Tioga County at a glance

Last week Tioga County saw its first COVID-19 death, while the number of positive confirmed cases climbed above 40. As of Thursday, 81 individuals remained in mandatory quarantine and there were 12 tests pending. According to county officials, 13 have recovered.

In a recent update, Legislative Chairwoman Martha Sauerbrey stated, “We understand that many people may be experiencing mental health symptoms that are new to them with all that is happening with the COVID-19 pandemic. We are encouraging anyone experiencing mental health or substance use difficulties to contact us at (607) 687-4000.”

At this time the Owego clinic remains open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is providing services remotely by telephone and telehealth (video); they are remotely able to offer new Intake Assessments (Mental Health and Alcohol and Drug Services), health assessments, individual therapy, psychiatric medication management, Suboxone management, crisis services, and face to face services as necessary. The Waverly clinic remains open Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for remote therapy and medication management services. 

After hours crisis remains available by phone after 5 p.m. weekdays and on weekends by calling (607) 687-1010 and asking for the on-call mental health social worker. Additional and updated information can always be found on Tioga County Department of Mental Hygiene Facebook page, @TiogaMH. 

Tioga County Social Services has a self-service kiosk offering applications for SNAP (Food Stamps), Public Assistance, Medicaid and HEAP, and is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday thru Friday in the vestibule of the Health and Human Services Building on Route 38. There is also a drop-box outside the main entrance for customers to leave applications and other required paperwork. 

DSS is operational and applications are being processed. 

If you would like to speak to someone about applying for benefits, questions regarding your case or other assistance you require for you and your family during this crisis, you may call 687-8300. The phone lines are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday; you will be put in touch with the appropriate DSS department. 

HEAP specific calls can dial 687-8428. To apply online or for additional information on programs available, visit www.MyBenefits.ny.gov. 

For further information, visit https://covid19.tiogacountyny.com, call the Tioga County Coronavirus Response Hotline at 687-8225, or you can find Tioga County Public Health and Tioga County Department of Mental Hygiene on Facebook. You can also call the Tioga County Public Health Voicemail Line at 687-8623 or the New York State Coronavirus Hotline at 1-888-364-3065 (for general questions or information about COVID-19). The Tioga County Emergency Food Hotline number is (607) 354-0965.