Statement from New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker Regarding Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Posted on April 13, 2021April 13, 2021 by Dakota Pike“Today the CDC and FDA issued a statement recommending a pause in the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine out of an abundance of caution. New York State will follow the CDC and FDA recommendation and pause the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine statewide immediately today while these health and safety agencies evaluate next steps. All appointments for Johnson & Johnson vaccines today at New York State mass vaccination sites will be honored with the Pfizer vaccine.“As the CDC and FDA have said, any adverse events related to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine ‘appear to be extremely rare’ and, ‘People who have received the J&J vaccine who develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider.’“I am in constant contact with the federal government and we will update New Yorkers as more information becomes available.”Visit New York State’s website for more information: http://www.governor.ny.gov/news/statement-new-york-state-health-commissioner-dr-howard-zucker-regarding-johnson-johnson
Johnstown Area Volunteer Ambulance Corps INC. Generously Donates to Nathan Littauer Posted on May 21, 2020May 21, 2020 by Dakota PikeGLOVERSVILLE, NY – Last month, 2020, Johnstown Area Volunteer Ambulance Corps INC. (JAVAC) made a $25,000.00 donation to Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home. The donation was made to aid the hospital in our fight against the Coronavirus pandemic. Included with JAVAC’s donation was a letter that stated:“This donation is to be used towards the purchase of a ventilator and/or supplies needed for the hospital to fight the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic . . . on behalf of JAVAC, thank you and your staff for the support during a very difficult time. We hope this donation will make a difference in the treatment of COVID-19 patients now, and in the future.”Two ambulances outside of the JAVAC Center.Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home is extremely grateful for all donations given to the organization. Executive Director of the Nathan Littauer Foundation, Geoffrey Peck explains:“JAVAC’s volunteer and paid staff displayed selfless community commitment for decades. As a chapter of area history closes, JAVAC once again has served our community by helping Littauer fight the COVID-19 virus.”Donations can be made to Nathan Littauer Hospital by contacting the Nathan Littauer Hospital Foundation Coordinator, Kelly Colby, at: (518) 773-5505. You may also make a contribution online by visiting the organization’s website at: https://www.nlh.org/givingXXXAbout Nathan LittauerNathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is a full-service, 74 bed acute care hospital with an 84 bed skilled nursing home. Since 1894, Nathan Littauer has provided safe, high-quality health and wellness services with a focus on securing appropriate new technologies for people residing in Upstate New York. Over the years, the hospital has expanded its services in order to offer health care that is comprehensive, accessible, and relevant to the needs of the communities they serve. More information can be found by visiting www.nlh.org.
Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home Gifted $2 Million Dollars to Aid in Fight Against Coronavirus Posted on May 4, 2020May 4, 2020 by Dakota PikeNathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home received $2,048,000.00 in funding allocated by Health and Human Services (HHS) to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19), through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Signed into law March 27, the legislation is designed to help rural hospitals like Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home.“Nathan Littauer would like to thank the efforts of the Department of Health and Human Services, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer,” stated Michael Ostrander, Chief Financial Officer for Littauer. He added, “We are grateful people are looking out for rural hospitals like Littauer. Our response to COVID is encompassing and comprehensive employing a tremendous amount of resources. From a financial perspective, we have done everything we can to support our medical team. We will continue to do so. However, a response to a global pandemic was not a part of our strategic plan. The CARES act gives us a needed injection of capital to continue our fight.”Littauer believes the CARES Act is an important first step forward. However, we believe more will need to be done to support rural healthcare providers as we deal with the unprecedented challenge of this virus. We have endured unbudgeted healthcare related expenses and some lost revenues from halted elective surgeries. Many of our expenses are not reimbursed and are directly attributable to COVID-19. As we learn more about this virus, we understand we may still see a substantial patient surge of COVID positive patients.Our goal as an organization is to remain independent while we serve this unique community. Most importantly, this funding will help the patients we gratefully serve. We would like to thank all entities involved with the CARES Act as we do our important work during this pandemic.
COVID-19 Resources For Our Patients and The Community Posted on April 10, 2020April 10, 2020 by Dakota PikeThe CDC has the most current information about the virus, including everything you need to know about how the virus spreads, how it’s treated, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you get sick. You can learn more by visiting the CDC website, which is updated frequently.Protect YourselfRegular handwashing remains one of the best defenses against COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. People can help protect themselves from respiratory illness with everyday preventive actions:Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.Avoid close contact with people who are sick.Practice social distancing by staying home, and if you go outside or have to the grocery store or pharmacy, maintain at least six feet of physical space in public.Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands Protect OthersStay home when you are sick and as designated by the state of New York. Follow your provider’s instructions about quarantine measures.Cover your cough or sneeze with your sleeve (not your hands) or a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.The CDC has stated that cloth face masks may be worn in public places where social distancing measures may be difficult to maintain, such as grocery stores and pharmacies. Please note that following guidance from the New York State Department of Health regarding personal protective equipment updated April 3, 2020, cloth masks are not recommended for health care professionals when working in a health care setting. It is unknown whether cloth masks provide effective source control for infectious patients.Your Emotional HealthNew Yorkers can call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314 for mental health counseling.
