Health & Human Services Committee Meeting - June 17, 2026

The Onondaga County Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee met on June 17, 2026, primarily to discuss budget preparations and updates related to health and human services programs, with a focus on children's mental health and school-based initiatives. The committee reviewed the county's approach to budgeting for health services, emphasizing a collaborative process involving legislators as point persons for various departments to address funding requests, potential cuts, and contingencies. Presentations from the Department of Children and Family Services highlighted the county's comprehensive children's mental health system, including crisis intervention, outpatient clinics, and partnerships with providers such as Liberty Resources, Helio, and Upstate Medical University. The discussion addressed challenges such as workforce shortages impacting service delivery and the sustainability of school-based mental health programs, which are largely funded through a braided funding model combining federal, state, and local dollars, as well as insurance reimbursements. The committee also explored strategies to improve provider retention and expand clinical support in schools, including potential collaborations with academic institutions. No specific contract awards or procurement actions were reported, but the meeting underscored ongoing budget considerations and program funding sustainability within the county's health services.