West NY News

The Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services (CCOFAS) has initiated a 2025 Spring Health Initiative in collaboration with USAging and the Aging and Disability Vaccine Collaboration (ADVC) grant. This initiative aims to promote community wellness by offering free Spring Health Kits designed to assist individuals in monitoring vital signs and communicating with healthcare providers effectively.

This effort includes vaccine education, community outreach, and preparations for the 2025 flu clinics. "We have worked to offer onsite vaccinations, share information, and provide access to local resources that people can rely on to manage their health," said Dana Corwin, Director of the Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services. Corwin emphasized the office's mission to guide, connect, and advocate for services and supports to help older adults remain in the community.

The ADVC grant, introduced to Chautauqua County by USAging, led to the "You’ve Got This" campaign. Moreover, USAging was honored with the Immunization Neighborhood Champion Award by the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit for its efforts. Corwin noted, "Through this grant, we have been able to provide over 5,000 vaccines to individuals over the age of 18, focusing on older adults and those with disabilities and caregiving needs."

In partnership with local senior housing facilities, television shows, community centers, pharmacies, and the Chautauqua Center, CCOFAS is working to provide critical information on seasonal flu and vaccines. This collaboration aims to help individuals understand vaccination benefits and risks to prevent health issues.

Dr. Michael Faulk, Chief Medical Officer of Chautauqua County, explained that several diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and infections like pneumonia, influenza, and COVID-19, can have significant health impacts. He stated, "A strong public health approach, community involvement, and healthcare-led preventative efforts can reduce medical visits, medications, expensive hospitalizations and the overall burden of healthcare costs in our county."

The 2025 Spring Health Kits are available to anyone over 18 who needs to monitor vital signs for health reasons. These kits include instructional materials, a blood pressure cuff, a digital thermometer, a pulse oximeter, a water bottle, and other useful items.

CCOFAS has 500 kits ready for distribution at its offices in Mayville, Dunkirk, and Jamestown, New York, starting April 21, 2025, on a first-come, first-served basis. Staff will collect recipients' names and basic information.

Corwin further mentioned, "Planning for 2025 Flu clinics is underway to make getting your annual Flu vaccine easy for our older adults, caregivers, and front-line workers in our community. You’ve got this and Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services has you. Stay healthy and well - take care of yourselves."

The project is backed by a financial assistance award totaling $74,999,835 from the Administration for Community Living (ACL, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) to USAging. The contents of the initiative do not necessarily represent the official stance of, nor an endorsement by USAging, ACL, HHS, or the U.S. Government.