The Cayuga Health Association was founded in 1909. During its 103 year history, the organization experienced changes to its name and focus, but its mission - to support the health-related needs of Cayuga County residents - never wavered.
Originally, the agency was named the Cayuga County Committee on Tuberculosis and Public Health. At that time, the organization promoted and sold Christmas seals to offer funds to educate the public about the dangers of tuberculosis (TB), which at the time took many lives. The agency conducted TB testing via mobile units and public awareness campaigns to drink pasteurized milk.
In 1923, the County Board of Supervisors allocated money to the organization for the first county health nurse. By 1930, TB testing and health surveys were conducted annually in the schools. In addition, the Association hired a physical therapist to work with TB patients at the city's Sunnycrest Hospital. It also hired a nutritionist to work with welfare officers throughout the County and individual families to inspire healthier lifestyles.
By 1927, public interest was shown for mental defectives and the agency regularly visited county patients at Willard State Hospital. In 1955, the county supervisors appointed a Mental Health Board.
In 1949, a great emphasis was placed on the high incidence of heart disease. To address the epidemic, the Association partnered with the American Heart Association to raise awareness of a healthy heart.
The Cayuga Health Association was the first in New York State to support a Rheumatic Fever Clinic, set up in Auburn Memorial Hospital. In 1953, it helped implement a Penicillin Program providing free medication for needy young children.
In the late 1960s, the public supported regionalization as the Heart Program moved to Syracuse and the TB Program moved to the Rochester area. The Cayuga Heath Association's Board of Directors made a decision to remain as a local agency, so that it may continue to address the unmet health needs of the local community.
On September 8, 1969, volunteers delivered hot dinners to the first nine clients of Association's new Meals on Wheels program. Five years later, the federally funded Senior Nutrition Program became the Association's second meal service operation. Its purpose went beyond the meal to include other health and informational services, social activities, and opportunities designed to help the residents lead happy, healthy, self-sufficient lives.
In 1979, the Association organized a Home Aides Service to form a central pool of home aides. The Association received licensure in 1986, being recognized as a Licensed Home Health Agency (LICSA) by the New York State Health Department. In 1987, its home aides service developed and implemented a certified home health aide training course approved by NYSHD, in order to meet the growing domains for services.
The Food Services program was also expanded to include the Skaneateles and Jordan-Elbridge Meals on Wheels and Senior Programs, the Alzheimer's Day Care Center, the Mercy Rehabilitation Apartments, the BOCES Day Care Center, and the Summer Youth Feeding program. At the height of its services, the Association was able to provide over 100,000 hours of home health care, 130,000 meals to seniors, and 15,000 summer meals to the kids throughout the county.