2012 herkimer county risk assessment profile

2012 HERKIMER COUNTY

RISK ASSESSMENT PROFILE

Compiled by:

Herkimer County HealthNet, Inc.

&

Herkimer County Integrated County Planning

Cover Photo by Phyllis Spinner

2012 HERKIMER COUNTY RISK ASSESSMENT PROFILE

Dear Agency Director,

Presented here is a copy of the 2012 Herkimer County Risk Assessment Profile, a data-based

assessment of community strengths and challenges that affect the health and well being of

Herkimer County residents. The data included in the Profile gives us a snapshot of the level of risk

that exists in the community and the areas in which there is a need to work collaboratively to

improve outcomes.

The 2012 Profile was created by Herkimer County Integrated County Planning and Herkimer County

Health Net, Inc., in collaboration with the members of the Comprehensive Assessment Task Force.

It is an update to the previous Risk Assessment Profiles published in 2000, 2003, 2006 and 2009.

The 2012 Profile is organized utilizing the six Life Areas of the New York State Touchstones

model: Community, Citizenship, Physical and Emotional Health, Family, Economic Security, and

Education, and incorporates the New York State Department of Health’s Prevention Agenda’s

Priority Health Areas into the Physical and Emotional Health section of the document.

We hope that the 2012 Risk Assessment Profile provides information that will help your agency

assess the scale and scope of community needs. We also hope that it can be used as a resource as

you plan for services that impact the health and well-being of Herkimer County’s residents.

The 2012 Herkimer County Risk Assessment Profile is available for download in PDF format from

the Herkimer County HealthNet, Inc. website, www.herkimerhealthnet.com and the Herkimer

County website, www.herkimercounty.org.

If you have any questions or comments regarding the 2012 Risk Assessment Profile, please contact

Herkimer County Integrated County Planning or Herkimer County HealthNet, Inc.

Sincerely,

Darlene Haman Adam Hutchinson Strategic Planning Coordinator Executive Director

Herkimer County Integrated County Planning Herkimer County HealthNet, Inc.

Co-Chair Comprehensive Assessment Task Force Co-Chair Comprehensive Assessment Task Force

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Herkimer County Integrated County Planning and Herkimer County HealthNet, Inc. would

like to acknowledge with appreciation the following individuals, agencies and planning

groups for their contributions to the development of the 2012 Risk Assessment Profile:

The Herkimer County Legislature and James Wallace, County Administrator, for their

leadership, vision and support of this initiative.

The Herkimer County Health Net, Inc. Board of Directors & the ICP Human Resource

Planning Team for their vision, leadership and financial support.

The members of the Comprehensive Assessment Task Force, for contributing their time

collecting, organizing, and interpreting the data collected.

The individuals, agencies and organizations which provided the data, narrative, and

commentary included in the Profile.

Thomas Dennison, PhD., and interns Jill Hayes and Sarah Irish of Maxwell School at

Syracuse University, for their work facilitating the six Profile Life Area Focus Groups,

and for compiling and presenting the Risk Factor prioritization results.

The many focus group participants who volunteered their time to provide valuable

insight into the issues that affect the residents of Herkimer County.

Matthew Clark, Herkimer County College Corps Program student intern, and Daniel

Adamek, student intern from the Regional Program for Excellence, for their assistance

with producing the document. Additional thanks to Tim Seymour and Linda Patten from

the Herkimer County Department of Social Services for their help securing the interns

for this project.

Phyllis Spinner and Bart Carrig for the use of their photos of Herkimer County which

are displayed on the cover and throughout the document.

Mary Scanlon, retired Director of the Herkimer County Office for the Aging, for her

hard work and dedication to this project.

The New York State Office of Children and Family Services and the Department of

Health - Charles D. Cook Office of Rural Health for their support of this initiative.

Without the support and collaboration of all the individuals and agencies listed above, the

creation of the 2012 Herkimer County Risk Assessment Profile would not have been

possible. Thank You.

i

Herkimer County Comprehensive Assessment Task Force (CATF)

Darlene Haman, Co-Chair

Strategic Planning Coordinator


Adam Hutchinson, Co-Chair

Executive Director


Mark Barbano

Regional Economist

New York State Department of Labor

Chip Bassett

Principal Planner

Herkimer—Oneida Counties Comprehensive Planning

Christopher Farber

Herkimer County Sheriff

Joanne Favat

Director of Services

Herkimer County Department of Social Services

Kathy Fox

Director

Herkimer County Office for the Aging

Gina Giacovelli

Director

Herkimer County Youth Bureau

Sandra Jones (former) Supervisor, Special Programs for Children

Herkimer County Public Health

Dale Miller

Principal Planner

Herkimer—Oneida Counties Comprehensive Planning

Robin Robinson

Director of Community Investment

United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area

Ed Scudder

Director

Herkimer County Department of Mental Health

Josephine Sohnn

Supervisor

Herkimer County Probation

Carolyn Trimbach

Community Representative

Town of Webb

Mark Vivacqua

Superintendent

Herkimer County BOCES

Karin Zipko

Director

Herkimer County Employment & Training Adm.

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The 2009 Herkimer County Risk Assessment Profile is an update to the previous Risk

Assessment Profiles published in 2000, 2003 and 2006. It represents the collaboration

The 2012 Herkimer County Risk Assessment Profile is an update to the previous Risk

Assessment Profiles published in 2000, 2003, 2006 and 2009. The document is the

result of the collaboration between Herkimer County Integrated County Planning (ICP),

Herkimer County HealthNet, Inc. (HCHN) and the various agencies that make up the

Comprehensive Assessment Task Force. The data collected within the Profile gives a

snapshot of the level of risk that exists in Herkimer County and the areas in which there

is a need to work collaboratively to improve outcomes.

The 2012 Profile is organized in accordance with the six Life Areas of the New York State Touchstones model; Community, Citizenship, Physical and Emotional Health, Family,

Economic Security, and Education. This format was also used in 2006 and 2009, and has

allowed for a more comprehensive look at the needs of Herkimer County residents than

the former structure used in 2000 and 2003. The 2012 Profile also incorporates the New York State Department of Health’s Prevention Agenda’s Priority Health Areas into the

Physical and Emotional Health section of the document.

Background

HCHN has been in existence since 1990 when the Herkimer County Health Care

Consortium successfully applied for funding from New York State Department of Health

to establish itself as a Rural Health Network. Its membership comprised of

governmental agencies and health and human services providers, has as its mission to

improve the health and well being of Herkimer County residents.

In 1998, Herkimer County developed a collaborative, integrated planning process to

address the needs of children, youth, families and vulnerable adults. This ICP process has

worked to identify issues that affect the health and well-being of youth and families,

improve the coordination of human service delivery, reduce fragmentation and duplication

of effort, and make more efficient and effective use of federal, state, and local tax

dollars.

Input and involvement from the community is a vital component of ICP. Community

members, along with representatives from the areas of health, mental health, human

services, education and law enforcement, began meeting in January of 1999 to

collaboratively identify and respond to the needs of children, youth and families. The

Communities That Care model of risk-focused prevention was adopted as a strategic

planning tool to accomplish this goal.

Since 1999, ICP and HCHN have been working collaboratively to provide a comprehensive

assessment of health and human service needs in Herkimer County. They have co-chaired

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Introduction

the Comprehensive Assessment Task Force, whose mission is to assemble a diverse group

of stakeholders in government, health, education, and human services to facilitate

comprehensive long term planning geared to improve the quality of life for the residents

of Herkimer County.

In 2000, data - based predictors were collected and organized into the Communities That Care format. Focus groups were held with community stakeholders, including youth, to

review data and identify priority needs. Out of the Risk Assessment process in 2000, five

risk factors emerged as priorities for Herkimer County:

In October 2000, the Herkimer County Risk Assessment Profile was published. Herkimer

County departments, service providers and various community groups began to discuss

ways to better support children, youth and families in order to address identified needs.

A Resource Inventory was created to identify gaps in services, and promising approaches

were researched that would reduce risks. Resources were allocated to address the

issues identified, and various grants were pursued to address major service gaps.

In March 2003, ICP again partnered with HCHN to update the data collected within the

original profile. An analysis of the 2003 Herkimer County Risk Assessment Profile

confirmed the need to address the five priority risk factors identified during the 2000

planning process. In addition, other risk factors were identified in 2003 as emerging

areas of concern: the Availability of Drugs, Lack of Commitment to School, and Alienation

and Rebelliousness. Herkimer County planning groups continued to meet to address these

concerns.

In 2006, HCHN and ICP partnered for the third time to create an updated Risk

Assessment Profile. The Touchstones format was used, which expanded the scale and

scope of the document and allowed for a more comprehensive look at the needs of

Herkimer County residents, particularly in the areas of community demographics, physical

and emotional health, the elderly, and children from birth to five. Herkimer County

planning groups utilized the information presented to establish goals and identify

strategies that reduced risks, addressed needs, and improved outcomes in their specific

areas of focus.

In 2009, the Touchstones format was utilized again with slight changes. The NYSDOH,

in partnership with federal, state and local partners, unveiled a new "Public Health

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Extreme Economic

Deprivation

Family Management

Family Conflict Early and Persistent Antisocial Behavior

Early Initiation of the Problem Behavior

Prevention Agenda for the Healthiest State" in 2009 which identified ten priorities for

improving the health of all New Yorkers and asks communities to work together to

address them.

These ten priorities were used to organize the data in the Physical and Emotional Health

Life Area of the Profile. In addition to this change, a Key Findings and Commentary

section was added at the end of each of the six Life Area sections within the Profile to

provide data highlights, key informant information and focus group summaries.

In 2012, the New York State Public Health Prevention Agenda was updated for the 2013-

2017 period. The updated Prevention Agenda will serve as a guide to local health

departments as they work with their community to develop mandated Community Health

Assessments and to hospitals as they develop mandated Community Service Plans and

Community Health Needs Assessments required by the Affordable Care Act over. Its ten

priority areas were condensed into the following five areas:

In addition to this change in 2012, a series of six Profile Life Area Focus Groups were

held to review the information included in the 2012 Risk Assessment Profile and to

identify priority areas of need. A new section was added to 2012 Risk Assessment Profile

summarizing these Focus Group results.

It is hoped that the 2012 Herkimer County Risk Assessment Profile will be utilized by

Herkimer County departments, service providers and various community groups to

identify strategies that reduce risks, address needs, and improve outcomes in their

specific areas of focus.

v

Access to Quality Health

Care Chronic Disease

Community Preparedness Healthy Environment

Healthy Mothers, Healthy

Babies, Healthy Children Infectious Disease

Mental Health and

Substance Abuse

Physical Activity and

Nutrition

Tobacco Use Unintentional Injury

Prevent chronic diseases Promote healthy and safe

environments

Promote healthy women,

infants and children

Promote mental health and

prevent substance abuse

Prevent HIV, sexually transmitted diseases, vaccine-

preventable diseases and healthcare-associated Infections

Community Identified Priorities

A series of six Profile Life Area Focus Groups were held in March 2013 with community

stakeholders to review the data included in the 2012 Herkimer County Risk Assessment

Profile and identify priority needs. These six focus groups were facilitated by Dr. Thomas

Dennison, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Policy at Syracuse University, and

Interns Sarah Irish and Jill Hayes. Out of this process, the following areas listed below

emerged as priorities for Herkimer County.

Priority Areas of Focus Identified by Life Area

I. Community

Employment Opportunities

~ Limited options

Transportation

~ Access

Demographic Profile

~ Elderly population is increasing

Care-giving

~ Older adult

~ Child (day care)

Statewide Economic Climate

II. Citizenship

Programs for at-risk youth in Herkimer County are strong and have been

supported. The outcomes are clear. These programs, with an added emphasis

on literacy, should be nurtured.

Management of social media among youth should be redirected toward positive

social media and away from negative dimensions such as bullying and sexting

activities.

Economic conditions and their impact on citizenship issues such as:

DWI

Domestic violence

Adult incarceration

Retention of successful youth

Integrity of the family

vii

viii

III. Physical and Emotional Health

Access to Quality Health Care

Supply of Health Care Providers

~ Primary Care and Mental Health Care

Transportation

Prevent Chronic Disease

Obesity

~ Physical Activity and Nutrition

Tobacco Use

Promote Healthy and Safe Environments

Falls in the Elderly

Lead Exposure

Promote Healthy Women. Infants and Children

Dental Health

Unintended Pregnancy

~ Pregnancy and Sexual Activity among Youth

Promote Mental Health and Prevent Substance Abuse

Access to Mental Health Care Services

Drug Abuse

Prevent HIV, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Vaccine-Preventable Diseases and

HealthcareAssociated Infections

Child Immunization Rates

Hospital-Acquired Infections

IV. Family

Domestic Violence

~ Economic well-being and stability

Homelessness

~ Access to Resources

~ Affordable housing options

Availability of Services

Family Wellness

~ Disintegration of the family

~ Parenting skills

Age Distribution

ix

~ Elderly population

~ Migration of youth

V. Economic Security

Opportunities

~ Jobs

~ Retention of qualified people in the community

Transportation

~ Access to healthcare and other vital needs

Categorical Benefits

~ Need for a continuous safety net of support services that are non-

stigmatized and adequately resourced

Motivation

~ Promotion of Values

Stigma Support

~ Support those who have difficulty requesting assistance with no stigma

VI. Education

Relationship of school, community, family

Proficiency and performance in school

School safety

Bullying

Pre-school and after-school activities and programs

These priority areas were presented to the ICP Leadership Committee and will be used

by this and other groups to identify strategies that reduce risks, address needs, and

improve outcomes in select areas of focus.

Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................ i

Task Force Members ........................................................................................................... ii

Introduction .......................................................................................................................... iii

Community Identified Priorities ..................................................................................... vii

Life Areas

Community .......................................................................................................................... 1

History & Demographics ............................................................................................................. 1

Population by Age/Community ................................................................................................. 12

Older Adults in the Community .............................................................................................. 23

Housing......................................................................................................................................... 28

Religious Affiliation .................................................................................................................. 34

Transportation ........................................................................................................................... 36

Employment & Industry ........................................................................................................... 43

Quality of Life ........................................................................................................................... 52

Youth Perceptions of the Community .................................................................................... 59

Youth Development/Employment ........................................................................................... 63

Availability of Daycare .............................................................................................................. 71

Key Findings & Commentary .................................................................................................... 76

Citizenship ...................................................................................................................... 80

Voting ........................................................................................................................................... 80

Engaged & Informed Citizens ................................................................................................. 84

Youth Citizenship ....................................................................................................................... 92

Firearms ...................................................................................................................................... 97

Table of Contents

Youth Arrests ........................................................................................................................... 100

Adult Arrests & Convictions .................................................................................................. 104

DWI .............................................................................................................................................. 111

Probation and Correctional Alternatives............................................................................. 115

Juvenile Delinquency ................................................................................................................ 123

Persons in Need of Supervision (PINS) .............................................................................. 126

Incarceration ............................................................................................................................ 130

Key Findings & Commentary ................................................................................................... 134

Physical & Emotional Health ..................................................................................... 137

New York State Prevention Agenda ..................................................................................... 137

Access to Healthcare .............................................................................................................. 139

Prevent Chronic Disease ........................................................................................................ 151

Promote a Healthy & Safe Environment ............................................................................. 183

Promote Healthy Women, Infants, and Children ............................................................. 193

Promote Mental Health and Prevent Substance Abuse ................................................. 209

Prevent HIV, STD’s, Vaccine– Preventable Diseases & Healthcare Associated

Infections ................................................................................................................................ 227

Key Findings & Commentary ................................................................................................. 233

Family ............................................................................................................................ 235

Household Composition ........................................................................................................... 235

Family Management ................................................................................................................. 247

Family Conflict .......................................................................................................................... 261

Parental Attitudes & Family Norms .................................................................................... 273

Key Findings & Commentary .................................................................................................. 278

Economic Security ..................................................................................................... 282

Employment & Income ............................................................................................................ 282

Poverty (Extreme Economic Deprivation) .......................................................................... 293

Economic Assistance for Basic Needs ................................................................................ 300

Health Coverage ....................................................................................................................... 315


Education ..................................................................................................................... 328

K-12 Demographics & Environment ...................................................................................... 328

Attendance & Completion Rates ........................................................................................... 338

Academic Proficiency ............................................................................................................. 343

Perceptions & Attitudes Towards School .......................................................................... 357

Continuing & Adult Education ............................................................................................... 362

Continuing & Adult Education: Community College ........................................................... 364


Appendices

Index of Tables & Graphs................................................................................................................ 374

Human Resource Planning Team of ICP ........................................................................................ 390

Focus Group Participants .................................................................................................................. 391

Understanding the U. S. Census American Community Survey ............................................ 397

Community History & Demographics

Herkimer County is located in central New York State,

situated northwest of Albany and east of Syracuse. The

northern part of the county is in the Adirondack State Park,

and the Mohawk River flows across the southern part of the

county. Herkimer County is bordered by St. Lawrence County

to the north, Otsego County to the south, Hamilton, Fulton

and Montgomery Counties to the east, and Lewis and Oneida

Counties to the west.

Herkimer County is the longest county in New York State and

has the sixth largest land area (1,412 square miles). Forty-

seven square miles of the county is covered in water (3.23%).

The New York Agricultural Statistics Service estimates that

14% of the land (136,600 acres) is used in farming.

There are nineteen towns, ten villages and one city in Herkimer

County. The city of Little Falls has 4,946 residents and is

ranked 61st in population out of the 62 cities in New York State.

The majority of the county’s population resides in the towns,

villages and city that surround the Mohawk River, referred to as

the Mohawk Valley Corridor. The county seat is the Village of

Herkimer, which is home to the county’s only community college.

The county is named after General Nicholas Herkimer, who died

from battle wounds in 1777 after taking part in the Battle of

Oriskany.

County History

When counties were established in New York State in 1683,

the present Herkimer County was part of Albany County.

This was an enormous county, including the northern part

of New York State as well as all of the present State of

Vermont and, in theory, extending westward to the

Pacific Ocean. This county was reduced in size on July 3,

1766 by the creation of Cumberland County, and further

on March 16, 1770 by the creation of Gloucester County,

both containing territory now in Vermont.

WHERE WE STAND

1

On March 12, 1772, what was left of Albany County was split into three parts, one remaining

under the name Albany County. One of the other pieces, Tryon County, contained the western

portion (and thus, since no western boundary was specified, theoretically still extended west to

the Pacific). The eastern boundary of Tryon County was approximately five miles west of the

present city of Schenectady, and the county included the western part of the Adirondack

Mountains and the area west of the West Branch of the Delaware River. The area then

designated as Tryon County now includes 37 counties of New York State. The county was named

for William Tryon, colonial governor of New York.

In the years prior to 1776, most of the Loyalists in Tryon County fled to Canada. General

Nicholas Herkimer’s force of 800 Palatines succeeded in holding off an attack of British and

Indians at Fort Stanwix in 1777, thereby protecting the Mohawk Valley. Fort Herkimer and

Fort Dayton provided protection for the settlers who were able to maintain their prosperous

farms at the end of the hostilities.

In 1784, following the peace treaty that ended the American Revolutionary War, the name of

Tryon County was changed to Montgomery County to honor the general, Richard Montgomery,

who had captured several places in Canada and died attempting to capture the city of Quebec,

replacing the name of the hated British governor.

In 1789, the size of Montgomery County was reduced by the splitting off of Ontario County

from Montgomery. The actual area split off from Montgomery County was much larger than the

present county, also including the present Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee,

Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, Steuben, Wyoming, Yates, and part of Schuyler and Wayne

Counties.

In 1791, Herkimer County was one of three counties split off from Montgomery (the other two

being Otsego and Tioga Counties). This was much larger than the present county, however, and

was reduced by a number of subsequent splits. These splits helped to form Onondaga, Oneida,

Chenango and St. Lawrence Counties.

Herkimer County assumed its present form in 1817. Herkimer County now extends from the

Adirondacks to the Mohawk Valley. The vast forests to the north provide wood products and

recreational opportunities in the Adirondack Park, while the southern valleys are favorable for

agriculture and dairying.

As westward expansion provided access to land more suitable for growing wheat, Herkimer

County farmers realized that dairying would be a more profitable use of their land. The lack of

a mass market for milk led to the production of cheese. By the 1850s, Little Falls was the

location of a world famous cheese market. Later the railroads gave access to the downstate

market for milk, and the cheese industry began to decline.

2


Salisbury Center Covered Bridge

The Erie Canal caused the development of large valley villages and provided a means to transport

goods east and west. The oldest Herkimer County industry, Remington Arms, still plays a major

role in the county’s economy. During the last 200 years, many products were produced in

Herkimer County including rifles, typewriters, farm equipment, furniture, textiles, shoes, data

recorders, bicycles, nutcrackers, paper, and dairying equipment. Immigrants from Ireland and

later from eastern and southern Europe arrived to work in local industries and agriculture,

providing a diversity of culture. (source: Herkimer County Historical Society)

Herkimer County’s rich history dates back hundreds of years. Many landmarks in Herkimer

County have been included in the National Register of Historic Places. A complete listing (as of

2011) is included below.

National Register of Historic Places — Listing For Herkimer County (2011)

• Village of Cold Brook—Cold Brook Feed Mill

• Town of Danube—Herkimer Home

• Town of Danube—Indian Castle Church

• Town of Danube—Mohawk Upper Castle Archeological District

• Town of Danube—Zoller-Frasier Round Barn (torn down)

• Village of Dolgeville—Alfred Dolge Hose Company No. 1

• Village of Dolgeville—Breckwoldt-Ward House

• Village of Dolgeville—Menge House Complex

• Village of Dolgeville—Dolge Company Factory Complex

• Village of Dolgeville—Post Office

• Town of Fairfield—Trinity Episcopal Church

• Town of Fairfield—Lalino Stone Arch Bridge (Route 29)

• Town of Fairfield—Old City Stone Arch Bridge

• Town of Frankfort—Balloon Farm

• Town of Frankfort—Frankfort Town Hall

• Town of Frankfort—Remington House

• Village of Frankfort—Post Office

• Town of German Flatts—Fort Herkimer Church

• Village of Herkimer—Herkimer County Court House

• Village of Herkimer—Herkimer County Historical Society

• Village of Herkimer—Herkimer County 1834 Jail

• Village of Herkimer—The Reformed Church of Herkimer

• Village of Herkimer—Post Office

• Town of Herkimer—Palatine German Frame House

• Village of Ilion—Remington Stables

• Village of Ilion—First United Methodist Church

• Village of Ilion—Thomas Richardson House

• Village of Ilion—Post Office

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Herkimer County Court House

• City of Little Falls—Herkimer County

Trust Company Building (Little Falls

Historical Society)

• City of Little Falls—Post Office

• Town of Manheim—Snells Bush Church

and Cemetery

• Village of Newport—Benjamin Bowen

House

• Village of Newport—Newport Stone

Arch Bridge

• Village of Newport—Yale-Cady

Octagon House and Yale Lock Factory

Site

• Village of Newport—Masonic Temple—

Newport Lodge No 445 F. & A.M.

• Town of Norway—Norway Baptist

Church

• Town of Russia—Russia Corners

Historic District

• Town of Salisbury—Salisbury Center

Covered Bridge

• Town of Salisbury—Salisbury Center

Grange Hall

• Town of Salisbury—Augustus Frisbie House

• Town of Warren—Jordanville Public Library

• Town of Warren—Church of the Good Shepherd

• Town of Warren—Sunset Hill

• Town of Webb—Covewood Lodge

• Town of Webb—Goodsell Memorial Home (Town of Webb Historical Association) Source: Herkimer County Historical Society (County History & National Register)

Population and Demographics

The table on the following page depicts Herkimer County demographics from both the 2000 and

2010 U.S. Census.

According to the 2010 U.S. Census, there were 64,519 people living in Herkimer County, an

increase of approximately 0.1%, or 92 residents, since 2000. This population ranked 40th out of

the 62 counties in New York State. The percentage of males and females in the population have

remained relatively consistent during this time period. There has also been a slight increase in

the median age between 2000 and 2010.

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Age

As illustrated in the chart below, the population of Herkimer County tends to be slightly older

than that of New York State and the United States.

Race and Ancestry

Herkimer County is less diverse when compared with NYS and the U.S. in the categories of race

and ancestral heritage.

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Table 1 Herkimer County Demographics: 2000 & 2010 Census

Table 2 Herkimer County, NYS and US by Age: 2010 Census

Herkimer County NYS US

Population 64,519 19,370,102 308,745,538

Median Age 42.1 years 38.0 years 37.2 years

Under Age 5 5.6% 6.0% 6.5%

5 to 19 years 20.0% 19.4% 20.4%

20 to 34 years 16.1% 21.0% 20.3%

35 to 54 years 27.7% 28.4% 27.9%

55 to 74 years 22.4% 18.9% 18.8%

75 and above 8.2% 6.5% 6.0%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 Census Summary File 1, Tables P12 & P13

2000 U.S. Census Percent 2010 U.S. Census Percent

Population 64,427 100% 64,519 100%

Male 31,248 48.5% 31,579 48.9%

Female 33,179 51.5% 32,940 51.1%

Median Age 39 — 41.2 —

Total Households 25,734 100% 26,324 100%

Average Household Size 2.46 — 2.40 —

Family Households 17,101 66.5% 16,871 64.1%

Average Family Size 2.99 — 2.95 —

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 & 2010 Census


Income and Poverty

The median incomes for Herkimer County are decreasing, and incomes remain lower in the county

than in NYS and the U.S. The percentage of individuals who make over $100,000 per year has

nearly tripled since 2000 (from 3.7% to 10.4%), but this percentage continues to be much lower

than the state and US percentages in the same time period.

