TCWH Announces New Community Outreach Worker Program
Published on March 24, 2025
Tompkins County Whole Health is pleased to announce the launch of a new Community Outreach Worker program, following an extensive solicitation process for the provision of “Mobile Supportive Services” that began in February 2024. REACH Medical has been awarded the contract to oversee the services under a new Community Outreach Worker program. This program will provide community outreach and non-life-threatening crisis response within the City of Ithaca for a one-year pilot period.
Beginning Thursday, March 27th, REACH Community Outreach Workers will be stationed in downtown Ithaca, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, with clinical backup available until 8pm. Hours and days are subject to change based on community needs. The Community Outreach Worker can be reached by call or text message at: 607-317-0100, or by email at: commonsoutreach@reachmed.org. The phone is a direct line that can also receive HIPAA compliant texts. Alternatively, people can call REACH at their main line 607-273-7000, ext. 120.
REACH’s program builds upon the successful Community Outreach Worker and Rural Outreach Worker programs previously operated by Family and Children’s Service of Ithaca. Program staff will provide de-escalation and emotional support, food, clothing and other basic need items, as well as connections to resources and services to help resolve chronic or immediate health-related social needs. Program staff will also engage with community members in downtown Ithaca to promote welcoming, inclusive, accessible, and cohesive public environments for all stakeholders.
This program will serve individuals who are experiencing non-imminent mental health crises, with no evidence suggesting a severe medical condition or an imminent risk of harm to self or others. Outreach workers will respond to concerns regarding individuals who appear distressed or are seeking support due to homelessness, substance use or co-occurring mental health disorders, and other chronic or immediate stressors.
This funding opportunity is part of a continued commitment between Tompkins County and the City of Ithaca to improve health equity and meet the health-related social needs of our community. It further aligns with plans included in the local Reimagining Public Safety initiative to provide alternative responses and wraparound services to community members in need.
Harmony Ayers-Friedlander, TCWH Deputy Commissioner of Mental Health stated, “The outreach worker role provides valuable supports for members of the public to connect them with essential services and increases availability and visibility of trained crisis responders with boots on the ground. REACH Medical is a natural fit for operating this program, given their proven track record of stellar service provision, the compassion embedded in their mission, and their deep understanding of the need to truly meet people where they are. Whole Health is proud to support their programming and is confident in their ability to successfully coordinate this service.”
Deb Mohlenhoff, City Manager for the City of Ithaca, said: “This program will support City and County residents in accessing a broad array of critical services and resources already embedded within our community. The City of Ithaca values this continued partnership with Tompkins County and the Downtown Ithaca Alliance to bolster community supports and looks forward to supporting REACH.”
Chief Executive Officer of the Downtown Ithaca Alliance Nan Rohrer stated: “Community outreach efforts have been essential to ensuring the Downtown environment is welcoming, safe, and supportive for all community members. We’re excited for this program with REACH to take off and for continued collaboration between the Downtown business sector and public health to meet the needs of our stakeholders.”
REACH Medical’s Director of Operations Samantha Stevenson, said: “Our Community Outreach Worker program will provide a consistent presence on the Commons and the surrounding blocks of downtown Ithaca. Our outreach workers are trained in crisis intervention, de/escalation and trauma-informed care, and are well-versed in connecting people with community resources. They will provide a safe space for people to land when they are in moments of stress or in need of harm reduction support. REACH Medical prides itself on being a trusted resource in our community, especially among the homeless population. We see the Community Outreach Worker program as an extension of services we are already providing and know we will be able to use this service to continue to meet the needs of our community members.”
Harmony Ayers-Friedlander concluded, “This kind of direct community outreach is an evidence-based intervention that positively engages community members and connects them with needed services, while reducing unnecessary police involvement. The revitalization of this much needed service in our downtown area will provide an additional safety net for our community, complementing the services provided by Tompkins County Whole Health’s Mobile Crisis Service and our co-response CARE Teams with the TC Sheriff’s Office and the City of Ithaca Police Department.”
To learn more about TCWH’s mental health services: https://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/health/mh
To learn more about REACH’s program: https://www.reachprojectinc.org/
Tompkins County Whole Health: envisioning a future where every person in Tompkins County can achieve wellness. Find us online at: https://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/health and follow us on Facebook, Instagram or X. Sign up to receive Whole Health updates or other county announcements via email or text.
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