bacteria and food do not collect again. Everyone should have their teeth checked regularly, so cavities and other oral diseases can be detected early.
For more information, please call (607) 972-7552
Tioga County Public Health is committed to preparing the community to plan for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and disasters. Our team consists of employees, volunteers, and community partners.
Tioga County Public Health develops and maintains preparedness plans for a variety of hazards, and is an active member on the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), where all-hazards planning discussion take place with a variety of stakeholders.
The following links may be helpful in preparing for emergency situations:
Medical Reserve Corps
Tioga County Public Health Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a group of volunteers, medical professionals, and paraprofessionals that are called upon during an emergency to assist with response efforts. To enroll as a volunteer, please visit apps.health.ny.gov/pub/servny. If you need assistance with the enrollment process, or have questions, please call 607-687-8600.
The Bureau of Weights and Measures provides certification and inspection services to ensure that all equipment, such as scales and pumps, provides correct and accurate readings for commercial transactions.
The Prevention Agenda 2019-2024 is New York State’s health improvement plan, the blueprint for state and local action to improve the health and well-being of all New Yorkers and to promote health equity in all populations who experience disparities. In partnership with more than 100 organizations across the state, the Prevention Agenda is updated by the New York State Public Health and Health Planning Council at the request of the Department of Health. This is the third cycle for this statewide initiative that started in 2008. New to this 2019-2024 cycle is the incorporation of a Health Across All Policies approach, initiated in 2017, which calls on all State agencies to identify and strengthen the ways that their policies and programs can have a positive impact on health. It embraces Healthy Aging to support New York's commitment as the first age-friendly state.
Our team worked hard to pull together our Community Health Assessment for Tioga County, as well as to decide which areas to focus on for our Community Health Improvement Plan. Our three main focus areas are:
The Tioga County Resource Guide is a comprehensive document for families in Tioga County. This guide includes health information for children with disabilities, camps, schools, family activities, benefit programs, legal aid, food pantries, places of worship, and so much more!
TC Board of Health meeting agendas are posted below.
TC Board of Health meeting minutes are posted below.
So You Want to Prepare and Serve Food in Tioga County? CLICK HERE to go to our Food Safety Page!
