Whole Health

Healthy Neighborhoods Program

What is HNP?

The Healthy Neighborhoods Program (HNP) provides free home safety visits to promote healthy homes. HNP is part of the Health Promotion Program at the Tompkins County Health Department, and is funded by a grant from the New York State Department of Health.

HNP visits are conducted in-person or virtually, with option for a contact-free drop off of home safety products based on client preference.

The objective of this program is to promote healthy homes in specific target areas of Tompkins County by pursuing the following goals:

Prevent Indoor Air Pollution
Prevent Asthma Hospitalizations
Prevent Residential Fire Deaths
Prevent Lead Poisoning
Reduce Indoor Tobacco Use
Pest control

How Does HNP Work?

Homes are visited based on referrals from other agencies, community outreach, or interaction with our staff. An HNP staff member then works directly the resident to arrange a convenient time for a home visit. During the home visit, HNP staff will introduce ideas to promote a healthy home, and offer educational materials to help the resident determine what is best for their home. Staff may identify safety hazards or areas of concern, and follow-up with information and recommendations for improvement.

The program staff will work with you to develop a plan to help make your home safer! We will also provide products to help you meet these goals (subject to available supply). Products may include:

Smoke detectors
Carbon monoxide detectors
Replacement batteries
Radon test kits
Fire extinguishers
Asthma management tools
Green cleaning items including Baking Soda(PDF, 83KB) and Vinegar(PDF, 80KB)
Child safety products such as door knob covers, outlet covers, and cabinet latches

Who Does HNP Serve?

HNP is open to all Tompkins County residents.

Renters and homeowners welcome
Not income-based

Some areas of the County are identified as having greater need for the supports offered by the HNP. While the program is open to all County residents, the following are areas of focus for outreach, including canvassing, events, and presentations:

Groton, Village and Town
Ithaca, City and Town
Mobile home parks in the county
Referrals from social service agencies
Town of Enfield
Town of Newfield
Town of Dryden

You do not need to own a home to participate; renters are welcome and encouraged to sign up!

Make an Appointment

For more information, questions, or to make an appointment, call or email.

Send an email to HNP staff

Diana
(607) 274-6702

Ambra
(607) 274-6710

Confidentiality

Although the Healthy Neighborhoods Program Educators are in your home, remember that we are not there to judge or be invasive. If you have any questions or concerns with anything in your home, we will gladly help you with any problems and refer you to local agencies or programs if we cannot assist you. Any identifying markers you provide us with (i.e. name, address, phone number) are kept confidential within our program. Only staff from our program have access to this information.

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