april 2026

The mission of SVHC is to cultivate local solutions and collaborative actions that advance the health and well-being of the Cortland community.

2026 Cortland Counts Community Forum recap

Thank you to everyone who helped make the Cortland Counts Community Forum a success. With 149 total attendees, the 2026 forum was the most highly attended forum, bringing together local elected officials, community leaders, nonprofit service providers, and members of the general community to discuss the health and well-being of Cortland County.

Structured around the New York State Prevention Agenda, the forum took a broad approach to health, and the keynote presentation on the prevention agenda by Dr. James McDonald, NYS Department of Health Commissioner, provided context for the day. The additional 10 sessions and panel speakers also focused on the domains and goals of the prevention agenda, including: economic development, housing, health care access, nutrition security, substance use, and employment.

NYS Senator Lea Webb provided welcoming remarks, and Assemblymember Anna Kelles provided closing remarks. Both officials connected the NYS budget process, which is currently in process, to the work and priorities of Cortland County. Sixteen (16) organizations tabled at the event, providing information and resources to attendees. In total, 36 unique organizations and agencies were represented either through presentations or tabling.

We hope that the connections made at the forum are just the start to long-term collaborations that will advance solutions for Cortland County.

Forum Resources

All the presentations from the forum can be download for reference from the Community Forum website.

Forum Presentations

Anna Kelles and TLockwood, Jackie, Anna.jpeg

Roots & Rhythm:

Farm to Fork Tasting Event to Benefit SVHC

Experience Cortland will host the First Annual Roots & Rhythm, a new agritourism tasting event, on Friday, May 8 from 6 - 9 pm at the Cortland Country Music Park. A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit Seven Valleys Health Coalition.

Designed as a stroll-and-sample event, attendees can taste foods and beverages from more than 15 Cortland County farms and producers as well as purchase products from the vendors. The Country Music Park will have local bison burgers and craft cocktails made with local spirits available for purchase. Raffle tickets for themed baskets and gift certificates also available.

Live music will be provided by Molly & the Ringwalds, and Dock Holiday will perform on the outdoor stage. Tickets are $20/person. Come out for a fun evening all while supporting SVHC!

Purchase Roots & Rhythm Tickets

March Food Giveaway Recap

The first of our monthly food giveaways was March 26. We assisted 307 households, totaling over 800 individuals, and distributed 5,905 pounds of food. We provided meat, dairy, bread, produce, whole grain pasta, herbs and more! Thanks to our Seven Valleys Food Rescue volunteers who assisted with the event.

Our next food giveaway is scheduled for Tues. April 21 from noon to 6 pm at the food rescue hub, 174 Homer Ave, Cortland.

Do you work or interact with community members who would benefit from the food giveaways? Want to help spread the word? Download, print, and post the flyer in your areas.

Food Giveaway Flyer for April & May

Program Highlight: Doula Services

World Doula Week provided an opportunity to highlight the importance of maternal health and Seven Valleys Health Coalition's participation in the Doula Partnership.

Doulas are trained professionals who support the physical, emotional, and informational needs of a pregnant person before, during, and after the birth of a child. Doulas do not replace medical care providers but supplement their care, empowering the birthing person and advocating for their needs.

SVHC connects pregnant and postpartum individuals to doulas, and we believe everyone deserves access to doula support.

Accessing Doula Support

We implemented a sliding fee scale based on income and recently readjusted the scale to ensure

services are affordable for everyone. We utilize ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) income eligibility guidelines for New York State to determine out-of-pocket costs. ALICE data recognizes that many households earn just above the federal poverty level but less than what it costs to make ends meet.

SVHC wants to support expectant and postpartum parents who identify as single parents. Single parents may be eligible for no-cost doula care regardless of income.

Medicaid covers doula services for members, and SVHC can help connect you with a doula who is able to bill Medicaid directly.

Learn more & Connect with a Doula

The Month in Pictures

We got some good use out of our new prize wheel this month at the YWCA's Girls Day Out event and at the Chamber of Commerce Business Showcase. We challenged young and old to spin the wheel, guess that vegetable, and win a prize! It helped showcase some of vegetables that we rescue and redistribute to the community while educating how to prepare and cook some lesser-known varieties. SVHC is proud to have been recognized for Outstanding Exhibit in the Non-Profit category at the Business Showcase!