Rural Health Institute of New York

Rural Health Institute of New York The Rural Health Institute of New York (RHI) works to measurably improve public health through facilitation of targeted community driven initiatives.

Based in Cortland, New York, we are a public health institute committed to helping rural communities across the state improve population-level health through use of data, collaboration, and communication.

The Grace Space saw steady engagement from May 27 - June 5, with 199 total check-ins and 68 unique guests. Since opening...
06/08/2026

The Grace Space saw steady engagement from May 27 - June 5, with 199 total check-ins and 68 unique guests. Since opening, we have supported 207 unique guests across 2,346 total visits as they utilize essential amenities like showers, laundry, and device charging.

Referral coordination remains central to our operations. Over the past two weeks, RHI staff completed 25 service referrals (covering medical services, housing support, and substance use support), while visiting onsite providers recorded 3 check-ins.

Our latest success story highlights how we adapt to changing needs as summer approaches. To help guests handle rising temperatures and health risks like dehydration, the drop-in center provides a safe, air-conditioned space to escape the heat. We are also prioritizing the distribution of unlimited ice-cold water, reusable water bottles, and critical seasonal supplies like sunscreen, deodorant, and hydration drink mixes.

In line with our commitment to transparency, we are also sharing recent incident data. Over the past two weeks, there were no overdoses, mental health crises, or substance use incidents. Staff successfully managed 2 rule violations, 1 police interaction, 1 medical emergency, and 1 harassment/threat incident through de-escalation and community expectations.

Thank you to the staff, partners, and community organizations making this vital work possible every day!

Thank you to the Tompkins County Public Library and Community Coalition for Healthy Youth for hosting this important com...
06/04/2026

Thank you to the Tompkins County Public Library and Community Coalition for Healthy Youth for hosting this important community conversation. We were glad to share findings from the CLYDE survey and join local partners in discussing how we can better support the health and well-being of young people across Tompkins County.

If you missed the event, check out the recording in the original post below.

Using condoms to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections is a form of harm reduction. Harm reduction is any a...
05/27/2026

Using condoms to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections is a form of harm reduction. Harm reduction is any action you take to be safer when doing something that has risk.

Cortland County 17 and 18-year-olds are more likely to report depressive symptoms than younger teens. As pressures incre...
05/27/2026

Cortland County 17 and 18-year-olds are more likely to report depressive symptoms than younger teens. As pressures increase in late adolescence, support at home matters more than ever. Parents can help by checking in regularly, keeping routines steady, and encouraging healthy coping strategies.

Find guidance and tools at https://www.safe365ny.org/mental-health

The Grace Space saw steady engagement from May 11 - 22, with 182 total check-ins and 71 unique guests. Since opening, we...
05/26/2026

The Grace Space saw steady engagement from May 11 - 22, with 182 total check-ins and 71 unique guests. Since opening, we have supported 200 unique guests across 2,158 total visits as they utilize essential amenities like showers, laundry, and storage.

Referral coordination remains central to our operations. Over the past two weeks, RHI staff completed 17 service referrals (covering health, substance use, and housing support), while visiting onsite providers recorded 8 check-ins and 5 referrals.

Our latest success story highlights this impact: a local physician has been volunteering on Friday afternoons to provide direct, non-emergency care, like wound treatment and vitals checks, onsite. Through his affiliation with Guthrie Cortland Medical Center, he is also helping guests with complex needs navigate vital follow-up appointments and specialist referrals.

In line with our commitment to transparency, we are also sharing recent incident data. Over the past two weeks, there were no overdoses, medical emergencies, or substance use incidents. Staff successfully managed 5 rule violations, 2 police interactions, and 1 harassment/threat incident through de-escalation and community expectations.

Thank you to the staff, partners, and community organizations making this vital work possible every day!

Dinner’s served—spot the colors together! “Crunchy green broccoli, bright red tomato, golden roll!” Read Talk Sing Play ...
05/26/2026

Dinner’s served—spot the colors together! “Crunchy green broccoli, bright red tomato, golden roll!” Read Talk Sing Play EVERYDAY—color chat turns every bite into brain fuel. Taste more table-time ideas ➜ https://www.hellocortland.fun/learning-moments

We partnered with the Advocacy Center, a nonprofit in Tompkins County supporting those impacted by family violence and s...
05/26/2026

We partnered with the Advocacy Center, a nonprofit in Tompkins County supporting those impacted by family violence and sexual abuse, to bring you this month's article on how parents can help youth celebrate prom safely. Learn how you and your teen can plan the night ahead from drop off, to pick up, and how to have fun in between. Read the full article here: https://www.safe365ny.org/parenting-skills-detailc-cc/the+%26ldquo%3Bbuzz%26rdquo%3B+around+prom+with+the+advocacy+center/r/rec2XGAYLUXSH3dfy

This RHI S.A.F.E. 365 and Every Space graphic, in partnership with The Center, focuses on the connection between accepta...
05/26/2026

This RHI S.A.F.E. 365 and Every Space graphic, in partnership with The Center, focuses on the connection between acceptance and lower substance use. It shares a key finding from the 2025 Cortland Youth Survey: LGBTQ+ teens are more than twice as likely as straight teens to report using ma*****na in the past month. The image shows a group of teens sitting together indoors with fast food containers and drinks, emphasizing peer interaction. “Every Space” icons for safe, q***r, sober, and accessible spaces support the campaign’s commitment to inclusive and affirming environments for all youth. Find more guidance and support at https://www.safe365ny.org/c-minority-stress

Radon comes from the bedrock beneath our soil and can enter homes through cracks, gaps, and openings in the foundation. ...
05/25/2026

Radon comes from the bedrock beneath our soil and can enter homes through cracks, gaps, and openings in the foundation. If your home has high radon levels, it is not your fault and there are proven ways to fix it.

Professional remediation can help reduce radon by installing a special ventilation system, like the one shown here. The Healthy Homes Production Program in Cortland County may be able to provide this service for free. Homeowners and renters are encouraged to apply.
Check your eligibility for the Healthy Homes Production Program and learn more about the Program by visiting forms.nyrhi.org/healthyhomes?s=a

No teen should have to walk into school feeling like that. Creating safer spaces starts with adults who know what to loo...
05/25/2026

No teen should have to walk into school feeling like that. Creating safer spaces starts with adults who know what to look for and step in when something isn't right. Find more guidance at https://www.safe365ny.org/c-minority-stress

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Cortland, NY

Telephone

+16072994910

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