Track Progress and Updates
Youth Track
The Cortland Area Communities That Care Coalition (CACTC) is guided by a process that allows us to identify major issues in our community, prioritize efforts, and use proven approaches to make positive change in a coordinated fashion. To date, four validated programs have been implemented and CACTC partners are actively pursuing funding for others. In order to provide a clear, consistent message from cradle to college, the CACTC selected scientifically validated programs that will address the following priorities by:
- Positively changing parental attitudes and involvement in their children’s problem behaviors
- Improving families’ abilities to manage problems
- Direct efforts toward families with histories of problem behaviors
Most recently, CACTC began using environmental strategies, which is an approach that recognizes that risks associated with substance abuse are a function of the interplay between the environment and the substances an individual uses. Controlling the availability of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs impacts the substances an individual chooses, as well as the amount they use. Environmental strategies enhance access and reduce barriers to services, change consequences, change physical design, and modify/change policies. An environmental strategies approach is being used to address the following priorities:
- Improve neighborhood attachment and community organization
- Decrease the availability of alcohol, tobacco and marijuana
Housing Track
The Housing track is a collaboration of individuals, organizations, and service groups working on public/ private investment to improve Cortland’s Housing. The Cortland Housing Assistance Council (CHAC) has been identified as the agency to lead housing improvement efforts. Much progress has been made in student housing, research on how to improve housing stock and increased public awareness of housing related issues. However, the biggest accomplishment to date, is the Cortland Crown Homes. This project resulted in thirty beautiful new apartments in eight buildings on South Main Street, which were completed with $8.2 million from private investor equity, low-income tax credits and NY State Home program funds.
Housing Priorities for 2008 include:
- Advocate for an “update” to the Cortland County Consolidated Plan;
- Provide direction to Cortland Housing Assistance Council in support of housing goals;
- Plan and hold Housing Confab 6: “Healthy & Energy Efficient Housing”;
- Hold regular meetings of the Housing Confab Steering Committees;
- Facilitate improvements in the housing stock; and
- Develop housing, home buyer, and home maintenance related public education programs.
Economic Track
In December 2007, we predicted that 2008 would be a challenging year, but we had no idea how challenging it would be! Rising energy prices, inflation, and the cost of goods and services have affected us all. New York State government is feeling the pinch as well, due to increased costs and shrinking revenues. Yet the good news is that many Cortland County businesses are holding steady and several are expanding, even hiring new employees.
The governments of Cortland County and the Town of Cortlandville have made a substantial commitment, along with New York State, to fully support our new Finger Lakes East Business Park. The business park provides a location that will attract new business and help our existing businesses expand, which ultimately means new net wealth generating jobs for our citizens.
This progressive approach will serve us well in 2009 as we work on workforce development with our colleges and universities, and it will be key to providing qualified personnel for our new and expanding companies. As we begin construction on the Finger Lakes East Business Park, we will see an economic upturn that may well coincide with an upturn in the general economy across America.
It is through hard work and “smart” operational planning that our companies are doing well. We will continue to move forward with a positive attitude for the future, and we will succeed.
Health Track
The need for increased access to mental and behavioral health services continues to be the most pressing need in Cortland County, although much progress has been made in the past year, due in part to efforts of the Capacity Building Committee.
Cortland County Mental Health Clinic (CCMH) now has a full-time psychiatrist, Dr. Jason Stepkovitch, who came aboard in the spring of 2008. CCMH is actively seeking a full time child psychiatrist. In the meantime, Cortland County is federally designated as a Mental Health Professional Shortage Area for the Low-Income Population.
“Think Again…About Mental Health” is an educational campaign to reduce the stigma of mental health needs and services. The campaign kicked off in May with posters placed throughout the county, two billboards, and a series of newspaper articles. The Capacity Committee also began collaborating with SUNY Upstate Medical University to bring parent and provider education workshops to Cortland. Last but not least, Family Health Network received grant funding that will allow for the provision of mental health services in their rural health clinics.
Many of the priority health issues in Cortland are also on the NYS Commissioner of Health’s Prevention Agenda for the Healthiest State. These include tobacco use, chronic disease, oral health, mental health, community preparedness, and access to quality health care.
Health Priorities for 2008-2009 include:
- Increase the availability and accessibility of mental & behavioral health services;
- Increase health education, promotion, and screenings for chronic disease control and injury prevention;
- Reduce rates of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use
- Increase awareness of availability of affordable health care;
- Increase awareness of oral health, and promote available dental services;
- Maintain preparedness for emerging health issues, communicable disease surveillance and control, and
- Maintain low teen pregnancy rates.
For previous report cards and comprehensive assessments go to: www.sevenvalleyshealth.org/projects/cc.htm
Go to Next Page