State department of health begins repeal of COVID-19 vaccine mandate for healthcare workers
The New York State Department of Health has initiated the repeal of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for healthcare workers. The Department made the announcement on May 24, stating that the repeal process involves a 60-day ... more
AIR QUALITY UPDATE: Workers perspective, current alerts, and photos from around the Finger Lakes (full coverage)
Workers perspective on air quality issues across the Finger Lakes Despite air quality readings across the Finger Lakes and Central New York that far surpassed unsafe levels for all people - many were surprised at ... more
Local doctor leads significant strides fighting Hodgkin Lymphoma
Dr. Jonathan Friedberg, director of the Wilmot Cancer Institute, is making significant strides in the fight against cancer. As the lead researcher of a recent clinical trial, Dr. Friedberg has helped to identify a new ... more
Lawmakers debate healthcare for asylum seekers in New York
The federal government has approved New York to provide health care coverage to migrants with asylum seeker status and undocumented residents, marking a significant step towards inclusion. However, the legislation to actualize this must pass ... more
Hochul’s signature is all that awaits on prescription drug transparency bill
The New York State Legislature has given final approval to a bill requiring greater transparency in prescription drug pricing. The legislation, which now awaits Governor Kathy Hochul's signature, mandates that drug manufacturers notify the public ... more
Packaging and Recycling Infrastructure Act faces pushback from state business leaders
The Packaging and Recycling Infrastructure Act, a late amendment bill aimed at mitigating plastic pollution and enhancing recycling statewide, has drawn strong opposition from state business leaders. The proposed legislation seeks to establish an Extended ... more
Family sues over COVID-19 vaccine saying it killed their son
The family of 24-year-old George Watts has filed a lawsuit against the U.S Department of Defense (DOD), accusing the agency of "willful misconduct" linked to their son's death after taking the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine. The ... more
Tobacco use declines significantly in New York: Flavored vaping ban and tax hike credited
A recent report from the state Department of Health reveals a substantial decrease in tobacco usage among middle and high school students in New York, citing a ban on flavored vaping products and a declining ... more
US life expectancy is headed the wrong direction
A recent study conducted by the American Journal of Public Health reveals a startling life expectancy trend in the US, suggesting the nation has been disadvantaged in terms of life expectancy since the 1950s. The ... more
Parents say they need help with youth mental health crisis in New York State
Parents in New York and across the U.S. want to see schools improve kid's mental health, a recent survey found. The National PTA Survey showed 72% of parents support schools providing mental health services for ... more
Finger Lakes allergy season in full swing: How long will it last?
The Finger Lakes region is currently experiencing a severe spring allergy season, with grass and tree pollen peaking at the same time. Dr. Emily Weis, clinical director for allergy at URMC, tells 13WHAM-TV that this ... more
URMC lifts COVID-19 vaccine requirement after state ends policy
Following the termination of federal and state health emergencies due to declining COVID-19 infection and hospitalization rates, the University of Rochester has announced that it will lift its vaccination mandate for students, faculty, and staff ... more
Matthew Talbott named Associated Chief Medical Officer for Finger Lakes Health
Matthew Talbott M.D., FACEP, MBA was named Associate Chief Medical Officer for Finger Lakes Health effective May 15, 2023. In his new role as Associate Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Talbott will provide oversight of the ... more
Stacey Gibbs named UR Thompson’s director of infection control
Stacey Gibbs of Canandaigua was recently named UR Medicine Thompson Health’s Director of Infection Prevention. Gibbs, who received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Pittsburgh, started her nursing career at the ... more
National shortage of Adderall having an impact on local patients and pharmacists
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The US is facing a nationwide shortage of Adderall, leading to extended periods without medication for many who rely on it. The shortage of dextroamphetamine-amphetamine salts, better known by the brand name Adderall, has significantly ... more
DEC and DOH issue reminder for residents to stay vigilant as HABs season begins in Finger Lakes
The New York State Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Health (DOH) have issued a reminder for New Yorkers to remain vigilant about harmful algal blooms (HABs) as the 2023 reporting season commences. The DEC's ... more
FLX TODAY: Tess MacQueen, PA-C at Pine Point Medical (podcast)
Jim Sinicropi is joined in-studio by Tess MacQueen, PA-C. Tess is the Director of Operations at Pine Point Medical in Lansing. Jim and Tess discuss the what makes their office unique and everything they have ... more
Local hospitals revisit vaccine policies: URMC says it will rollback requirements
The New York State Department of Health has initiated the process to rescind the COVID-19 vaccination mandate for workers in regulated healthcare facilities. This move prompted inquiries regarding the status of employees dismissed due to ... more
State trying to address Xylazine overdose crisis
In a bid to tackle the rising crisis of xylazine-related health complications, Governor Kathy Hochul's office has declared that New York State will distribute free test strips to detect the presence of the potentially deadly ... more