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Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 & 2010 Censuses and 2008–2010 American Community Survey—all tables this page

Table 3 Herkimer County, NYS and US by Race and Ancestry


Population 64,519 19,370,102 308,745,538

White 96.6% 65.7% 72.4%

Black or African American 1.1% 15.9% 12.6%

Asian 0.5% 7.3% 4.8%

Some Other Race 0.6% 8.1% 7.3%

Two Races 1.2% 3.0% 2.9%

Hispanic or Latino (any race) 1.6% 17.6 16.3%

Ancestry Top 5 in HC

Irish 13.9% 8.7% 7.2%

Italian 13.8% 11.5% 4.4%

German 13.3% 6.8% 11.2%

English 8.1% 3.6% 5.9%

Polish 5.7% 3.5% 2.1%

Herkimer County New York State United States

2000* 2008–2010 2000* 2008–2010 2000* 2008–2010

Median H.H. Income $43,092 $42,318 $56,795 $55,603 $54,964 $51,914

Per Capita Income $21,126 $21,908 $30,613 $30,948 $28,254 $27,334

<$10,000 11.4% 7.7% 11.5% 8.1% 9.5% 7.2%

<$25,000 38.2% 28.3% 29.6% 23.4% 28.6% 23.5%

$100,000+ 3.7% 10.4% 15.3% 13.2% 12.3% 20.9%

Table 4 Herkimer County, NYS and US by Income

* 2000 incomes have been adjusted for inflation.


According to the 2008–2010 American Community Survey, the percentage of families and

individuals in poverty in Herkimer County are relatively similar to the percentages recorded for

both NYS and the U.S.

Households and Families

According to the 2008–2010 American Community Survey, there are 26,478 households and

17,365 families in Herkimer County. 30.9% of all families include children below the age of 18.

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Table 5 Percent of Persons Living Below Poverty: Herkimer County, NYS, US

1990 2000 HC

2008–2010

NYS

2008–2010

US

2008–2010

Families 8.7% 8.9% 10.3% 11.0% 10.5%

Individuals 13.1% 12.5% 14.6% 14.4% 14.4%

Children (<18) 16.8% 16.1% 21.2% 20.3% 20.1%

Adults (18–64) 14.8% 11.7% 12.9% 13.0% 13.1%

Seniors (65+) 13.9% 10.4% 11.9% 11.4% 9.4%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 1990 & 2000 Censuses and 2008–2010 American Community Survey

2000 2008–2010

Population 64,427 64,519

Households 25,734 26,478

Average Household Size 2.46 2.38

Families 17,101 17,365

Average Family Size 2.99 2.93

Households With Children <18 32.8% 30.9%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 Census and 2008–2010 American Community Survey

Table 6 Herkimer County Households and Families


Number of Farms and Acreage Used in Farming, Herkimer County

Agriculture and Farming

Herkimer County is rich in scenic beauty and historical roots that are closely tied to agriculture.

Historical perspective: Throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, farming was the

primary livelihood of the majority of the county’s residents and thus a major force in its

economic life. In the eighteenth century, 90 percent were farmers; by 1900, 30 percent were

employed in agriculture or agriculture-related industries. In 1991, less than 2 percent of the

population of the county worked at farming.

Herkimer County dairy farms numbered 1,433 in 1941 with 36,800 cows (an average of 26 cows

per farm) and in 1991 fell to 378 dairy farms, with 23,000 cows (average 61 cows). In 1960,

1,100 producers were shipping over 260 million pounds of milk a year (about 30.5 million gallons).

By 1990, despite far fewer farms, production was still over 400 million pounds of milk a year,

maintaining Herkimer County’s long standing place among the top dozen dairy counties in New

York milkshed. In that year, Herkimer County’s agricultural production totaled more than

$55 million. (Source: “Herkimer County at 200” published by the Herkimer County Historical

Society 1992)

Present Day: Farming is an important aspect of the economy, culture, and way of life in

Herkimer County. According to the 2010 New York State Agricultural Statistics, there were

675 farms and 136,600 farmed acres in Herkimer County, accounting for 14% of the total land

area in the county. Dairy farming is the dominant agricultural activity in Herkimer County. The

1997 Census of Agriculture reported a total of 583 farms of which 46%,or 267 farms, involved

dairy cattle and milk production.

Farming activities are located almost exclusively within the southern portion of the county

outside of the Adirondack Park. It is important to note that a significant portion of the county

is located within the Adirondack Park (555,690 out of 931,923 total acres) where the majority

of the land is forested with little agricultural activity. Approximately 41% of the total acreage

of all lands south of the Adirondack Park is farmland.

Information from the NYS Agricultural Statistics suggests that there has been a decrease in

the number of farms and land used in farming in Herkimer County between 2000 and 2010. 8

Source: 2000 and 2010 NYS Agricultural Statistics

2000 2002 2010

Number of Farms 710 690 675

Land in Farms 154,200 acres 159,258 acres 136,600 acres

Average Size of Farm 217 acres 231 acres 243 acres

Table 7


The number of dairy farms

in Herkimer County as of

2007 was 187 with the

value of milk and other

dairy products for 2007 at

$47,597,000.

In 2007, the market value

of Herkimer County

agricultural products sold

was $62,141,000. Total

farm production expenses

were approximately

$48,385,000, and net farm

income was an average of

$25,224 per farm. The

chart to the left

illustrates the top

livestock and the value of

sales in 2007.

Challenges Facing Herkimer County Dairy Farmers and Trends for 2013

While stress has always been part of farm family life, the depressed economy, cost of producing

milk for dairy farmers, and the resulting increased stress on family members is placing demands

on area farmers. Call volume at New York State FarmNet, a program that provides support to

farming families, continues at high levels with over 6,000 contacts each year. More men are

calling for help from family consultants at FarmNet; where, in the past, more women called for

this support. Divorce rates are also increasing in the farm community. And with the challenging

weather conditions during the summer of 2012, many farmers had lower harvests, so meeting

forage needs this winter will be a major concern.

Government Structure and Legislative Districts

Herkimer County has 17 legislative districts. The Chairman of the Legislature is the Chief

Elected Officer in Herkimer County. Herkimer County is one of nineteen Charter counties in

New York State, and is one of twenty-two counties in New York State that employs a County

Administrator. The Herkimer County Administrator is appointed by, and is responsible to, the

Legislature and handles all the administrative operations of the county.

Portions of Herkimer County are included in the 49th and 51st Districts of the New York State

Senate and the 101st,117th, and 118th Districts of the New York State Assembly. At the federal

level, sections of the county are included in the 21st and 22nd Congressional Districts of the U.S.

House of Representatives. 9

Top Livestock and Value of Sales, Herkimer County

Source: 2007 Census of Agriculture County Profile

2007 Quantity State Rank

Top Livestock (number)

Cattle and Calves 29,162 23

Pigeons or Squab 7,009 2

Layers 4,995 25

Colonies of Bees 4,449 2

Top Value of Sales by Commodity Group ($)

Milk and Other Dairy 47,597,000 20

Crops and Hay 3,065,000 22

Vegetables, melons, potatoes and sweet

potatoes

2,213,000 30

Grains, Oil Seeds, Dried Beans and Peas 1,558,000 35

Nursery, Greenhouse and Sod 536,000 48

Table 8


Expenditures Per Capita

The table below illustrates the expenditures and debt per capita for Herkimer County, with

benchmark comparisons to upstate small counties, the Mohawk Valley region, and New York

State (minus NYC).

Herkimer County spent approximately $559 less per capita than the average upstate small

county in 2010. Expenditures for public safety and contributions to employee benefits were

ranked among the lowest in the Mohawk Valley region and in New York State. Debt, taxes per

capita and government expenditures were also lower in Herkimer County than in comparable

counties. 10

Source: Office of State Comptroller, with further calculations by the Public Policy Institute, research affiliate of The Business Council

of New York State, and the Empire Center for New York State Policy

Herkimer

County

Upstate Small

County

Average

Upstate County

Rank

(out of 50)

Mohawk Valley

Region Rank

(out of 6)

NYS Rank

(minus NYC

57 Counties)

2007 2010 2007 2010 2007 2010 2007 2010 2007 2010

Total Expenditures

Per Capita $1,535 $1,695 $1,961 $2,254 45 43 6 6 50 53

Effective Property

Tax rate 0.60% 0.51% 0.75% 0.68% 33 36 5 5 33 36

Debt Per Capita $134 $132 $409 $484 40 43 3 3 47 50

Taxes Per Capita $841 $862 $908 $930 32 31 4 4 38 38

Total Revenues Per

Capita $1,563 $1,505 $1,958 $2,048 43 47 5 6 48 53

General Government

Per Capita $248 $237 $306 $325 37 41 6 6 43 46

Education Per Capita $138 $84 $71 $72 2 21 1 2 5 26

Public Safety Per

Capita $109 $97 $162 $172 49 48 6 6 56 55

Social Services Per

Capita $505 $460 $491 $500 27 31 3 4 28 33

Economic Development

Per Capita $15 $23 $21 $20 20 17 3 3 22 19

Culture and

Recreation Per Capita $12 $12 $12 $13 20 21 1 3 26 27

Employee Benefits Per

Capita $134 $160 $264 $320 46 45 5 5 53 52

Table 9

Herkimer County Benchmarks: 2007 & 2010 Expenditures, Tax Rates and Debt Per Capita


http://www.osc.state.ny.us/localgov/datanstat/findata/source.htm

DATA SOURCES

In 2007, Herkimer County’s expenditures for education (instruction, pupil services,

transportation and the community college) were almost twice the average expenditure of similar

counties, and ranked #1 in the Mohawk Valley region, #2 for all upstate counties, and #5 in New

York State (excluding NYC). Since then, expenditures have fallen towards the average: the

county’s rank among other upstate counties has fallen to #21, and its rank among the rest of

New York State (excluding NYC) has fallen to #26. Since 2007, Herkimer County’s ranking in

Public Safety per Capita, Economic Development per Capita, and Employee Benefits per Capita

have slightly increased; however, between 2009 and 2010 a majority of rankings have declined.

2007 Census of Agriculture Herkimer County Profile

Empire Center for New York State Policy

http://seethroughny.net/benchmarking-ny/#/single?id=210100000000&date=2010

Herkimer County Historical Society: “Herkimer County at 200”

http://www.rootsweb.com/~nyhchs/history.html

http://legislators.com/congressorg/officials/locality/?entity_id=2620&state=NY

Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency

http://mvcaa.com/userfiles/images/hc%20map.jpg

National Association of Counties

http://www.naco.org/Template.cfm?Section=Find_a_County&Template=/cffiles/counties/

state.cfm&statecode=ny

New York Agricultural Statistics Service

New York State Association of Counties

http://www.nysac.org/pdf/countygovernmentorganization.pdf

New York State Office of Comptroller

NYS Dairy Statistics 2008 Annual Summary from NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets

Division of Milk Control and Dairy Services

http://www.agmkt.state.ny.us/

“Stress Among Farmers” article for “Farming …the Journal of Northeast Agriculture”,

December 2009 issue.

Public Policy Institute

U.S. Census Bureau 11


http://www.osc.state.ny.us/localgov/datanstat/findata/source.htm

http://seethroughny.net/benchmarking-ny/#/single?id=210100000000&date=2010

http://www.agmkt.state.ny.us/

The place where a family resides can impact activities of daily living, including children and

families accessing health services and day care, youth engaging in activities, adults commuting to

work and shopping venues, and seniors accessing valuable supports and services.

Understanding population trends can help communities plan for needed services and supports for

their residents.

Population Trends

Herkimer County has seen a slight increase in population between 1950 and 2010. The overall

population in Herkimer County has risen by 3,112 people, or 5.1%, over the last six decades.

Between 1950 and 1970, the population in Herkimer County increased by over

6,200 people (10%).This was followed by a 3,100 persons decline (5%) between 1970 and 2010.

The median age of Herkimer County residents has changed considerably over the last 50 years.

This change has not, however, simply been one of a stagnantly aging population. As a matter of

fact, the median age of the population actually declined for a period of twenty years, from 1950

to 1970. During those 20 years, the median age dropped from 33.6 in 1950 to 31.1 in 1970.

After 1970, the median age began to climb, rising to the 2010 level of 42.1 years.

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT

WHERE WE STAND

12

61,407

66,370

67,633

66,71465,797

64,427 64,519

56,000

58,000

60,000

62,000

64,000

66,000

68,000

70,000

1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

Herkimer County Population

1950–2010

Graph 1

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 1950–2010 Censuses

Community Population by Age/Community

Source: Herkimer-Oneida Counties Comprehensive Planning Program

The median age of females in Herkimer County has been consistently higher than that of males

between 1960 and 2010.

The advance of the “baby boomers” among age cohorts has clearly led to an aging population

within Herkimer County. With the current median age at 42.1 years, the baby boomer population

has made its transition from young adulthood to middle age felt.

Year

Median Age

Male

Median Age

Female

Median Age

All

1950 — — 33.6

1960 32.1 34.0 33.0

1970 29.1 33.3 31.1

1980 30.5 33.9 32.2

1990 33.9 36.7 35.3

2000 37.7 40.2 39.0

2010 41.1 43.1 42.1

Table 10 Median Age of Males & Females (1950–2010)

13

33.6 33.031.1 32.2

35.339.0

42.1

0

10

20

30

40

50

1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

Herkimer County Median Age

1950–2010

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 Census

Graph 2


More than half (57.7%) of the

county’s population is between

the age of 20 and 64. In

addition, almost one in six

county residents (16.8%) are

age 65 or older. About one out

of every five people (19.9%) in

Herkimer County is between

ages 5 and 19. The county’s

youngest cohort, those age 5

and under, makes up 5.6% of

the total population.

The growth of the county’s

elderly population (those age

65 and older) has increased

significantly since 1950. While about 7,000 persons were in this category at the midway point

of the last century, by its end this age group had grown to about 11,000 persons, an increase of

nearly 60%.

In contrast, the population of children under the age of five has decreased from 6,268 in 1950

to 3,592 in 2010, a decline of 42.7%.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 Census Summary File 2, Table PCT3


1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

Under 5 6,268 6,947 5,686 4,583 4,502 3,591 3,592

65 Plus 6,839 8,383 8,440 9,265 11,069 10,844 10,856

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

Trends Among Selected Age Groups

1950–2010

14

Graph 4

Under 5, 5.6% 5 to 19,

19.9%

20 to 64, 57.7%

65 and over, 16.8%

Herkimer County Population by AgeGraph 3


Table 11 Herkimer County Births By Municipality 2002 to 2010

Between 2002 and 2010, approximately 6,100 children were born in Herkimer County. The city

of Little Falls and the towns of Newport and German Flatts (includes the village of Ilion) have

experienced an increase in births during this time period. Conversely, the town of Schuyler has

seen the greatest decline in the number of births recorded. The live birth rate (the number of

pregnancies continued to live births) has actually increased during this timeframe.

While Herkimer County’s birth rate is slightly below that of the rest of Upstate New York, out

of wedlock births are above New York State rates. In 2010, 51% of all births in Herkimer Coun-

ty were to unmarried mothers.

Source: NYS Department of Health, Vital Statistics of NYS 2010, Table 55

15

City 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Little Falls 53 65 63 65 69 70 65 57 55

Town 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Columbia 15 22 19 20 18 17 19 8 17

Danube 10 9 13 12 2 9 8 16 7

Fairfield 13 19 20 21 19 21 18 17 13

Frankfort 74 70 87 65 62 76 62 62 65

German Flatts 140 170 158 147 158 170 147 170 162

Herkimer 109 113 113 114 91 115 97 110 106

Litchfield 13 15 20 16 17 21 16 13 15

Little Falls 17 13 7 12 14 14 14 12 9

Manheim 38 32 36 26 37 40 35 41 29

Newport 14 25 18 24 24 30 24 28 23

Norway 7 7 10 6 12 8 8 3 9

Ohio 16 12 11 6 6 6 10 4 7

Russia 33 19 29 27 21 28 27 23 23

Salisbury 30 31 20 26 23 20 24 17 15

Schuyler 50 32 32 21 30 21 32 36 22

Stark 10 7 7 6 8 10 6 6 17

Warren 8 11 13 14 12 8 9 17 8

Webb 18 9 14 12 11 10 6 12 10

Winfield 19 33 24 31 17 17 19 19 23

Towns Total 634 649 651 606 582 641 581 614 580

County Total 687 714 714 671 651 711 646 671 635


Source: NYS Department of Health, Vital Statistics of NYS, Table 7

Table 13 Live Births in Herkimer County by Mother’s Age 2000–2010

Table 12

16

Village 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Cold Brook 5 3 4 2 2 4 4 5 2

Dolgeville 27 21 23 16 25 32 24 25 18

Frankfort 31 25 38 28 27 32 28 27 26

Herkimer 84 95 94 89 78 101 81 87 91

Ilion 89 117 108 104 109 119 106 109 114

Middleville 0 8 2 5 0 8 6 9 5

Mohawk 25 28 30 25 31 35 25 40 30

Newport 4 6 3 6 6 8 9 6 9

Poland 6 5 7 8 3 12 7 7 9

West

Winfield 2 10 14 12 5 10 8 8 11

Source: NYS Department of Health, Vital Statistics of NYS 2010, Table 55

Herkimer County Births By Village 2002 to 2010

The table below illustrates the number of live births in Herkimer County by mother’s age

between 2000 and 2010. The number of births to teen mothers ages 15–17 have decreased by

67% during this timeframe, and births to mothers ages 18–19 have been reduced by 42%. Births

to mothers over age 30 have also decreased, from 297 births in 2000 to 218 births in 2010, a

decline of almost 27%.

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

<15 2 2 1 1 2 2 0 2 0 0 0

15–17 46 17 26 32 22 12 13 16 20 23 15

18–19 83 45 44 54 70 43 40 44 34 50 48

20–24 202 219 189 204 198 196 197 192 188 177 171

25–29 218 185 187 200 194 194 204 219 176 200 183

30–34 173 143 155 132 128 127 132 148 148 144 143

35–39 102 48 66 61 62 71 51 73 63 61 60

40–44 21 11 13 17 20 26 14 17 15 14 14

45+ 1 2 0 1 2 1 0 0 2 2 0

NS 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1


Graph 5

17

Out of Wedlock Births v. Births to Wedded Mothers

Herkimer County has a high ratio of unwed women giving birth as a component of total live births

in the county each year. In 2010, 51% of all births in Herkimer County were to unmarried

mothers. This exceeded the 42% New York State and 39% Rest of State rates for that year.

Households headed by single mothers, on average, have a lower median household income than

either male headed households or household with two parents. (Please refer to the “Economic

Security” section of this document for additional information)

The Decline of Herkimer County Post-College and Early Employment Cohorts

This drain on the area’s young people appears to be something that has been going on for at least

the last 30 years and is of great concern to Herkimer County families and communities.

In the chart on the next page, six age cohorts are shown as they existed in one census, and then

re-examined at the time of the following census. These cohorts include:

• Cohort A—youth age 10 to 14 in 1980, who would be ages 20 to 24 in the 1990 census

• Cohort B—youth age 15 to 19 in 1980, who would be ages 25 to 29 in the 1990 census

• Cohort C—youth age 10 to 14 in 1990, who would be ages 20 to 24 in the 2000 census

• Cohort D—youth age 15 to 19 in 1990, who would be ages 25 to 29 in the 2000 census

• Cohort E—youth age 10 to 14 in 2000, who would be ages 20 to 24 in the 2010 census

• Cohort F—youth age 15 to 19 in 2000, who would be ages 25 to 29 in the 2010 census


2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Out of Wedlock Births 303 257 295 294 287 313 324

Births to Wedded Mothers 395 415 356 417 359 358 311

57%62%

55% 59% 56% 53% 49%

43%38%

45% 41% 44% 47% 51%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%


The Decline of Herkimer County Post-College and Early Employment Cohorts:

A Comparison of Cohort Changes Between Censuses (1980–90, 1990–2000 and 2000–10)

In each case, the cohorts experienced considerable losses over each 10 year period. These

losses are higher than for other cohorts found in either of the censuses. As Cohort A aged

between 1980 and 1990, their number shrank by more than a quarter (28%). During the same

time period, Cohort B (youth aged 15 to 19 in 1980) also lost 28% of their members. What this

suggests is that as young people age 10 to 19 grew older through the decade of the 1980s, many

chose to leave the area. By the time they reached the ages of 20 to 29, which represents

primarily post-college and early employment ages, these two cohorts were only three quarters

the size they had been in 1980.

This same pattern holds true in the 1990s for Herkimer County youth as well. As youth 10 to 14

years old (Cohort C) and 15 to 19 years old (Cohort D) aged through the period from 1990 to

2000, they appear to have left the area in large numbers. Between 1990 and 2000, Cohort C

lost more than a quarter of its members, dropping by 26%. The area lost almost 30% of Cohort

D’s members as they aged and the decade came to a close.

When reviewing the Cohort data for 2000 (Cohorts E and F), the same trend continues with

population losses recorded between 2000 and 2010 of approximately 25% within each age range.

The data shows remarkable consistency in the county’s loss of its post-college and early

employment populations as they entered their twenties from 1980 through the year 2010.

18


Age 1

0 to 1

4 in 1

980

Age 1

5 to 1

9 in 1

980

Age 2

0 to 2

4 in 1

990

Age 2

5 to 2

9 in 1

990

Age 1

0 to 1

4 in 1

990

Age 1

5 to 1

9 in 1

990

Age 2

0 to 2

4 in 2

000

Age 2

5 to 2

9 in 2

000

Age 1

0 to 1

4 in 2

000

Age 1

5 to 1

9 in 2

000

Age 2

0 to 2

4 in 2

010

Age 2

5 to 2

9 in 2

010

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

Cohort A Cohort B Cohort C Cohort D Cohort E Cohort F

Graph 6


Population by Municipality

There are 19 towns, 10 villages and one city that lie within Herkimer County’s borders. The

chart below illustrates the percentage of Herkimer County residents that live in these various

areas. One-half of all residents that

live in Herkimer County reside in

towns. The remaining half resides in

villages (41%) and in the City of Little

Falls (8%). Approximately 56% of the

total population resides along the

valley corridor in the Town of German

Flatts (which includes the villages of

Ilion and Mohawk), the Town of

Herkimer (which includes the village of

Herkimer), the Town of Frankfort

(which includes the village of

Frankfort), and the City of Little Falls.

Herkimer County Age and Municipality Data Census 2000 & 2010 TOWNS

and CITY

5 and

under 6 to 18 19 to 64

65 and

over

2010

TOTAL

2000

TOTAL

% Change

2000–2010

Columbia 86 271 997 226 1,580 1,604 -1.5%

Danube 55 185 649 150 1,039 1,104 -5.9%

Fairfield 93 300 998 236 1,627 1,643 -1.0%

Frankfort 359 1365 4672 1,240 7,636 7,478 2.1%

German Flatts 824 2,264 8,039 2,131 13,258 13,657 -2.9%

Herkimer 554 1,322 6,265 2,034 10,175 9,944 2.3%

Litchfield 94 260 970 189 1,513 1,436 5.4%

Little Falls City 309 812 2,927 898 4,946 5,160 -4.1%

Little Falls 77 288 972 250 1,587 1,541 3.0%

Manheim 215 599 1,980 540 3,334 3,170 5.2%

Newport 135 445 1,398 324 2,302 2,198 4.7%

Norway 41 135 489 97 762 669 13.9%

Ohio 40 160 666 136 1,002 911 10.0%

Russia 155 427 1,607 398 2,587 2,473 4.6%

Salisbury 111 388 1,211 248 1,958 1,954 0.2%

Schuyler 157 524 2,086 653 3,420 3,403 0.5%

Stark 55 131 459 112 757 764 -0.9%

Warren 61 214 683 185 1,143 1,175 -2.7%

Webb 50 220 1,100 437 1,807 1,937 -6.7%

Winfield 121 396 1,197 372 2,086 2,206 -5.4%

TOTAL 3,592 10,706 39,365 10,856 64,519 64,427 0.1%

Table 14

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 Census

19

City, 8%

Village, 41%

Town (minus village

residents),

51%

Place of Residence:

Herkimer County, 2010 Graph 7

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 & 2010 Censuses


Racial Composition by Municipality

The table below depicts the racial composition of Herkimer County as recorded in the 2000 and

2010 U.S. Census.

According to the 2010 Census, 96.6% of Herkimer County residents are white. Herkimer County

has seen an increase in racial diversity in its population between 2000 and 2010, however, with

an increase in residents reporting that they are Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino,

or multiple races. The communities along the valley corridor are the most racially diverse. 20

Table 15

Race

Total Single White

Black or African

American Other Multiple Hispanic or

Population Race (only) (only) (only) Race Latino

2000 2010 2000 2010 2000 2010 2000 2010 2000 2010 2000 2010 2000 2010

Herkimer County 64,427 64,519 63,886 63,740 63,031 62,320 329 700 526 720 541 779 580 1,040

CITIES

Little Falls 5,188 4,946 5,138 4,865 5,073 4,788 15 31 50 46 50 81 28 71

TOWNS (Include village populations)

Columbia 1,630 1,580 1,618 1,557 1,606 1,533 1 9 12 15 12 23 6 21

Danube 1,098 1,039 1,088 1,032 1,064 1,023 9 1 10 8 10 7 10 5

Fairfield 1,607 1,627 1,591 1,611 1,582 1,599 6 7 16 5 16 16 4 15

Frankfort 7,478 7,636 7,392 7,533 7,323 7,418 37 52 86 63 86 103 76 100

German Flatts 13,629 13,258 13,487 13,066 13,339 12,757 80 158 142 151 142 192 196 267

Herkimer 9,962 10,175 9,906 10,038 9,646 9,480 97 360 56 198 56 137 117 279

Litchfield 1,453 1,513 1,446 1,497 1,433 1,485 1 6 7 6 7 16 9 17

Little Falls 1,544 1,587 1,538 1,572 1,521 1,548 4 7 6 17 6 15 4 14

Manheim 3,171 3,334 3,144 3,313 3,103 3,249 11 13 27 51 27 21 22 38

Newport 2,192 2,302 2,180 2,271 2,165 2,249 9 13 12 9 12 31 18 18

Norway 711 762 705 762 704 757 0 1 6 4 6 0 3 15

Ohio 922 1,002 918 997 894 980 5 2 4 15 4 5 5 7

Russia 2,487 2,587 2,474 2,569 2,431 2,546 8 2 13 21 13 18 11 26

Salisbury 1,953 1,958 1,935 1,942 1,921 1,917 3 4 18 21 18 16 3 37

Schuyler 3,385 3,420 3,356 3,393 3,316 3,346 17 14 29 33 29 27 21 48

Stark 767 757 766 753 760 731 3 6 1 16 1 4 2 12

Warren 1,136 1,143 1,118 1,128 1,103 1,119 7 4 18 5 18 15 15 3

Webb 1,912 1,807 1,899 1,785 1,873 1,764 13 9 13 12 13 22 17 20

Winfield 2,202 2,086 2,187 2,056 2,174 2,031 3 1 15 24 15 30 13 27

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000 Summary File 1, Tables P7 & P8

U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 Census Summary File 1, Tables P5 & P8

Municipalities by Race, 2000 & 2010 Census


Population Changes by Municipality

Herkimer County has seen an overall population increase of 0.1% between 2000 and 2010. The

chart below depicts the population changes within each municipality during this time period.

