For Information Contact:

Eric W. Faisst
798-5064

Oneida County Executive Ralph J. Eannace, Jr., today announced that the Oneida County Health Department has received a three-year state Healthy Neighborhoods grant for $270,000 to build upon its efforts to improve environmental living conditions in the Cornhill and central city core of Utica.

"Strong neighborhoods are a fundamental part of building stronger communities," Eannace said. "Through this project, our Oneida County Health Department will continue County Government’s efforts to help our residents live in safe housing and reduce health problems linked to sub-standard housing conditions. We believe this can be a great help in Cornhill. We also hope to expand this effort, working in partnership with local governments and community-based organizations to help all Oneida County residents enjoy safe, hazard-free housing."

Through an aggressive and continual plan of outreach, home visits, and new partnerships, the Health Department will work with tenants and landlords while employing the power of the new Oneida County Sanitary Code to enforce compliance when deficiencies threaten the health of inhabitants. These efforts will improve indoor air quality through a reduction in cockroach and dust mite allergens, and other indoor air quality pollution factors.

Eannace noted that the Oneida County Health Department helped achieve substantial reduction in residential fire deaths in past Healthy Neighborhoods efforts between 1997 and 1999, and in 2001 worked with partners in the cities of Utica and Rome to address crisis situations.

Oneida County Director of Health Eric W. Faisst said the Healthy Neighborhoods project relies upon collaboration and community support.

"We will be working with the people and agencies of the community, as well as local government, to help the people of our target areas improve their living conditions, safety and quality of life," he said.

Faisst said the Health Department will address concerns through a five-part process:

Block Surveys: As a first step, the Health Department will work with other local governments, such as the City of Utica, to prepare a comprehensive database on the target areas to be examined. Armed with that data, Healthy Neighborhoods staff will survey the various blocks that make up the Census tracts, noting the external condition of various buildings. Those with obvious codes violations such as accumulation of garbage and signs of rodents will be referred to local government for immediate action.

Home Visits: Residents agreeing to participate will complete an initial survey . Following the survey, a room-by-room visual inspection will conducted to identify and help address hazardous conditions.

Education: Home outreach visits are the prime method for educating residents about environmental health issues. Outreach staff will provide literature to all residents concerning the Healthy Neighborhoods Program, its objectives, and ways to protect against injury.

Referrals: Healthy Neighborhoods staff will refer residents to outside agencies that can meet specific needs identified by the resident.

Follow-up: Follow-up visits will ensure that needed actions have been taken, and help residents address barriers to resolving issues that have been identified.

"The Healthy Neighborhoods Program will help us fulfill our mission to make a positive difference in the lives of the people of Oneida County," Faisst said. "We appreciate the support of the state of New York to fund this project."

Faisst said community outreach efforts will begin in early 2003.