Convened by the Human Services Coalition, the Forum facilitates community dialogues on topics impacting our local area. Topics and speakers that have been especially beneficial to the community have included the annual Tompkins County budget presentation, local funders panel, and discussions on the impacts of state and local funding decisions, including the recently updated Medicaid 1115 Waiver.
The HSC Forum is free and open to the public; all who are interested in human services and their efficient delivery are urged to attend.
Upcoming HSC Forums
TBD
Past HSC Forums
December 6, 2024 – 2025 Rollout & Updates for the Medicaid 1115 Waiver
12:00pm-1:30pm, In-person at the Tompkins County Public Library, Borg Warner Room, West (masks optional)
Also via Zoom
Cosponsored by the Health Planning Council and Homeless & Housing Taskforce. The session will feature a hi2025gh-level overview of the 1115 Waiver and important updates on its upcoming launch.
During the forum, Mark Ropiecki, Executive Director of Care Compass, will provide an overview of the 1115 Waiver and its impact on not-for-profit organizations in Tompkins County. He will also offer updates on the January 1st launch, share additional information on the next wave of organizations rolling out the program, and discuss role of community ambassador. The Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County will partner with Care Compass Collaborative in this role to serve as liaison and advocate for Tompkins County organizations.
This forum is a great opportunity to learn, ask questions, and connect with other stakeholders as we prepare for this important path forward. We look forward to seeing you there!
For the video recording link, please email nzulu@hsctc.org
December 3, 2024 – Understanding and Responding to Domestic Violence for Employers
12:00pm-1:30pm, Tompkins County Public Library, Borg Warner Room (in-person only, masks optional)
Presented by Lyn Staack, Education Director, Advocacy Center of Tompkins County &
Michelle Artibee, Director, Workforce Wellbeing, Division of Human Resources at Cornell University
Domestic violence is often thought of as a private relationship issue. However, it has far reaching impacts outside of the relationship and specifically in our workplace/on our campus. This training will give managers an understanding of:
- What constitutes domestic violence and the prevalence of it
- The signs an employee may be experiencing abuse
- Resources that are available to help
- Ways to effectively respond that addresses the safety and wellbeing of the victim as well as the entire workplace
- Labor law protections for victims and reasonable accommodations
November 13, 2024 – What’s New in Tompkins County Transportation?
A panel presentation from local transportation partners, providing updates and sharing new initiatives that aim to improve access and mobility for our community.
Panelists include:
- Patty Poist, Communications & Marketing Manager – TCAT
- Kristen Wells, Executive Director – Gadabout
- Laura Vineyard, Executive Director – The Center for Community Transportation (Ithaca Carshare, Ithaca Bikeshare, and Bike Walk Tompkins)
- Liz Field, Director – Ithaca Carshare (The Center for Community Transportation)
- Victoria Pagliaro-Katz, Transportation Specialist – 2-1-1 Tompkins/Cortland
- Meloney McMurry, Team Leader – Way2Go (Cornell Cooperative Extension)
- RJ Isley, Transportation Educator – Way2Go (Cornell Cooperative Extension)
- Jane Bowman Brady – Executive Director – GO ITHACA
There will be time for attendees to submit and ask questions after the presentation.
View the Zoom recording on YouTube
September 11, 2024 – Harm Reducation with CARS
Methadone is one of the world’s most effective, yet misunderstood medications for opioid use disorder and is underutilized public health interventions. With surging opioid overdose deaths, the need for effective medical interventions is more critical than ever. However, 87% of people with opioid use disorder still do not have access to life-saving medication for opioid use disorder, particularly methadone. This Forum will feature speakers Ethan Westmoore and Katarina Wehmeyer of Cayuga Addiction Recovery Services (CARS). Join us as they discuss innovations to methadone expansion, supports for delivering life-saving medication and clarify misconceptions about this medication and process, including information about the deployment of CARS’ mobile medication unit. Additionally, we will learn more about the critical role that drug courts play in supporting medication access and opportunities for diversion, ultimately saving lives.
Katarina, Ethan and their team were invited to share this presentation at the highly competitive 2024 National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) conference in Anaheim California.
May 8, 2024 – 2025 Tompkins County Budget Presentation
Lisa Holmes, County Administrator, presented on the factors that drive the 2025 Tompkins County budget. Also in attendance was Dan Klein, Chair, Tompkins County Legislature and Shawna Black, Chair, Health & Human Services Committee.
George Ferrari, CEO, Community Foundation of Tompkins County served as the Forum’s facilitator.
View the Zoom recording on YouTube
March 13, 2024 – Investing in Community: Perspectives from Nonprofit Foundations and Funders
A conversation with experienced local and regional funding experts. We discussed the current funding landscape as well as effective strategies for grant writing, reporting and management. Panelists shared tips for capacity building and strengthening relationships toward enhanced outcomes.
January 10, 2024 – Insights Into Mental Health Equity
The first HSC Forum of 2024! Co-sponsored by the Health Planning Council and Homeless and Housing Task Force, this panel discussion centered around mental/behavioral health equity. The panel discussion aimed to provide a deeper understanding of the disparities and barriers that exist. Additionally, to connect experts and other community stakeholders to share insights, research, and best practices in order to develop actionable steps toward mental health equity in our community.
Wednesday, November 8, 2023 – Meaningful Collaborations Across the Health & Human Services Sector
This event will bring together esteemed leaders, professionals and community members to foster collaboration, share insights, and build meaningful connections that may lead to future partnerships. The event will feature engaging discussions and ample opportunity for networking.
Join other individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact in our community to discuss the diverse perspectives of those who are driving change across the Tompkins County health and human services sector.
Wednesday, September 13, 2023 – Medicaid 115 Waiver
You will receive a Zoom link to attend after you register.
Mark Ropiecki, Executive Director of the Care Compass Network, will be presenting on New York State’s proposed amendment to the Medicaid 1115 waiver.
This amendment is intended to address health disparities and service delivery in the NY health care system. The redesign considers social determinants of health as it proposes new approaches to health equity, transitional housing, workforce capacity, behavioral health and digital and telehealth. More information on the process can be found here.
There will be time for Q&A during the session, and you will have an opportunity to submit questions when you register. We request that all questions are submitted by 9/6/2023. All submissions will remain anonymous and confidential and no identifying information will be shared.
Co-sponsored by the Health Planning Council and the Homeless & Housing Taskforce