Understanding our community’s well-being is at the core of what we do. Our Community Health Assessment (CHA) helps us identify Essex County’s health needs, strengths, and resources.
Earlier this year, 562 Essex County residents responded to our health survey, providing invaluable feedback. You told us that affordable housing, livable wages, access to healthcare, safe neighborhoods, and good schools are most important for a strong, healthy community, followed by a clean environment and resources for older adults.
You can check out the full summary of our Community Health Assessment Survey here.
As of December 31, 2025, the 2025 Community Health Assessment (CHA) and the 2026–2030 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) are officially complete.
This wasn’t a project designed in a vacuum—it was powered by you. To the Essex County residents who shared your stories and filled out our surveys: thank you. Your lived experience is the foundation of this plan.
View the CHA/CHIP here.
How to Safely Catch at Bat
Let No Tick Stick!
**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, we can serve you.
Decades of research show that vaccines prevent disease. An overwhelming number of studies also show that they are safe and effective. But in recent years, some people have become concerned that vaccines are more dangerous than the diseases they prevent. An aggressive anti-vaccine movement is fueling their fears. Unfortunately, this has led some to delay or avoid vaccination.
It’s also one reason we are seeing the return of so many preventable diseases – like measles, mumps and whooping cough.
As a local health department we must:
Statement on Legislation Removing Non-Medical Exemption from School Vaccination Requirements
School Vaccination Requirements - NYSDOH Site Including Frequently Asked Questions
NYS Immunization Requirements for School Attendance Printable
Call for appointments 518-873-3500.
COVID-19 Vaccine
Please visit our COVID-19 Vax page for the most up to date information
We can bill:
Public Insurance: Medicaid, Medicare Part B, Child Health Plus, Fidelis Managed Care.
Private Insurance: Excellus or CDPHP.
Present your card at your appointment to receive services at no charge. If you are not covered by these health insurances we will provide you a receipt for service that you may submit to your insurance company to seek reimbursement.
This Department charges an at-cost rate plus administration fee —our rate/fees are adjusted down using a sliding fee scale based on household income.
COVID-19 - $128 per dose + $25 admin fee = $153.00
Flu vaccine - $18 per dose + $25 admin fee = $43.00
Flu vaccine high dose - $64 per dose + $25 admin fee = $89.00
We can now accept payment with GovPayNet - so you can swipe your debit or credit card here at our office or pay online.
Before you pay with GovPayNet we advise you to read the GovPayNet Fee Schedule and GovPayNet Terms of Service.
Please call our office at 518-873-3500 if you have questions about immunizations, fees or payment.
Current immunization recommendations
Top 20 Questions and Answers About Immunizations
We also field calls about vaccines and cancer prevention - such as the HPV vaccine.
Traveler's Vaccine Clinics
Mountain Medical Urgent Care Services call 518-523-7575 or 518-897-1000
Plattsburgh Industrial Med. Testing call 518-562-2009
St. Lawrence County Department of Health Department call 315-386-2325
Warren County Public Health call 518-761-6580
In Vermont, UVM Travel Clinic call 802-847-1045
April Miles: Let’s Stay Strong All Month Long 👟
Rain or shine, the April Miles movement streak starts today. We are focusing on consistency this month, even when the weather is gloomy. Whether you are walking the dog, hitting the gym, or taking the stairs, the goal is to just keep moving.
Here’s the weekly breakdown:
Week 1: The Warm-Up – 2,500 steps or 15 minutes daily.
Week 2: The Steady Stride – 5,000 steps or 20 minutes daily.
Week 3: The Power Push – 7,500 steps or 30 minutes daily.
Week 4: The Peak Week – 10,000 steps or 45 minutes daily.
Don’t let the raindrops or possible snow break your streak. Grab your sneakers and let’s stay strong all month long.

The Office of Cannabis Management’s adult-use cannabis program improves access to safer, tested products for consumers while supporting the foundation of an equitable cannabis industry. The key to learning how cannabis might affect you is understanding different potencies, terpene combinations, and product forms. Explore the consumer resources available below to learn how cannabis may affect you and tips on safer and responsible cannabis consumption.
All consumer resources are intended for individuals 21 and over.
To make sure you are purchasing cannabis from a licensed dispensary, here are the steps to take:
1. After locating a dispensary, look for the Dispensary Verification Tool, which is pictured below.
All licensed dispensaries are issued a Dispensary Verification Tool which is posted in the storefront. Scan the QR code to be directed to OCM's website with a list of all licensed adult-use cannabis dispensaries.
Find a Dispensary
Get Healthy North Country (gethealthynoco.org) Sign up for online workshops to manage chronic pain.
DYK about our Car seat Program, Breastfeeding Support, Reproductive Health & More? - Go to the Family Health Page to Learn More!
Sign Up Here for Better Choices Workshop
DYK about our Chronic Disease Self Management Opportunities & Resources? - Go to the Chronic Disease Page to Learn More!