MOUNT MORRIS, N.Y., Dec. 11, 2025 — The Livingston County Department of Health is sharing new insights from the Access to Health Care Survey conducted between July and November 2024 through the Pivital Public Health Partnership and eight local health departments across the Finger Lakes region. The survey gathered responses from more than 1,700 residents to better understand barriers to care and identify opportunities for improvement.
Results show that while many residents report positive experiences with local health services, there remain several persistent barriers which continue to affect access to care:
- Provider Shortages: Many residents find it difficult to access doctors, dentists, and mental health providers, particularly in more rural parts of the County.
- Transportation Barriers: Limited transportation options make it challenging for residents without a car, or those living far from medical offices, to attend appointments.
- Insurance Challenges: Uninsured residents and those enrolled in Medicaid often face longer wait times or must travel greater distances to receive care.
- Unequal Access to Care: Non-white, rural, and Plain community (Amish/Mennonite) members experience greater difficulty obtaining preventive and routine care.
- Community Strengths: Respondents noted strong local partnerships, active volunteers, and supportive nonprofit and healthcare organizations as important assets.
The Livingston County Department of Health and regional partners are using the survey findings to inform planning and collaboration aimed at improving health care access. Areas under consideration include:
- Recruiting more medical and behavioral health providers.
- Expanding transportation options to help residents attend appointments.
- Increasing education around health insurance choices and how to use them.
- Simplifying healthcare information for residents of all literacy levels and languages.
- Enhancing access to mental health and substance use services.
“The survey’s results reinforce what we have been hearing from our residents – access to healthcare is a growing challenge, especially in more rural areas,” said Livingston County Public Health Director Jennifer Rodriguez. “We will continue working closely with local and regional partners, healthcare providers, transportation services, and community organizations to close those gaps and ensure that every resident can get the care they need when they need it.”
Residents can learn more by contacting the Livingston County Department of Health at 585-243-7270. To view the full Access to Health Care Survey report, visit the Pivital Public Health Partnership website at www.pivitalphp.org/reports/access-to-care/.
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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.