Herkimer County Population Changes (2000–2010)


Table 16

21

NAME 2000 2010 % CHG # CHG

Herkimer County 64,427 64,519 0.14% 92

CITIES

Little Falls 5,188 4,946 -4.66% -242

TOWNS

Columbia 1,630 1,580 -3.07% -50

Danube 1,098 1,039 -5.47% -59

Fairfield 1,607 1,627 1.24% 20

Frankfort 7,478 7,636 2.11% 158

German Flatts 13,629 13,258 -2.72% -371

Herkimer 9,962 10,175 2.14% 213

Litchfield 1,453 1,513 4.13% 60

Little Falls 1,544 1,587 2.78% 43

Manheim 3,171 3,334 5.14% 163

Newport 2,192 2,302 5.02% 110

Norway 711 762 7.17% 51

Ohio 922 1,002 8.68% 80

Russia 2,487 2,587 4.02% 100

Salisbury 1,953 1,958 0.26% 5

Schuyler 3,385 3,420 1.03% 35

Stark 767 757 1.30% -10

Warren 1,136 1,143 0.62% 7

Webb 1,912 1,807 -5.49% -105

Winfield 2,202 2,086 -5.27% -116

VILLAGES

Cold Brook 336 329 -2.08% -7

Dolgeville* 2,066 2,206 6.78% 140

Frankfort 2,537 2,598 2.40% 61

Herkimer 7,498 7,743 3.27% 245

Ilion 8,610 8,053 -6.47% -557

Mohawk 2,660 2,731 2.67% 71

Middleville 550 512 -6.91% -38

Newport 640 640 0.00% 0

Poland 451 508 12.64% 57

West Winfield 862 826 -4.18% -36

* Herkimer County portion only


DATA SOURCES

Population declines can be seen in various municipalities within Herkimer County between 2000

and 2010. The City of Little Falls has seen a 4.66% decline in population during this time period.

Five towns in Herkimer County experienced population losses of between 2.7% and 5.5%., and

four of the ten villages in Herkimer County experienced declines in population ranging from 2.1%

to 6.9%.

Overall, most municipalities in Herkimer County experienced population increases between 2000

and 2010. Fourteen of the nineteen towns in Herkimer County saw growth in their populations,

with the largest increases located in the Towns of Ohio (8.68%) and Norway (7.17%). The

Villages of Poland (12.64%) and Dolgeville (6.78%) saw the greatest increase in residents.

Herkimer-Oneida Counties Comprehensive Planning Program

New York State Department of Health, Vital Statistics of New York

http://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/vital_statistics/

U.S. Census Bureau

22


http://www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/vital_statistics/2006

Senior citizens are a vital part of our community; they are our parents, grandparents, and great-

grandparents, part of our individual and community family. Seniors deserve our attention as

many of them are as vulnerable as our youth. The senior population is diverse, ranging from age

60 to over 100 years of age, at least two generations.

Many seniors suffer from serious health issues that restrict their ability to perform activities

of daily living such as driving, housekeeping, and even their own personal care. Many of them live

alone due to the death of their partner; this usually results in a loss of household income,

sometimes a very dramatic income loss that can result in a myriad of aftereffects. Although

there are programs to assist seniors, a number of factors can limit their ability to access these

services or for the services to be adequate to meet their needs.

Certainly not all seniors suffer from serious health issues or inadequate income levels. In the

“Physical & Emotional Health” section of this Profile, we see that the number of seniors

receiving home delivered meals for example is only 740 out of a total senior population of

15,022, only about 5% of the total senior population. Although for a variety of reasons there

are more seniors in need of home delivered meals than actually receive them, the majority of

seniors are independent and self-supporting.

The population of Herkimer County is getting older. The table on the next page illustrates the

increase in the senior citizen population between 1960 and 2010 in Herkimer County, New York

State and the United States.

Senior Population: Herkimer County has a high percentage of senior citizens. Since 1960, the

total County population has decreased (by 1,851), while the senior population has increased (by

3,434). The percentage of seniors increased from 17% of the total County population to 23%.

Our aged 85 and older population has more than tripled since 1960, from 547 to 1,737.

This increase in the senior population is even more dramatic when considering that between 1990

& the 2000 Census, the population between the ages of 62–74 decreased considerably. For

these age groups during this 10-year period, the size dropped by 1,621 people, a 19.25%

decrease. Without this decrease, the senior population would be even higher, approaching 24%.

One possible reason for the decrease in this age group of 62–74 is that they are part of what is

known as the “birth dearth”, a drop in the Country’s population that occurred after the Great

Depression. Another possible reason is that many may have moved to an area with a milder

winter. See the section describing the changes in population by age group.


WHERE WE STAND

23

Community Older Adults in the Community

Aged 60+ population: Herkimer County has a high percentage of the older senior citizens. Out

of the 62 counties in NYS, Herkimer County ranks #10 in its aged 60+ population with 23.28%

of the total County Population (2010 Census). Hamilton County ranked #1 in NYS with 32.42%

and the Bronx ranked lowest with only 14.93%. With a United States comparison, Herkimer

County ranked 824 out of the 3,141 counties; just shy of falling within the top 25%.

The age 85+ population in Herkimer County has more than tripled since 1960, from 547 people in

1960 to 1,737 in 2010. These 85+ seniors are much more likely to be in need of services in order

to keep them at home and out of nursing homes. Please refer to the Meals-on-Wheels and

congregate meal statistics in the “Physical & Emotional Health” section of this document.

The percentage of seniors in Herkimer County has consistently exceeded the percentage of

seniors in New York State and the United States from 1960 to 2010.


Table 17

24

Herkimer County Senior Citizen Population

Herkimer County 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

Total Population 66,370 67,633 66,714 65,797 64,427 64,519

Total Senior Population

(aged 60 & over) 11,588 11,545 13,164 14,243 13,781 15,022

Percentage of total population

(rounded) 17% 17% 20% 22% 21% 23%

Total Aged 85 & over 547 740 910 1,157 1,443 1,737

Percentage of SENIOR

population 4.7% 6.4% 6.9% 8.1% 10.5% 11.6%

Seniors (60+)

as a percentage of TOTAL Pop 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

United States 14% 14% 16% 17% 15% 18%

New York State 15% 16% 17% 18% 17% 19%

Herkimer County 17% 17% 20% 22% 21% 23%

Total Aged 85+

as a percentage of TOTAL Pop

United States 0.5% 0.7% 1.0% 1.2% 1.5% 1.8%

New York State 0.5% 0.7% 1.1% 1.4% 1.6% 2.0%

Herkimer County 0.8% 1.1% 1.4% 1.8% 2.2% 2.7%


As a result of being “elder rich”, our County is presented with unique challenges and

opportunities well ahead of the rest of the nation. The areas of Health Care, Elder Care,

Poverty and Quality of Life will be impacted greatly by these changes.

Change in Population by Age Group, 2000 and 2010 Census


Herkimer County Population Changes by Age Group

Age 2000 2010 % change

50–54 4,333 5,089 17.45% 25.99%

55–59 3,461 4,731 36.69%

60–61 1,233 1,770 43.55% 43.55%

62–64 1,704 2,396 40.61%

16.67% 65–69 2,525 3,114 43.55%

70–74 2,569 2,421 -5.76%

75–79 2,454 1,937 -21.07%

-7.46% 80–84 1,853 1,647 -11.12%

85+ 1,443 1,737 20.37%

Total 21,575 24,842 15.14%

Table 18

25

1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

United States 14% 14% 16% 17% 15% 18%

New York State 15% 16% 17% 18% 17% 19%

Herkimer County 17% 17% 20% 22% 21% 23%

0%

10%

20%

30%

Percentage of Seniors (60+) 1960 to 2010 Graph 8



Herkimer County’s older population (age 50 and above) has increased by 15.14% between 2000

and 2010. As Table 19 illustrates, the percentage of change for individual age groups over 50

differed dramatically between 2000 and 2010.

Adults in their 50s have increased by nearly 26% between 2000 and 2010. Over the next few

years, these people will ‘officially become seniors.’

The adults between age 62 and 74 have increased by nearly 17% during this same time period.

The number of adults aged 75+ have decreased by 7.46%; the number of adults aged 80+

increased by 3%; and the number of adults aged 85+ increased by 20% during this 10-year

period.

Projected Growth of the Elderly Population

The chart below illustrates the projected growth of Herkimer County’s older population between

the years 2010 and 2040.

Population Projections for Herkimer County 2010 to 2040

While it is projected that the overall population of Herkimer County will decrease over the next

30 years, the population of adults over age 60 is expected to increase by 34.5% during the same

time period. These data are only an educated guess and actual population changes may vary from

the above projections.

Table 19

26

2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040

Total Population 62,185 62,005 61,942 61,938 61,942 61,942 61,952

Ages 60 and over 14,333 15,844 17,596 19,228 19,643 19,553 19,272

Ages 65 and over 10,289 11,458 12,933 14,543 15,941 16,155 15,807

Ages 75 and over 4,867 4,830 5,289 6,224 7,253 8,277 9,026

Ages 85 and over 1,588 1,603 1,529 1,547 1,738 2,130 2,459

Ages 60–74 9,466 11,014 12,307 13,004 12,390 11,276 10,246

Ages 75–84 3,279 3,227 3,760 4,677 5,515 6,147 6,567

Source: New York State Office for the Aging, County Data Book 2011


Herkimer County’s older population, as a proportion of the total projected county population, is

expected to increase over the next 30 years.



New York State Office for the Aging

County Data Book 2011

http://www.aging.ny.gov/ReportsAndData/CountyDataBooks/22Herkimer.pdf

U.S. Census Bureau

DATA SOURCES

27

14,333 15,844 17,596 19,228 19,643 19,553 19,272

47,852 46,161 44,346 42,710 42,299 42,389 42,680

62,185 62,005 61,942 61,938 61,942 61,942 61,952

0

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

70,000

2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040

Population Projections

Herkimer County 2010–2040

Ages 60 and Over Under 60

Graph 9

Source: New York State Office for the Aging, County Data Book 2011


http://www.aging.ny.gov/ReportsAndData/CountyDataBooks/22Herkimer.pdf

Decent, safe, and affordable housing is a luxury that many take for granted. But for those

unable to provide their families with adequate accommodations, housing is an important issue.

Only 67 percent of the nation currently owns their own home. The development of new housing,

combined with the rehabilitation and preservation of existing housing stock, is a significant

contributing factor to the stability and growth of communities.

The 2010 Census indicates that there are 33,314 housing units in Herkimer County. Two percent

these homes are located in an urban area (City of Little Falls) and 13,869 (42%) of these homes

are considered to be within an urban cluster area (village or suburb). Rural homes make up

18,762 (56%) of the homes in Herkimer County.


WHERE WE STAND

28

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 Census Summary File 1, Table H2

Graph 10

Urbanized Area

2%

Urban Cluster

Areas42%

Rural Areas

56%

Housing Units in Herkimer County—2010

Community Housing

The median year of construction for year-round housing in Herkimer County is 1952. Herkimer

County, and neighboring counties Fulton, Montgomery, Otsego and Oneida fall below the NYS

average for their age of housing stock.

The 2008-2010 American Community Survey estimates that there are 33,314 housing units in

Herkimer County. Of those, 26,478 (79.5%) are occupied. Of the 26,478 occupied housing units

in Herkimer County, approximately 71.6% (18,950) are owner occupied and 7,528 (28.4%) are

occupied by a renter. The average household size of an owner-occupied unit is 2.47 persons, and

the average household size of a renter-occupied unit is 2.16 persons. The median value of an

owner-occupied home in Herkimer County is $89,500.

Fifty-five percent of the 18,950 owner-occupied units in Herkimer County have a mortgage

(10,344), compared to 65.3% in NYS and 67.8% in the United States. Table 21 on the next page

illustrates monthly owner costs for the 10,344 housing units in Herkimer County with a

mortgage. The median owner cost for a home with a mortgage in Herkimer County is $1,071; the

median monthly cost of home expenses without a mortgage is $446.

Table 22 on the next page illustrates the monthly owner costs as a percentage of household

income for Herkimer County and the U.S. According to the 2008-2010 American Community

Survey, one in five (19.4%) Herkimer County homeowners with a mortgage spent over 35% of

their household income on home expenses, compared to more than one in four (28.8%) of

mortgaged homeowners in the United States.

Almost half of all homeowners with a mortgage (47.6%), and 65% of homeowners without a

mortgage, spent less than 20% of their income on housing expenses.

County Median Year Built

Herkimer County 1952

Madison County 1960

Fulton County 1952

Montgomery County 1943

Columbia County 1960

Otsego County 1955

Oneida County 1954

New York State 1955

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008–2010 ACS

Table 20 Median Year of Construction for Year-Round Housing

29

Community Housing

Of the 26,478 occupied housing units in Herkimer County, 28.4% (7,528) are occupied by a

renter. The 2008-2010 American Community Survey indicates that the median rent paid in

Herkimer County is $582. The gross rent paid by percentage of renters is listed in the table on

the next page.

Table 22

30

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008–2010 American Community Survey

Table 21 Selected Monthly Owner Costs, Herkimer County

Housing units with a mortgage Total Number

10,344

Percentage of Total Housing

Units w/Mortgage

Less than $300/month 5 0.05%

$300 to $499/month 322 3.11%

$500 to $699/month 1,326 12.82%

$700 to $999/month 2,855 27.60%

$1,000 to $1,499/month 3,937 38.06%

$1,500 to $1,999/month 1,030 9.96%

$2,000 or more/month 869 8.40%

Median Cost (dollars) 1,071

Monthly Owner Costs as a Percentage of Household Income,

Herkimer County and U.S.: 2006-2008

Housing units with

mortgage

# of Units

Herkimer County

10,344

Herkimer County

PERCENT

United States

PERCENT

Less than 20.0 percent 4,926 47.6% 34.0%

20.0 to 24.9 percent 1,509 14.6% 15.9%

25.0 to 29.9 percent 933 9.0% 12.4%

30.0 to 34.9 percent 814 7.9% 8.9%

35.0 percent or more 2,002 19.4% 28.8%

Not computed 80


Community Housing

Table 24

Safe and decent rental housing at fair market levels was reported as the primary housing need

in Herkimer County by focus group participants in an affordable housing needs study done by the

NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal in 2009. The issue of absentee landlords was

also identified, as rental housing is increasingly owned by entities located outside the Region.

Rehab and modernization funds for existing housing stock was cited as a need for both owner-

occupied homes and rental stock. Although affordability of homeownership was found in much of 31

Gross Rent Paid, Herkimer County: 2008-2010

Occupied units

paying rent 6,935 Percent

Less than $200 103 1.5%

$200 to $299 708 10.2%

$300 to $499 1,684 24.3%

$500 to $749 2,633 38.0%

$750 to $999 1,350 19.5%

$1,000 to $1,499 448 6.5%

$1,500 or more 9 0.1%

Median Rent

(dollars) 582

Gross Rent as a Percentage of Household Income,

Herkimer County and U.S.: 2008-2010

Occupied units

paying rent

# of Units

Herkimer County

7,528

Herkimer County

PERCENT

United States

PERCENT

Less than 15.0 percent 1,034 15.3% 11.9%

15.0 to 19.9 percent 601 8.9% 12.2%

20.0 to 24.9 percent 955 14.2% 12.7%

25.0 to 29.9 percent 844 12.5% 11.6%

30.0 to 34.9 percent 694 10.3% 9.2%

35.0 percent or more 2,611 38.7% 42.5%

Not computed 789

Source: 2008–2010 American Community Survey

Table 23

The table below illustrates the monthly

rental costs as a percentage of

household income for Herkimer County

and the U.S. According to the 2008-

2010 American Community Survey,

almost 39% of Herkimer County renters

spent over 35% of their household

income on home expenses, which is

slightly lower than the percentage who

spent over 35% of their income in the

United States (42.5%).

Based on the ACS data, it appears that

renters in Herkimer County spend a

greater percentage of their income on

home related expenses than homeowners

(with or without a mortgage).


Community Housing

Source: 2011 New York State Statistical Yearbook, Table I-19

the Region, it was noted that a preponderance of second home purchases in the Old Forge area

has exerted strong upward pressure on home prices, making it difficult for year round residents

to afford homes.

Home Sales

Sales of existing single family homes decreased by 10.0% in Herkimer County between 2008 and

2010. Home sales also fell in most neighboring counties and in NYS during this time period.

Sales of Existing Single-Family Homes 2008–2010

The median sales price of existing single-family homes in Herkimer County rose by 5.1% between

2008 and 2010, but prices have remained lower than in neighboring counties. In NYS, the

median sales price of homes rose by 2.4% between 2008 and 2010, but big declines were

recorded in Sullivan (-16.4%) and Putnam (-15.5%) counties. The greatest gains in price during

this time period were recorded in Lewis (21.1%), Chemung (17.6%), Cayuga (15.8%) and

Fulton (15.7%) counties.

Source: 2011 New York State Statistical Yearbook, Table I-17

County 2008 2009 2010 % Change

2008 to 2010

Herkimer 220 15.4% 254 -22.0% 198 -10.0%

Madison 590 -15.9% 496 -6.0% 466 -21.0%

Montgomery 264 -14.0% 227 -10.1% 204 -22.7%

Otsego 309 -1.6% 304 4.9% 319 3.2%

Oneida 1,588 -9.1% 1,443 0.3% 1,448 -8.8%

New York State 80,521 -2.7% -4.6% 74,718 -7.2% 78,327

County 2008 2009 % Change

2008 to 2010 2010

Herkimer $82,750 $81,757 5.1% $86,960

Madison $129,450 $125,000 -3.4% $125,000

Montgomery $95,150 $110,000 -4.1% $91,250

Otsego $131,000 $126,523 -8.8% $119,500

Oneida $105,000 $103,900 4.8% $110,000

New York State $210,000 $195,000 2.4% $215,000

Table 25

Table 26

Median Sales Price of Existing Single-Family Homes 2008–2010

32

Community Housing

Foreclosure Rates and Subprime Mortgages

Despite the downturn in the economy, foreclosure rates in Herkimer County have remained

relatively low. Six foreclosure filings were made in Herkimer County in the first quarter of

2009, up from 4 filings during the same time period in 2008. According to research done by the

Kaiser group in June 2012, NYS ranks 39th of all states in foreclosure activity.

In a report by the NYS Office of the Comptroller, subprime loans were not used as extensively

in New York as in other states, in part because of tighter banking laws and better oversight. As

a share of all loans, subprime mortgages constitute only 5.4 percent of the total portfolio.

Roughly half of the subprime mortgages in New York State are variable rate loans, and of those,

approximately one-third reset in 2008.

Within the State, subprime usage varies dramatically; as of January 2008, there were roughly

150,000 subprime mortgages in New York. Most of these mortgages (73 percent), were used to

fund properties located downstate. Approximately 400 of these subprime mortgages were in

Herkimer County and existed at a rate of 12 per 1,000 housing units. 49% of these loans had a

delinquent payment within 12 months, and 7.3% went into foreclosure.

2011 New York State Statistical Yearbook

http://rockinst.org/nys_statistics/2011

Kaiser Health Facts

http://www.statehealthfacts.org/profileind.jsp?ind=649&cat=1&rgn=34

NYS Association of Realtors

NYS Banking Department

NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal , February 2009

Statewide Affordable Needs Study: Mohawk Valley Regional Report

Office of the NYS Comptroller

“Meltdown: The Housing Crisis and its Impact on New York State’s Local Governments”

U.S. Census Bureau

DATA SOURCES

33

Community Housing

Religious affiliation is the self-identified association of a person with a religion, denomination or

sub-denominational religious group. A denomination is the church or religious sect that forms a

subgroup of a religion.

Religiosity and religious involvement encompasses such dimensions as commitment to the religion,

the strength of religious beliefs, and participation in religious activities individually or as part of

a congregation. Research has indicated that religious affiliation affects economic and

demographic behavior because of its impact on many interrelated decisions that people make

over the life cycle. Religious involvement has also been associated with beneficial effects

related to health and well-being.

The table below lists the number of churches and synagogues in existence in Herkimer County

from 1980 through 2010. The types of churches and synagogues in existence have fluctuated

during this time period but the total number has remained relatively unchanged.


WHERE WE STAND

Herkimer County Churches and Synagogues 1980–2010

Religious Denomination 1980 1990 2000 2010

Baptist 13 13 11 13

Catholic 16 19 11 12

Episcopal 4 5 4 5

Jewish 1 1 1 1

Lutheran 5 5 5 3

Methodist 24 23 20 19

Presbyterian 6 5 6 5

Reformed 2 2 2 2

Russian Orthodox Not Available 1 1 2

Universalist 4 2 2 2

Other 9 10 13 21

Total 84 86 76 85

Source: The Association of Religion Data Archives

Table 27

34

Community Religious Affiliation

A nation-wide study done in 2010 by the Association of Religion Data Archives that included

Herkimer County found that religious affiliation had dropped between 2000 and 2010. The

population of Herkimer County in 2000 was 64,627; in 2010 it was 64,519. The total population

changed 0.1%. The adherent totals for 2000 (35,086) represented 54.5% of the 2000

population. The adherent totals for 2010 (24,805) represented 38.4% of the total population in

2010.

In the United States, the unadjusted adherent totals of religious groups include 48.8% of the

total population in 2010 (150,596,792).

A local pastor has stated that the ratio of people who are affiliated with a religious group to

those who actually attend church is about 4 to 1 or 25%. A great concern among Roman

Catholics is the dwindling number of priests who will be available to serve Herkimer County.

The 2009 Teen Assessment Project Survey results show a decrease in the number of youth who

report attending religious, education or prayer services at least one hour per week, from 48.8%

in 2001 to 39.4% in 2009.

Catholic Charities of Herkimer County

The Association of Religion Data Archives

http://www.thearda.com/mapsReports/reports/counties/36043_2010.asp

2009 Herkimer County Teen Assessment Project Survey

35

Source: The Association of Religion Data Archives

Table 28 Religious Affiliation—Herkimer County, 1980–2010

Religious Denomination 1980 1990 2000 2010

Evangelical Protestant 932 821 1,096 1,461

Mainline Protestant 14,932 11,763 9,654 7,135

Orthodox — — 397 334

Catholic 23,732 16,630 23,534 15,425

Other 419 745 405 —

Unclaimed/Not Affiliated 26,699 35,838 29,341 39,714

DATA SOURCES

Community Religious Affiliation

http://www.thearda.com/mapsReports/reports/counties/36043_2000.asp

Having adequate transportation allows individuals to access work, shopping and other activities

necessary for daily living. It also allows residents to attend appointments and events, and to access

services that help individuals maintain a good quality of life. Ensuring that transportation is available

to all residents is critical, especially in counties such as Herkimer.

Of the 26,478 households in 2010, approximately 89% had access to at least one vehicle. On aver-

age, there were 1.59 vehicles per household in Herkimer County in 2000 compared to 1.57 in 2010.

Approximately 2,831 households, or over one in ten Herkimer County households (10.7%), do not

have access to a vehicle. Approximately two-thirds of the households without a vehicle (64%)

are one-person households.


