Publc Health Programs

Cancer Services Program

The Cancer Services Program is a statewide program in every county that provides the following services:

FREE breast, cervical & colorectal cancer screenings to people who do not have health insurance in the age group of 40 to 64.
The program also provides free diagnostic testing when there is an abnormal screening result
Additionally, uninsured individuals who are in need of treatment for breast, cervical, colorectal or prostate cancers may be eligible for coverage for treatment through the Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program

If you live in Chemung County or nearby counties, please contact Denise at 607-873-1500 to see if you qualify.

The Southern Tier Tobacco Awareness Coalition

The Chemung County Health Department is the lead agency for the Southern Tier Tobacco Awareness Coalition (STTAC). The Southern Tier Tobacco Awareness Coalition (STTAC) is a community partnership grant-funded by the New York State Department of Health Bureau of Tobacco Control (BTC). STTAC is made up of two main components, Community Engagement and Reality Check. These components work together, seeking to build healthier communities through tobacco-free living in Chemung, Schuyler and Steuben Counties. We have several initiatives and efforts to help us work towards our goal of bettering lives and communities.

Contact: Emmilie Urda, Program Director Email: EUrda@chemungcountyny.gov Office:607-737-2858 Direct:607-737-2028 x73480

Communicable Disease Program

Public Health Nurses maintain surveillance for communicable disease in Chemung County, working closely with local hospitals, nursing homes, laboratories, school nurses, college infirmaries, prisons, the county jail and local physicians. Evaluation, diagnosis, verification, and follow-up on reports of food and water borne illness, rabies exposure, lyme disease, tuberculosis, sexually transmitted diseases and vaccine preventable diseases are conducted. Efforts to minimize the spread of infection are performed by a staff of registered nurses and the Public Health Educator. The Environmental Health Department works closely with infection control nurses to identify and eliminate areas of potential problems. Communicable disease fact sheets can be found here.

Foodborne Illnesses - A subcategory of communicable disease control is associated with foodborne illnesses prevention. One of our main goals in the Food Service program (Environmental Health Services) is to prevent illness associated with foodborne pathogens ("bugs"). Many of the requirements for Food Service Establishments have been created to prevent foodborne illness. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has created The "Bad Bug Book" as a resource to learn more about the various foodborne pathogenic microorganisms and natural toxins that could cause foodborne illness. View a copy of the "Bad Bug Book"

Emergency Preparedness

The Chemung County Health Department facilitates an Emergency Preparedness Committee. It is comprised of members from several local agencies or facilities with an interest in serving our community's emergency needs. The committee includes representatives from the Chemung County Health Department, Chemung County Emergency Management Office, Chemung County Office of Records & Public Information, Chemung County Office of Mental Hygiene, Arnot Ogden Medical Center, St. Joseph's Hospital, Chemung County Sheriff's Department, Elmira City Fire Department, Elmira City Police Department, EMSTAR, Chemung County Medical Society, Elmira Psychiatric Center, and the American Red Cross.

Contact: Kali Beilman-Martin at kbeilman-martin@chemungcountyny.gov if you'd like to join the committee.

Chemung County ServNY and Medical Reserve Corps Volunteers

The Chemung County ServNY and Medical Reserve Corps (CCMRC) volunteers are part of a national program with a local, community-based emphasis. Its mission is to support emergency response efforts by recruiting and training local medical and health volunteers to respond during public health emergencies. Chemung County volunteers supplement the local public health response in the event of a major public health emergency such as: pandemic flu, bioterrorism event or natural disaster. This volunteer corps includes everybody from all backgrounds. The Medical Reserve Corps can include physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, EMT's and paramedics, veterinarians, dentists, pharmacists, and others who are trained in the dispensing of medication or vaccinations. During an emergency all are needed. Over 300 volunteers gave more than 5,000 hours during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To volunteer with the Chemung County Health Department go here http://www.nyhealth.gov/servny?prog=6

If you need assistance with the enrollment contact: Kali Beilman-Martin at kbeilman-martin@chemungcountyny.gov

Internships

The Chemung County Health Department will consider offering unpaid internships on a case by case basis. An intern is defined as someone who wishes to receive community service or academic credit upon completion of their hours. Students wishing to earn community service or academic credit in exchange for their time MUST do so through the system set up at their school. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure all the proper steps have been taken to earn service or educational credits. Qualified applicants should be a pursuing a bachelor’s or a graduate degree in public health, health education, community health, health promotion, preventive medicine, or a related discipline, and completed two or more years of coursework with a 3.0 GPA or above desired, but not required. The ideal candidate will be able to work with minimal supervision; have excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills; attention to detail; reliable and prompt; able to commit to the agreed upon schedule; able to deal tactfully with a variety of personalities; and able to work in a team environment. Required: Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, and Publisher desired. Student should be highly motivated and a self-starter needing a minimum of supervision. Office location is 103 Washington St. Elmira, NY 14901. Email cchd@chemungcountyny.gov or call 607-737-2028 for further information.