St. Mary’s Healthcare

Cancer Prevention in Action adheres to all recommended and mandated safety guidelines as disclosed from the CDC, federal, state and local government to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

 

Cancer Prevention in Action adheres to all recommended and mandated safety guidelines as disclosed from the CDC, federal, state and local government to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

St. Mary's Healthcare

Serving: Fulton, Montgomery, and Schenectady Counties

Website: https://www.smha.org

Contacts:

Ginger Champain, Program Coordinator
518-770-6815
ginger.champain@nysmha.org

Kelsey Carpe, Health Education Promotions Coordinator
518-770-7573
kelsey.carpe@nysmha.org

427 Guy Park Ave
Amsterdam, NY 12010

About Us:

St. Mary’s Healthcare is committed to reduce the cancer burden within the counties we serve with cancer education and prevention programs in our community. We will develop community partnerships with public and private sector organizations to work towards creating cancer prevention policies where we work, live and play.

New York State Cancer Consortium

St. Mary’s Healthcare is a member of the New York State Consortium, a voluntary network in New York State that collaborates to address the cancer burden in the state.  The St. Mary’s Healthcare team focuses on Fulton, Montgomery and Schenectady Counties,  engaging in prevention and early detection of cancer in these three counties to help achieve goals for the New York State Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan.

The New York State HPV Coalition

St. Mary’s Healthcare is a member of the New York State HPV Coalition and supports provider education – charged with planning and executing interventions focused on healthcare providers as well as
public Education – focused on planning and implementing parent and teen interventions. The St. Mary’s Healthcare team seeks to raise awareness through education on the cancer prevention vaccine, HPV in Fulton, Montgomery & Schenectady Counties.

Cancer Prevention in Action adheres to all recommended and mandated safety guidelines as disclosed from the CDC, federal, state and local government to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Sun Safety Policies

Click on the organization name to view their policy:

Paid Time Off for Cancer Screening Policies

Click on the organization name to view their policy:

HPV Awareness

Even though the HPV vaccine can prevent many cancers caused by HPV infection, nearly half of adolescents in New York State (NYS) are not getting the vaccine as recommended.

The ongoing pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for healthcare providers and patients. A recent study1 showed a 71% drop in healthcare visits for 7-17-year-olds, ages when critical vaccines like Tdap, HPV, and meningitis are given.

In NYS, up-to-date HPV vaccination coverage is much lower than coverage of other recommended vaccines for adolescents age 13-17 years (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, 95%; meningitis, 95%; HPV, 57%).4   HPV vaccine distribution has not returned to pre-pandemic levels and remains a public health priority.

The HPV vaccine can help prevent 6 different types of cancer in both boys and girls. It can be given as early as age 9, and through age 26 for both men and women. If you have not received the HPV vaccine, please talk to your healthcare provider.

4 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). TeenVaxView interactive: Vaccination coverage among adolescents 13-17 years by State, HHS Region, and the United States, National Immunization Survey-Teen (NIS-Teen), 2019. Retrieved from vwww.cdc.gov/vaccines/imzmanagers/coverage/teenvaxview/data-reports/index.html

As a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic pause...

Skin Cancer Awareness

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and is the most preventable. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic many people enjoyed increased outdoor activity which increased sun exposure which increases risk of skin cancer. NYS parks had one million more visitors in 2020 than in 2019. Sun protection is more important than ever. Skin cancer does not discriminate – don’t burn.

Tanned skin is damaged skin. Follow these sun safety tips: Check the Ultraviolet or (UV) index to see what the sun exposure is for the day. Apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher 15 minutes before going outdoors, covering all exposed areas. Apply from your hairline down to the top of your feet. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours while outdoors. Wear protective clothing such as a long sleeve dark shirt, pants and wide brimmed hat. Seek shade between hours of 10am-4pm when the sun’s rays are the strongest.

 

Preventative Cancer Screening Awareness

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in New York State (NYS), but it doesn’t have to be. Every year in NYS, more than 25,000 people are diagnosed with breast, cervical, or colon cancer. One out of five cancer deaths are caused by breast, cervical, or colon cancer. These cancers can be found early or prevented through screening.

Employees with a paid time off cancer screening benefit are more likely to get screened. Cancer screening paid time off is a benefit that employees use to take time off from work to get a cancer screening. The COVID-19 pandemic in October of 2020, resulted in an estimated 22 million cancer screenings that were canceled or missed. Now more than ever it’s important to support employee health and retention by offering a paid time off cancer screening benefit. Do not wait ask your primary care provider what cancer screenings are recommended for you.