WHERE WE STAND

2000 Census 2010 Census Change 2000 to 2010

Subject Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent

Total population 64,427 100 64,519 100 92 0.1

HOUSEHOLD SIZE

Total households 25,740 100 26,478 100 738 2.9

1-person household 7,099 27.6 7,816 29.5 717 10.1

2-person household 8,688 33.8 9,438 35.6 750 8.6

3-person household 4,283 16.6 3,754 14.2 -529 -12.4

4-person household 3,420 13.3 3,188 12.0 -232 -6.8

5-or-more-person

household 2,250 8.7 2,282 8.6 32 1.4

Mean number of

persons per house-

hold 2.46 (X) 2.38 (X) 0.08 (X)

VEHICLES AVAILABLE

Total households 25,740 100 26,478 100 738 2.9

No vehicle available 2,524 9.8 2,831 10.7 307 12.2%

1 vehicle available 10,014 38.9 9,257 35.0 -757 -7.6%

2 vehicles available 9,747 37.9 10,313 38.9 566 5.8%

3 vehicles available 2,667 10.4 2,958 11.2 291 10.9%

4 vehicles available 577 2.2 806 3.0 229 39.7%

5 or more vehicles

available 211 0.8 313 1.2 102 48.3%

Mean vehicles per

household 1.59 (X) — (X) — (X)

Herkimer County—Household Size and Vehicles Available (2000 & 2010)

The 2010 U.S. Census

indicates that there

are 26,478 households

in Herkimer County, a

2.9% increase from

2000.

More households were

comprised of one or

two persons in 2010

than in 2000. One-

person households

increased by 10.1%, and

two-person households

rose by 8.6%.

Households that

contained three or

four persons

decreased by 12.4%

and 6.8% respectively,

and those with 5 or

more persons increased

by 1.4%. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census of Population and Housing, long-form (sample) data.

Table 29

36

Community Transportation

One-third of the households without a vehicle are made up of two people (19%), three

people (5%), or four or more people (12%).

Consistent and reliable transportation is an integral part of maintaining employment. The chart

below depicts the means of transportation used by workers 16 years and over in Herkimer

County to get to their place of employment.

Means of Transportation to Work

2000 Census 2010 Census Change 2000 to 2010

NUMBER PERCENT NUMBER PERCENT NUMBER PERCENT

Workers 16 years and over 28,622 100 28,163 100 -459 -1.6

Drove alone 22,132 77.3 23,023 81.7 891 4.0

Carpooled 3,570 12.5 2,360 8.4 -1,210 -33.9

Public transportation

(including taxicab) 302 1.1 97 0.3 -205 -67.9

Bicycle or walked 1,539 5.4 2,244 8.0 705 45.8

Motorcycle or other means 111 0.4 109 0.4 -2 -1.8

Worked at home 968 3.4 1,325 4.7 357 36.9

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 & 2010 Censuses

Table 30

37

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008–2010 ACS Graph 11


Nine out of ten workers in Herkimer County used a car or other vehicle to get to work in 2010,

by either driving alone (81.7%), carpooling (8.4%), or driving a motorcycle (0.4%). One in twelve

workers rode a bicycle or walked, and one out of every three hundred workers used public trans-

portation (which is two-thirds the number that used public transportation in 2000). Approxi-

mately 1,300 workers (4.7%) worked at home.

It takes a Herkimer County resident an average of 22.8 minutes to commute to work. About one

in five workers (21%) commute less than 10 minutes to work and three in ten (29%) travel more

than 30 minutes to work each day. One half of all workers take between 10 and 30 minutes.

Public Transportation

There is very limited public transportation available in Herkimer County. Commuter bus service

is available between Little Falls and Utica (Oneida County), along the Routes 5 and 5S valley

corridor. There are also two companies in Herkimer County that provide commercial taxi

services.


38

Graph 12


Community and Agency Assistance

Several communities and agencies have created small, localized services to meet the

transportation needs of specific areas and/or populations. These services, however, are limited

and do not fully meet the needs of the general population.

Examples of these types of services include the RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteers Program), the

Herkimer County Office for the Aging Transportation Program, and the Town of Webb volunteer

transportation program.

RSVP RIDE Program

The RSVP RIDE Program provides transportation for non-Medicaid ambulatory individuals, 55

years of age and older, to needed medical and health related services at facilities in Herkimer,

Oneida, and Otsego Counties. The program has been in existence since 1985. In recent years,

the program has expanded coverage to include destinations in Fulton, Onondaga, Monroe and

Albany Counties. Calls for transportation have to be received 48 hours in advance of scheduled

appointments. No weekend coverage is provided. The most common destinations include the

Dialysis Center at Faxton/St. Luke’s, Masonic Home Dialysis, Slocum Dickson, Faxton Hospital,

and the medical providers on Genesee Street in Utica. Clients are not permitted to give the

volunteer driver any reimbursement for the ride; however, donations can be made to the agency.

Volunteer drivers are allowed to submit mileage reimbursement requests to the program.

Drivers and clients are covered by CIMA excess auto, liability, and accidental insurance.

The RSVP RIDE Program is considered a valuable community asset as there is no other program

that provides this one-on-one, door-through-door, escort and transportation service for seniors

to destinations outside of Herkimer County from the Valley Corridor. Volunteers use their own

vehicles and must submit to background checks and training before becoming active in the

program.

On the next page is a chart showing the activity of the RSVP RIDE Program from 2003 to 2012.

One unmet need identified in this program has been the lack of volunteer drivers to meet the

trip requests of residents, which was most evident in 2007 and 2008. This could have been the

result of higher gas prices, the reduced number of calls a volunteer will accept, the loss of

experienced drivers in the program due to health issues, ‘snow birds’ who vacation half the year

in warmer climates, and the slow response to advertisements and presentations geared to

recruiting drivers.

The overall number of rides has decreased between 2007 and 2011, but rose by over 350 rides

in 2012. Although the number of volunteer drivers decreased from 32 drivers in 2003 to 21

drivers in 2012, the average number of volunteer hours per driver increased. 39


In 2012, a Client Satisfaction Survey was completed for the RSVP RIDE program. Two hundred

surveys were mailed and 65 were returned.

• Regarding the drivers, 100% agreed that the drivers were punctual, helpful and

courteous.

• 100% of clients stated that the transportation service is important to extremely

important in helping access medical services.

• 95% of clients stated that the transportation has helped to improve and/or maintain

their health status.

• 98% of clients agreed to strongly agreed that the transportation makes them better able

to stay in their home.

Herkimer County Office for the Aging Transportation Services

The Herkimer County Office for the Aging (OFA) provides transportation services to senior

citizens aged 60 and older. This service is a demand-response system, that is, rides are door-to

-door, not traveling from one bus stop to another. Rides are provided for medical appointments,

grocery store/pharmacy, banking, hairdresser, visiting, etc., basically wherever the senior wants

to go. Due to the demand for services, the OFA does not travel outside the County and basically

services the Valley Corridor from the town of Schuyler to Dolgeville. The OFA currently has

two vehicles, both equipped with wheelchair lifts; one vehicle operates 5 days/week and the

second operates 2 days/week.

40

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Volunteer

Drivers 32 32 32 26 22 22 27 22 18 21

Volunteer

Hrs. 3,239 3,159 2,575 2,703 2,381 2,110 1,814 2,056 2,105 3,671

Mileage 46,815 38,006 26,119 48,408 48,057 41,001 32,300 32,958 30,815 44,524

Clients

Transported 1,599 1,133 1,154 1,169 1,158 950 746 847 701 1,058

Unmet

Needs* 9 — — — 63 134 — — — —

Source: Catholic Charities of Herkimer County *driver unavailable

Table 31 RSVP RIDE Program Statistics 2003 to 2012


The number of rides provided from 2005 through 2011 has not changed significantly; this is

because the buses are basically at capacity. When the price of gasoline rose so dramatically in

2008, the demand for the OFA transportation service also rose dramatically. Many seniors were

unable to be served because the demand was far beyond the OFA’s capacity to absorb. Since

2008, the number of rides has returned to previous service levels.

During 2011, 176 seniors received transportation from the OFA (unduplicated count). The

average number of rides per senior served was 30 rides.

The demographics of seniors served with the OFA transportation service during 2011 was

81% females and 19% males. The ages of those served were 32% age 85 and older, 34% ages 75

to 84 and 35% ages 60 to 74.

Webb Community Transportation Services (CTS)

Community Transportation Services, Ltd. was incorporated in 1987 as a not-for-profit

(501, c, 3) organization. Its Certificate of Incorporation, Article 3, states “the purpose is to

assist the elderly, disabled and disadvantaged in the Central Adirondack area by providing

necessary transportation, without cost, for medical, health and other related necessary

services”. CTS is not a taxi service; it is a totally volunteer organization with no payroll. CTS

exists strictly on “free will” donations.

The chart on the next page depicts CTS program statistics for 2007 through 2012.

41

OFA Transportation

2005–2011

Year

# Rides

Provided

2011 5,326

2010 5,532

2009 5,403

2008 6,059

2007 5,297

2006 5,291

2005 5,659

Age of Clients Served with

OFA Transportation 2011

Age # %

85+ 56 32%

75–84 59 34%

60–74 61 35%

Total 176 100%

Source: Herkimer County OFA

Table 33


Table 32


DATA SOURCES

In 2012, a total of 398 trips were made to the following destinations: Utica (195),

Syracuse (22), Albany (2), Rome (3), Indian Lake (2), Herkimer (2), Ilion (1), Barneveld (43),

Hamilton (2), Boonville (8), and Old Forge (118). The percentage of rides given to Utica, Barne-

veld, and Old Forge has remained fairly steady for 2010–2012. Since 2010, the overall number

of rides has been decreasing.

Catholic Charities of Herkimer County, RSVP Ride Program


U.S. Census Bureau

Webb Community Transportation Services, Ltd.

42

Webb Community Transportation Service

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Total Trips 286 332 396 466 421 398

# of Riders 627 676 812 941 797 748

Riders for Medical 299 376 427 419 436 348

Riders Over 60 Years Old 94% 96% 97% 97% 97% 97%*

Total Mileage 31,516 34,541 38,496 39,680 40,477 38,663

Areas Served:

Town of Webb

Other

97%

3%

98%

2%

98%

2%

98%

2%

98%

2%

98%*

2%*

Days of the Week 7 7 7 7 7 7

# of Volunteer Drivers 30 32 34 32 29 30

Table 34

Source: Webb CTS Program * estimated


Herkimer County Labor Statistics 1990–2011

County Labor Force and Employment

The following chart depicts the average annual number of individuals in the Herkimer County

labor force, the number of individuals employed, the number of individuals that were unemployed

and the unemployment rate from 1990 to 2011.


WHERE WE STAND

Source: NYS Department of Labor, Local Area Unemployment Statistics Program

Year Herkimer County

Labor Force

Number Employed

(annual average)

Number Unemployed

(annual average)

Unemployment Rate

(annual average)

1990 30,200 28,400 1,800 6.1%

1991 30,400 27,700 2,700 9.0%

1992 30,200 27,600 2,700 8.8%

1993 30,300 27,900 2,300 7.7%

1994 30,700 28,600 2,100 6.7%

1995 31,400 29,200 2,200 7.0%

1996 31,500 29,400 2,100 6.7%

1997 31,600 29,500 2,100 6.7%

1998 31,500 29,600 1,900 5.9%

1999 31,400 29,700 1,600 5.2%

2000 31,700 30,400 1,300 4.3%

2001 31,400 29,900 1,400 4.5%

2002 31,400 29,700 1,700 5.4%

2003 31,400 29,600 1,800 5.7%

2004 31,500 29,700 1,800 5.6%

2005 31,700 30,000 1,700 5.3%

2006 31,300 29,800 1,600 5.1%

2007 31,000 29,500 1,500 5.0%

2008 31,200 29,300 1,900 6.1%

2009 31,100 28,600 2,500 8.0%

2010 31,400 28,700 2,700 8.5%

2011 30,900 28,300 2,600 8.4%

Employment breakouts by industry show the diversity of the economy. Wage data by industry

depicts the varied income levels of jobs in the area. The unemployment rate can be used as a

barometer of the general economic health of an area. Since all of these statistics are

calculated uniformly, comparison with other geographic areas can easily be done.

Table 35

43

Community Employment & Industry

The labor force comprises all civilians 16 years of age and over and are classified as employed

or unemployed. The number of individuals in Herkimer County that are part of the labor force

peaked in 2005 and has declined during the latest economic slowdown.

Employed persons are all civilians who, during the month, did any work at all as paid employees in

their own business, profession, or on their own farm or who worked 15 hours or more as unpaid

workers in an enterprise operated by a member of the family. Each person is counted only once,

even if he or she holds more than one job. The number of Herkimer County residents that were

gainfully employed peaked in 2000 and has dropped off the past few years during the national

slowdown.

Unemployed persons are all persons who had no employment during the month, were available for

work, except for temporary illness, and had made specific efforts to find employment some time

during the 4-week period. Persons who were waiting to be recalled to a job from which they had

been laid off need not have been looking for work to be classified as unemployed.

44

Year Herkimer County New York State United States

1990 6.1% 5.3% 5.6%

1991 9.0% 7.3% 6.9%

1992 8.8% 8.6% 7.5%

1993 7.7% 7.9% 6.9%

1994 6.7% 6.9% 6.1%

1995 7.0% 6.4% 5.6%

1996 6.7% 6.3% 5.4%

1997 6.7% 6.5% 4.9%

1998 5.9% 5.7% 4.5%

1999 5.2% 5.2% 4.2%

2000 4.3% 4.5% 4.0%

2001 4.5% 4.9% 4.7%

2002 5.4% 6.2% 5.8%

2003 5.7% 6.4% 6.0%

2004 5.6% 5.8% 5.5%

2005 5.3% 5.0% 5.1%

2006 5.1% 4.6% 4.6%

2007 5.0% 4.6% 4.6%

2008 6.1% 5.4% 5.8%

2009 8.0% 8.3% 9.3%

2010 8.5% 8.6% 9.6%

2011 8.4% 8.2% 9.0%

Table 36 Unemployment Rates 1990 to 2011: Herkimer County, NYS and US

Source: NYS Department of Labor, Research and Statistics Division

US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics


The unemployment rate for all civilian workers represents the number of unemployed as a

percent of the civilian labor force. Although the unemployment rate has climbed in 2008, 2009,

and 2010, it is still below the record jobless rate posted in 1991. The good news is that the

unemployment rate inched downwards in 2011, following 3 consecutive years of increases.

Location of Employment

According to the 2010 Census, there were 28,582 Herkimer County residents employed inside

and outside of Herkimer County. Of these, 15,005 people (or 52.5%) both lived and worked in

Herkimer County. The remaining 47.5% of gainfully employed residents (13,576 people), worked

outside of the county.

Most of the Herkimer County residents that worked outside of the county were employed in

Oneida County (9,895 individuals). Significantly less were employed in Otsego County (715

individuals), Montgomery County (605 individuals), and Fulton County (600 individuals).

Of those individuals that work within Herkimer County, almost nine out of ten are Herkimer

County residents. Residents of Oneida County (7.2%), Otsego (1.5%), Montgomery (1.2%), Fulton

(1.2%), and Lewis County (0.4%) commute to Herkimer County for employment.

45


Graph 13


Table 37

Types of Employment—Herkimer County Industries

The following chart depicts the industries present in Herkimer County, the number of persons

employed and the average wages earned in 2011.

Employment information, by place of work, is based on quarterly reports from employers covered

under New York State’s Unemployment Insurance Law. Data by industry (using the North

American Industry classification system) include employment, total annual and average annual

wages, and the number of establishments.

The number of jobs in Herkimer County fell 643 or 3.8 percent from 2006 to 2011. Most of the

decline occurred in Manufacturing, which fell by 456, or 15.7 percent over the 5-year period.

Manufacturing job losses were centered in chemical manufacturing, reflecting the closing of

LaSalle Laboratories in Little Falls during this time period. Other manufacturing industries with 46


Industry Number of

Firms Employment Total Payroll

Average

Annual Pay

Employment

Change

2006-2011

Employment

% Change

2006-2011

All Industries 1,274 16,276 $516,321,600 $31,723 -643 -3.8%

Total Private: 1,157 11,917 $361,563,994 $30,340 -438 -3.5%

Natural Resources, Mining

& Construction 161 656 $29,071,908 $44,317 -55 -7.7%

Manufacturing 56 2,446 $104,052,468 $42,540 -456 -15.7%

Trade, Transportation &

Utilities 271 2,918 $88,452,089 $28,102 -62 -2.1%

Information 21 126 $5,544,197 $35,808 -182 -59.1%

Financial Activities 83 396 $13,111,076 $29,000 -75 -15.9%

Professional & Business

Services 119 610 $21,243,350 $33,643 47 8.3%

Private Educational &

Health Services 132 2,382 $63,433,660 $26,972 240 11.3%

Leisure & Hospitality 186 1,832 $26,144,984 $13,888 166 10.0%

Other Services 125 548 $10,433,963 $14,920 -2 -0.4%

Unclassified 21 5 $76,299 $13,134 -22 -81.5%

Total Government: 117 4,359 $154,757,606 $32,861 -205 -4.5%

Federal 20 106 $5,196,739 $43,250 -18 -14.5%

State 7 197 $12,416,070 $60,337 -10 -4.8%

Local

(includes Public Schools) 90 4,056 $137,144,797 $31,254 -177 -4.2%

Types of Employment—Herkimer County Industries 2011


job losses include wood product manufacturing and machinery manufacturing.

Government employment fell 205 or 4.5 percent from 2006 to 2011. Most of the decline was in

local government, which includes public schools and colleges, and local government administration,

such as county, town and village government.

Job gains were greatest in Private Educational and Health Services, which grew 240 or 11.2

percent from 2006 to 2011. Gains occurred in Ambulatory Health Care Services (doctor’s

offices, etc.) and Social Assistance. Leisure and hospitality added 166 jobs or 10 percent,

primarily at food services and drinking establishments (restaurants).

Herkimer County fared slightly worse than Upstate New York (as defined by the 52 counties

outside New York City, Long Island and the Putnam-Rockland-Westchester MSA) in employment

growth. The Upstate New York areas posted a decline of 72,297 jobs, or 2.3 percent, from

2006–2011. Herkimer County employment declined 3.8 percent over the same period.

One industry of particular interest in Herkimer County and Upstate New York has been

manufacturing. Compared to the Upstate area, manufacturing losses in Herkimer County were

less harsh in the last 5 years. The upstate area lost 17.1 percent of its manufacturing

employment base from 2006 to 2011, but Herkimer County’s decline was only 15.7 percent. This

is an improvement over previous time periods. (During the 2003-2008 period, manufacturing job

losses in Herkimer County was 29 percent, compared to only a 10 percent decline upstate.) Also,

manufacturing employment in Herkimer County has grown slightly each year since 2008.

47



3,383

3,2383,160

2,902

2,4922,407 2,410 2,441 2,446

2,000

2,200

2,400

2,600

2,800

3,000

3,200

3,400

3,600

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Herkimer County Manufacturing Jobs 2003–2011 Graph 14

Although not as large as it was years ago, Manufacturing plays an important part in the local

community. Manufacturing tends to be comprised of full-time higher-paying jobs with good

benefits. Manufacturing also brings in money from outside the local area. Also, numerous

suppliers benefit from manufacturing. Manufacturing jobs in Herkimer County make up 15

percent of total employment , but more importantly, total manufacturing wages comprise 20.2

percent of the total payroll for all jobs in the county.

The average manufacturing wage in Herkimer County was $42,540 in 2011, 42.7 percent higher

than the average of $29,810 for all nonmanufacturing jobs in the county. The graph below

shows the average annual wage in manufacturing in Herkimer County compared to the average

annual wage in nonmanufacturing.

Creating and Maintaining Jobs

Between January 2000 and March 2013, thirty-nine employers in Herkimer County have received

assistance from the Herkimer County Industrial Development Agency, including twenty-four

Herkimer County employers that have received over $5,300,000 in loans/grants. As a result of

IDA assistance and grant/loan support to businesses, approximately 1,000 new jobs have been

created and 2,657 jobs have been retained. 48


2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Average Annual Mfg Wage $32,642 $33,558 $33,777 $35,526 $37,141 $39,139 $40,119 $41,289 $42,540

Annual Wage of all Non-Mfg

Employees$23,361 $24,329 $25,657 $26,456 $27,604 $27,942 $28,474 $29,142 $29,810

$0

$10,000

$20,000

$30,000

$40,000

$50,000

Wages—Herkimer County

Manufacturing vs. Non-Manufacturing Employment Graph 15


1 Entry wage: The mean (average) of the bottom third of wages in an occupation. 2 Experienced wage: The mean (average) of the top two-thirds of wages in an occupation.


49

TITLE

Employment Change Annual Average Openings Wages

2006 2016 Level % Total Growth Replacement Median Entry1 Experienced2

Total, All Occupations 221,410 230,530 9,120 4.1 5,820 910 4,910 $30,560 $19,300 $46,790

Management Occ. 9,200 9,330 130 1.4 210 10 200 $76,630 $51,650 $102,700

Business and Financial

Operations Occ. 6,680 7,050 370 5.5 170 40 130 $50,790 $35,150 $65,550

Computer and Mathematical

Occupations 2,850 3,140 290 10.2 90 30 60 $58,340 $35,370 $73,150

Architecture and

Engineering Occ. 2,190 2,190 0 0.0 50 0 50 $60,300 $37,110 $80,920

Life, Physical, and Social

Science Occ. 1,630 1,760 130 8.0 50 10 40 $59,470 $35,400 $74,670

Community and Social Services

Occupations 5,310 5,960 650 12.2 160 70 90 $38,360 $24,340 $49,380

Legal Occupations 1,450 1,520 70 4.8 40 10 30 INA INA INA

Education, Training, and

Library Occ. 18,170 20,080 1,910 10.5 550 190 360 $43,740 $22,100 $57,720

Arts, Design,

Entertainment, Sports, and

Media Occupations

3,490 3,620 130 3.7 90 10 80 $36,900 $22,430 $51,730

Healthcare Practitioners and

Technical

Occupations

13,320 14,880 1,560 11.7 410 160 250 $49,990 $31,940 $75,860

Healthcare Support

Occupations 9,150 10,910 1,760 19.2 270 180 90 $25,140 $20,090 $29,860

Protective Service Occ. 7,050 7,240 190 2.7 210 20 190 $49,000 $29,460 $55,640

Food Preparation and Serving

Related Occ. 16,470 17,400 930 5.6 670 90 580 $18,580 $16,240 $23,270

Building and Grounds Cleaning

and Maintenance Occupations 7,630 8,180 550 7.2 190 60 130 $22,680 $17,520 $29,520

Personal Care and Service

Occupations 7,810 8,920 1,110 14.2 300 110 190 $19,750 $16,830 $24,270

Sales and Related Occ. 21,920 21,960 40 0.2 700 0 700 $21,490 $16,520 $35,270

Office and Administrative

Support Occ. 36,960 36,890 -70 -0.2 780 0 780 $28,040 $20,190 $35,010

Farming, Fishing, and Forestry

Occupations 1,780 1,810 30 1.7 40 0 40 INA INA INA

Construction and Extraction

Occupations 9,190 9,920 730 7.9 220 70 150 $35,720 $25,820 $45,420

Installation, Maintenance, and

Repair Occ. 7,980 8,030 50 0.6 140 10 130 $34,100 $22,740 $44,630

Production Occupations 16,560 14,840 -1,720 -10.4 330 0 330 $27,660 $19,020 $34,690

Transportation and Material

Moving Occ. 14,630 14,890 260 1.8 350 30 320 $28,330 $19,380 $34,660

Table 38 Employment Projections—Herkimer County 2006-2016


The table on page 49 shows the number of persons in the Mohawk Valley Region employed in

each of the major employment categories in 2006 and the number expected in 2016. The total

number of jobs is expected to grow from 221,410 in 2006 to 230,530 in 2016, a gain of 9,120 or

4.1 percent.

Occupational groups with the highest growth rates include Computer and Mathematical

Occupations (+10.2%), Community and Social Services Occupations (+12.2 percent), Education,

Training and Library Occupations (+10.5%), Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations

(+11.7%), Healthcare Support Occupations (+19.2%), and Personal Care and Service Occupations

(+14.2%).

Production Occupations are projected to decline 1,720 or 10.4 percent from 2006 to 2016 due

to continuing declines in the factory sector.

It is interesting to note that job openings are not only due to growth in an occupation, but also

the need to replace workers that retire, move out of the area, die or leave their occupation

grouping for a different occupation. Of the 5,820 expected annual job openings, only 910 or

15.6 percent are due to growth. The other 84.4 percent of job openings are due to replacement

needs cited above. For example, although the number of production workers will decline over

the 10-year period, there will be 330 job openings per year for replacement needs.

50

Occupational Projections 2006–2016 Mohawk Valley Region

Change % Change

Typical Education and Training Requirements 2006 2016 2006-2016 2006-2016

Short-term on-the-job training 78,990 82,450 3,460 4.4%

Moderate-term on-the-job training 41,590 41,440 -150 -0.4%

Long-term on-the-job training 10,750 11,050 300 2.8%

Work experience in a related occupation 14,440 14,720 280 1.9%

Postsecondary vocational award 12,250 13,140 890 7.3%

Associate degree 7,620 8,600 980 12.9%

Bachelor’s degree 21,680 23,370 1,690 7.8%

Bachelor’s or higher degree, plus work experience 7,190 7,230 40 0.6%

Master’s degree 3,870 4,410 540 14.0%

Doctoral degree 370 390 20 5.4%

First professional degree 2,210 2,380 170 7.7%

Information not available 20,450 21,350 900 4.4%

TOTAL 221,410 230,530 9,120 4.1%

* Based on total that excludes “Information not available”

category

Jobs requiring training/experience but not post-secondary

education 145,770 149,660 3,890 2.7%

Jobs requiring post-secondary education 55,190 59,520 4,330 7.8%


Table 39


DATA SOURCES

The table on page 50 shows the number of jobs in the Mohawk Valley in 2006 that require

specific education and training requirements compared to the expected number of jobs in 2016

that require the same education and training requirements. For example, the number of jobs

that will require short-term on-the-job training is expected to grow 4.4 percent from 2006–

2016, while the jobs that will require an associate degree is expected to grow 12.9 percent.

