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Human Services Coalition leads review of regional health planning council to reflect broader definition of health
Summary
The Human Services Coalition reported the Health Planning Council is reviewing its structure and membership to address an expanded view of health — including mental health, food security and housing — and to better align overlapping community health improvement plans.
Cindy Wilcox of the Human Services Coalition told the Tompkins County Health & Human Services Committee on Sept. 17 that the county’s Health Planning Council is reviewing its structure and membership to reflect a broader, non‑clinical definition of health that includes mental health, food access, transportation and housing. Wilcox said the council acts as a coordination forum among local health organizations and that the evolving definition of health requires reevaluating membership and governance so that overlapping community health improvement plans — including Tompkins County Whole Health’s plan and the hospital’s plan — can be better aligned. She said she has discussed the structure review with Whole Health Commissioner Jenny Sutcliffe and Department of Social Services Commissioner Britney Earle. Why it matters: aligning multiple health plans and expanding council membership could streamline collaboration across public-health, clinical and social‑care partners. Committee discussion: Legislator Randy Brown asked for a more detailed breakdown of budget cuts affecting HSC program areas (food, housing, etc.); Wilcox said she would provide that information. Committee members thanked Wilcox for the work and noted the value of the council’s coordinating role. Ending: the Health Planning Council will complete the structure review and the Human Services Coalition will coordinate input from county leaders and community partners.