In the News

 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Community Partners

These Organizations Are Taking Action Against Cancer:

Gloversville Enlarged School District
234 Lincoln Street
Gloversville, NY 12078
(518) 775-5700

 

 

 

 

Back Barn Brewing Company

7082 Western Turnpike, Delanson, NY 12053
(518) 709-8423

 

 

 

 

Busy Bear Daycare

 

 

 

 

Calderwood Training Solutions
110 Calderwood Rd, Amsterdam, NY 12010
(518) 265-0778

 

 

 

 

Cancer Services Program
for Fulton, Montgomery and Schenectady Counties
427 Guy Park Ave Amsterdam, NY 12010
(518) 841-3726

 

 

 

Capital Region Chamber
5 Computer Dr S, Albany, NY 12205
(518) 431-1400

 

 

 

 

City of Amsterdam
61 Church St Amsterdam, NY 12010
(518) 841-4300

 

 

 

 

Cranesville Fire Department
167 Riverview Dr, Amsterdam, NY 12010
(518) 842-3520

 

 

 

 

 

City of Gloversville
3 Frontage Rd Gloversville, NY 12078
(518) 773-4500

 

 

 

 

Creative Connections Clubhouse
303 East Main Street Amsterdam, NY 12010
(518) 212-5905

 

 

 

 

Creative Minds Childcare

 

 

Fulmont Community Action Agency
PO Box 835 Fonda, NY 12068
(518) 853-3011

 

 

 

Fulton County Public Health
Public Health Director Laurel Headwell MS
2714 NY-29, Johnstown, NY 12095
(518) 736-5720

 

 

 

 

 

Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce
2 North Main St
Gloversville NY, 12078
(518) 725-0641

 

 

Member

Girls, Inc.
962 Albany St Schenectady, NY 12307
(518) 374-9800

 

 

 

Gloversville Water Works
310 Norboro Rd.
Gloversville,NY 12078
518-773-4520

 

 

 

 

Grow Amsterdam NY Inc.
10 Church Street Unit 514 Amsterdam, NY 12010
(518) 620-1802

 

 

 

Great Sacandaga Brewing Company
3647 NY-30, Broadalbin, NY 12025
(518) 883-7012

 

 

 

 

HFM Prevention Council & Creative Connections Clubhouse
86 Briggs St Johnstown, NY 12095
(518) 736-8188

 

 

 

 

Ladybug In-Home Daycare

 

 

 

Little Red Wagon Day Care
15 Dania Drive Hagaman, NY 12086
(518) 842-6345

 

Montgomery County Clerk’s Office
County Clerk Brittany Kolbe
P.O. Box 1500 – 64 Broadway, Fonda, NY 12068
(518) 853-8111

Montgomery County Public Health
20 Park St. PO Box 1500 Fonda, NY 12068
Public Health Director Sara Boerenko LCSW
Public Health, Mental Health Director
(518) 853-8200

 

 

 

 

Royal Mountain Campground & Granny’s Ice Cream
4948 State Highway 29, Johnstown, NY 12095
(518) 762-1946

 

 

 

 

Schenectady County Public Health
Schaffer Heights, 107 Nott Terrace, Schenectady, NY 12308
(518) 346-2187

St. Mary’s Institute
10 Kopernick Blvd, Amsterdam, NY 12010
(518) 842-4100

 

 

 

 

Wolf Hollow Brewing Company
6882 Amsterdam Rd, Glenville, NY 12302
(518) 214-4093

Cancer Prevention in Action adheres to all recommended and mandated safety guidelines as disclosed from the CDC, federal, state and local government to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Virtual Education Services Now Available!

Take Action Against Cancer with Educational Distance Learning.

Did you know Cancer Prevention in Action now offers Educational Distance Learning? Your organization can take action against cancer with our FREE virtual educational services. These 15-30 minute classes are available a la carte and can be virtually presented to individuals or groups as live or pre-recorded sessions.

Click Contact Us above to learn more!

Class Topics Include:

Sun Safety

  • Sun safety education for children
  • Sun safety education for outdoor worksites
  • Sun safety education for outdoor recreation

HPV

  • Education on HPV vaccine for the community
  • Education on HPV vaccine for medical providers
  • Education on HPV vaccine for dental providers

Paid Time Off for Cancer Screenings

  • Education on how your organization can offer a paid time off benefit for cancer screenings

To learn more about our educational services or to schedule a class, contact us today!

Download the PDF

Cancer Prevention in Action adheres to all recommended and mandated safety guidelines as disclosed from the CDC, federal, state and local government to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Cancer Prevention Champions

Taking action against cancer is a team effort. It requires the participation of state and local government, business owners, employers, and community organizations to raise awareness about the many forms of cancer and help educate the public on the steps they can take to prevent cancer.

