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Register to vote and let your voice be heard.
If you are 18 years old or older election day, a U.S. citizen, and have lived in Cortland County for the last 30 days, you can register in person or by mail.
For more information, contact:
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CORTLAND COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS
1-607-753-5032
County Courthouse Suite 102
46 Greenbush Street
Cortland, New York 13045 |
Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed, unhappy or alone? Could you use someone to talk to who won't be angry or judgmental about what you say? The services listed below offer counseling for both groups and individuals.
FAMILY COUNSELING SERVICES 753-0234
10 N. Main St., Cortland NY 13045
CORTLAND COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC 758-6100
7 Clayton Avenue, Cortland, New York 13045
The most common eating disorders are ANOREXIA NERVOSA (intense fear of becoming fat leads person to self-starvation), BULIMIA (a combination of the symptoms of anorexia nervosa and compulsive overeating, with the added symptom purging either through forced vomiting, and/or of laxatives and diuretics), OVEREATING AND COMPULSIVE EATING (due to emotional or physical problems and can lead to obesity.)
SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO HELP A FRIEND:
1. Do NOT discuss weight or eating habits. Do not try to make your friend eat or talk about food or how he/she ought to look.
2. Tell your friend that you are concerned and that you care.
3. Remember, there is nothing you can do to make them eat or stop vomiting.
4. If you feel your friend is in danger, you may decide that you will have to go to a parent, nurse or counselor. Your friend may get angry with you at first, but at least he/she will get help to become healthy again.
Treatment for eating disorders can be obtained at:
CORTLAND COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC 758-6100
7 Clayton Avenue
Cortland, New York 13045
MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION EATING DISORDER SUPPORT GROUP
(office hours 8:30 A.M. -5 P.M., M-F) 315-445-1975
HELPLINE (evenings & weekends)..................... .315-474-7011
3049 E. Genesee Street
Syracuse, New York 13224
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If you think you may be pregnant, get a pregnancy test immediately! Tests are offered free of charge at the Jacobus Center for all high school age teens. |
To arrange for a test call:
JACOBUS CENTER FOR REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
753-5027
60 Central Avenue
County Office Building
Cortland, New York 13045
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If the test is positive, the Jacobus Center can also assist you with exploring what options are available to you.
*Teen Tuesday available at the Jacobus Center. Held every second Tuesday of each month, from 3-6 P.M.
Services are low cost/no cost and confidential.
If you are sexually active, it is very important that you know about different types of birth control. The Jacobus Center can assist you in this area as well.
If you proceed with the pregnancy, there are several services that can assist you through the course of the pregnancy and birth: |
WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN (WIC)
753-6781
23 Main Street
Cortland, New York 13045
SUPPORTIVE TEEN EDUCATION PARENT SERVICES
(STEPS) 756-5592
33 Central Avenue
Cortland, New York 13045
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PREGNANT AND PARENTING TEEN SUPPORT GROUP
Cortland Junior/Senior High School 758-4100
Valley View Drive
Cortland, New York 13045 |
LA LECHE LEAGUE
Priscilla Colletto 842-6849
(Support group for nursing mothers. Group meets once a month at members' houses. Meeting information is published in the Cortland Standard.)
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PARENTAL CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (PCAP) 753-5036
60 Central Avenue
County Office Building
Cortland, New York 13045
(Offers financial assistance for those without insurance or Medicaid) |
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Have you ever said no but your date wouldn't stop? Or, have you ever felt forced to have sexual intercourse with someone you know? If so, you are a victim of date rape. Two out of three rapes occur in what could be called social situations. Whether friend or stranger, your body is yours and is not to be violated by anyone. No one has the right to use force or threats to get your consent. Rape, in any form is a criminal offense. |
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| Here are some tips to help prevent rape in dating situation: -
Always carry enough money for a taxi ride home.
Choose a place that feels comfortable and safe.
Have a conversation discussing what you both feel comfortable with.
Respect each other's bodies.
Be wary of alcohol and other drugs that can blur your judgment and limit your ability to physically resist an unwanted advance.
Remember, just because you consent to a date, does not mean that you are at fault if sexual assault occurs.
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To avoid rape by a stranger, there is not a lot you can do, but here are a few suggestions:
- Avoid walking alone at night when possible.
- Avoid alleys, parks, deserted areas and buildings.
- Avoid poorly lit streets.
- Keep alert, be ready to react. Trust your instincts.
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These people can help you with any questions or problems you have concerning sex-related issues:
JACOBUS CENTER FOR REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 753-5027
60 Central Avenue, County Office Building
Cortland, New York 13045 |
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(Teen Tuesdays at the Jacobus Center for Reproductive Health held every second Tuesday of each month from 3-6 P.M. Services are low cost/no cost and confidential.) |
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HOMOSEXUALITY
Adolescence is often a time of confused sexual feelings. Do you have strong feelings for someone of the same sex? Or does someone have strong feelings for you? You might be unsure how to deal with these thoughts. It could be a phase you're going through--just a part of growing up. But for some people, these feelings never go away. Feeling that you are gay or lesbian can be difficult, but you're not alone. Talk to someone you trust, they can help you sort out your feelings. The important thing is for you to feel good about yourself no matter what you discover. There are also people to talk to and places you can go where you won't feel misunderstood. Contact: |
(This service is 24 hours and can provide trained counselors who are sensitive and knowledgeable about this issue.)
