The Tompkins County Board of Health meeting on February 1, 2025, focused on community health assessments and the challenges of engaging younger populations in survey participation. A key discussion point was the ongoing survey aimed at gathering health data from residents aged 18 to 24. Board members expressed concern over the low response rate from this demographic, noting that the current responses are skewed towards older individuals.

Participants highlighted the importance of reaching younger community members and encouraged efforts to promote the survey among this age group. One board member pointed out that Ithaca College is conducting its own health assessment survey simultaneously, which complicates efforts to engage students. The overlap of these surveys may hinder response rates, as students may feel overwhelmed by multiple requests for participation.

The discussion also touched on the potential for collaboration between local institutions, such as Ithaca College and Cornell University, to share data from their respective health assessments. This could provide valuable insights into student health experiences and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of health within Tompkins County.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the need for strategic outreach to younger residents and the potential benefits of data sharing among educational institutions to enhance community health assessments. The Board of Health aims to refine its approach to ensure that the voices of younger populations are adequately represented in health data collection efforts.