Each champion below has played an instrumental role in bringing the Cancer Prevention in Action message to the people of our community. We thank them for their leadership and commitment to taking action against cancer.

Co-owner of Calderwood Training Solutions Christopher Menge 
Calderwood Training Solutions was created in 2018 in an effort to improve local training options. This company was formed to design training programs for specific agency’s needs. Many programs come as a “canned” product that needs to be customized and molded to each individual organization. Calderwood Training Solutions creates training to meet your direct needs as well as offers consulting services and a variety of other emergency services programs including American Heart Association CPR programs and OSHA training. We offer a variety of programs including Leadership development for corporate clients as well and the emergency services field. Our Partnership is based upon over 20 years of friendship and emergency services experience in various backgrounds that allows us the ability to work well in many arenas. Understanding the dangers to first responders in regards to Cancer in the emergency services field has allowed us to partner with CPIA to lead by example in this arena.
Co-owner of Wolf Hollow Brewing Company Pete Bednarek 
At Wolf Hollow Brewing Company our mission is about crafting strong relationships around great craft beer.  One of the best parts of working towards this mission every week is when we make connections like we did with Cancer Prevention in Action.  One of our long-time loyal customers overheard a conversation about plans we were making to expand and enhance our outdoor seating during the pandemic and she asked our Taproom Manager to have me give a call.  That simple moment lead to a synergy that resulted in a more enjoyable outdoor space at our business and a safer experience for our patrons plus a policy to enhance cancer screening for our employees.  At Wolf Hollow we feel like this was a true “win-win-win.”  Working with Cancer Prevention in Action our Brewery was able to add 5 large sun shades, a sunscreen dispenser (plus skin cancer awareness signage) as well as a beautiful Amish-built wooden gazebo for our patrons enjoyment and sun-safety.  “I don’t know anyone who is unaffected by cancer and at WHBC, having lost one of our owners to leukemia, we are continually aware of the importance of screening and prevention.  “Our partnership with CPiA was the greatest example of public health, local business, and community members working together to achieve an outcome that is both aesthetically enjoyable and functionally beneficial for countless people,” said Pete Bednarek, co-owner.  “This project is what Wolf Hollow is all about.”  Through the grant, Wolf Hollow increases patron awareness on the dangers of skin cancer, encourages use of shade and sunscreen, allows its employees paid time off each year for cancer screening of all kinds.  “The best part is that we were able to accomplish this with our friends at CPiA and offer our customers a more beautiful outdoor space in the WHBC big backyard during a time when everyone was looking to spend more time outside.”

City of Amsterdam – Rob Spagnola, Tourism, Marketing & Recreation Director 

The City of Amsterdam NY is located in Montgomery County, New York. The completion of the Erie Canal in 1825 was an economic boom to the city, which became an important manufacturing center known for its carpets. The city developed on both sides of the Mohawk River. Today The City of Amsterdam encourages you to visit the wonderful museums, experience 24+ beautiful parks, bike paths, historical sites and many quality family owned restaurants as well as numerous options for lodging. The City of Amsterdam Recreation Department maintains more than 50 of the City’s parks, veteran’s monuments, traffic islands, bridges, pool and athletic fields on a daily basis. The Recreation Department also plans, organizes and oversees the major events in the City throughout the calendar year as well as community activities, youth programming, and recreational adult and youth sports leagues.

Rob Spagnola, Director of Tourism, Marketing and Recreation Department for the City of Amsterdam is a CPiA champion for welcoming and adopting 2 sun safety policies. The city adopted sun safety policies for outdoor worksite for all city employees as well as a sun safety policy for outdoor recreation for all residents and visitors. The city has installed several shade sails and sunscreen dispensers in various parks throughout the city to provide shade and protect visitors and residents. We appreciate The City of Amsterdam, NY for being the first sun safe city in Montgomery County NY.

Pictured: Rob Spagnola – Tourism, Marketing & Recreation Director and Michele Pawlik – Tourism, Marketing & Recreation Specialist

City of Gloversville – Vincent DeSantis, Mayor

The City of Gloversville NY was originally settled by New England Puritans in the 1790’s. As the community grew, leather tanning became a prominent local industry and the manufacture of gloves became widespread as a cottage industry. In 1828, the settlement was officially given its current name upon the establishment of the first post office. Steady growth followed not only through manufacturing but through Gloversville’s prominence as a gateway to the Adirondacks with its rich supplies of lumber, firs and other forest products. Today Gloversville’s physical character is reflective of much of its history and traditions. The city is surrounded by a truly rural environment dominated by fields and forests with almost no strip mall or residential sprawl. The pristine beauty of the Adirondacks, with its lakes and forests, is only a ten minute drive from the City’s Center. Not a single traffic light interrupts travelers between the city line and the vastness of the wilderness on any one of several two-lane roadways.

