May 10, 2023 – End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Declaration May 11^th, 2023 

The federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency declaration will end on May 11, 2023. Access to most of the tools we’ve been using to prevent COVID-19 in Cortland County over the past three years will not be impacted. The end of the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency does not mean COVID-19 is no longer a threat and community members should continue to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, get tested, and stay away from others when experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. View Full Press Release

January 25, 2023 - County health agencies remind community members of suicide prevention resources available to those experiencing emotional distress, shares warning signs

The Cortland County Health Department, Cortland County Mental Health Department, and SPEAK UP Cortland Suicide Prevention Coalition would like to remind community members about the resources available if you, or someone you know, is experiencing a suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Suicidal thoughts can be reduced with proper mental health support and treatment, and are not weaknesses or flaws. If you feel that someone you know is thinking about suicide, assume you are the only one who will reach out. Ask them directly if they are thinking about suicide, this will not put the idea into their head or make it more likely that they will attempt suicide. Take all talk and their response seriously. A person who is thinking about suicide is experiencing a life threatening health crisis. Work with them to keep them safely away from lethal means like firearms and drugs. Stay with them and call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

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January 5, 2023 – 2022-2024 Cortland County Health Department Strategic Plan Announced

From August to November 2022, the Cortland County Health Department underwent a Strategic Planning process. The Strategic Planning Committee - which included all levels of staff and a member of the Board of Health - selected the following priorities for 2023 and 2024: Public Health Workforce, Communication, and Collaboration. 

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December 14, 2022 - Increase in Flu Cases and Ongoing Cases of COVID-19 and RSV

The Cortland County Health Department is alerting the community of an increase in flu cases, as well as the ongoing cases of COVID-19 and RSV and providing guidance to residents to protect themselves and others within the community. 

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November 16, 2022 – Increase in RSV, Flu, and Ongoing Cases of COVID-19

The Cortland County Health Department is alerting the community of an increase in RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), flu cases and the ongoing cases of COVID-19 and providing guidance to residents to protect themselves and others within the community. With colder temperatures here and in conjunction with the holiday season, more people will be gathering often indoors and with many people, and this can result in the spread of respiratory illnesses. View Full Press Release.

October 24, 2022 – Health Department Seeks Community Member Input on Lead Poisoning Prevention, Announces 2022 National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is October 23rd -29th, 2022. The goal is to raise awareness about lead poisoning prevention in an effort to reduce childhood exposure to lead. The Cortland County Health Department is recruiting a small group of community members to participate in a Photovoice project aimed at better understanding the people, places, and spaces that have been, or are at risk of, being impacted by lead poisoning in the Cortland County community. View Full Press Release.

September 29, 2022 – Cortland County Health Department Urges Residents to Get Vaccinated for COVID-19 and Flu, Updates COVID-19 Data Reporting  

The Cortland County Health Department urges all Cortland County residents to get their COVID-19 and Flu vaccine as soon as possible. Vaccination is safe and is the best way to prevent serious illness from COVID-19 and Flu in our community. If you have questions, or are concerned about receiving either vaccination, contact your healthcare provider so they can assist you in making the most informed decision about receiving the Flu and/or COVID-19 vaccine this year. View Full Press Release.

August 22, 2022 – 2022-2024 Community Health Improvement Goals Announced 

Following careful review of community health indicator data - including surveys collected from over 2,266 community members and input from 20 partnering organizations - the following NYSDOH Prevention Agenda focus areas and goals were selected by the Cortland County Health Department and Guthrie Cortland Medical Center Steering Committee as the shared 2022-2024 Cortland County community health goals. View Full Press Release.