Community Health Education
SVHC’s commitment to addressing social determinants of health in the community guides everything we do: improving access to healthcare, promoting good oral health in children, prevention/management of chronic health conditions such as diabetes, increasing access to mental health services, encouraging physical activity and healthy eating, expanding transportation options and facilitation of community collaboration through the Cortland Counts community assessment process.
Data, Referral, + Resources
Information sharing is a top priority when it comes to meeting community needs. SVHC stays at the front of this need by chairing the Cortland Counts Community Assessment Team, annually releasing Cortland Counts, facilitating the Cortland Healthcare Provider Directory, and supporting the 2-1-1 Cortland Information and Referral system. We aim to make the community stronger by improving access to information and services for the health and well-being of our community and to provide community leaders with a tool to utilize while creating goals for improvement in the community based on our data collection.
Food Systems Work
SVHC has long been committed to strengthening food systems resilience and food security in the County because we know access to good, nutritious food equals access to a healthy and productive life. We strive towards helping to create a local food system where all community members of Cortland County have access to healthy, affordable, equitable, and sustainable food sources by leading efforts on food policy work, local hunger reduction, strengthening producer-to-neighbor connections, and food waste issues.
TRANSPORTATION
SVHC recognizes transportation as a social determinant of health. Research has shown that when designed properly, transportation systems can improve the health of individuals and contribute to a healthier community. They can provide exercise (walking, bicycling, or even walking to public bus routes), lower stress, provide access to medical care and jobs, connect isolated older adults and people with disabilities to crucial services and social supports, and enhance economic development.