Mayor Vincent DeSantis and the Gloversville Common Council are CPiA champions for adopting 3 cancer prevention policies. The city adopted sun safety policies for outdoor worksite for all city employees as well as a sun safety policy for outdoor recreation for all residents and visitors. The third policy that was adopted through the Mayor and the Common Council was a Paid Time Off For Cancer Screening Policy for their employees which was also added and updated to their employee handbook. We appreciate Mayor DeSantis and the Common Council for reducing the cancer burden by having a city that welcomes and encourages actions to take against cancer with these policies in place.

St. Mary’s Healthcare – Dr. Mahvash Majeed, M.D.

Dr. Majeed M.D. is a pediatric doctor at St. Mary’s Memorial Pediatric Health Center located in Amsterdam NY. The Pediatric team at St. Mary’s knows your little one is the most important person in your life, so we treat them like one of our own. You’re never just another patient at St. Mary’s. The staff at the hospital and both of our pediatric health centers remains committed to providing high-quality care in a child-friendly setting by focusing on each child’s unique needs while incorporating a family-centered care approach. This means that we will work with you to care for your child’s specific needs, whether it’s a newborn or an adolescent, and whether it’s a minor injury or illness, or a complex condition. Our staff is trained to care for each child and their special needs.

Dr. Majeed is a CPiA champion and strongly recommends to her age appropriate patients to obtain the cancer prevention vaccine HPV, human papillomavirus. She is the doctor featured in our CPiA HPV video and strongly believes that the HPV vaccine is cancer prevention. We applaud Dr. Majeed and her entire staff for their dedication and commitment to reduce the cancer burden in the community they serve.

St. Mary’s Healthcare – Dr. Emily Etzkorn, M.D.

Dr. Etzkorn, M.D. specializes and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine & Pediatrics. She has been in private practice in Amsterdam, NY since 2001 and maintains a busy primary care practice there. She enjoys taking care of the entire family. She maintains hospital privileges at St. Mary’s Hospital in Amsterdam, NY. Their mission is to provide compassionate, timely, excellent medical care for the entire family. The practice offers preventative health care, chronic disease management and sick care for all ages. Dr. Etzkorn is a CPiA champion because she values distributing education on sun safety practices to all her patients as well as being a huge advocate for age-appropriate patients to obtain the cancer prevention vaccine HPV, human papillomavirus. We applaud Dr. Etzkorn and her entire staff for their dedication and commitment to reducing the cancer burden in the community they serve.

Cancer Prevention in Action adheres to all recommended and mandated safety guidelines as disclosed from the CDC, federal, state and local government to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Upcoming Events

January – Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

ASAPP’s Promise Coalition Meeting
MCC Coalition Meeting
Glove City Coalition Meeting

Schenectady Coalition for a Healthy Community Meeting

February – Cancer Prevention Awareness Month

ASAPP’s Promise Coalition Meeting
MCC Coalition Meeting
Glove City Coalition Meeting
Gateway Coalition Meeting
NYS HPV Public Education Meeting
NYS Environmental Carcinogen Action Team Meeting
Living with Cancer the Journey – Cancer Support Group

Cancer Prevention in Action adheres to all recommended and mandated safety guidelines as disclosed from the CDC, federal, state and local government to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Take Action with Wolf Hollow Brewing Company

Sun Safety with Jan Rechnitzer, Scotia, NY

 

Sun Safety with Rob Spagnola, City of Amsterdam

 

A High Quality Recommendation

Paid Time Off for Cancer Screenings

About Cancer Prevention in Action

Sun Safety at the Pool

Sun Safety at the Park

Sun Safety When Working or Playing Outdoors

Sun Safety On the Move

Thank You

Thank you to everyone who helped make this video series possible.

 

Photos from Past Events

2018 - 2020

2021

Office Locations

St. Mary’s Healthcare
427 Guy Park Ave
Amsterdam, NY 12010
ph: (518) 842-1900

Contact Us

Contacts:
Ginger Champain, Program Coordinator
(518) 770-6815
ginger.champain@nysmha.org

Kelsey Carpe, Health Education Promotions Coordinator
(518) 770-7573
kelsey.carpe@nysmha.org