Overall, jobs requiring training/experience, but not post-secondary education, are expected to

rise 2.7 percent over the ten-year period, compared with a 7.8 percent increase in jobs requiring

post-secondary education. Although jobs requiring post-secondary education are expected to

grow faster than other jobs, the total number of jobs in 2016 that will require post-secondary

education (59,520) will still be well below the number of jobs not requiring post-secondary

education (149,660).

Herkimer County Industrial Development Agency

New York State Department of Labor Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau

U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics

51



WHERE WE STAND

The health and well-being of a community—physical, social, economic or political—cannot be

determined by statistics alone. Many intangible, immeasurable factors must also be considered.

One of these factors is the ability of a community to provide its residents with a variety of

amenities and opportunities that make it a great place to live, work, and raise a family. It also

includes the perceptions of community members and their level of belief that community factors

support or inhibit their quality of life.

Herkimer County’s green space is crucial to the overall health of families and communities. Our

parks and trails give the opportunity to build strong families, spawning economic development,

and enhancing the area’s quality of life. With nearly a dozen golf courses, over 30 parks and

scores of hiking trails, people of all ages and abilities have the opportunity to play, relax, and

explore natural resources in Herkimer County.

Tracks and Hiking Trails

The recent edition of the Herkimer County Trail Guide displays trails that include the rolling

hills of the southern part of the county, along the Mohawk River Valley and Erie Canal, and north

throughout the Adirondack Mountains. Walking, running, in-line skating, bicycling, and cross

country skiing are some of the many activities that take place on these trails.

52

Community Quality of Life

Rock Climbing—Moss Island

Table 40 on the next page details the

tracks and hiking trails available in

Herkimer County. These tracks and

trails are located throughout the county

and an be utilized by both the general

public and experienced hikers alike.

Copies of the guide are available

throughout the Mid-York Library

System in Herkimer County, and an

electronic version is available online

through the following link:

http://herkimerhealthnet.com/PDF/

NEWTRAIL.pdf.

http://herkimerhealthnet.com/PDF/NEWTRAIL.pdf

http://herkimerhealthnet.com/PDF/NEWTRAIL.pdf

Table 40 List of Tracks and Trails in Herkimer County

Physical Activities

The tables on the following pages represent a selection of opportunities for outdoor physical

activity, including playgrounds, public beaches, and tennis courts.

A Physical Activities guide is available to the public. This comprehensive guide includes listings

for youth recreation programs, places to swim (pools and beaches), fitness facilities, sports

fields, tennis courts, track and field areas, playgrounds, parks, and trails. Even during the

winter season, there are facilities available to the community as well as outdoor recreational

sports. This guide is available throughout the county and online through the following link:

http://www.herkimerhealthnet.com/PDF/2010physical.pdf.

53

Name Type Length

(mi.) Trailhead

Rondaxe Mountain (Bald Mountain) Trail Rondaxe Road, Old Forge 1.0

Bubb-Sis Trail Trail State Route 28, Old Forge 0.9

Canal Trail Trail State Route 5S, Little Falls 2.0

Cascade Lake Trail Trail Big Moose Road, Eagle Bay 3.9

Dolgeville-Salisbury Greenway Trail Trail Spencer Street, Dolgeville 1.6

Faville Falls Trail Peckville Road, Dolgeville 0.25

Keegan’s Trail Trail State Route 8, Ohio 0.75

McCauley Mountain Trail Trail Park Avenue, Old Forge 1.25

McKeever Area Trails Trail McKeever Road, Forestport 0.5–7.6

Moreland Trail Trail Ritter Road, Little Falls 0.7

Moss Island Trail Trail Lock 17, Little Falls 0.7

Moss Lake Trail Trail Big Moose Road, Eagle Bay 2.4

Nick’s Lake Loop Trail Trail Bisby Road, Old Forge 4.5

Russell Park Trail Trail Park Road, Ilion ~

Dolgeville Central School High School Track Track Slawson Street, Dolgeville —

Frankfort-Schuyler MS/HS Track Track Palmer Street, Frankfort —

Herkimer B.O.C.E.S. Nature Trail Trail Gros Boulevard, Herkimer —

HCCC Nature Trail Trail 100 Reservoir Road, Herkimer 0.8

Ilion High School Track Track Bomber Boulevard, Ilion —

Mohawk School Track Track 28 Grove Street, Mohawk —

Mt. Markham Central School Nature & Fitness Trail &

Track Both Fairground Road, West Winfield 0.7

Poland Central School Nature Trail Trail State Route 8, Poland 0.4–0.6

Robert B. Woodruff Outdoor Learning Center Trail Owen D. Young School, Van Hornesville 0.6

West Canada Valley School Nature Trail & Track Both State Route 28 Newport 2.15

Source: Herkimer County HealthNet, Inc., Trail Guide


http://www.herkimerhealthnet.com/PDF/2010physical.pdf

Playgrounds

Public Beaches

54

Name Location

Ward Wheelock, Jr. Community Park State Route 51, Cedarville

American Legion 529 Main Street, Cold Brook

Village Playground Helmer Avenue, Dolgeville

Fairfield Playground Hard Scrabble Road, Fairfield

Frankfort Marina Railroad Street, Frankfort

Hilltop Park 4 Hilltop Road, Frankfort

Basloe Playground Gilbert Street, Herkimer

Brookwood Park West German Street, Herkimer

H.A.R.C. Park East German Street, Herkimer

Harmon Field Frederick Street, Herkimer

Herkimer Town Park, Playground and Fields Pine Grove Road, Herkimer

Lou Ambers Fields & Playground Marginal Road, Herkimer

Barringer Road School Playground Barringer Road, Ilion

Remington School Playground East North Street, Ilion

Russell Park Park Road, Ilion

Sixth Avenue & Montgomery Street Playground Ilion

Dave Whalen Community Park East Street, Ilion

Village Park Park Street, Middleville

Fisher Elementary School 10 Fisher Avenue, Mohawk

Village Playground 7536 East Street, Newport

Recreational Park Nellis Road, Ohio

26 Cold Brook Street, Poland

Town Park State Route 29, Salisbury Center

Woods Lane Park Woods Lane, Schuyler

North Street Pavilion North Street, Old Forge

Owen D. Young School State Route 80, Van Hornesville

Town Park U.S. Highway 20, West Winfield

Mount Markham Elementary Fairground Road, West Winfield

Source: Herkimer County HealthNet, Inc., Physical Activities Guide

Table 41


Name Location Phone

Baker’s Beach Lake Road, Richfield Springs (315) 858-2043

Hinckley Day Use Area 281 Stormy Hill Road, Cold Brook (315) 826-3800

Nick’s Lake Campground 278 Bisby Road, Old Forge (315) 369-3314

Town of Webb Beach Lakeview Lane, Old Forge (315) 369-2039


Table 42

Along the Erie Canal—Photo by Bart Carrig

Tennis Courts

55


Name Location

Dolgeville Central School 28 Slawson Street Ext., Dolgeville

Herkimer Central School 801 West German Street, Herkimer

Herkimer County Community College 100 Reservoir Road, Herkimer

East Herkimer Elementary School Pine Grove Road, Herkimer

Ilion Central School 1 Golden Bomber Road, Ilion

Little Falls Veterans Park Burwell Street, Little Falls

Lou Ambers Tennis Court Marginal Road, Herkimer

Little Falls Central School 1 High School Road, Little Falls

Mt. Markham Central School 500 Fairground Road, West Winfield

Old Forge Main Street, Old Forge

Town Park State Route 29, Salisbury Center

West Canada Valley Central School 5447 State Route 28, Newport

Table 43


Graph 16

Arts & Culture

The table below depicts the amount of money (in 2010 dollars) granted by the New York State

Council on the Arts for arts expenditures in Herkimer County, neighboring counties and NYS

(excluding NYC), expressed as a rate per resident. Grants are issued to local organizations,

schools and governments.

New York State Art Grants

According to the Herkimer and Oneida Counties Community Indicators Project, New York State

funding for the arts has fallen in the last several years throughout the state and in Herkimer

and Oneida counties. In 2010, per-capita funding was 24 cents per resident in Herkimer County

and $1.53 in Oneida County, compared to $1.53 for the state (excluding NYC). Herkimer County

saw arts funding decline by more than 80% compared to 2001, while it went down about 30% in

NYS during the same time period. While neighboring Oneida County received greater funding

than its comparison counties, Herkimer County received more than one county and less than the

other. 56

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

NYS (excluding NYC) $2.12 $1.89 $1.84 $1.54 $1.53 $1.46 $1.58 $1.80 $1.43 $1.53

Herkimer $1.46 $2.56 $1.41 $0.97 $0.91 $1.21 $0.83 $0.79 $0.11 $0.24

Oneida $2.22 $1.73 $1.88 $1.48 $1.36 $1.38 $1.85 $1.93 $1.56 $1.56

Montgomery $0.92 $0.89 $1.10 $0.83 $1.47 $0.88 $2.02 $1.50 $0.21 $1.21

Fulton $0.17 $0.00 $0.00 $0.08 $0.08 $0.08 $0.13 $0.11 $0.11 $0.00

$0.00

$0.50

$1.00

$1.50

$2.00

$2.50

$3.00

Dollars

Per

Res

iden

t

Source: Leadership Alliance for a Vital Community, Herkimer and Oneida Counties: Community Indicators Project


Quality of Life Survey

In September 2005, Zogby International conducted a telephone survey of 1,205 residents of

Oneida and Herkimer Counties. Residents were asked their opinion on topics such as jobs, the

economy, community, government and overall quality of life. Responses for recording purposes

were separated by three regions: Utica and suburbs, Rome and suburbs and Herkimer County.

Herkimer County responses to select questions are illustrated in the charts below.

One in five Herkimer County residents reported that the change of seasons and the friendly

community were the best things about this area. About one in six respondents believed that it

was the overall quality of life that was the best thing about the area. The percentage of

respondents indicating that the “Friendly Community” and “Overall Good Quality of Life” were

the best things about the area was higher in Herkimer County than in the Utica and Rome areas.

In a separate question, more than three out of four Herkimer County residents polled (77.8%)

indicated that a good quality of life is very important to them personally. Seven out of ten

respondents (71.6%) believe that communities in Herkimer County provide a good quality of life

“well” to “very well”. Responses in the “very well” category exceeded those recorded for the

Utica and Rome areas. 57

20.4% 20.3%

17.5%

14.4%

7.1%6.3% 6.0%

3.1% 2.5% 2.4%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

Change of

Seasons

Friendly

Community

Not Sure Good

Quality of

Life

Adirondacks Family

is Here

Smaller City Cost of Living Diverse

Culture

Other

What is the best thing about this area? Graph 17

Source: MV The Next Step, 2005. Zogby International and the Observer-Dispatch


Three out of ten survey respondents in Herkimer County believed that the availability of jobs

was the worst thing about the area. One in six residents believed that it was the depressed

economy. These responses were higher than those recorded for the Utica and Rome areas.


Physical Activities Guide

http://herkimerhealthnet.com/PDF/PhysicalActivityGuide.pdf

Leadership Alliance for a Vital Community

Herkimer and Oneida Counties: Community Indicators Project

http://www.communityprofiles.org/herkimeroneida/glance_all.php

Valley United Way

Mohawk Valley, the Next Step. 2005, Zogby International and the Observer-Dispatch

http://www.uticaod.com/static/news/visions/visions_index.htm

58

29.8%

19.6%

16.0%

13.0%

6.1% 6.0%3.3%

2.2%

4.1%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

Availability of

Jobs

Not Sure Depressed

Economy

Weather

Snow

Quality

of Jobs

Taxes Local

Government

Roads/

Sidewalks in

Disrepair

Other

Graph 18

Source: MV The Next Step, 2005. Zogby International and the Observer-Dispatch

What is the worst thing about the area?


DATA SOURCES

http://herkimerhealthnet.com/PDF/PhysicalActivityGuide.pdf

http://www.communityprofiles.org/herkimeroneida/glance_all.php

http://www.uticaod.com/static/news/visions/visions_index.htm

How children spend their time when out of school influences their development. Through

involvement with after school activities, such as recreation programs, clubs and sports activities,

children can learn social skills, improve academic performance and develop relationships with

caring adults.

Based on research findings catalogued by the Child Trends Data Bank:

• Participation in club activities during middle childhood is linked to higher academic

performance and self-esteem;

• Participation in sports is linked to higher social competence and contributes to better health

and lower likelihood of obesity;

• Some research shows that children of low-income families who attend after-school programs

are less likely to exhibit antisocial and problem behaviors; and

• Older children who consistently participate in after-school activities are more likely to

attend college, vote, and volunteer later in life.

The Child Trends Data Bank documents that adolescents who volunteer their services in the

community are more likely to experience overall positive academic, psychological, and

occupational outcomes and are less likely to become pregnant or use drugs.

The Community Domain is where youth spend a lot of their free, often unsupervised, time and

where young people can fall into trouble or become engaged in positive pursuits. There are a

select number of questions in the Teen Assessment Project (TAP) Survey related to how youth

perceive their community, how they spend their time in the community, how religious they are,

how safe they feel there, and how important they believe it is to contribute to their community.

It appears that our youth are finding more fun things to do within their communities, but

earning money and finding jobs is becoming more difficult. They also seem to feel that adults

value and care about teens more than their counterparts from the two previous surveys. The

high number who report feeling safe in their communities remains steady throughout the four

surveys, and over half of all teens feel it is important to contribute to their community.

One question that explores youth perception of their community asks whether they agree that

there are fun things to do in their community. There seems to be a positive trend emerging in

Herkimer County in this area. When the survey was first administered in 1997, only 27% of

teens felt there were fun things to do in their community, in 2001 the number rose to 31%, in

2005 the number rose again to 38%. In the most recent TAP survey done in 2009, 43% of youth

taking the survey responded that there were fun things to do in their community.


WHERE WE STAND

59

Community Youth Perceptions of the Community

Along the same positive lines, respondents agree that more adults in the community care about

and value teens. In 2001, the number of teens who felt this way was 55%; in 2005, the number

rose to 57%; and in 2009, it rose again to 62%.

As seems to be the case nationally, Herkimer County teens are reporting that they are finding it

more difficult to find a job and earn money. In both the 2001 and 2005 surveys, over half

(55%) of teens responded that there were opportunities to earn money and find jobs. However,

in the 2009 survey, this number dropped to 43%.

A series of questions in the TAP Survey ask how much time youth spend on various activities;

several of the activities are within the community domain. Results from the 2009 survey

indicate that our youth seem to be spending less time on the following activities than they did in

the past: participating in school community activities—62% say they spend an hour or less on

this each month; participating in organized sports—45% spend an hour or less per month; and

attending religious functions—almost 84% indicate they spend an hour or less per month.

Four out of five young people said they feel safe in the community, and this has been consistent

over the four TAP Surveys (1997—80%, 2001—82%, 2005—79%, 2009—79%). The strength of

this sense of “safeness” has dissipated somewhat since the 1997 survey. While as many as 25%

of all teens said that they “strongly agreed” with the statement that they felt safe in their

communities, only 17% said the same thing in 2009. Despite this, the overall sense of “safeness”

in the community remains high for our youth.

Graph 19

60

The Percentage of Teens in Herkimer County That Agree That In Their Communities….

43%

43%

62%

38%

55%

57%

27%

55%

55%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

There Are Fun

Things To Do

There Are Opportunities

to Earn Money

Adults Care About

Kids My Age

2001 2005 2009

Source: 2009 Herkimer County Teen Assessment Project Survey


There are some indicators that the community, by restricting youth access to tobacco, alcohol

and marijuana, has become more protective of our young people. When asked how easy it is for

them to get these substances, in each case between 2001 and 2009 fewer indicated that it was

either “easy” or “very easy” first for tobacco (2001—56%, 2005—47%, 2009—41%), second for

alcohol (2001—60%, 2005—56%, 2009—49%), and third for marijuana (2001—43%, 2005—37%,

2009—32%). The trend seems to indicate that our youth are finding it more difficult to obtain

these illegal substances.

Herkimer County Youth Summit

At the 2009 Herkimer County Youth Summit, attendees were given a list of ten important

attributes of successful schools and communities and were asked to judge whether their

community and/or school possessed these qualities. When asked if there is an “evidence of strong community connectedness and pride,” 80% of the Youth Summit teams reported that

their community/school had this attribute. When asked if there were “fun and safe places for youth” to go after school, on weekends and in the summer, 90% of the Youth Summit teams

reported that their community and/or school did not have this attribute. The development of a

recreation center, a zoo, and additional employment opportunities were suggested. Youth also

indicated that because communities are small, it is very hard to have activities that the youth

population wants. The amount of money needed and community support were cited as additional

barriers.

It is Important to Contribute to My Community . . .


61

Graph 20

67%

33%

69%

31%

70%

30%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Agree

Disagree

2001 2005 2009

The number of youth

who agree that it is

important to

contribute to their

community has been

fairly steady in past

surveys (2001—70%,

2005—69%,

2009—67%), however

this number has

decreased by a few

percentage points in

each survey.

Additionally, the

number of youth who

admit to having

committed a crime

such as vandalism,

shoplifting, or assault

has also decreased by

a few points (2005—

25%, 2009—22%).


DATA SOURCES

62

Russian Monastery—near Jordanville

In the subsequent Youth Summits in 2010, 2011 and 2012, the student participants focused on

the issues of intolerance, bullying, technology etiquette and substance abuse. When identifying

root causes for substance abuse, they often cited the lack of healthy, fun activities for youth in

the community. However, discussion in these three Youth Summits did not specifically dwell on

their perception of their community and school.

Child Trends Data Bank


Herkimer-Oneida Counties Comprehensive Planning Program:

Herkimer County Youth Summit Report



WHERE WE STAND

Employment is important for youth for various reasons. It provides a youth development

opportunity which can help youth develop into productive adults, allows a chance for personal

growth, and serves as a skill building opportunity. Youth learn to interact with adults and peers

in a professional capacity, learn appropriate work related skills such as dress, promptness, and

performance expectations that they will take with them throughout life. From an economic

standpoint it provides the opportunity to earn a paycheck which can help families in difficult

financial situations and provide a chance for youth to learn to manage their own funds.

Employment assistance for adults to help them enter or re-enter the workforce, improve their

work-related skills and learn about resources available is an important service that promotes the

economic well-being of individuals, families and communities.

Summer Youth Employment Program

The Herkimer County Youth Bureau Summer Employment Program employs youth for a seven

week time period each summer. Youth must initiate the process of obtaining a job by calling

their individual county legislator and requesting an application for employment. As there are a

limited number of applications available, generally the first youth to call are the ones who

receive jobs. The remainder are placed on waiting lists in the event that there are job openings

at some point in the program. Since 2009, the number of seven-week job slots available in the

Summer Youth Employment Program was reduced to 306. Whenever possible, youth are placed in

jobs they request, especially when they have chosen a career path and are interested in gaining

experience in that field.

63 Herkimer County Historical Society

Community Youth Development and Employment Assistance

Graph 21 below illustrates the number of youth that have participated in the Summer Youth

Employment Program from 2003 to 2012. The number of youth employed in the program each

year has remained at program capacity over this ten year period, fluctuating from a high of 361

in 2003 and 2004, to a low of 305 in 2009. Numbers have increased since that time, ranging

from 335 in 2010, 331 in 2011, and 315 in 2012. More females than males have been employed in

the program in all years recorded.

Graph 22 on the next page illustrates the number of youth that have participated in the Summer

Youth Employment Program from 2003 to 2012 by age. The data indicate that age plays a big

part in which county youth request these jobs. From 2003–2012, the number of 16–17 year olds

working in the program is highest, with 18–19 year olds having a fairly high number of workers,

and the 20–21 year old population having only a few working in this program.

This could be caused by a number of factors, such as these jobs being an introduction into the

world of work and are sought more by the younger youth just starting to work. The number of

hours is less than what they may work if they find another job, (such as restaurant or store) and

the rate of pay is less than what they will earn elsewhere. Also, older youth tend to be more

mobile and have access to cars—which means they are able to take higher paying jobs farther

from home.

64

Source: Herkimer County Youth Bureau

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Females 216 200 194 163 190 181 158 183 175 171

Males 145 161 152 155 152 149 147 152 156 144

Total 361 361 346 318 342 330 305 335 331 315

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

Herkimer County Summer Youth Employment Program

2003 to 2012

Graph 21


Old Forge Transportation Program

The Old Forge Transportation Program (bus program) provides free transportation to youth who

have summer jobs in the northern region of Herkimer County. For some youth, this commute is

more than an hour from home and the cost of driving back and forth daily would negate much of

the salary they earn at their jobs.

Graph 23 on the next page illustrates the number of youth that have utilized the bus program

from 2003 to 2012 by pick up site. The buses pick up youth in four areas: the villages of

Herkimer, Newport, Poland, and Middleville. Geographically, the highest number of program

participants access the Herkimer pick-up point. This is most likely due to the fact that this is

centrally located for the “Valley Corridor”—Frankfort, Ilion, Mohawk, Herkimer, and Little Falls.

It is simply closer for youth from these villages to meet the buses in Herkimer than the other 3

designated pick up spots.

Graph 22


65

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

16 139 113 122 115 103 127 96 111 116 86

17 114 117 94 107 115 95 99 105 104 108

18 57 68 80 54 62 55 59 63 64 73

19 25 37 31 34 37 27 33 38 26 33

20 19 16 15 6 21 22 14 16 18 12

21 7 10 4 2 4 4 4 2 3 3

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

Herkimer County Summer Youth Employment Program

by Age of Youth 2003 to 2012


Source: Herkimer County Youth Bureau Note: 2006 Data Not Available

Overall usage of the Old Forge Transportation Program has declined between 2003 and 2012.

While declines were recorded for the pick up sites in both Herkimer and Poland, increases have

been recorded at both the Newport and Middleville pick-up locations.

Graph 24 on the next page illustrates the number of youth that have utilized the bus program

from 2003 to 2012 by age. Data indicate that the majority of youth taking advantage of this

transportation program are between the ages of 15–17. In the past, 14 year olds were part of

the larger numbers, however this has changed in the past 3 years. In part, this is due to the

employers in the area preferring to hire older workers and the fact that the 15–18 year olds are

available and willing to work.

66

Herkimer Newport Poland Middleville Total

2003 118 10 33 8 169

2004 103 13 31 16 163

2005 111 12 20 20 163

2007 62 20 11 26 119

2008 72 30 8 31 141

2009 48 18 12 24 102

2010 35 28 8 28 99

2011 52 14 13 16 95

2012 62 11 13 23 109

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

Old Forge Transportation Program

Transportation Numbers by Pick Up Site

Graph 23


Herkimer County Employment and Training Administration

The Herkimer County Employment and Training

Administration (ETA) is 100% federally funded

under the Workforce Investment Act and provides

a variety of programs for adults and youth.

The chart to the right illustrates the amount of

federal funding allocated to the Herkimer County

Employment and Training Administration from the

Work Investment Act (WIA). A decrease in funding

for the program can be observed from 2006 until

2011, when a slight increase of funding was added

to the program’s budget.

67


2003 2004 2005 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

14 29 47 25 5 7 8 4 4 8

15 57 36 35 26 13 7 14 9 11

16 27 43 40 31 46 30 27 25 28

17 31 19 31 28 31 26 22 22 27

18 16 13 10 13 17 19 13 17 10

19 6 3 18 10 13 8 12 5 12

20 0 1 3 2 7 2 5 10 5

21 3 1 1 4 7 2 2 3 8

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Old Forge Area Transportation Program

Age of Participants 2003 to 2012

Graph 24

Work Investment Act (W.I.A.)

Funding Allocation to Herkimer County

Program Year Amount of Funding

2006 $613,000

2007 $553,000

2008* $467,000

2009 $574,112

2010 $507,551

2011 $395,169

2012 $412,216

Source: Herkimer County Employment and Training

Table 44


Table 45

ETA Programs College Corps TANF SYEP

2007 24 100*

2008 24 97*

2009 16 200*

2010 21 59

2011 23 71

2012 25 86

*WIA and stimulus funding used

Youth Programming

“Project Reconnect” is a program made possible with WIA funding for out of school youth. The

goal of this program is to help youth who have dropped out of school or who have low basic

reading or math scores to improve their skills, gain their high school diploma or GED and find

training or employment. ETA contracts with Herkimer County BOCES to provide academic

instruction, tutoring and work readiness skills. Currently, over 50 youth are being served by

Project Reconnect.

“SYEP-Summer Youth Employment Program” is funded with TANF (Temporary Assistance to

Needy Families) money that DSS assigns to ETA. The purpose of this program is to provide a

summer workplace experience to TANF-eligible youth ages fourteen to twenty. Youth are placed

at worksites throughout the county where they gain valuable job skills and also earn federal

minimum wage. ETA summer counselors visit the worksites periodically throughout the summer

to provide career-related information. Each youth leaves the program with a résumé and some

valuable experience.

“College Corps Internship Program” is a program administered by ETA with funds approved

through the Herkimer County Legislature. Herkimer County youth entering their junior or senior

year of college can participate in a two-hundred hour internship with an area employer. The

internship should be closely related to the student’s major. Youth are paid $9.00 per hour, and

this cost is shared by the county and the employer. This program has been successful in helping

students realize that there are opportunities available for them in the Mohawk Valley after

graduation.

