Healthy Families of Rensselaer Co

08/12/2026

Statement From State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald on the Presidential Executive Order Related to Childhood Vaccination

ALBANY, N.Y. (August 11, 2026) – New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald issued the following statement on the President’s August 10 executive order related to childhood vaccination:

“This Executive Order doesn’t change New York State’s immunization requirements or recommendations. To be clear: no new research was presented. Vaccines are the best protection for our children and under Governor Kathy Hochul, New York has the strongest public health standards in the country. With measles cases on the rise across the country, now is not the time to confuse the public. The MMR vaccine has been protecting children for over 55 years. Splitting it into three visits offers no clinical advantage and requires children to have more shots and parents to have more office visits while providing no additional medical benefit. Here in New York, we will continue to be guided by the science.”

More information on the current New York State childhood and adolescent immunization recommendations can be found here.

03/27/2026

As the end of March nears, we want to take a moment to recognize National Social Work Month, and the social workers who strengthen families and communities every day.

Across the Healthy Families America network, many of our home visitors, supervisors, and leaders are trained social workers who bring deep expertise, compassion, and commitment to their work with families. Social workers understand that strong families are built through trusted relationships, practical support, and respect for each family’s strengths.

Through home visiting, social workers partner with parents during pregnancy and early childhood to support healthy development, strengthen parent-child relationships, and help families thrive. Their work reflects the heart of social work: meeting people where they are and walking alongside them as they build the futures they want for their children.

We celebrate the social workers across the HFA network and beyond who dedicate their careers to supporting families and helping children thrive.

Social Workers: Uplift. Defend. Transform.
Thank you for the difference you make every day. 💙

02/08/2026

This Black History Month and every month, we recommit to showing up in solidarity with Black women who have led and are leading the fight for social justice in our country.

We won’t stop fighting until everyone — including Black communities — can get the care they need.

🎨: on instagram

02/08/2026

✨ Potty Training 101 ✨
Potty training is a journey—and every child gets there in their own time! 🚽💛
Start when your child is ready, keep it positive and fun, stay consistent, and remember: patience goes a long way. Small wins deserve big celebrations! 🎉

You’re doing a great job, parents—one step at a time. 💪👶

❤️

✨ Entrenamiento para ir al baño 101 ✨
El entrenamiento para ir al baño es un proceso, ¡y cada niño llega a su propio ritmo! 🚽💛
Comienza cuando tu hijo esté listo, mantén una actitud positiva y divertida, sé constante y recuerda: la paciencia llega muy lejos. ¡Los pequeños logros merecen grandes celebraciones! 🎉

Lo están haciendo muy bien, familias—paso a paso. 💪👶

02/08/2026

We join our partners in the Protecting Immigrant Families Coalition in applauding those Americans who have spoke out against the excessive use of force in federal immigration actions. These actions deeply harm children. Read more: https://bit.ly/4qXZ5R6

01/25/2026

We join the Children’s Thrive Action Network in urging Congress to protect children by stopping additional ICE funding. Trudy Taylor Smith, Esq. of explains why this matters: https://bit.ly/45mMcY6

01/25/2026