Updates + Notices
Read below for updates on the agency, our projects, and our data, as well as timely public health notices or statements
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.
New Report: Piloting the Grace Space, a Data-Driven, Low-Threshold Daytime Resource Center
From November 2024 to April 2025, RHI and other community partners operated a low-threshold daytime resource center for people experiencing housing insecurity and homelessness. This center--the Grace Space--was housed at Grace and Holy Spirit Church in downtown Cortland. This report details the work that went into planning, opening, and operating the space; it gives an overview and analysis of the data we collected through operating the space; and it lays out recommendations for Cortland County's next steps as well as for other communities that want to learn from this pilot project.
CACTC Becomes The Rural Health Institute
CACTC announces its formal adoption of the Public Health Institute model and our new name: the Rural Health Institute of New York
Welcome to our new AmeriCorps Volunteer!
As of September, we have Phoebe Fox joining us as Community Outreach Specialist, a Public Health AmeriCorps volunteer position!
CACTC Attended and Tabled at the NYSARH Annual Symposium
On September 14th-15th, CACTC staff joined public health professionals from across the state for the annual symposium of the NYS Association for Rural Health (NYSARH)
CACTC Remembers JoAnn Wickman
Matt Whitman, Executive Director of CACTC, issued the following statement following the passing of founding Coalition/Board member JoAnn Wickman
Matt Whitman Guest Lectures at Cornell Public Health Class
As a result of our expanding relationship with local and regional universities, we were invited to give a guest lecture for a Cornell University Master of Public Health class.