Number of Youth in ETA Summer Youth Programs in Herkimer County

2007 to 2012

68

Source: Herkimer County Employment and Training Administration


Adult Programming

“On the Job Training” (OJT) is a program where WIA funds can be used as an incentive to an

employer to hire a Herkimer County resident who is either unemployed, underemployed or has

been dislocated from a previous employer. The employer is reimbursed for 50% of the person’s

starting wage during the specified training period.

“Classroom Training” (CRT) is a program the uses WIA funds to assist customers to increase or

enhance their current skills through an approved training program. The goal is to make those

individuals more employable and marketable.

Number of Adults and Dislocated Workers in OJT/CRT Programs

in Herkimer County: 2009-2011

It is important to note that over the last few years, there has been more funding allocated to

serve dislocated workers. These are workers who have been laid off due to a reduction in

workforce at their company. They typically are receiving or have received Unemployment

Insurance.

Herkimer County Working Solutions One Stop Career Center

In 2001, federal legislation mandated that the Herkimer County Employment & Training

Administration enter into a partnership arrangement with the New York State Department of

Labor as well as other agencies to create a One Stop Career Center. The idea behind this was

for a customer to come to one location and be able to access a variety of services and programs.

Other agencies who have staff co-located at the Herkimer Working Solutions are the Herkimer

County Department of Social Services, Herkimer County Community College, Herkimer County

BOCES, Resource Center for Independent Living (RCIL) and the Office of Adult Career and

Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR).

69


Table 46

YEAR OJT-Adults OJT-Dislocated

Workers CRT-Adults

CRT-Dislocated

Workers

2009 9 27 25 22

2010 5 42 6 28

2011 6 19 7 16

Source: Herkimer County Employment and Training Administration

Painted Trillium— Photo by Bart Carrig

SERVICES WORKSHOPS INFORMATIONAL

SESSIONS

FUNDING

OPPORTUNITIES

Resource area with use of

computers, phone, fax & copier “Job Search & Interview Skills”

ACCES-VR Community

Information Seminar On-the-Job Training

Resume writing assistance “Social Media for an Effective

Job Search”

BOCES GED & Training

Informational Session Classroom Training

Job matching using SMART

(Skills Matching & Referral

Technology)

“Coping with Job Loss” Resume Writing Lab

One-on-one career advisement

with a Primary Advisor “Transferable Skills”

Referrals to partner agencies “Advanced Interview Skills”

Typing tutorial software “Taking Civil Service Exams”

Career Exploration tools “Becoming Motivated and

Defeating Barriers

DATA SOURCES

Staff members from the Herkimer County Employment & Training and the New York State

Department of Labor provide all of the day to day service delivery to customers at the

Herkimer County One Stop location. All of the services are free and open to anyone.

Herkimer County Working Solutions Programs and Services

Herkimer County Youth Bureau,

Program Statistics 2003-2012

Herkimer County Employment and Training

Administration,

Program Statistics 2007-2012


70


WHERE WE STAND

The chart above illustrates the number and type of regulated child care programs, by modality,

in Herkimer County. Regulated child care programs are those which comply with New York State

Office of Children and Family Services Child Care Regulations to care for over two children

(unrelated to the caregiver) for over three hours a day. The numbers of actual children being

served by each program is dependent on the age of the child being served—the younger the

child, the lower ratio of caregiver to child, and the greater number of “slots” taken.

Of the three Day Care Centers in Herkimer County, none currently provide year-round care for

the toddlers and school age children that they serve. One center operates on a college schedule

(closed on college breaks and between semesters), and the other two provide care during the K-

12 school year (these centers will remain open if enough parents request care).

The graph on the next page indicates the number of potential child care slots for child care

centers and school-age child care programs by age group in Herkimer County. As the graph

indicates, no Herkimer County child care centers offer care for infants. There is also a

significant lack of child care slots for toddlers.

Good quality child care is not only important for positive youth development, but also for social

welfare and economic reasons. It is widely accepted that early childhood education can play a

positive role in long-term human development, but the importance of good quality, reliable and

affordable child care for families, workers, and for broader economic development is sometimes

less obvious and acknowledged within traditional systems.

Source: Child Care Coordinating Council of Cornell Cooperative Extension

Regulated Child Care Programs Number of

Programs

Number of

Potential Slots

Age

Range

Family Child Care Homes 30 240 6 wks.–12 yrs.

Group Family Child Care Homes 22 334 6 wks.–12 yrs.

School Age Care Programs 7 228 5 yrs.–12 yrs.

Day Care Centers (Licensed Day Care) 3 93 18 mos.–5 yrs.

Head Start (Licensed Day Care) 6 154 3 yrs.–5 yrs.

Table 47

2013 Supply of Regulated Child Care in Herkimer County

71

Community Availability of Day Care

Need for Additional Child Care

According to KIDS Count, labor force statistics indicate that, in New York State, 55 percent of

children ages 0–5 years old and 45 percent of children 6–13 years old are likely to need care.

Demand for child care considers children who may utilize a regulated setting (child care center,

family/group family child care home, Head Start or school-age program) or a non-regulated

modality of care (family member, nanny, legally exempt provider, nursery/pre-school).

According to the Child Care Coordinating Council of Cornell Cooperative Extension’s 2011 Child

Care Needs Assessment , Herkimer County has a deficit of regulated child care slots. Graph 26

on the next page illustrates the need by age group. For each regulated child care slot available

for a child age 0–6, there are 2 additional children in need of care, and for every one regulated

slot for a child age 6–12, there are 3 additional children in need of care.

Graph 27 on the next page illustrates the type and quantity of regulated Child Care required to

fully address the needs of children ages 6 weeks to 5 years.

Infant, 0 Toddler, 18

Preschool, 203

School Age in Licensed

Day Care, 26

School Age

Child Care, 228

Child Care Slots By Age Group

Herkimer County—2013

Source: Child Care Coordinating Council of Cornell Cooperative Extension

72

Graph 25


73

Source: 2011 Child Care Needs Assessment, Child Care Coordinating Council of Cornell Cooperative Extension

Graph 26

1,874

2,327

Child Care Center, 412

Nursery School, 394

Family Child Care, 225

Other, 843

Need for Child Care

Children 6 wks. to 5 yrs.

Graph 27



Child Care Slot Utilization

The graphs below illustrate the utilization rate of child care slots within Herkimer County, as

reported in the 2011 Child Care Needs Assessment. The rate is based on figures collected from

a sample of programs. When considering utilization for family/group family child care programs,

it is important to keep in mind that potential slots reflect the maximum number of slots a

program is registered or licensed to serve, and sometimes does no reflect the actual number of

potential slots a program may currently have available. This discrepancy is due to the variation

in the maximum number of slots available due to the age of children in care.

Cost of Care

The cost of child care can also place a burden on families. According to the 2007 Child Care

Market Rates in New York State, a family can expect to pay as much as $150 to $180 per week

(depending on age) for care at a regulated child care center, and approximately $80–$100 per

week for legally-exempt or in home care. The table on the next page illustrates child care rates

by modality in Herkimer County. Average costs for child care in Herkimer County vary between

$126 and $185 (depending on age and type of care).

A 2011 report by National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies indicates

that New York State parents can expect to spend 15.7% of their income on child care expenses.

The yearly cost of child care for one child can easily exceed the cost of one year’s tuition at a

community college.

85% 81%

95%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Family ChildCare

Group FamilyChild Care

School AgeCare

Child Care Program

Utilization

Graph 28 Graph 29


74


DATA SOURCES

Table 48 Child Care Rates by Modality in Herkimer County

Child Care Coordinating Council of Cornell Cooperative Extension

2011 Child Care Needs Assessment.

http://www.mycccc.org/NQA NY Oneida Document 20 Needs Assessment revised charts.pdf

75

Modality Minimum Maximum Average

Infant/Toddler

Child Care Centers (6 wks.–18 mo.)

n/a n/a n/a

Child Care Centers (19 mo.–35 mo.)

$185.00 $185.00 $185.00

Family Child Care (6 wks.–23 mo.)

$75.00 $150.00 $128.28

Family Child Care (24 mo.–35 mo.)

$70.00 $150.00 $123.29

Preschool

Child Care Centers (3–5 yrs.)

$125.00 $170.00 $147.50

Family Child Care (3–5 yrs.)

$70.00 $150.00 $123.10

School Age

Child Care Centers (5–12 yrs.)

$125.00 $125.00 $125.00

Family Child Care (5–12 yrs.)

$100.00 $150.00 $126.67



http://www.mycccc.org/NQA%20NY%20Oneida%20Document%2020%20Needs%20Assessment%20revised%20charts.pdf

History & Demographics

• According to the 2010 U.S. Census, there were 64,519 people living in Herkimer County, an

increase of approximately 0.1%, or 92 residents, since 2000. This population ranked 40th out

of the 62 counties in New York State. • The median incomes for Herkimer County are decreasing, and incomes remain lower in the

county than in NYS and the U.S. The percentage of individuals who make over $100,000 per

year has nearly tripled since 2000 (from 3.7% to 10.4%), but this percentage continues to be

much lower than the state (13.2%) and US (20.9%) respectively.

• Information from the NYS Agricultural Statistics reports that there has been a decrease in

the number of farms and land used in farming in Herkimer County between 2000 (710 farms

and 154,200 farmed acres) and 2010 (675 farms and 136,600 farmed acres).

• Call volume at New York State FarmNet continues at high levels with over 6,000 contacts

each year. More men are calling for help from family consultants at FarmNet; where, in the

past, more women called for this support. Divorce rates are also increasing in the farm

community. • Herkimer County spent approximately $559 less per capita than the average upstate small

county in 2010. Expenditures for public safety and contributions to employee benefits were

ranked among the lowest in the Mohawk Valley region and in New York State. Debt, taxes

per capita and government expenditures were also lower in Herkimer County than in

comparable counties.

Population by Age/Community

• Herkimer County has seen a slight increase in population between 1950 and 2010. The overall

population in Herkimer County has risen by 3,112 people, or 5.1%, over the last six decades.

• The median age in Herkimer County has increased from 33.6 in 1950 to 42.1 years in 2010.

• The growth of the county’s elderly population (those age 65 and older) has increased

significantly since 1950. While about 7,000 persons were in this category in 1950, by 2010

this age group had grown to about 11,000 persons, an increase of nearly 60%.

• In contrast, the population of children under the age of five has decreased from 6,268 in

1950 to 3,592 in 2010, a decline of 42.7%.

• Between 2002 and 2010, approximately 6,100 children were born in Herkimer County. The

birth rate has fluctuated during this timeframe but has experienced an overall decline, from

687 births in 2002 to 635 births recorded in 2010.

• While Herkimer County’s birth rate is slightly below that of the rest of Upstate New York,

out of wedlock births are above New York State rates. In 2010, 51% of all births in

Herkimer County were to unmarried mothers. This exceeded the 42% NYS and 39% Rest of

State rates for that year.

• The number of births to teen mothers ages 15–17 have decreased by 67% between 2000 and

2010, and births to mothers ages 18–19 have been reduced by 42%.

• Data shows remarkable consistency in the county’s loss of its post-college and early

employment populations as they entered their twenties in the decades from 1980 through

the year 2010. 76

Community Key Findings & Commentary

• According to the 2010 Census, 96.6% of Herkimer County residents are white. Herkimer

County has seen an increase in racial diversity in its population between 2000 and 2010, with

an increase in residents reporting that they are Black or African American, Hispanic or

Latino, or multiple races.

Older Adults in the Community

• The percentage of seniors in Herkimer County has consistently exceeded the percentage of

seniors in New York State and the United States from 1960 to 2010.

• Out of the 62 counties in NYS, Herkimer County ranks #10 in its aged 60+ population with

23.28% of the total County Population (2010 Census). With a United States comparison,

Herkimer County ranked 824 out of the 3,141 counties; just shy of the top 25%. • While it is projected that the overall population of Herkimer County will decrease over the

next 30 years, the population of adults over age 60 is expected to increase by 34.5% during

the same time period.

Housing

• According to the 2008-2010 ACS, one in five Herkimer County homeowners with a mortgage

spent over 35% of their household income on home expenses, compared to more than one in

four of mortgaged homeowners in the United States. Almost half of all homeowners with a

mortgage (47.6%), and 65% of homeowners without a mortgage, spent less than 20% of their

income on housing expenses.

• According to the 2008-2010 ACS, almost 39% of Herkimer County renters spent over 35%

of their household income on home expenses, which is slightly lower than in the United

States (42.5%). Renters in Herkimer County spend a greater percentage of their income on

home related expenses than homeowners (with or without a mortgage) in the county.

• Focus group participants for an affordable housing needs study reported that the primary

housing need in Herkimer County is the availability of safe and decent rental housing at fair

market levels. The issue of absentee landlords was also identified, and rehab and

modernization funds for existing housing stock was cited as a need.

• Sales of existing single family homes decreased by 10.0% in Herkimer County between 2008

and 2010. The median sales price of existing single-family homes in Herkimer County rose by

5.1% between 2008 and 2010, but prices have remained lower than in neighboring counties.

Religious Affiliation

• A nation-wide study done in 2010 by the Association of Religion Data Archives that included

Herkimer County found that religious affiliation had dropped between 2000 and 2010. The

adherent totals for 2000 (35,086) represented 54.5% of the 2000 population. The adherent

totals for 2010 (24,805) represented 38.4% of the total population in 2010. In the United

States, the unadjusted adherent totals of religious groups include 48.8% of the total

population in 2010 (150,596,792).

77


Transportation

• There is very limited public transportation available in Herkimer County. Commuter bus

service is available between Little Falls and Utica (Oneida County), along the Routes 5 and 5S

valley corridor. Two companies in Herkimer County provide commercial taxi services.

• Several communities and agencies have created small, localized services to meet the

transportation needs of specific areas and/or populations. These services, however, are

limited and do not fully meet the needs of the general population.

• 98% of clients responding to an RSVP RIDE Program Survey reported that the

transportation services provided makes them better able to stay in their home.

Employment & Industry

• The number of jobs in Herkimer County fell 643 or 3.8 percent from 2006 to 2011. Most of

the decline occurred in Manufacturing, which fell by 456 (15.7%) over the 5-year period. • Herkimer County fared slightly worse than Upstate New York in employment growth. The

Upstate New York areas posted a decline of 2.3 percent from 2006–2011. • Job gains in Herkimer County were greatest in Private Educational and Health Services,

which grew 11.2 percent from 2006 to 2011. Leisure and hospitality added increased by 10

percent, primarily at food services and restaurants).

• The average manufacturing wage in Herkimer County was $42,540 in 2011, 42.7 percent

higher than the average of $29,810 for all nonmanufacturing jobs in the county.

• Between 2000 and 2013, 39 employers in Herkimer County have received assistance from the

Herkimer County Industrial Development Agency, including 24 Herkimer County employers

that have received over $5,300,000 in loans/grants. As a result of IDA’s support to

businesses, approximately 1,000 new jobs were created and 2,657 jobs were retained.

• The total number of jobs in the Mohawk Valley Region is expected to grow 4.1 percent


• Although jobs requiring post-secondary education are expected to grow faster than other

jobs, the total number of jobs in 2016 that will require post-secondary education (59,520)

will still be well below the number of jobs not requiring post-secondary education (149,660).

Quality of Life

• With nearly a dozen golf courses, over 30 parks and scores of hiking trails, people of all ages

and abilities have the opportunity to play, relax, and explore in Herkimer County.

• NYS funding for the arts has fallen in the last several years throughout the state and in

Herkimer County. In 2010, per-capita funding was 24 cents per resident in Herkimer County,

compared to $1.53 for the state (excluding NYC). Herkimer County saw arts funding decline

by more than 80% compared to 2001, while it decreased 30% in NYS during the same period.

• One in five Herkimer County residents reported that the change of seasons and the friendly

community were the best things about this area. Three out of ten survey respondents in

Herkimer County believed that the availability of jobs was the worst thing about the area. 78


Youth Perceptions of the Community

• There seems to be a positive trend emerging regarding teens’ perceptions that there are fun

things to do in their community. When the TAP survey was first administered in 1997, only

27% of teens felt there were fun things to do in their community. In 2001 the number rose

to 31%, in 2005 - 38%, and in 2009 - 43%.

• As seems to be the case nationally, Herkimer County teens are reporting that they are

finding it more difficult to find a job and earn money. In both the 2001 and 2005 surveys,

over half (55%) of teens responded that there were opportunities to earn money and find

jobs. However, in the 2009 survey, this number dropped to 43%.

Youth Development and Employment Assistance

• 315 youth received jobs through the Youth Bureau Summer Youth Employment Program in

2012; An additional 109 youth utilized the Old Forge Transportation Program.

• The data indicate that age plays a big part in which county youth request jobs from the

Summer Youth Employment Program. From 2003–2012, the number of 16–17 year olds

working in the program is highest, with 18–19 year olds having a fairly high number of

workers, and the 20–21 year old population having only a few working in this program. • While declines were recorded for the Old Forge Summer Transportation Program pick up

sites in both Herkimer and Poland, increases have been recorded at both the Newport and

Middleville pick-up locations. • The Herkimer County Employment and Training Administration (ETA) is 100% federally

funded under the Workforce Investment Act and provides a variety of programs for adults

and youth. In 2012, 111 youth were served by ETA Summer Youth Programs (TANF SYEP and

College Corp) and 50 youth are being served by Project ReConnect. In 2011, approximately 50

adults participated in WIA programming.

Availability of Day Care

• Of the three Day Care Centers in Herkimer County, none currently provide year-round care

for the toddlers and school age children that they serve. One center operates on a college

schedule (closed on college breaks and between semesters), and the other two provide care

during the K-12 school year (these centers will remain open if enough parents request care).

• There are currently no Herkimer County child care centers that offer care for infants.

There is also a significant lack of child care slots for toddlers.

• For each regulated child care slot available for a child age 0–6 in Herkimer County there are

2 additional children in need of care. For every one regulated slot for a child age 6–12, there

are 3 additional children in need of care.

• The cost of child care can place a burden on families. Average costs for child care in

Herkimer County vary between $126 and $185 per week (depending on the child’s age and

type of care). The yearly cost of child care for one child can easily exceed the cost of one

year’s tuition at a community college.

79


Source: Herkimer County Board of Elections * Presidential Elections

Citizenship Voting

The entire structure of our government is based on citizens voting for representation, yet

nationwide most presidential elections are decided by less than 70% of the eligible voting public.

Even fewer people vote in off-presidential year elections and local elections. One of the

distinguishing features of the American political system is the remarkably low levels of voter

turnout it experiences, especially in its younger age groups.

Number & Percentage of Votes Cast—Herkimer County 1982 to 2012 Table 49


WHERE WE STAND

Year Registered Voters Votes Cast Percentage

1982 31,450 24,704 78.6%

1983 32,000 20,182 63.1%

1984* 34,867 29,772 85.4%

1985 34,148 20,919 61.3%

1986 32,857 19,945 60.7%

1987 32,796 18,958 57.8%

1988* 34,341 28,327 82.5%

1989 33,510 19,853 59.2%

1990 32,640 22,740 69.7%

1991 32,952 18,970 57.6%

1992* 33,061 30,281 91.6%

1993 36,851 17,072 46.3%

1994 36,786 24,691 67.1%

1995 37,830 19,036 50.4%

1996* 40,249 26,888 66.8%

1997 41,046 16,703 40.7%

1998 43,120 21,085 49.0%

1999 44,060 15,203 34.5%

2000* 46,044 28,068 60.9%

2001 43,898 13,229 33.1%

2002 44,168 20,113 45.5%

2003 43,198 14,916 34.5%

2004* 43,387 28,517 65.7%

2005 41,950 12,545 29.9%

2006 41,379 20,663 49.9%

2007 40,782 13,317 32.7%

2008* 41,810 27,600 66.0%

2009 38,842 12,132 31.2%

2010 38,838 20,099 51.8%

2011 38,419 14,214 37.0%

2012* 38,967 24,975 64.1% 80

Citizenship Voting

The chart on the preceding page illustrates the number of eligible voters, the number of votes

cast, and the percentage of eligible voters that have cast votes in each election from 1982 to

2012 in Herkimer County. Eligible voters are those individuals over the age of 18 that are legally

registered to vote and meet voting criteria.

George Mason University’s United States Election Project reports that 58.7% of voting eligible

citizens across the United States turned out to vote in the 2012 presidential election. While

turnout was below that of the 2004 and 2008 elections (61% and 62% respectively), it still

exceeded turnout for other presidential elections over the last 40 years. New York ranked 44th

of all states (and the District of Columbia) in the percentage of eligible voters that cast ballots

in the 2012 election (53.6%). In Herkimer County, 64.1% of eligible voters cast ballots in 2012,

which is above both state and national levels.

Turnout rates for midterm elections and local elections are traditionally lower than those for

presidential elections.

The chart below illustrates the increasing disparity between those individuals that are

registered to vote and those that actually vote in elections in Herkimer County. This change is

consistent with both state and national trends.

The greatest percentage of votes cast by eligible voters between 1982 and 2012 in Herkimer

County occurred during the 1992 Presidential election, when 91.6% of eligible voters cast ballots.

The lowest percentage occurred in the 2005 local election, when 29.9% of eligible voters cast

ballots.

Source: Herkimer County Board of Elections

Graph 30

Number of Registered Herkimer County Voters & Votes Cast

1982–2012

0

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

198

2

198

3

198

4*

198

5

198

6

198

7

198

8*

198

9

199

0

199

1

199

2*

199

3

199

4

199

5

199

6*

199

7

199

8

199

9

20

00

*

20

01

20

02

20

03

20

04

*

20

05

20

06

20

07

20

08

*

20

09

20

10

20

11

20

12*

# ELIGIBLE VOTERS TOTAL VOTES CAST

81

In the November 2012 election, 8.3% of registered New York State voters were inactive as a

result of not having a verifiable address in the voting district. However, in Herkimer County,

the percentage of inactive voters was lower, at 5.6%.

Political Party Affiliation

In November of 2012, nearly half (47.4%) of the registered voters in Herkimer County were

Republican. Over one quarter (27.7%) of all registered voters in November 2012 were affiliated

with the Democratic Party. Six percent of registered voters were registered as Independent

and one and a half percent of registered voters were identified as Conservative. Less than one

percent of all registered voters were affiliated with another political party (e.g. Working

Families, Green, Libertarian).

Approximately one in six (16.7%) registered voters in Herkimer County were not registered with

any political party (blank).

82

Source: Herkimer County Board of Elections

Democrat27.7%

Republican47.4%

Independent6.1%

Conservative1.5%

Other0.5%

Blank16.7%

Political Party Affiliation

Herkimer County 11/2012

Graph 31

Citizenship Voting

DATA SOURCES

ESG Advocacy Project

http://people.emich.edu/kconley/vote.html

Federal Election Commission

http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0781453.html

George Mason University, United States Election Project

http://elections.gmu.edu/Turnout_2012G.html

Herkimer County Board of Elections

New York State Board of Elections

http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/enrollment/county/county_nov12.pdf

Faville Falls—outside of Dolgeville

83

Citizenship Voting

http://people.emich.edu/kconley/vote.html

http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0781453.html

http://elections.gmu.edu/Turnout_2012G.html

http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/enrollment/county/county_nov12.pdf

According to the Associated Press, Americans spend more time watching TV, listening to the

radio, surfing the Internet and reading newspapers than any other activity except breathing.

Media products entertain us, inform us, and help us stay connected to our community and the

world. But not all is positive. Public relations spin, hyper-commercialization, violence packaged

as “entertainment,” news bias, digital photo manipulation and other issues provide many reasons

why both children and adults need media literacy skills.

A major worry in this age of television and the Internet is whether children will want to read for

pleasure as well as information when they become adults. Only about a third of the nation’s

public school children read proficiently, according to the National Assessment of Educational

Progress. While reading achievement levels have increased slightly among fourth-graders, they

have been declining among high school seniors.

Newspaper Circulation

Local newspapers meet the need for local community news that is so important to fostering an

informed and involved citizenry. According to the Heartland Institute, the share of the U.S.

population that reads newspapers has been shrinking for more than two generations.

The Herkimer Telegram had a circulation of approximately 3,000 papers each day in 2012. This

is a decrease from the daily circulation of 6,000 papers reported for 2009. The Telegram

contributes 775 papers each week to the Newspaper in Education program for local Herkimer

County schools. The Little Falls Times had a circulation of approximately 2,000 papers each day

in 2012. The Utica Observer Dispatch reported a circulation of 30,645 daily and 36,694 on

Sunday in 2012, and estimates its circulation in Herkimer County to be 6,925 papers daily and

12,843 on Sunday. All local newspapers currently maintain web sites, although no local data could

be obtained to help determine the number of residents who rely on this medium to keep up with

local news. According to the Newspaper Association of America, newspaper Web sites attracted

more than 113 million unique visitors in November 2012.

Data indicates that newspaper circulation across the nation has been decreasing. The faltering

economy, combined with greater Internet use, are possible explanations for these reductions.

The NY Times reports that the rate of decline in print circulation at the nation’s newspapers has

accelerated since 2008.


WHERE WE STAND

84

Citizenship Engaged & Informed Citizens

Table 50

Library Use

Libraries are lifelong learning centers. Libraries promote literacy among all members of their

community and provide community members with access to valuable information for education,

resource and leisure purposes.

The chart below illustrates the circulation of Herkimer County libraries from 2005 to 2011.

