

TOMPKINS COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

2019 Coronavirus (COVID-19) The 2019 novel coronavirus is a rapidly evolving situation. Following guidance from the CDC and NYSDOH, we are working closely with County Administration, elected officials, and community partners, including Cayuga Health System and other healthcare providers. The health and well-being of our community is our top priority. COVID-19 Data Table (Tompkins County)

Status of Services at the Health Department

Flu Vaccine Vital as COVID-19 Persists (9/14/20) Now is the time to get a flu shot, and it is more important than ever this year during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Flu vaccines are now available at many locations throughout our community, including health care provider offices, pharmacies, and clinics. Everyone 6 months of age and over should be vaccinated every year against the flu. Vaccination is the best protection against getting the flu (influenza) — it protects not only you but also limits the spread of flu to your loved ones and others. “We need to prepare as a community for flu season. Many of the precautions we are currently taking to address COVID-19, such as wearing masks, keeping distance, and washing hands, will also prevent flu. Getting your flu shot is an important measure you can take to protect yourself, your loved ones, and others. It will also reduce the chance of worrying about whether your symptoms are flu or COVID,” stated Public Health Director Frank Kruppa. Learn more about the signs of flu and other precautions in the full press release.

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Status of Health Department Services The Health Department building remains closed to the public as of 7/30/20. The following Health Department programs are still operating by phone or appointment only (updated 7/30/20) : Environmental Health: Operating on a limited basis. Click here for additional information, or call 607-274-6688 for inquiries and/ or an appointment.

WIC: Appointments via phone. Call at 607-274-6630. WIC will continue to provide benefits remotely. Click here for more details.

Early Intervention: Services provided through teletherapy. Face-to-face visits for children unable to be successful with teletherapy. Call 607-274-6644

Preschool Special Education Services: Providing services through teletherapy. Face-to-face visits for children unable to be successful with teletherapy. Call 607-274-6644

Vital Records: Via mail or call for appointments, 607-274-6642. Visit the Vital Records webpages for info.

Healthy Neighborhoods Program: Virtual visits available, call 274-6702

SafeCare: Telehealth visits as staff are available. Call 274-6604

MOMS: Telehealth visits as staff are available. Call 274-6604

Deliveries and mail: Received at the main entrance maintaining appropriate social distance (directions are posted at the front door).

The following Health Department programs have been suspended: HIV Testing

Immunizations Health inquiries in Tompkins County: 607-274-6604 [Top of Page]

For general questions 2-1-1 operators will have the most up-to-date information and guidance.



2-1-1 should be used for non-medical inquiries only. Calls regarding health and medical inquiries should be directed to the Health Department at 607-274-6604. If you are experiencing symptoms, including cough, fever and shortness of breath, call your health care provider.

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Task Force Report:

Review of The Tompkins County Mental Health and Public Health Leadership Models 2019

A shared leadership model for the Tompkins County Mental Health and Public Health Departments has been in place for four years. County Administration reviewed the opportunities and challenges for this leadership model and provided a recommendation to the Legislature. Read the Overview and download the full report here.

Tompkins County is one of 53 local health departments across the country to be recognized for innovative public health projects in response to critical local public health needs. The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) announced that Tompkins County Health Department is the recipient of two 2019 Model Practice Awards for Ithaca College Public Health Initiatives and the SafeCare Program.



“We are honored to receive NACCHO’s Model Practice Award. The awards are evidence of our commitment to developing responsive and innovative public health programs that improve the health of local residents,” states Frank Kruppa, Public Health Director, Tompkins County Health Department.



The winning projects were determined through a competitive, peer-reviewed process, will be added to NACCHO’s Model Practice online database, and the Health Department will be honored at NACCHO’s annual meeting in July 2019. Read the full press release for more information about the award winning initiatives.

Spring is here and so are ticks! New tick-borne infections have been discovered in recent years and are steadily increasing. Lyme disease is the most commonly reported. Most tick-borne infections, including Lyme disease, can be successfully treated with antibiotics, especially if started early. Preventing tick bites is your best defense against tick-borne infection.



Ticks are different sizes depending on their stage of life. Nymphs are active in spring, and are about the size of a poppy seed, so hard to spot.



Ticks live in shaded, moist areas at ground level. They cling to tall grass, brush, and shrubs, at the edge of woods, along trails, in leaf piles and around old stone walls, waiting for a passerby to come along so they can climb aboard.



Often people are not aware of a tick bite until symptoms appear. These may include severe fatigue, flu-like symptoms, headache, fever, joint swelling, facial paralysis or rash. Some people may experience a sudden red lesion, “bull’s-eye rash,” on their body. If you experience these symptoms, contact your health provider as soon as possible.



To learn more about Tick-borne infection, call the Tompkins County Health Department at 274-6604 or visit the Department’s website: tompkinscountyny.gov/health/summer/ticks. Read the full press release, including precautions, here.

WIC Opens New Clinic in Groton

A monthly WIC clinic is coming to Groton. Beginning February 12, Tompkins County WIC will hold a clinic on the second Tuesday of every month, at the TC Action Child Care Center, 110 Sykes St. (the same building as the Groton Head Start). The clinic will be open from 9:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Call 607-274-6630 for an appointment.

A NEW Opioid Resource page has been posted to the TCHD website. The intent is for this page to be a portal for information and services related to the opioid crisis within Tompkins County. The page is evolving, and comments related to its content are welcomed.

To visit the page, click here.

Talk-Test-Treat!

Three words that everyone who is sexually active should know, to protect your health and prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs)!



1. Talk to your partner before you have sex.

2. Get Tested!

3. If you test positive for an STI, Get Treated



Want to learn more about STIs and the Talk-Test-Treat campaign? Click right here, right now!

NOTICE : The Tompkins County Health Department makes every effort to post accurate and reliable information. However, it does not guarantee or warrant that the information on this website is complete, accurate, or up-to-date. Tompkins County shall not be liable under any circumstances for any claims or damages arising directly or indirectly from information presented therein. Please contact the program area by phone or the receptionist at 607-274-6600 for more information.





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