Updates + Notices
Read below for updates on the agency, our projects, and our data, as well as timely public health notices or statements
Why Sleep Matters in Cortland County: Launching the DreamWell Campaign
March is National Sleep Awareness Month, a time to recognize the role sleep plays in overall health and well-being. Data from the 2025 Cortland County Youth Survey show that many local teens are not getting the rest they need, with connections to learning, mental health, and substance use. The DreamWell campaign uses local data and practical strategies to help our community better understand why sleep matters.
Tips to enjoy the family feast and skip the unplanned medical trips
Late fall and winter are the seasons for warm in-home fires, candles, and feasts with family and friends. These might be large gatherings with a big buffet of hot food, or a smaller party with desserts to share. Take extra steps this season to ensure that you and your guests have an enjoyable experience, and fond memories from the feasts! This post includes some important tips and is not an exhaustive list of ways to prevent foodborne illness!
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!
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.