SVHC Newsletter - November 2023
November 2023
“The mission of SVHC is to cultivate local solutions and collaborative actions that advance the health and well-being of the Cortland community.”
A Note from the Director
Dear Community,
Today I am thrilled to celebrate National Rural Health Day and honor the organizations, providers, and community members who support our efforts to advance the health and well-being of those in the Cortland community. When I reflect on the challenges that rural communities face – from food insecurity to healthcare access - I know that there is no other way to address these challenges than through a community-based approach. That is why we call ourselves a coalition.
A coalition is “a group of people or organizations working together to achieve something” (Cambridge Dictionary, 2023). We couldn’t be where we are today without the partnerships, we have forged with local healthcare providers, organizations, and government workers. Together, we have addressed food insecurity, transportation needs, healthcare access, and promoted healthy lifestyles for Cortland’s most vulnerable community members. This year’s theme for National Rural Health Day is “Power of Rural” and I invite you to join me as we celebrate the impact of SVHC’s programs and honor those partners who make it possible.
Thank you for being a part of our community and celebrating the “Power of Rural” with us today.
Sincerely,
Jackie Leaf, Executive Director
Produce Prescription Program (PRx) Wraps Ups its Biggest Season Yet!
The PRx is a project full of partnerships with farmers, community members, and health organizations. This year Seven Valleys Health Coalition was able to provide 125 no-cost CSA (community supported agriculture) shares full of fresh fruits and vegetables from three local farms. Many thanks to Main Street Farms, Plunkett Farms, and Bad Apple Farm for helping SVHC feed the community during the growing season.
Providing 125 people/families with fresh food was no small task. SVHC’s community health worker, Aaliyah, developed recipes highlighting a vegetable in that week’s share, how to prepare, cook, and store vegetables. Each week a driver delivered the CSAs to each participant’s home throughout Cortland County. This season she clocked nearly 4,000 miles.
First Annual New York Food Rescue Network Conference
Our team at Seven Valleys Food Rescue planned, promoted, and executed the inaugural New York Food Rescue Network conference. The event was held on Wednesday, November 1st, 2023, and hosted over 100 participants. It had a diverse agenda that deepened the understanding of the current landscape of food rescue in NYS while leveraging opportunities for inspiration and connection around innovative food recovery programming.
Save the Date!
Giving Tuesday is a world-wide day of philanthropy, and this year we are focusing on addressing food insecurity. Consider supporting Seven Valleys Health Coalition on Tuesday, November 28th, 2023!
Trunk or Treat!
Everyone's favorite part about Halloween is the candy...unless you are our dental health mascot Mighty Molar. Thanks to our partnership with SUNY Cortland and Community Health Department, we didn't just give away candy, we shared tricks and tips for giving our teeth a little break from the holiday's sugar consumption.
Connect with Us
Our mission is to cultivate local solutions and collaborative actions that advance the health and well-being of the Cortland community.
Seven Valleys Health Coalition
10 Kennedy Parkway
Cortland, NY 13045
Phone: (607) 756-4198
Fax: (607) 344-0048
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