FAMILY COUNSELING SERVICE 753-0234
10 North Main Street
Cortland, New York 13045
CORTLAND COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC 758-6100
7 Clayton Avenue
Cortland, New York 13045
SUICIDE PREVENTION AND CRISIS SERVICE OF
TOMPKINS CO., INC 1-607-272-1616
STRAIGHT & GAY YOUTH ALLIANCE OF THE
SOUTHERN TIER 1-800-333-0892
256-7226 |
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(The above information on homosexuality is provided by the "Teen Yellow Pages" which is produced by the Youth Involvement Committee of the United Way of Massachusetts Bay.)
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If you think you may have contracted a sexually transmitted disease, you need immediate medical attention. These diseases do not go away by themselves, even if symptoms disappear. |
| Symptoms include:
Chlamydia: The majority of the time, there are no recognizable symptoms for this infection, but doctors estimate that is the most common sexually transmitted disease to date, and if it goes untreated it can lead to acute pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women or infertility. Symptoms can include painful and/or frequent urination, and a discharge.
Gonorrhea: The symptoms are very similar to chlamydia; frequent, painful urination, and a discharge.
Herpes: Cluster of red, itchy sores and painful blisters. |
If you have these or any symptoms that you are unsure of, check it out by calling:
FREE STD CLINIC 753-5027
Cortland County Health Department
60 Central Avenue, County office Building
Cortland, New York 13045
(Diagnosis and treatment at the clinic is completely confidential even if you are under 18 years old.)
STD HOTLINE 1-800-227-8922
For up-to-date information on HIV/AIDS testing & counseling contact:
SOUTHERN TIER AIDS PROGram 1-800-333-0892
(HIV Counseling & Test)
HIV COUNSELING & TESTING................. 1-800-562-9423
(Mon-Fri, 8:30 A.M.-4:30 P.M.)
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| Since teenagers are more apt to talk to their friends when they are feeling depressed or suicidal it is very important for you to be able to recognize the warning signs that indicate a friend may be in trouble and need intervention.
Here are some of the signals (both direct and indirect) that people send to let others know how much they are hurting: |
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- -Verbalization such as: nobody will miss me, my family would be better off without me, it won't matter soon.
- - Neglect of appearnace or health.
- - Drawing away from people, especially close friends.
- Oversleeping or not being able to stay asleep.
- - Sudden or extreme changes in eating habits, accompanied by weight gain or loss.
- Changes in school performance or attendance: dropping out of activities, getting lower grades, etc.
- Angry outbursts at home or at school.
- - Irritability and restlessness.
- Driving too fast and recklessly.
-Taking excessive amounts of drugs or alcohol just to get through the day.
- - Preoccupation with themes of death.
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Do remember that if a friend or relative has taken something or done something to harm themselves, take them directly to the hospital. If they have harmed themselves or are intending to harm themselves but refuse to go to the hospital, call the City Police at 756-2811 or the Sheriff's Department at 753-3311 to transport them to the hospital for immediate attention. You can also call the Psychiatric Service Helpline at the hospital 756 - 3771 for help in assessing the lethality of a situation.
| For on-going assistance, use this directory to look up the counseling and mental health services in the community. |
It's very stressful to feel responsible for a suidial friend. For your own support and wellbeing, don't hesitate to get a trusted adult involved.
Remember, your being there can make all the difference.
(Portions of this section on suicide prevention are from the booklet "Living through it: With Help From a Friend." produced by the Suicide Prevention and Crisis Service of Tompkins County, Inc.) |
| A suicidal person feels desperately alone and frightened, and needs you to be calm, caring and supportive. Your major task will be to establish trust and find out what is happening.
-Listen with respect and acceptance. Refrain from judging or giving advice, which may feel like putdowns.
-Explore the problem: what are their feeling right now? What has happened?
-Calmly address the issue of suicide. You will relieve the situation by talking about it openly.
-Avoid getting by confidentially. Don't let anyone make you promise not to tell. Tou don't want to keep a promise and then go to your friends funeral.-
–Figure out which adults you can trust and ask them to help (eg. A parent, teacher, school counselor, school nurse, youth hotline).
-Offer to go with your friend to see these people.
-Stay with your friend until you're sure he or she will be taken care of by responsible adults. |
Volunteering is a great way to make a positive contribution to your community, but it can also be so much more.
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Through volunteering you can receive valuable work experience that can lead directly to employment in the future.
It's also a great way to explore different fields that you may be interested in but know little about or cannot pursue in school.
Through volunteering you can also acquire new leadership skills. The lists of benefits goes on and on! Why not call and make an inquiry today: |
VOLUNTEER INFORMATION: 753-3580
Cortland Youth Center
35 Port Watson Street
Cortland, New York 13045
(Information on volunteer opportunities in the community)
TEEN AIDS TASK FORCE 836-3600
McGraw High School
STUDENTS LEARNING AIDS PREVENTION (SLAP)
PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE (PHP)
PEER EDUCATION PREVENTION PROGRAM:
SEX, DRUGS, AND ROCK-N-ROLL
758-4100
Cortland High School
ZAP-PEERS 753-5088
Peers educating and encouraging responsible sexuality. |
| To find out more about groups that may have started in your high school, check with your guidance counselor. |
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