Published on August 20, 2026
Tompkins County Whole Health (TCWH) is pleased to announce the release of the 2025-2030 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), a five-year strategic plan that outlines a shared vision for improving health and well-being across the community.
The CHIP represents the culmination of more than two years of collaboration among community partner organizations. Building on the findings of the 2025 Community Health Assessment (CHA), the CHIP establishes shared priorities, measurable objectives, and evidence-based strategies to address the health issues identified by the community and supported by county data. The plan aligns with the 2025-2030 New York State Prevention Agenda, ensuring that local priorities are supported by statewide public health goals while remaining responsive to the unique needs of Tompkins County.
A Community-Driven Process
Community input was central to the planning process. More than 1,800 residents participated in the Community Health Survey, and 76 organizations contributed through the Community Partner Assessment. A 23-member Steering Committee guided the assessment, reviewed local health data, and helped identify priority areas based on community needs and available resources.
Community Health Priorities
Using a structured prioritization process, community partners identified five priority areas that will guide collaborative action over the next five years:
While Tompkins County consistently ranks among the healthiest counties in New York State, the CHA identified ongoing challenges related to housing affordability, food insecurity, mental health, substance use, chronic disease, and access to healthcare. The CHIP provides a coordinated approach to addressing these issues through cross-sector partnerships, measurable objectives, and evidence-informed strategies.
TCWH Commissioner Jennie Sutcliffe stated, “The CHIP is an important roadmap for addressing complex issues in Tompkins County. The plan has overlap and alignment with other priorities in our community and provides an opportunity for collaboration and data-informed decision-making. There are many local partners to thank in contributing and engaging with this plan and I look forward to our continued efforts to improve health in our community.”
Implementation of the CHIP will be led by priority workgroups composed of partner organizations across multiple sectors. Progress will be monitored using local and state health indicators, with regular evaluation to ensure strategies remain responsive to community needs.
Advancing Health Equity
A central focus of the CHIP is ensuring that every resident has equal opportunity to achieve their highest level of health. Throughout the process, community members emphasized the importance of reducing barriers to healthcare, expanding access to essential services, and addressing the social and structural conditions that influence health outcomes. Implementation strategies will prioritize community engagement, culturally responsive programming, data-informed decision making, and partnerships that support populations experiencing poorer health outcomes.
Sutcliffe continued, “The CHA process often confirms suspected challenges and barriers to health in our community, including structural issues that go beyond traditional healthcare, such as rural transportation, access to food, and safe and affordable housing. The CHIP documents many initiatives happening in our community and we are encouraged by the commitment of our community partners and community members to navigate obstacles and work together to creatively find solutions.”
TCWH thanks their dedicated community partner organizations for their support and participation in CHI Tompkins process: Tompkins County Youth Services, Tompkins County Office for the Aging, Cayuga Health/Centralus, Civic Ensemble, Community Justice Center, Cornell University MPH Program, Skorton Center at Cornell University, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County (CCE-TC), Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County, Food Bank of the Southern Tier, Tompkins-Cortland Community College, and the YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County.
The full Tompkins County 2025-2030 Community Health Improvement Plan is available on the Tompkins County Whole Health website.
Tompkins County Whole Health: envisioning a future where every person in Tompkins County can achieve wellness. Find us online at: https://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/health and follow us on Facebook, Instagram or X. Sign up to receive Whole Health updates or other county announcements via email or text.
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