Updates + Notices
Read below for updates on the agency, our projects, and our data, as well as timely public health notices or statements
Introducing S.A.F.E. 365: A Collaborative Platform for Family and Youth Well‑Being
The Rural Health Institute of New York (RHI) has launched S.A.F.E. 365: Substance-Free Activities and Family Engagement, a new regional platform designed to help families, youth, and community partners access reliable resources and prevention tools that promote health and safety all year long.
Available at safe365ny.org, the site connects parents and caregivers to practical parenting guides, local events, and evidence-based programs that support positive youth development. Families can also find seasonal campaigns focused on wellbeing, prevention, and community connection.
Through S.A.F.E. 365, RHI continues its mission to strengthen family communication, reduce risky behaviors, and build healthier rural communities 365 days a year.
Hosting Safe Halloween Parties
Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year for teens and families, but it can also bring risks like underage drinking and substance use. Local youth surveys in Tompkins and Cortland counties show that strong family connections and safe hosting practices make a big difference. By setting clear expectations, keeping gatherings supervised, and offering fun, alcohol-free activities, parents can help ensure celebrations stay positive and safe.
Find practical tips and resources for safe hosting this Halloween at safe365ny.org
New Youth Substance Use Prevention Work in Tompkins County
The Rural Health Institute of New York (RHI) is launching its youth substance use prevention work in Tompkins County through a new, countywide initiative. Based in local data, our Tompkins Prevention Team plans to target key risk factors and strengthen protective family supports through education, community partnerships, and programs like Teen Intervene and Triple P. This comprehensive, equity-focused effort promotes youth well-being and healthier family relationships across Tompkins County.
Soap, Suds, and Science: Teaching Kids Why Handwashing Matters This Fall
Handwashing is one of the simplest, most powerful ways to protect your family’s health. Learn how to teach kids the “why” behind soap and germs with a fun science experiment, history lessons, and easy daily routines. This fall, turn clean hands into a lasting healthy habit!
Making Homecoming Safer: Tips for Parents and Hosts
Homecoming season is better when parents work together. Connect with other families, share expectations, and set clear rules about alcohol and substance use. Together, we can help teens celebrate safely and confidently.
Find safe hosting tips and resources at safe365ny.org.
Public Health Basics: Food Safety
Food safety standards have increased greatly since the early 1900s in America. Some of these standards are often enforced by the local health department. Restaurants and kitchens are expected to follow the same guidance provided for cooking in your own home. Rigorous standards were developed in the 1900s after dangerous conditions of food processing plants were widely-shared, and incidents such as cook Mary Mallon, who spread Typhoid Fever through her cooking.
Data For Equity Part 2: Using Existing Data Creatively and Creating New Data
We’ve previously written about how meaningful access to good-quality local data is a key tool for health equity. In many communities, especially rural ones, the data needed to improve health equity simply does not exist. Or, if it does exist, it’s not meaningfully accessible to the people who need it. That’s why so much of our work at RHI is helping communities build better infrastructure for collecting and using local data. Sometimes that means finding existing data and storing, organizing, pairing, and sharing it differently so that it can actually be used. Sometimes that means creating entirely new data sets with tools like surveys or operational systems.
Striving for Strong School Attendance
The return of school in the fall is the perfect opportunity to review ways to ensure that children are making it to school on time and are prepared for the year. Attendance is a critical driver of student success from Pre-K through high school.
September Is Suicide Prevention Month: Make Prevention Practical
September is Suicide Prevention Month. Learn the signs, start the conversation, and build skills with RHI. Youth Mental Health First Aid (9/23, 8:30 a.m.) helps adults support teens. safeTALK offers clear, step-by-step suicide-alertness skills on 9/27 at 11:00 a.m. and 9/29 at 12:30 p.m. Join SPEAK UP Cortland activities: One Too Many NY 5K in Homer (9/20, 10:00 a.m.) and Chalk the Walk all month to spread messages of hope. Together we can notice concerns sooner, respond with care, and connect help faster. Need help now? Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
National Recovery Month: SMART Recovery in Cortland
As we mark National Recovery Month this September, SMART Recovery meetings are now available in Cortland every Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30 PM at Access to Independence (26 N Main St). This science-based, non-religious program uses CBT and motivational tools to build motivation, cope with urges, and live a balanced life. Open to anyone; no registration required. For questions, email hsebastian@nyrhi.org.