Seven of the 13 libraries listed reported an increase in the circulation rates during this time

period.

Herkimer County Library Circulation—2005 to 2011

Reference & Research Transactions

Library staff often assist patrons with obtaining reference and research materials. In addition

to the library circulation numbers listed above, Herkimer County’s libraries had a total of over

22,000 reference and research transactions in 2011.

Source: Mid-York Library

Library Name 2006 2007 2008 2005 2009 2010 2011

Dolgeville 11,743 10,077 10,732 13,150 10,922 6,819 10,849

Frankfort 9,239 12,186 13,441 8,117 10,824 10,231 10,901

Herkimer 71,393 72,266 64,734 73,433 60,855 60,526 76,486

Ilion 66,594 67,645 68,933 65,510 69,954 55,521 64,376

Jordanville 16,644 12,520 12,510 9,602 5,274 5,553 6,823

Little Falls 51,039 60,126 62,892 52,318 76,733 54,958 60,375

Middleville 5,637 6,445 7,892 5,164 7,814 6,285 6,663

Mohawk 8,271 7,763 7,272 10,846 7,770 8,558 7,606

Newport 7,561 7,621 7,728 7,169 7,824 7,867 3,489

Old Forge 25,206 25,254 25,050 25,747 35,395 35,265 27,237

Poland 29,037 36,422 39,770 30,797 42,129 43,266 34,714

Salisbury 8,955 8,468 9,329 8,906 8,362 7,709 7,599

West Winfield 33,299 25,890 25,754 25,583 27,102 26,085 26,665

Total 344,618 352,683 356,037 336,342 370,958 328,643 343,783

85


Downloadable E-Books and Audiobooks

The graph below illustrates the downloadable E-books and Audiobooks circulation between 2009

and 2011. Usually, downloadable e-books and audiobooks figures are included in total circulation

figures; however the data have been disaggregated to illustrate that usage in Herkimer County

has tripled nearly across the board over 3 years and patrons in Herkimer County are using

innovative technologies provided by their libraries.

Library Programs and Attendance

Libraries provide programs and services that promote literacy and educational opportunities for

children and adults in their communities. Table 51 on the following page lists the number of

programs offered and attendance for programs in local libraries between 2006 and 2011. Eight

libraries in Herkimer County increased both the number of programs offered and attendance

levels during this time period.

Graph 32


Dolge-ville

Frank-fort

Herk IlionJordan-

villeLittle Falls

Middle-ville

Mohawk NewportOld

ForgePoland

Salis-bury

West Winfield

2009 228 206 303 171 56 354 49 97 172 269 16 81 186

2010 188 166 459 431 38 530 94 177 202 340 66 128 215

2011* 305 641 993 1,094 153 935 142 548 493 733 182 273 598

chg. 2009 to 2011 33.8% 211.2% 227.7% 539.8% 173.2% 164.1% 189.8% 464.9% 186.6% 172.5% 1037.5% 237.0% 221.5%

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

86


Table 51

Library Programs and Attendance—2006 to 2011

Public Computer Usage

Public Computers are available for use at all Herkimer County Public libraries. The table on the

next page depicts public computer usage statistics for Herkimer County libraries from 2009

through 2011. Nine libraries in Herkimer County increased computer usage levels during this time

period. 87

Library

Name

Program Attendance Programs

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Dolgeville 23 24 22 20 16 122 665 412 510 107 612 1,854

Frankfort 151 153 198 378 425 440 855 1,062 1,322 2,729 3,059 3,765

Herkimer 131 180 168 207 202 132 1,768 1,422 1,807 2,460 2,767 1,973

Ilion 92 105 116 130 224 273 3,761 4,128 4,183 4,032 5,392 5,752

Jordanville 22 20 14 9 14 23 442 377 392 199 183 330

Little Falls 48 51 47 43 63 78 1,096 1,456 1,323 584 631 720

Middleville 10 9 13 16 7 9 146 225 258 317 167 196

Mohawk 6 9 10 13 57 62 275 249 250 308 675 652

Newport 91 121 132 120 120 12 485 540 561 540 425 135

Old Forge 140 155 144 130 113 174 3,755 4,232 3,506 3,781 3,734 3,563

Poland 83 80 65 52 20 16 1,388 1,368 1,750 1,100 790 1,060

Salisbury 35 30 26 29 22 25 291 304 230 274 151 129

West

Winfield 91 107 132 133 113 104 997 1,143 1,407 1,441 1,334 1,288

Total 923 1,044 1,087 1,280 1,396 1,470 15,924 16,918 17,499 17,872 19,920 21,417



Table 52

Public Computer Usage Statistics—2009 to 2011

88

Library Name 2009 2010 2011

Dolgeville 3,250 2,865 3,963

Frankfort 6,738 6,723 7,639

Herkimer 9,600 10,245 10,158

Ilion 12,415 10,531 10,315

Jordanville 814 1,608 3,066

Little Falls 13,667 5,884 13,534

Middleville 1,787 1,582 1,645

Mohawk 4,500 5,744 5,800

Newport 772 761 382

Old Forge 5,650 4,514 6,776

Poland 3,500 3,775 3,500

Salisbury 1,388 1,273 1,648

West Winfield 1,637 1,866 1,956

Total 65,718 57,371 70,382



Internet Use

According to the Pew Research Center Internet and American Life Project Survey,

approximately 81% of adults surveyed in the US over the age of 18 were users of the Internet

in 2012. Internet usage decreased with age - 94% of adults ages 18 to 29 reported that they

used the Internet, while 54% of those over age 65 reported Internet use.

Herkimer County Internet Connectivity

The National Telecommunications & Information Administration in collaboration with the Federal

Communications Commission maintains the National Broadband Map which compiles information

about Internet access for the nation. The graph below illustrates the percentage of Herkimer

County, New York State, and the US that has access to various broadband connectivity.

Internet connections can be made via a DSL, cable, or wirelessly. According to the National

Broadband Map, Herkimer county citizens have a maximum of 3 different wireline broadband

Internet providers. Popular ISPs include Verizon Communications, Time Warner Cable, Newport

Telephone Company and Windstream Corporation. Also, up to 4 different wireless providers also

service the county.

89.6%

0.1%

84.6%

96.5%94.7%

49.5%

97.4%99.3%

88.0%

17.3%

83.3%

98.5%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

DSL Fiber Cable Wireless

Internet Connectivity Options


Source: National Broadband Map

Graph 33

89


In terms of speed, 93.9% of Herkimer county citizens have access to greater than 3 Mbps

download and greater than 768 Kbps upload speeds. Based on the tests conducted by the FCC’s

Consumer Broadband Test, citizens can expect between 2.0 and 9.8 Mbps download speeds with

a median speed of 3.4 Mbps in the home. Herkimer County ranks 45th in New York State in

terms of Internet access speed.

Youth Internet Use

According to a survey done by the Pew Research Center in 2012, approximately 95% of youth

ages 12-17 in the US have access to the Internet.

Based on the 2009 Herkimer CountyTAP Survey, almost eight out of ten (79%) of teens have

their own personal e-mail address, and nearly three out of four (72%) have a personal profile

page on places such as Facebook or MySpace. Females were significantly more likely than males

to have personal e-mail addresses (81% versus 76%), to use instant messaging (79% versus 67%),

and to have a personal profile page (75% versus 69%). Almost 90% of 11th graders reported

having personal e-mail addresses, and almost as many (85%) said they had a personal profile

page.


81%

79%

75%

76%

67%

69%

79%

73%

72%

Personal Email Address

Instant Messenger Screen

Name

Profile or Personal

Webpage on a

Networking Site

Percent of Teens that Have. . .

Total Male Female

Graph 34

90


DATA SOURCES


Herkimer Telegram, Little Falls Times and the Utica Observer-Dispatch Circulation Departments

Mid-York Library System

National Broadband Map

http://www.broadbandmap.gov/

Newspaper Association of America

http://www.naa.org/Trends-and-Numbers/Newspaper-Websites/Newspaper-Web-Audience.aspx

New York Times, “Fall in Newspaper Sales Accelerates to Pass 7%”

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/28/business/media/28paper.html

Pew Research Center Internet and American Life Project

http://www.pewinternet.org/Static-Pages/Trend-Data-(Adults)/Whos-Online.aspx

The Heartland Institute, “Who Will Read Newspapers?”

http://www.heartland.org/Article.cfm?artId=15059

Ili-

on Little Theater

91


http://www.broadbandmap.gov/

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/28/business/media/28paper.html

http://www.heartland.org/Article.cfm?artId=15059


WHERE WE STAND

Positive social values, whereby youth believe in the importance of contributing to their

community, being honest and respecting others, are critical to a healthy and supportive

community. Conversely, criminal activity, such as shoplifting, vandalism, or assault, perpetrated

by youth brings down a community, and physical violence and harassment can cause physical and

psychological harm.

Youth violence can be particularly damaging in that it can lead to serious injury and even death,

and when weapons are present, the chances increase that violent behavior will lead to serious

health consequences. Research reviewed by the Child Trends DataBank shows risk factors that

predict violence by youth include substance abuse, conflict and abuse in the home, harsh or

inattentive parenting, antisocial and delinquent peers, and neighborhoods where crime and drug

use are prevalent. Youth who are involved in physical fighting are also often engaged in other

high risk activities such as illegal drug use, binge drinking, carrying weapons, and having unsafe

sex.

Harassment can lead to many negative consequences as well. Based on the research reviewed by

the Child Trends DataBank, harassment can affect students’ performance in school. Victims are

more likely to express fear of violence traveling to and from school, and being at school, which

can lead to the avoidance of school, classes and extracurricular activities. They may also feel

anger, personal hurt and betrayal, and/or a sense of powerlessness and isolation. Targets of

peer harassment experience loneliness, depression and low self-worth.

Youth Social Values

The Herkimer County Teen Assessment Project Survey has examined how teens respond to

questions concerning social values, criminal activity, weapons possession, illegal substance use,

and violent or threatening behavior.

As far as social values, the great majority of teens indicated in the 2009 TAP Survey it was

important: to contribute to their community (69%); to speak up and take a stand for what they

believe (91%); to be honest (95%); and, to be considerate and respectful of others (92%). Most

also believed that their friends share these values.

Conversely, 22% acknowledged that they had committed a crime, such as shoplifting, vandalism,

or assault, in the past year. Further, 12% of respondents (19% of male respondents) indicated

that they had carried a weapon, such as a gun or knife, in the past year with the intent to harm

someone or to protect either themselves or others. 92

Citizenship Youth Citizenship

Almost one in six teens (16%) indicated in the 2009 survey that they felt constantly teased,

threatened or harassed by other youth. This is a decrease from 2005 when 20% said they felt

this way. Seventh graders in each survey have reported feeling constantly bullied at a higher

rate than those in ninth and eleventh grade. In 2009, 21% of the seventh graders reported

feeling this way, whereas 15% of the ninth graders and just 12% of the eleventh graders said

they felt constantly bullied.

Likewise, the percentage of teens that said they occasionally to very often used force or

threats in the past six months to get their own way decreased between 2005 and 2009. In both

2001 and 2005 about 18% said they had acted this way; by 2009, only 12% indicated they had

used force or threats to get their own way.

Do you feel constantly teased, threatened or harassed by other youth?

Table 53

Total 2009

1997 2005 2009 Male Female 7th 9th 11th 2001

No 79.8% 83.9% 83.5% 84.2% 78.9% 85.2% 87.8% Not

Asked

82.1%

Yes 20.2% 16.1% 16.5% 15.8% 21.1% 14.8% 12.2% 17.9%

N = 2139 1850 851 970 606 664 551 2101

65.2%

91.6%

69.8%

87.4%

73.7%

90.3%

69.3%

88.1%

82.3%

92.2%

69.3%

91.4%

…my friends think you don't need to drink or do

drugs in order to have a good time.

…look out for the safety and well-being of others

…contribute to my community

…to speak up and take a stand for what I believe in

Percent of Teens in Herkimer County that Agree...

2009 2005 2001

Graph 35


93



In 2005, 32% of all teens said in the TAP Survey that they had been subject to sexual harass-

ment. By 2009, this had decreased to 25% of all teens. For females, a third (32%), in 2009,

indicated they were subject to sexual harassment, with 20% of them experiencing it multiple

times. This is better than in 2005 when 44% of all females said they had been sexually har-

assed, and 21% had experienced harassment multiple times.

In 2009, 16% of teens reported that they had been subject to some form of unwanted physical/

sexual contact, such as kissing, touching or forced intercourse. This compares to 18% in 2005.

It appears that sexual harassment is more of an issue for females. According to the 2009 TAP

Survey, more than one out of every five girls (22%) report that they had unwanted sexual con-

tact; one out of every thirty-five (2.8%) report that they have been raped. But, this also is bet-

ter than 2005 when more than a quarter of all females (27%) reported they experienced un-

wanted sexual contact, and 3.0% reported that they had been raped.

Fewer teens in 2009 than 2005 reported that that they have done something that they could

have been arrested for, such as shoplifting, vandalism and assault in the past year. In 2005, one

in four (25%), but by 2009—22%, reported they had done something illegal. Males (28%)

reported this behavior more frequently than females (16%), and those in the higher grades

reported this activity at higher rates (7th—15%; 9th—25%; and 11th—26%).

Youth Sexting

The 2009 TAP Survey included four questions regarding sexting that came from a 2008 national

survey commissioned by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy and

CosmoGirl.com. The chart on the next page illustrates these results. Based on the responses to

the two surveys, Herkimer County teens are more likely than teens nationally to have: (1) sent

nude or semi-nude pictures of themselves (HC—27% vs. US—19%); (2) received nude or semi-

nude pictures that someone sent of themselves (HC—40% vs. US—31%); (3) shared nude or semi

-nude pictures they had received with someone else (HC—17% vs. US—14%); and (4) received

these types of pictures from someone who had received the pictures from someone else (HC—

32% vs. US—29%). 94

In the past year, have you ever done something

that you could have been arrested for such

As shoplifting, vandalism, assault, etc.?


Totals 2009

2005 2009 Male Female 7th 9th 11th 1997 2001

No

Not Asked

75.5% 77.8 71.6 83.7 84.8 75.3 74.0

Yes 24.5% 22.2 28.4 16.3 15.2 24.7 26.0

Total 2143 1844 845 971 604 664 549

Table 54


In an analysis of the 2009 TAP Survey results, those teens that reported “sexting” (those that

have sent or received nude or semi-nude pictures) are:

4 times as likely to have ever been sexually active (58% vs. 15%)

5 times as likely to have had 4 or more sexual partners in their lifetime (16% vs. 3%)

4 times as likely to have been sexually active during the past 3 months (38% vs. 9%)

5 times as likely to have had multiple sexual partners during the past 3 mos. (10% vs. 2%)

2 times as likely to have been sexually harassed (36% vs. 18%)

2.5 times as likely to have been sexually assaulted (25% vs. 10%)

At the 2009 Youth Summit, over 80 students from 11 high schools discussed the issue of

sexting. They viewed the results from the 2009 TAP Survey regarding sexting and saw that

when compared to national data, Herkimer County youth appear to be more involved in this

activity than U.S. teens.

In small groups of eight or less with each student from a different school, the students then

addressed six questions about sexting. When asked whether the TAP Survey results surprised

them, most said no. A typical response was that “it has become common”, “everyone is talking

about it”, and “it’s part of their lives”.

When asked why they think teens send nude or semi-nude pictures of themselves, the two most

noted reasons were: (1) to get attention and (2) peer pressure. They seemed split as to whether

teens understand the possible dangerous consequences, though they were able to list what these

consequences might be. They explained that their peers get “caught up in the moment” and

“don’t think about the consequences”. 95

Graph 36 Source: Herkimer County TAP Survey, 2009

19%

31%

14%

29%

27%

40%

17%

32%

Sent Pictures of

Thenselves

Received Pictures from

Someone Else

Shared Pictures They

Received with Someone Else

Someone Else Shared

Pictures They Received

Percent of Teens that Have Sent, Received, Shared Nude

or Semi-Nude Pictures via Cell Phone, Email, etc.

2009 Herkimer County TAP 2008 National Survey


When asked what might be done to discourage sexting the most common answers were: (1) list

the possible consequences, (2) harsher punishment, (3) take away their phones, and (4) block

messages. There was a sense shared by the teens that it will be impossible to control and that

kids will continue sexting.

2011 Herkimer County Youth Summit

At the 2011 Herkimer County Youth Summit, 88 students from 11 school districts focused on

three topics previously determined by the Youth Summit Planning Team, which is comprised of

student leaders from each high school. The topics were: (1) bullying prevention; (2) technology

etiquette; and (3) respect for yourself and others. A pair of students introduced each topic

with a presentation; then students in small groups discussed them, brainstormed the root causes

and selected strategies to address the issue. After their discussion, each group had an

opportunity to report out their results to the full group.

For bullying prevention, students said the main reasons for bullying are jealousy and insecurity

and some of the strategies they suggested are telling teachers about incidents, standing up to

bullies, presentations about the effects of bullying and what to do about it, and forming bullying

prevention clubs, which is something that has been effective in a couple of the high schools.

For technology etiquette, students said the lack of etiquette is caused by people not thinking

about the consequences before they type and then hiding behind their computer screen. They

recommended there be instruction at an early age on technology etiquette and presentations at

school assemblies to raise awareness about this issue.

For respect for yourself and others, some of the reasons students identified for lack of respect

include low self esteem, jealousy, a bad home environment and lack of exposure to diversity. In

order to build greater respect, they suggested sponsoring unity days at school or student

projects in the community that bring students together for a common cause. They also

suggested presentations and instruction around the issue of tolerance and again, like with

bullying, suggested forming student groups to promote respect and tolerance.



Herkimer County 2009 Teen Assessment Project Report

96

DATA SOURCES



WHERE WE STAND

Communities That Care (CTC) research indicates that if a gun is present in the home, it is much

more likely to be used against a friend or relative than an intruder or stranger. When a firearm

is used in a crime or assault instead of another weapon or no weapon, the outcome is much more

likely to be fatal. Given the lethality of firearms, the increase in the likelihood that conflict will

escalate into homicide when guns are present, and the strong association between the

availability of guns and homicide rates, firearm availability is considered a contributing risk

factor for delinquency and violence.

The number of violent index crimes involving guns that are known to the police is the best

official indicator of the frequency with which deadly weapons are used to commit serious violent

crimes.

Availability

The possession of a handgun in New York State requires a NYS Pistol Permit. New York does

not recognize permits issued by other states. The chart below illustrates the number of new

pistol permits that have been issued in Herkimer County from 1999 to 2012. It is difficult to

determine the total number of pistols in the county because a single permit can have multiple

pistols registered.

Graph 37

Source: Herkimer County Sheriff’s Department

66 68

79

6575

82

62

85

10296

108

149160

154

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Pistol Permits Issued in Herkimer County

1999–2012

97

Citizenship Firearms

The graph to the right illustrates the total

number of pistol permit applications handed out

in Herkimer County from 2010 to 2012. The

number of applications more than doubled

during this timeframe. Due to a state

application procedure change, the majority of

the pistol permit applications submitted in the

latter part of 2012 will be processed in 2013.

According to the Herkimer County Sheriff’s

Department, the increase in pistol licenses

issued and applications handed out since 2009

has been due in part to (1) people exercising

their rights under the Second Amendment,

(2) women getting involved with target

shooting, gun clubs, hiking and hunting, and

(3) employment purposes.

Of the 154 pistol permit licenses issued in 2012, 49 were to women. Persons needing a pistol

permit for jobs included the following: security guards, college campus security, arms

manufacturing, financial institutions, private businesses, and sub-contractors with federal, state

and local government.

Pistol amendments also experienced an increase (there were 1,158 in 2012). More weapons were

purchased that use less expensive ammunition and for investment purposes. Also, there are

more people “sharing” weapons, i.e. joint use of a gun between two people—mostly couples and

families.

Herkimer County has issued 11,843 pistol permits to-date (1/13) from the inception of issuing

permits. Please note however that this number does not reflect the “true” total number of

pistol permit holders currently in Herkimer County due to several factors: the unreported

deaths of permit holders, surrendered permits (moving to a different state or no longer

needed/wanted), revoked permits, and permit holders who have transferred out of Herkimer

County.

Because hunting is a sport that many Herkimer County residents are involved in, hunting rifles

are present in some Herkimer County homes. There is no state licensing requirement for the

possession of a rifle or shotgun, although any person convicted of a felony or other serious

offense and any person who “has been certified not suitable to possess a rifle or shotgun” is

prohibited from possession. Generally, it is unlawful for anyone under the age of 16 to possess

any firearm; however, a rifle or shotgun may be possessed by a person between the ages of 12

and 16 who is engaged in supervised target shooting on a range. 98

392483

844

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

2010 2011 2012

Applications Handed Out

2010–2012


Graph 38


DATA SOURCES

Firearm Crimes

According to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, there were 15 violent

crimes committed with the use of a firearm in Herkimer County during 2010, a rate of 24.5 per

100,000 of population. This is an increase from the 8 firearm crimes committed in 2007 (rate -

12.7 per 100,000 population).

In 2010, 5,088 crimes were committed with the use of a firearm in New York State (minus

NYC), at rate of 46.1 per 100,000 population. This is a decrease from the 5,255 firearm crimes

committed in 2007 (rate - 47.5 per 100,000 population).

Communities That Care, Developmental Research and Programs, Inc.

Herkimer County Sheriff’s Department

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services

http://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/crimnet/ojsa/indexcrimes/2010-county-violent-rates.pdf

http://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/crimnet/ojsa/indexcrimes/2007-county-violent-rates.pdf

New York State Rifle and Pistol Association

http://www.nysrpa.org/nygunlaws.htm

Octagon House: Home of Linus Yale inventor of the Yale cylinder lock, Newport 99


http://www.nysrpa.org/nygunlaws.htm


The reasons why adolescents commit crimes are very complex. Most adolescent behaviors simply

represent “testing the limits” and youth experimentation with adult activities. Some youth,

however, engage in more serious acts of delinquency or crime that may bring them to the

attention of the juvenile or criminal justice systems.

Arrests of adolescents are handled by different parts of the justice system, as determined by

the age of the youth and the type of offense. In general, the juvenile justice or family court

system handles arrests for youth ages 15 years and under. Arrests for youth ages 16 years and

older are prosecuted in the criminal court system. New York’s laws covering juvenile offenders

allow youth between the ages of 13 and 15 to be prosecuted in the criminal court system for

specified serious offenses.

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Under 16 110 119 180 121 73 75 71 77 86

16 to 18 454 408 380 384 393 376 298 234 243

Total 564 527 560 505 466 451 369 311 329

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

Youth Arrests in Herkimer County 2003 to 2011

WHERE WE STAND

Graph 39

Source: DCJS, Uniform Crime Reporting System

100

Citizenship Youth Arrests

The total number of juvenile arrests in Herkimer County has decreased by 42% between 2003

and 2011. Arrests for youth below age 16 decreased by 22% during this time period, while

arrests for youth between the ages of 16 and 18 decreased by 46%. Youth arrests by category

of violation for 2006 to 2008 are listed below and for 2009 to 2011 on the following page.

Herkimer County Youth Arrests by Violation 2006 to 2008

Year

2006 2007 2008

Under 16 16–18 Total Under 16 16–18 Total Under 16 16–18 Total

Total 121 384 505 73 393 466 75 376 451

Forcible Rape 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 2

Robbery 1 2 3 0 3 3 0 3 3

Aggravated Assault 7 18 25 6 16 22 6 15 21

Burglary 12 15 27 9 27 36 5 25 30

Larceny 17 40 57 7 39 46 11 44 55

MV Theft 0 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 2

Arson 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 0

Kidnap 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0

Controlled Substance Sale 0 2 2 0 3 3 0 0 0

Marijuana Sale 4 8 12 0 2 2 2 1 3

Controlled Substance

Possession

0 0 0 0 4 4 0 4 4

Marijuana Possession 8 58 66 3 61 64 2 59 61

Weapons 6 2 8 5 3 8 6 5 11

Other Sex Offenses 6 5 11 10 15 25 6 11 17

Forgery 0 3 3 0 0 0 0 1 1

Stolen Property 2 3 5 3 4 7 1 4 5

Coercion 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1

Mischief 17 19 36 9 20 29 3 31 34

Fraud 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1

Public Order 0 7 7 0 4 4 0 4 4

Embezzlement 0 0 0 1 1 2 0 0 0

Simple Assault 19 23 42 3 33 36 9 23 32

Family Offenses 1 5 6 2 2 4 2 5 7

DWI 0 18 18 0 10 10 0 17 17

Unauthorized MV Use 0 1 1 0 3 3 1 1 2

Disorderly Conduct 0 20 20 0 26 26 0 16 16

Other 21 132 153 13 116 129 19 103 122

Source: DCJS, Uniform Crime/Incident-Based Reporting systems (as of 7/30/12).

