Counties unite efforts to address mounting mental health crisis and other issues in Finger Lakes region

 

Counties throughout the Finger Lakes region will spend the next three years focusing on residents’ struggles with mental health, substance use disorders, chronic diseases, and food security in the region, according to a new report.

The new Comprehensive Regional Community Health Assessment produced by Common Ground Health and the Chemung, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne and Yates county public health departments and partners identifies these issues as key drivers of health outcomes.

The report does not reflect the findings of the 2022 My Health Story survey, which researchers are analyzing. The results from that survey will be used to inform ongoing public health and prevention efforts.

The report also notes that the population of the Finger Lakes region is trending older, and that is putting new strain on the region’s health care system and providers.