06/15/2025
CHI Tompkins Shares Community Health Survey Results
In February 2025, TCWH launched its Community Health Survey, which provided the community with an opportunity to participate in the Tompkins County Community Health Improvement process (CHI Tompkins). The CHI Tompkins process aims to get a picture of the health of our community and identify priorities and interventions to address health-related challenges. The Community Health Survey was open to Tompkins County residents, ages 18 and over. Over 1,800 residents completed the survey.
Some key findings of the survey include:
*Affordable healthcare, affordable safe housing, and a clean environment were identified as the 3 most important factors that create a healthy community.
*Medical expenses, housing costs, and utility bills were noted as causing the most financial challenges. Stress and anxiety about meeting these basic needs were most common among younger respondents (ages 18-34).
*Mental health challenges were most common among younger respondents (ages 18-34). Nearly half of all of those reporting mental health challenges shared that they are engaged with community resources to address their needs.
*Respondents experiencing financial challenges rated their physical and mental health lower than respondents who were not facing these challenges.
TCWH’s Director of Health Promotion Samantha Hillson stated, “The survey feedback provided valuable information about the interests and needs of the community. Much of the data in the survey also confirms many of the challenges we are aware of in our community. The survey is one source of information considered during the community health improvement process, along with many other data points. We thank those in the community who participated in the survey and look forward to other opportunities for the community to be involved.”
A summary of the Community Health Survey results can be viewed on our website and more detailed analysis will be included in the Community Health Assessment in December 2025.
https://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/All-Departments/Whole-Health/CHI-Tompkins/Survey-2025
Full press release: https://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/All-Departments/Whole-Health/Whole-Health-Press-Room/2025-06-June/CHI-Tompkins-Shares-Community-Health-Survey-Results