County’s Healthy Neighborhoods Program Lends Aid to West Utica in Fire’s Aftermath

    The Oneida County Health Department’ Healthy Neighborhoods Program is reaching out to West Utica residents who live in proximity to the fire that destroyed part of the F.X. Matt Brewery complex.

     “Members of our staff were out in the neighborhoods impacted by the blaze alerting residents to our program and offering assistance where needed,” Nicholas A. DeRosa, Director of Health said.  DeRosa added, “We spoke with City of Utica officials and Public Safety personnel and alerted them to the fact that our people would be in the area and acquainted  them with those services we can provide.”

     Fliers were distributed to those homes near the site of Thursday’s blaze outlining the Healthy Neighborhoods Program which conducts free home assessments including lead hazards, carbon monoxide dangers, unintentional injuries and fire safety.  Residents participating in the assessment are eligible to receive smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, first-aid kits, radon test kits, bathtub safety strips, cleaning supplies and garbage bags.

     Anyone living in West Utica and Cornhill are eligible for the program and can arrange a home survey by calling the Oneida County Health Department Healthy Neighborhoods Program at 798-5064.