SVHC Newsletter- October 2025
october 2025
The mission of SVHC is to cultivate local solutions and collaborative actions that advance the health and well-being of the Cortland community.
SVHC to Host guthrie’s mom unit
Seven Valleys Health Coalition is partnering with Guthrie to host the Maternity Oasis Mobile (MOM) unit on Wednesday, Oct. 15 from 10 am to 3 pm in the parking lot of Seven Valleys Food Rescue, 174 Homer Ave, Cortland. This mobile health clinic provides quality, affordable services to all individuals requiring OB/GYN care including pregnant and post-partum individuals across southcentral NYS. The specialized team provides convenient and individualized care with emphasis on reducing common barriers patients face when seeking services. The MOM unit strives to support healthy pregnancies, reduce maternal health disparities and enhance overall wellbeing by offering access to unique services not typically found in a standard doctor's office including nutrition, lactation, and mental health counseling alongside prenatal (pregnancy confirmation, ultrasound and fetal monitoring), postpartum and general GYN care (annual exams, STD/STI testing, menstrual disorders, etc.)
Services are free (with or without insurance). Patients can make appointments ahead by calling 866-488-4743, but walk-ins are also welcome.
SVFR Food Giveaway
In conjunction with the MOM unit visit, Seven Valleys Food Rescue will also host a food giveaway event on October 15 starting at 10 am while supplies last. The entire community, not just those visiting the Guthrie MOM unit, are welcome to attend the walk-through event, which will provide a free bag of nutritious, New York sourced products, including fresh produce, dairy, and whole grain products. Please bring your own bag or box.
SVHC Spreads Awareness on Respiratory Illnesses
Seven Valleys Health Coalition was awarded a Small Wellness Sustainability Grant to provide education and materials to prevent the spread of respiratory illness. Staff visited Lime Hollow Forest Preschool and shared a lesson on how germs spread and the importance of proper hand washing. We've also visited the Virgil and Scott Senior Centers to provide resources on COVID, flu and RSV as well as distribute test kits, masks, and hand sanitizer. If you'd like us to visit your program, connect with us!
Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training
Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training is a 40-hour intensive training to equip law enforcement and first responders to respond to incidents involving individuals with mental illness, substance use disorder, a developmental disability or cognitive impairment (such as dementia) with the goal to connect them to community-based resources and to divert them away from the criminal justice system. Training is provided by Cortland City Police and Cortland County Mental Health Department, and SVHC is proud to collaborate with them and the Rural Health Institute in hosting this annual training. Twelve officers and responders from Cortland and Tompkins Counties graduated from this year's training!
New York Food Rescue Network Conference announces
Karen Washington as Keynote Speaker
The New York Food Rescue Network (NYFRN) 2025 Conference, “Sharing Our Abundances,” is a free, one-day virtual conference coordinated by SVHC to bring together community agencies and individuals to learn, grow, and connect across all topics pertaining to food rescue, food waste, and food insecurity. NYFRN is proud to announce Karen Washington as the Keynote Presentation at this year's conference.
Karen is a farmer, activist and food advocate. She is co-owner/farmer at Rise & Root Farm in Chester, NY and a pioneer in the world of urban agriculture. In 2010, she co-founded Black Urban Growers (BUGS), an organization supporting growers in both urban and rural settings. Karen has received numerous awards, including, most recently, the 2023 James Beard Humanitarian Award and the 2024 Emerson Collective Fellowship.
Story Slam: Faking It
We're back for another Story Slam! Won't you join us? Thurs. Nov 13 from 7 - 9 pm at the Ake Gallery, 165 Main St. Cortland. Doors open 6:15 pm.
What to expect: the casual vibe of an open mic + YOUR true 5-minute personal stories + an awesome sense of community. You may experience laughter, tears, inspiration. SVHC may experience an increase of funds for our programs.
Story Slam Theme: Faking It
Have you ever had to "fake it 'til you make it"? Had imposter syndrome? Got caught with a fake ID? Interpretations on the theme welcome. We want to hear your story!
Whether you tell a story or just come to listen, join us. Ticket price is a suggested donation of $10/person. Tickets available at the door or ahead of time via Eventbrite.
The month in pictures
Our work is enhanced through collaboration!
We work with partners across Cortland County and across NY State to learn, network, and enhance efforts that impact the health and well-being of individuals.
This month, we participated in Speak Up Cortland's #ChalktheWalk Campaign in recognition of Suicide Prevention Month. We partnered with the Cortland Free Library to offer screenings for the Medicaid 1115 waiver program that offers assistance with food, transportation and housing to eligible Medicaid members. We participated in NYS Senator Lea Webb's Health Fair in Cortland County. SVHC Assistant Director Anna Wells participated in the New York State Association for Rural Health Symposium and serves on its board of directors.
visit with us at these Upcoming Events
We're out and about in our community! Connect with us at our table at these events, chat with our team, and gather resources.
Cortland County Employee Wellness Day: October 23, 8 am - 1 pm, 60 Central Ave, Cortland
Cortland Youth Bureau's Trunk or Treat: October 25, 2 - 4 pm, Main Street, Cortland
National Rural Health Day: Nov. 20
The third Thursday in November is the annual celebration of National Rural Health Day, organized by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH). The day is an "opportunity to bring attention to and honor the incredible efforts of rural healthcare providers, communities, and organizations" that address the "unique healthcare needs of rural America." Keep your eye out for more as SVHC prepares to celebrate the day in Cortland County!
Connect with Us
Our mission is to cultivate local solutions and collaborative actions that advance the health and well-being of the Cortland community.
Seven Valleys Health Coalition
10 Kennedy Parkway
Cortland, NY 13045
Phone: (607) 756-4198
Fax: (607) 344-0048
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Help us create a community in which all individuals are empowered to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Donate today!