MOUNT MORRIS, N.Y., March 21, 2025 — The Livingston County Department of Health has just announced the launch of a new monthly family engagement group to support families of children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN). The new group is open to all families in the community and aims to provide them with peer support, referrals for available resources, and guidance from local experts.
The CYSHCN Family Engagement Group will meet on the first Monday of each month, excluding federal holidays, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Geneseo Goodwill Community Center at 4119 Lakeville Road, Geneseo. Each meeting will feature a different topic presented by a local expert. The group’s first meeting on April 7 will focus on lead poisoning prevention with a presentation by the Department of Health’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Coordinator, Rachel Merrick.
Future meeting topics will include a conversation on early literacy from the Avon Library youth services coordinator, a discussion on health home care coordination by a Person Centered Services representative, and a look at available youth advocacy services, among several other planned presentations, said Public Health Deputy Director Jill Burley.
“We’re looking to provide families who have children and youth with special health care needs with helpful services and resources whether they’re in the CYSHCN program or are just looking for support,” she explained. “Our goal is for attendees to connect with other families, share their experiences, and leave these meetings feeling informed on the resources available to them.”
The CYSHCN program serves children and youth from birth to 21 years of age who may have serious or chronic developmental, physical, behavioral, or emotional conditions requiring more health services than typically needed by children. CYSHCN and associated support services are funded by the New York State Department of Health using federal Health Resources and Services Administration Title V funding.
For more on the CYSHN Family Engagement Group, including additional support services, visit the Department of Health website or call 585-243-7299.
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About Livingston County:
Founded in 1821, Livingston County, N.Y., is home to more than 61,000 residents in 17 towns located across 631 square miles of the Finger Lakes region.