The Oswego County Health Department hosts a series of fun and educational events during National Public Health Week from Monday, April 1 to Thursday, April 4. The recognition celebrates the hard work and dedication that goes into maintaining and elevating public health.

“The mission of the Oswego County Health Department is to promote wellness, prevent disease and protect all who live, work, play or learn in Oswego County,” said Oswego County Public Health Director Vera Dunsmoor. “This includes collaborating with local stakeholders to make sure your water and food is safe, educating residents on ways to manage chronic conditions, preventing communicable disease, protecting pets from rabies and helping our children in get the help they need to be ready for school.”

The health department has partnered with other community organizations to host four unique events open to all residents. Come out and enjoy various games and activities while learning about public health programs and services. Unless otherwise noted, all events take place at the Nick Sterio Public Health Clinic, 70 Bunner St., Oswego.

On Monday, April 1, Kids Day Spring Carnival runs from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 3:30 p.m. Families can enjoy carnival games, a reptile petting zoo with G&G Animals, sensory play tables from Little Luke’s & Pemberton Associates, STEM projects from Novelis, adaptive design from ARISE, Inc., American Red Cross’ Pillowcase Project, a presentation from Fulton Dental Health Solutions and more. Families can also get more information about the April 8 solar eclipse and grab a free pair of eclipse glasses while supplies last. Lunch or a snack will be available to purchase between 9 a.m. to 3 p from Ippoliti Street Food and Shannon’s Hot Dogs.

Learn more about pet protection at Animal Health Day! From 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, participants can meet with Tara Animal Hospital, Black Creek Animal Clinic, the Oswego County Humane Society, Oswego County Soil and Water, Highland Animal Hospital, North Country Vet, K-10 Training and public health experts to learn how to protect their pet’s health in and out of the home. Topics include prevention of rabies and mosquito- and tick-borne diseases. Free mosquito dunk kits will be available while supplies last. Lunch or snacks will be available to purchase from Ippoliti Street Food and Big Awesome BBQ from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Although the day is focused on pet health, participants are asked to leave their pets at home for this event for everyone’s safety.

On Wednesday, April 3, attend the “Start the Conversation: Mental Health Art Show” from 4 to 7 p.m. at Catholic Charities of Oswego County, 808 W. Broadway, Fulton. On display will be Oswego County high school and college students’ artwork that answers the question, “What do you do to take care of your mental health?” Each art piece submitted will enter the artist in a drawing to win a prize. Free snacks and drinks will be provided during the event. The art show is hosted by the Oswego County Health Department, the Oswego County Suicide Prevention Coalition and Catholic Charities.

Join the health department for the Preventive Health Fair on Thursday, April 4 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 3:30 p.m. Residents can get a breast cancer screening through Upstate University Hospital, donate blood with the American Red Cross, receive free blood pressure checks and get a copy of their immunization record. Attendees can also meet with the representatives from the Oswego City police and fire departments, Menter Ambulance, Oswego County Office for the Aging and more. Participants can purchase food from Elm Street Tacos and Anthony’s 19th Hole between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Pre-registration is required for both mammogram and blood donation appointments. To register for a mammogram with Upstate University Hospital call 315-464-2588 or go to https://www.upstate.edu/mobile-mammography/request-appt.php. To register for a blood donation with the American Red Cross, download the free American Red Cross app or visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive. 

For details about National Public Health Week, go to https://health.oswegocounty.com/.