Rensselaer County Health & Human Services

09/08/2026

September 8th is 988 Day!

Know the number that can connect you to help. Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support. You can also chat at 988lifeline.org They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You don’t have to be in immediate danger to reach out. If you’re experiencing emotional distress, struggling with your mental health, or worried about someone you care about, 988 is there to help.

Save 988. Share 988. Help spread the word. 💚

09/01/2026

09/01/2026

September is National Preparedness Month!

Public health emergency preparedness is about making sure communities are ready to protect people’s health when an emergency happens. Emergencies can include things like: severe weather, disease outbreaks, natural disasters, power outages, or other events that can affect the health and safety of a community.Preparedness means planning before an emergency occurs.
It includes:
• Having plans and systems in place to respond quickly
• Making sure healthcare and public health organizations can work together
• Communicating accurate, timely information to the public
• Preparing for the distribution of medications or other supplies
• Supporting people and communities who may be especially vulnerable during an emergency
• Practicing and improving plans through training and exercises

The goal is simple: to be ready before an emergency happens so we can respond effectively, protect lives, and help communities recover.

Preparedness is everyone’s responsibility — public health agencies, healthcare providers, emergency responders, community organizations, businesses, and individuals all have a role to play.

Throughout the month of September, the Rensselaer County Department of Health Preparedness Division will be out in the community, engaging our residents about being ready.

Prepared today. Stronger tomorrow.

08/20/2026

08/15/2026

Rain or shine, our Department of Health teams love being out in the community, connecting with residents and community partners!

Great turnout tonight at Knickerbacker Park for Knick Night Out! Thanks to everyone who came out and made it such a great evening!

08/12/2026

Rensselaer County Health Department is out in the community!

Our teams will be at three great community events this week:

Valley Falls Free Library tonight at 6:30pm
We’ll be sharing information about Public Health Emergency Preparedness—including how you and your family can be better prepared for an emergency.

Sand Lake Seniors
How ready are you for a power outage? What should be in your “Go Bag” and what to do with medications that need refrigeration? Some of the great topics to be covered on Thursday August 13th at 11:30am at the Averill Park-Sand Lake Fire Station.

Friday Night at Knickerbacker Park in Lansingburgh
Join us for Knick Night Out! Our team will be there with general health information, resources, and helpful tips for you and your family from 5:00-8:00pm.

We hope to see you out and about! Stop by, say hello, and learn more about how you can stay healthy, safe, and prepared.

08/11/2026

Protect Your Health in the Sun! ☀

Too much UV exposure can increase your risk of skin cancer. Help protect yourself and your loved ones:

Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen and reapply regularly.
Wear protective clothing and a hat.
Protect your eyes with UV-blocking sunglasses.
Seek shade, especially during peak sun hours.

Sun safety is an important part of skin cancer prevention. Stay safe and enjoy the summer! 😎

https://www.cdc.gov/skin-cancer/sun-safety/index.html

08/10/2026

Back to School Preparedness with the Rensselaer County Department of Health! Did you.....