Access to Independence Awarded $35,000 Mini-Grant From Tobacco Free Zone of Cortland, Tompkins, & Chenango Counties

Access to Independence of Cortland County has been awarded $35,000 as part of a min-grant funding initiative from the Tobacco Free Zone of Cortland, Tompkins, and Chenango Counties. The Cortland County Legislature voted unanimously to approve awarding the min-grant funding to Access to Independence during their Thursday meeting.

Back in November, the Cortland County Health Department announced the mini-grant funding through the Tobacco Free Zone. The funding is to address tobacco use and exposure in multi-unit housing, tobacco product waste in the environment, tobacco marketing and sales, and/or tobacco use and exposure in outdoor settings within the three counties.

The health department has previously said organizations that serve local communities and individuals most impacted by the negative effects of commercial tobacco products were invited to apply for the grant funding. The Tobacco Free Zone program works on the elimination of tobacco related health disparities and inequities. All activities must occur between February 1st and April 30th, 2026. Funding may be possible after the dates.