SVHC Newsletter - May 2026
May 2026
The mission of SVHC is to cultivate local solutions and collaborative actions that advance the health and well-being of the Cortland community.
Roots & Rhythm recap
Thank you to everyone who came out for the first annual Roots & Rhythm event on May 8 at the Cortland Country Music Park! Thanks to Experience Cortland for hosting the event and to all the vendors who participated.
Attendees were able to visit with local farms and food/beverage producers in Cortland County, taste a sample, and purchase their products. Molly & the Ringwalds and Dock Holiday provided music for a fun and festive evening, and seven lucky raffle basket winners walked away with amazing gift certificates, local products, or golf packages.
Agritourism plays a signifcant role in the vibrancy of our County, and it was a great event to kick off the upcoming farmers market season. A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit the programs of Seven Valleys Health Coalition.
Program highlight:
Homer Regional Farmers market
The Roots & Rhythm event has got us excited for the opening weekend of the Homer Regional Farmers Market on May 23! The market is open 9:30 am - 12:30 pm on Saturdays through October on the lawn of the Center for the Arts of Homer (corner of Main and Cayuga streets).
Seven Valleys Health Coalition received a Farmers Market Resiliency grant last year from New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. The funding has allowed SVHC to take a larger role in supporting the regional market and the work of increasing access to locally grown and produced food. This year the market will host more than 20 vendors with products ranging from fresh vegetables, dairy products, eggs, baked goods, honey, and maple syrup. A number of vendors are also able to accept SNAP benefits. With live music and fresh coffee, the market is also a place to catch up with friends and neighbors -- a place that is "building community around local food."
SVHC Project Coordinator/Market Manager Hannah Gibbons-Arthur recently spoke with WXHC about the market. Check out the interview here!
SVHC Poetry Slam
What happens when the first Poet Laureate of Cortland County reaches out to you and wants to collaborate on a fundraiser? You turn your past Story Slam events into a Poetry Slam!
We're excited to host our first Poetry Slam on Friday, June 12 from 7 - 9 pm at the Ake Gallery, 165 Main St., Cortland.
The newly appointed Poet Laureate of Cortland County, Philip Asaph, will kick off the night. Then we'll welcome all to come share their original poems on any theme. If you'd like to read a poem, you can let us know ahead of time by emailing Carol at carol@sevenvalleyshealth.org or just sign up at the event!
Both poets and listeners welcome! Come for an evening of community, performance, and an opportunity to support the programs of SVHC. Tickets are a suggested donation of $10 each. Refreshments provided for a suggested donation.
April food giveaway recap
The Seven Valleys Food Rescue monthly giveaway on April 21 served even more households than our March giveaway. Over 5,300 pounds of NYS grown food was distributed to 321 households in our community, helping to feed over 850 people. Thank you to our devoted volunteers and their hours of work to make this possible!
upcoming food giveaway in may
Save the date and spread the word! Our next food giveaway is scheduled for Tues. May 26 from noon to 6 pm at the food rescue hub, 174 Homer Ave, Cortland. For May, the giveaway will focus on breakfast items!
May is Maternal Mental Health Month
Maternal Mental Health Month is an opportunity to highlight the unique mental health challenges that can accompany pregnancy and the postpartum period. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders affect 1 in 5 mothers, yet many remain undiagnosed or untreated. Working with a doula can help. While doulas are not healthcare providers, they supplement the care of a healthcare provider and can provide emotional and psychological support during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Doulas can recognize the signs of mental health challenges, and because of the rapport and trust they build with the birthing parent, can make an effective referral.
We are grateful for two recent awards that are helping us expand this work. A $7,000 grant from the Donald Guthrie Foundation will support the development of bereavement training for doulas so we can better support families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss, and a $2,000 grant from the Zonta Club is helping us continue to grow access to doula care in our community.
2025 Annual Report
We're proud to share our 2025 annual report with the community. We've accomplished a lot last year with the support of our community partners, funders, donors, volunteers, board of directors, and staff. Thank you for being a part of the SVHC community, and we look forward to your continued support!
Support Our Work
Help us create a community in which all individuals are empowered to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Donate today!
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