THE TOMPKINS COUNTY Health and Mental Health Departments have integrated to become Tompkins County Whole Health.
OUR MISSION is to build a healthy, equitable community in Tompkins County by addressing the root causes of health disparities and integrating mental, physical and environmental health. (See the About page for more detail.)
Both locations, 201 East Green St. and 55 Brown Rd., serve clients for many Whole Health programs.
Families, Children & Youth
RAISING a family takes a village. At Tompkins County Whole Health, we offer a variety of services to support the care of children, youth, and their families. Programs provide care and support before, during and after pregnancy. Post-partum programs provide on-going maternal health care and support children in their growth and development with options such as nutrition education and breastfeeding counseling, mental health services, speech therapy, and physical therapy.
Adults
IMPROVING health and well-being is a cornerstone of Tompkins County Whole Health. Mental Health services for adults include one-on-one counseling support, medication assisted therapy or management, and group programs. On-site clinics provide immunizations for uninsured and underinsured adults.
Dial 988 to speak with a counselor 24/7 whenever you or a loved one are in crisis.
Community Programs
TOMPKINS County Whole Health envisions a healthy community for all Tompkins County residents. The Health Promotion Program champions prevention measures that support a healthy lifestyle for every resident both at home and in public places through education and policy. Community health workers go directly to residents and community groups to provide on-going connection and support. Together, we can achieve community wellness.
Environmental Health Permits and Guidance
ENVIRONMENTAL Health supports the community’s overall wellness. The EH team conducts restaurant and food safety inspections, visits public pools and summer camps to ensure they meet state safety requirements, monitors public water supplies and supervises the installation of septic systems, and regulates sale of tobacco products to reduce sale to minors. They work 24/7, responding to emergency needs such as exposure to rabies or other environmental hazards.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
TOMPKINS County Whole Health embraces the County’s vision for continued education and implementation of DEI initiatives to advance health equity. Our Community Health Improvement Plan identifies health disparities and opportunities to inform programs and services.
Recent Press Releases
Community Announcement: Appointments Available at Fall Rabies Vaccination Clinics in Caroline and in Ithaca
(9/21/2023) TCWH announces two upcoming Rabies Vaccination Clinics for cats, dogs and ferrets. Clinics will take place at the Town of Caroline Highway Garage on Thursday, September 28, 7:00pm-9:00pm, and a drive-through clinic at the TCAT Bus Garage on Saturday, October 14, 11:00am-2:00pm. Pre-registration is encouraged.
New York State requires all cats, dogs, and ferrets to have their first rabies vaccination between 3–4 months of age. TCWH’s clinics are held at no-cost, though donations are accepted. See the full press release for additional information, including links to registration forms.
COVID-19 Update: CDC Recommends Updated COVID-19 Vaccines, Contact Pharmacies for Anticipated Availability
(9/20/2023) The new COVID-19 Vaccines are now available in New York State. The new Moderna and Pfizer monovalent mRNA vaccines are similar to previous COVID vaccines, offering enhanced protection against the current strains of the COVID-19 virus.
Everyone age 6 months and older is eligible to receive this new vaccine, as long as it has been 2 months since your last COVID-19 vaccination. If you have not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19, this new vaccine will provide you with the protections you need now.
To schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine, call your primary care provider or schedule with a local pharmacy. You can also use the Vaccine Finder to find a location near you. If you need assistance in scheduling an appointment online, dial 211 to speak with the helpline.
See the full press release for additional information, including availability through targeted NYS programs and quotes from TCWH officials.
Community Announcement: SepticSmart Week, September 18-22
(9/19/2023) This year is the 11th anniversary of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s SepticSmart week, a chance for the EPA and EH to remind homeowners that your septic system is just like any other part of your home: for it to function properly, and to get the most life from it, your system must be cared for and maintained properly. To get the most life and functionality from your septic system, it is recommended you get your septic tank pumped by a licensed hauler every 3-5 years. See the full press release for additional information, including tips to follow for keeping your system working at its best.
Community Announcement: “How Healthcare Helps Prevent Suicides”, A Community Town Hall Event on Thursday, September 28th at GIAC
(9/12/2023) The Tompkins County Suicide Prevention Coalition (TCSPC) is holding a community town hall, “How Healthcare Helps Prevent Suicides,” to discuss local efforts to implement the “Zero Suicide” model for improving healthcare support for at-risk individuals. September is National Suicide Prevention Month.
The town hall will take place at the Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC) at 301 W. Court Street (Ithaca) on Thursday, September 28th from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. The town hall will feature panel discussions about why suicide is a public health challenge and how the “Zero Suicide” model is used by healthcare systems to prevent suicide deaths. This event is free to attend and is open to the public. See the full press release for additional information about the event and links to relevant websites.
Health Advisory: Local Increase in Legionella Related Illness; Caution Advised
(8/28/2023) TCWH is reporting an increase in cases of Legionellosis. Legionellosis is caused by exposure to the bacteria Legionella, and is a term used to describe multiple diseases, including Legionnaire’s Disease. Since June 2023, twelve (12) cases have been identified in the City and Town of Ithaca, and one death has been reported as of August 28. There is currently no established connection between the local cases, and the risk to the general public is low. Most cases of the illness can be treated successfully with antibiotics. See the full press release for information about the disease, symptoms and treatment, and statements from Whole Health senior staff.
Health Alert: Back-to-School Routine Immunization Reminders
(8/23/2023) It is important to make sure your child is up to date on their routine immunizations prior to the start of the 2023-2024 school year. Children attending any public, private, or religious day care or pre-K through 12th grade school in New York State (NYS) are required to be immunized with a complete series of all required vaccines, unless they are medically exempt. If you are unsure of your child’s immunization history, speak with your child’s school nurse or contact your child’s healthcare provider. In order to attend or remain in school or day care, children who are unvaccinated or overdue must receive at least the first dose of all required vaccines within the first 14 days. TCWH offers immunization clinics for eligible children every Friday. Eligibility and other guidance are in the full press release.
Health Alert: Increase in Opioid Related Deaths in Tompkins County; Narcan Training and Distribution Available to the Community
(8/9/2023) Within the first half of this year (January-June 2023), there have already been 16 reported drug-related overdose deaths in Tompkins County. Compared to annual totals from the past 5 years in Tompkins County, this represents a significant increase in drug-related overdose deaths. Please go to the full press release for more about fentanyl and xylazine, overdose prevention resources, and addiction and mental health community resources.
- COVID-19 Update: Uptick in COVID-19 Cases in Tompkins County
- Help Address Mental and Behavioral Health Issues in Tompkins County: the Tompkins County Community Services Board Offers Multiple Opportunities to Serve (8/7/23)
- Health Alert: Kitten Found at 902 W. Seneca St. in Ithaca Confirmed to Have Rabies (8/2/23)
- HABs Alert: Harmful Algal Blooms on Cayuga Lake (6/30/23)
- Health Alert: Check for Ticks, Prevent Lyme Disease & Other Illnesses (6/2/23)
- All press releases (2023)
Emergency Services
EMERGENCY AND CRISIS CONTACTS FOR 24-HOUR HELP if you or someone you know feels the need to speak with a mental health professional:
- For life-threatening emergencies, dial 911
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, DIAL 988 1-800-273-8255
- Crisis Text Line, text HOME to 741-741.
- Ithaca’s Suicide Prevention and Crisis Service hotline, 1-607-272-1616.
- Veterans Crisis Line, for Veterans and their loved ones, call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, or text 838255.
Visit veteranscrisisline.net for online chat and more.
NOTICE: Tompkins County Whole Health 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.