Table 55

101


Herkimer County Youth Arrests by Violation 2009 to 2011

Year

2009 2010 2011


Total 71 298 369 77 234 311 86 243 329

Negligent Manslaughter 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Forcible Rape 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Robbery 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Aggravated Assault 3 12 15 1 10 11 2 3 5

Burglary 1 15 16 3 9 12 6 20 26

Larceny 14 51 65 10 41 51 18 62 80

MV Theft 0 2 2 1 2 3 0 2 2

Arson 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 0

Kidnapping 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1

Controlled Substance Sale 0 2 2 0 1 1 1 2 3

Marijuana Sale 2 2 4 3 3 6 1 0 1

Controlled Substance

Possession 0 6 6 1 3 4 1 3 4

Marijuana Possession 3 37 40 3 41 44 8 55 63

Weapons 2 3 5 6 4 10 0 0 0

Other Sex Offenses 3 9 12 5 4 9 5 4 9

Forgery 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0

Stolen Property 4 4 8 8 6 14 2 5 7

Coercion 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0

Mischief 19 17 36 17 7 24 14 21 35

Fraud 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2

Public Order 0 3 3 0 3 3 0 0 0

Embezzlement 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0

Simple Assault 6 18 24 9 11 20 18 13 31

Family Offenses 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

DWI-Alcohol 0 11 11 0 9 9 0 7 7

DWI-Drugs 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 4 4

Unauthorized MV Use 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0

Liquor Law 0 29 29 0 18 18 0 3 3

Disorderly Conduct 0 7 7 0 15 15 0 6 6

Other 14 64 78 8 44 52 9 31 40

Source: DCJS, Uniform Crime/Incident-Based Reporting systems (as of 7/30/12).

Table 56

102


DATA SOURCES

The Kids Wellbeing Indicators Clearinghouse reports that the 2011 property crime arrest rate

for juveniles (under 16 years old) in Herkimer County was 34.5 per 10,000 population, slightly

lower than the Rest of State (New York State minus New York City) rate of 35.3 per 10,000.

The violent crime arrest rate for juveniles in Herkimer County in 2011 was also lower than the

rate for the Rest of State (2.9 per 10,000 vs. 7.2 per 10,000 respectively).

Herkimer County’s decline in juvenile arrests seems to be in line with national trends. According

to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, there were 1.9 million arrests of

juveniles in the U.S. in 2009, 17% fewer than the number of arrests in 2000.

Kids Wellbeing Indicators Clearinghouse

http://www.nyskwic.org


http://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/

Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention,

http://www.ojjdp.gov/pubs/236477.pdf

103


http://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/


WHERE WE STAND

Graph 40

Having a safe place to live, work and raise a family is an important part of an individual’s health

and well-being. Effective crime control is a key element in ensuring that our communities are

safe.

Index Crime Rates

In 2011, the rate per 100,000 in New York State for all index crimes was 2,287.3 (396.4 per

100,000 for violent index crime and 1,890.9 per 100,000 for property index crime). Non New

York City rates per 100,000 were 2,253.3 (all index crime), 230.5 (violent index crime) and

2,022.7 (property index crime) per 100,000 population. Herkimer County crime rates were lower

than both NYS and Non-NYC rates in 2011 for all index, violent, and property index crimes

(2,093.8 per 100,000 for all index crimes, 217.6 for violent index crimes, and 1,876.3 per

100,000 for property index crimes).

Index Crime Rates Across New York State

Source: DCJS, Uniform Crime/Incident-Based Reporting system (as of 4/2/12)

Herk

County

NYS

exc. NYC

NYSHerk

County

NYS

exc. NYC

NYSHerk

County

NYS

exc. NYC

NYS

2009 2010 2011

Violent Crime 271.2 255.7 383.0 269.0 247.3 391.2 217.6 230.5 396.4

Property Crime 1,940.5 2,087.1 1,916.5 1,940.3 2,120.3 1,928.6 1,876.3 2,022.7 1,890.9

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

104

Citizenship Adult Arrests and Convictions

Table 57

Graph 41 Herkimer County Index Crimes - 2005 to 2011

The table and graph on this page illustrate Herkimer County Index crimes reported from 2005

to 2011. These general offense categories were developed by the FBI to standardize reporting

across states. The seven Index crimes were chosen primarily on the basis of their seriousness

and frequency of occurrence, and are used to gauge trends in the volume and rate of crime.

Herkimer County Index Crime Summary—2005 to 2011

105

Year

Violent Crime Property Crime

Grand

Total Total Murder

Forcible

Rape Robbery

Agg.

Assault Total Burglary Larceny

MV

Theft

2005 1,468 210 0 24 14 172 1,258 256 973 29

2006 1,347 218 1 21 11 185 1,129 244 858 27

2007 1,191 177 1 10 9 157 1,014 261 737 16

2008 1,284 201 0 14 14 173 1,083 226 837 20

2009 1,369 168 0 18 17 133 1,201 235 954 12

2010 1,372 169 0 16 7 146 1,203 266 913 24

2011 1,357 141 1 11 14 115 1,216 310 884 22

Source: DCJS, Uniform Crime/Incident-Based Reporting system (as of 4/2/12)—graph and table this page

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1,000

Murder Forcible Rape Robbery Agg. Assault Burglary Larceny MV Theft

Violent Crime Property Crime

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011


Table 58 Adult Arrests by Category in Herkimer County—1994 to 2011

Year Total Felony Drug Violent DWI Other Misdemeanor Drug DWI Property Other

1994 1,185 255 28 75 40 112 930 22 325 256 327

1995 1,260 278 21 64 28 165 982 9 324 242 407

1996 1,331 323 24 106 47 146 1,008 20 276 250 462

1997 1,315 298 27 90 32 149 1,017 17 276 240 484

1998 1,390 324 32 93 33 166 1,066 7 293 274 492

1999 1,272 276 27 94 25 130 996 15 280 218 483

2000 1,329 307 32 89 23 163 1,022 41 275 248 458

2001 1,395 318 36 90 32 160 1,077 32 283 217 545

2002 1,338 314 41 96 36 141 1,024 34 292 210 488

2003 1,401 339 35 102 31 171 1,062 30 285 229 518

2004 1,299 308 40 82 39 147 991 32 268 211 480

2005 1,352 301 21 97 30 153 1,051 53 292 236 470

2006 1,424 331 48 79 40 164 1,093 52 377 222 442

2007 1,485 320 23 65 51 181 1,165 51 361 252 501

2008 1,342 331 30 95 36 170 1,011 33 278 270 430

2009 1,318 262 16 75 41 130 1,056 45 271 302 438

2010 1,304 277 27 55 45 150 1,027 52 272 298 405

2011 1,283 290 30 64 42 154 993 67 227 303 396

Adult Arrests

The table below illustrates the number of adult arrests (ages 16 and older and juvenile

offenders prosecuted in adult courts) made in Herkimer County for the period 1994 to 2011.

Felony and misdemeanor offenses, along with subcategories for each, are listed.

Overall, adult arrests in Herkimer County have increased by 8.3% between 1994 and 2011.

Arrests in both the misdemeanor and felony categories have seen overall increases but have

fluctuated. DWI arrests (felony and misdemeanor) have seen declines over the time period.

Arrests for misdemeanor and felony drug offenses have experienced slight increases.

106


Source: DCJS, Computerized Criminal History System (as of 2/21/12)

1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Total 1,185 1,260 1,331 1,315 1,390 1,272 1,329 1,396 1,338 1,392 1,272 1,252 1,424 1,485 1,342 1,318 1,304 1,283

Felony 255 278 323 298 324 276 307 319 314 332 299 277 331 320 331 262 277 290

Misdemeanor 930 982 1,008 1,017 1,066 996 1,022 1,077 1,024 1,060 973 975 1,011 1,165 1,011 1,056 1,027 993

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

1,400

1,600

Source: DCJS, Computerized Criminal History System (as of 2/21/12)

107

Graph 42

Adult Arrests in Herkimer County—1994 to 2011


Adult misdemeanor arrests were highest in 2007, and have experienced a decline of approxi-

mately 15% between 2007 and 2011. Felony arrests increased by approximately 5% between

2010 and 2011. In 2011, 23% of all arrests made were for felony offenses. In 2008, 25% of all

arrests were felonies.

Conviction and Incarceration Rates

The table on the next page provides a summary of the outcomes of adult felony arrests in

Herkimer County from 2000 to 2011. The summaries are displayed according to the year in which

the disposition occurred, regardless of when the arrest actually occurred. For example, a 2010

arrest that resulted in a conviction in 2011 is displayed in the 2011 column.

The conviction rate includes all convictions that resulted from plea bargains or trials and may

include convictions for offenses other than that charged at arrest (e.g., a felony arrest may

result in a misdemeanor conviction). In 2011, Herkimer County tied with Livingston County for

the second highest felony conviction rate (94.5%) in New York State behind Schuyler Coun-

ty (96.7%). The 2011 conviction rate in New York State was 64.4% and in Upstate New York

(non-NYC) it was 75.4%.

Source: DCJS, Computerized Criminal History System (as of 4/12)

The incarceration rate represents the number of sentences involving prison, jail, time served, or

jail plus probation as a proportion of the total number of convictions. Herkimer County’s felony

incarceration rate of 37.4% in 2011 was lower than the incarceration rate for New York State

(50.6%) and Upstate New York (52.0%).

Adult sentences to Probation for felony convictions as an alternative to incarceration in

Herkimer County in 2011 was 33.3%. The NYS rate in 2011 was 14.4% and the Upstate NY rate

was 21.3%.

Felony Arrests Disposed, Conviction and Incarceration Rates in Herkimer County

108

Table 59 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Conviction Rate

(Percent of

Disposed)

91.1% 89.5% 91.3% 93.8% 92.2% 94.8% 96.9% 97.2% 94.0% 95.3% 94.5% 94.5%

Incarceration

Rate (% of

convicted)

37.0% 34.6% 35.2% 35.4% 41.7% 33.9% 33.3% 38.9% 30.6% 33.9% 37.8% 37.4%

Percent

Convicted of

Felonies

48.1% 48.2% 52.9% 52.9% 57.9% 62.3% 56.2% 53.2% 53.9% 57.1% 55.7% 58.4%

Percent

Convicted of

Misdemeanors

47.7% 42.0% 38.6% 38.8% 39.3% 33.5% 39.4% 42.7% 40.4% 36.7% 34.7% 37.9%

Percent

Convicted of

Lesser Offenses

4.2% 9.7% 8.6% 8.3% 2.8% 4.2% 4.4% 4.1% 5.7% 6.2% 9.6% 3.7%


Source: DCJS, Computerized Criminal History System (as of 4/12)

The table above provides a summary of the outcomes of adult misdemeanor arrests in Herkimer

County. The summaries are displayed according to the year in which the disposition occurred,

regardless of when the arrest actually occurred. For example, a 2010 arrest that resulted in a

conviction in 2011 is displayed in the 2011 column.

The conviction rate includes all convictions that resulted from plea bargains or trials and may

include convictions for offenses other than that charged at arrest (e.g., a felony arrest may

result in a misdemeanor conviction). In 2011, Herkimer County had the highest misdemeanor

conviction rate (90.1%) in New York State. The 2011 conviction rate in New York State was

53.8% and in Upstate New York (non-NYC) it was 64.0%.

The incarceration rate represents the number of sentences involving prison, jail, time served, or

jail plus probation as a proportion of the total number of convictions. Herkimer County’s

misdemeanor incarceration rate of 9.4% in 2011 was lower than the incarceration rate for New

York State (32.6%) and Upstate New York (23.1%). Adult sentences to Probation for felony

convictions as an alternative to incarceration in Herkimer County was 6.5%. The NYS rate in

2011 was 4.1% and the Upstate NY rate was 8.1%.

Misdemeanor Arrests Disposed, Conviction and Incarceration Rates

in Herkimer County - 2007 to 2011

109

Table 60

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Conviction Rate

(Percent of Disposed) 85.5% 84.2% 86.3% 88.1% 90.1%

Incarceration Rate

(% of convicted) 9.5% 9.9% 8.7% 9.5% 9.4%

Percent Convicted of

Felonies 1.3% 1.1% 0.7% 0.8% 1.4%


Misdemeanors 48.1% 52.5% 47.5% 45.6% 46.9%


Lesser Offenses 50.6% 46.4% 51.8% 53.6% 51.7%


DATA SOURCES

The “percent of conviction to: felonies, misdemeanors, or lesser offenses” gives an indication of

the amount of charge reduction between arrest and conviction. In Herkimer County, there are

minimal charge reductions that occur between arrest and conviction.


http://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/crimnet/ojsa/indexcrimes/2011-county-index-rates.pdf

http://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/crimnet/ojsa/indexcrimes/Herkimer.pdf

http://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/crimnet/ojsa/arrests/Herkimer.pdf

http://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/crimnet/ojsa/dispos/all.pdf

http://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/pio/annualreport/2006_finalrelease.pdf

Amish Horse and Carriage


110

http://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/crimnet/ojsa/indexcrimes/2011-county-index-rates.pdf

http://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/crimnet/ojsa/indexcrimes/Herkimer.pdf

http://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/crimnet/ojsa/arrests/Herkimer.pdf

http://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/crimnet/ojsa/dispos/all.pdf

http://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/pio/annualreport/2006_finalrelease.pdf

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Misdemeanor DWI 275 283 292 285 268 292 377 360 294 271 272 227

Felony DWI 23 32 36 31 39 30 41 52 44 41 45 42

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

DWI Arrests in Herkimer County


WHERE WE STAND

Driving while intoxicated is dangerous and drivers with high blood alcohol content (BAC) are at

an increased risk of car accidents, highway injuries and vehicular deaths. Unfortunately, over

20% of all traffic fatalities in the United State each year are caused by drunk drivers. Thus,

drunk driving remains a serious national problem that tragically affects thousands of victims

annually.

Youth have less driving experience than adults. When this driver inexperience is compounded by

alcohol use, it puts youth at an increased risk of auto accidents, injury and death.

Drunk driving, like most other social problems, resists simple solutions. However, there are a

number of actions, each of which can contribute toward a reduction of the problem. Prevention

measures evaluated include license suspension or revocation, impounding or confiscating vehicle

plates, enforcing open container bans, increasing penalties such as fines or jail for drunk driving,

mandating education for young people, and lowering legal blood alcohol content levels.

The chart below illustrates DWI arrests in Herkimer County from 2000 to 2011. Overall total

DWI arrests have declined during this time period. Misdemeanor DWI arrests reached their

peak in 2006 and have decreased since that time. Felony DWI arrests have fluctuated but have

nearly doubled.

Source: DCJS, Computerized Criminal History System (as of 2/21/12) 111

Graph 43

298 315

328 316 307

322

418 412

338 312 317

269

Citizenship DWI

The adult arrest rate for DWI in Herkimer County is lower than some surrounding counties but

higher than the rate recorded for New York State. According to statistics from New York

State Division of Criminal Justice Systems, adult DWI arrests occurred in 2011 in Herkimer

County at a rate of 41.5 per 10,000, compared to a rate of 33.2 per 10,000 for

Non-New York City and 23.2 per 10,000 for New York State. Herkimer County’s adult DWI

arrest rate in 2011 is lower than the Herkimer County rate recorded in 2010 (51.7 versus 41.5

per 10,000).

The young adult arrest rate for DWI in Herkimer County is higher than similar counties and

New York State (see graph 45 on the next page). According to the Council on Children and

Families, Kids’ Well-Being Indicators Clearinghouse, young adult DWI arrests occurred in 2006

at a rate of 224.5 per 10,000, compared to a rate of 66.3 per 10,000 for New York State

(excluding NYC) and 44.6 per 10,000 for New York State. In 2011, young adult DWI arrests

occurred at a rate of 108.7 per 10,000, compared to a rate of 47.0 per 10,000 for New York

State (excluding NYC) and 32.2 per 10,000 for New York State. Herkimer County had the third

highest DWI arrest rate for youth ages 16 to 21 in New York State in 2011.

Herkimer County’s conviction rate for DWI in 2008 (percent of arrests guilty of original charge

with no reduction) was 47.88%. This conviction rate is ranked 28th of the 62 counties in

New York State.

According to a 2005 Herkimer HealthNet Survey administered by Zogby International,

approximately 70% of survey respondents believe that drinking and driving is a problem in

Herkimer County.

The Herkimer County Special

Traffic Options Program for

Driving While Intoxicated

(STOP-DWI) is supported

entirely by driving while

intoxicated fines. The goal of

the program is to provide a plan

for coordination of county,

town, city and village efforts to

reduce alcohol-related traffic

crashes, injuries and fatalities

and confronting the youthful

drinker/driver. Each year, the

Herkimer County STOP-DWI

Program invests DWI fines

collected into local programs

and services to achieve this

goal. Source: Zogby, 2005 Herkimer County Community Health Assessment

Yes, 69%

No, 21%

Not Sure, 10%

Do You Believe There Is A Problem With

Drinking & Driving in Herkimer County

Graph 44

112

Citizenship DWI

Herkimer County’s rate of youth arrests for drug charges has declined by almost 30% between

2006 and 2011. In 2011, Herkimer County’s rate of 50.2 per 10,000 was four times less than the

202.8 per 10,000 rate for the Rest of State (NYS minus NYC).

113

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Herkimer 224.5 173.6 131.3 103.2 118.0 108.7

Rest of State 66.3 63.1 60.1 56.4 52.1 47.0

NYS 44.6 43.1 41.5 39.1 36.3 32.2

0

50

100

150

200

250

Herkimer County Youth DWI Arrest Rates

per 10,000 population

Source: NYS Kids Wellbeing Clearinghouse- both graphs this page

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

NYS 198.2 211.5 199.9 203.9 209.6 202.8

Rest of State 96.8 87.4 83.7 81.0 82.3 77.9

Herkimer 70.0 42.9 45.1 46.4 48.5 50.2

0

50

100

150

200

250

Herkimer County Youth Drug Arrest

Rates per 10,000 population

Citizenship DWI

Graph 45

Graph 46

Automobile Crash Fatalities in New York State—2008 to 2010

The chart above illustrates the number and rates of automobile crash fatalities that were

alcohol related in Herkimer County, neighboring counties and NYS from 2008 to 2010. While the

rates for alcohol related fatalities in Herkimer County exceeded comparative counties in both

2008 and 2009, in 2010 the rate decreased and was lower than that of all but two counties.

Ignition Interlock Devices

On August 15, 2010, it became mandatory that anyone convicted of a DWI offence be sentenced

to at least a conditional discharge and all sentences are to carry the condition of having the

ignition interlock device installed in any vehicle they own or operate. Since August of 2010, the

Herkimer County Probation Department has monitored a total of 108 Ignition Interlock cases.

Alcohol: Problems and Solutions: State University of New York at Potsdam

http://www2.potsdam.edu/hansondj/DrinkingAndDriving.html

Council on Children and Families, Kids’ Well-being Indicators Clearinghouse

http://www.nyskwic.org/get_data/indicator_profile.cfm?subIndicatorID=319

Herkimer County HealthNet 2005 Health Needs Survey administered by Zogby International.

Herkimer County Probation Department

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/departments/nrd-30/ncsa/STSI/USA WEB REPORT.HTM


http://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/crimnet/ojsa/arrests/Allcounties.pdf 114

2008 2009 2010

County Total

Alcohol

Impair %

Rate

Per

100k

Total Alcohol

Impair %

Rate

Per

100k

Total Alcohol

Impair %

Rate

Per

100k

Herkimer 16 7 43.8% 10.87 5 3 60.0% 4.66 5 2 40.0% 3.10

Madison 14 0 0.0% 0.00 14 0 0.0% 0.00 10 2 20.0% 2.72

Fulton 4 1 25.0% 1.80 5 0 0.0% 0.00 8 4 50.0% 7.20

Montgomery 6 0 0.0% 0.00 5 1 20.0% 2.00 3 0 0.0% 0.00

Otsego 6 0 0.0% 0.00 4 1 25.0% 1.61 6 2 33.3% 3.21

Oneida 18 7 38.9% 2.99 15 2 13.3% 0.85 27 9 33.3% 3.83

Onondaga 31 6 19.4% 1.29 34 10 29.4% 2.15 40 17 42.5% 3.64

NYS 1,238 346 27.9% — 1,158 318 27.5% — 1,200 364 30.3% —

Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System

Table 61

Citizenship DWI

DATA SOURCES

http://www2.potsdam.edu/hansondj/DrinkingAndDriving.html

http://www.nyskwic.org/get_data/indicator_profile.cfm?subIndicatorID=319

http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/departments/nrd-30/ncsa/STSI/USA%20WEB%20REPORT.HTM

http://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/crimnet/ojsa/arrests/Allcounties.pdf


WHERE WE STAND

The number of offenders being supervised by county probation departments has been increasing

across New York State. An increasing number of supervision caseloads, like that displayed in

Herkimer County, require that essential resources be available to perform effectively. The

primary safety and security of the general public relies partly on the capability of probation

personnel to properly monitor and provide for offenders in the community.

Providing successful alternatives to incarceration also helps Herkimer County better manage its

ever-increasing jail population while advancing public safety.

Court Investigations

The table below lists the total number of investigations completed by the Herkimer County

Probation Department from 2009 to 2011.

The New York State Criminal Procedure Law requires that a pre-sentence investigation be

conducted for the court prior to sentencing in all cases where an offender is convicted of a

felony. In cases where an offender is convicted of a misdemeanor, a pre-sentence report is

required before a sentence of probation, or a sentence of imprisonment in excess of 90 days is

imposed. Law requires that a pre-dispositional investigation report be completed and provided

to the Family Court Judge prior to disposing of all Juvenile Delinquency cases. Family Court may

also order an investigation be conducted in PINS, custody, visitation, and private adoption

proceedings.

Source: Herkimer County Probation Department Annual Reports 2009–2011

Table 62

Probation Investigations Completed in Herkimer County: 2009 to 2011

2009 2010 2011

Family Court 193 265 121

Criminal Court

Felony 186 303 183

Misdemeanor 179 225 192

557 793 497 Total

115

Citizenship Probation and Correctional Alternatives

Probation Supervisions

Source: Herkimer County Probation Department Annual Reports– both graphs this page

Total Number of Adult Criminal Supervisions as of 12/31 of Each Year

Graph 47

Felony Misdemeanor JD/PINS/Other Total

2006 146 118 104 368

2007 121 111 29 261

2008 162 145 17 324

2009 100 73 51 224

2010 71 88 8 167

2011 60 95 7 162

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

Total Number of New Supervised Probationers

Herkimer County

Graph 48

414 406

464

411 413395

0

100

200

300

400

500

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Supervision Size

116


Graph 47 on the previous page lists the total number of new probationers supervised (including

Persons In Need of Supervision) in Herkimer County each year from 2006–2011. Data suggests

that the total number of new clients under supervision has decreased over the past six years.

Graph 48 on the previous page lists the total number of adult criminal supervisions that occurred

in each calendar year from 2006 to 2011. This data includes new probationers opened in that

year plus individuals served that were opened in previous years. The number of Probation

Supervisions has declined slightly during this time period.

The chart above lists the total number of Probationers Supervised in Herkimer County and

comparable counties in NYS (please note that NYS data varies slightly from local data).

Herkimer County’s supervision caseload decreased slightly in 2011 and was ranked 7 out of 12

when compared with similar counties.

In the comparison group, Madison, Warren, Washington, Columbia and Fulton counties increased

the number of probationers supervised during this time period, while Livingston, Otsego,

Genesee, Franklin, Tioga and Chenango decreased caseload size. 117

County Population

Size

Supervision Size

2009 2010 2011

Madison 73,442 271 277 291

Warren 65,707 536 573 578

Livingston 65,393 613 600 552

Herkimer 64,519 399 372 385

Washington 63,216 580 587 613

Columbia 63,096 446 503 458

Otsego 62,259 236 254 226

Genesee 60,079 576 551 525

Fulton 55,531 314 308 323

Franklin 51,599 569 575 502

Tioga 51,125 388 391 344

Chenango 50,477 315 316 300

Total Number of Probationers Supervised—2009 to 2011

Source: DCJS OPCA Integrated Probation Registrant System (as of 2/21/12)

Table 63


Alternatives to Incarceration

There are many programs in existence in Herkimer County that help to reduce the incarceration

rate. Herkimer County and the New York State Division of Probation and Correctional

Alternatives authorize and approve an Alternatives to Incarceration Plan. The Plan consists of a

Pretrial Release Program and a Community Service Program that are operated by the Herkimer

County Probation Department.

The Pretrial Release Program targets offenders confined at the correctional facility on a

pretrial basis, and screens, assesses and interviews appropriate offenders to determine

eligibility for Release on Recognizance (ROR) or Release Under Supervision (RUS). Eligibility

determinations are sent to the appropriate court, and any release from confinement is court

ordered. Courts also have the option of releasing pretrial jail detainees on Electronic

Monitoring, which allows the offender to be detained at home.

The table below illustrates the number of offenders that were screened for eligibility for

pretrial release, the number and types of pretrial releases granted, and the number of jail days

saved as a result of the Pretrial Release Program. Between 2004 and 2011, the use of electronic

monitoring as an alternative to incarceration has increased (from 11 to 63), and the number of

defendants released on their own recognizance has decreased (from 20 to 0). Almost 43,000

jail days have been saved during this five-year period due to the pretrial release option.

Pretrial Release and Jail Time Saved: 2004 to 2011 Herkimer County

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Defendants Screened 152 203 155 228 291 256 243 219

Defendants Interviewed 138 203 155 228 291 256 243 219

Defendants Rated Eligible 76 110 97 105 119 113 116 103

Defendants Rated Not Eligible 62 93 58 123 172 143 127 116

Defendants Released (Total): 32 37 35 35 70 70 71 65

Release on Recognizance (ROR) 20 2 4 2 0 0 0 0

Release Under Supervision (RUS) 1 12 5 2 4 1 3 2

RUS with Electronic Monitoring 11 23 26 31 66 69 68 63

Jail Time Saved (Days) 3360 3840 3555 3660 7380 7140 8295 5730

Source: Herkimer County Probation Department

Table 64

118


The Community Service Program provides a sentencing option for criminal courts by having

selected offenders perform unpaid community work in lieu of incarceration. Offenders are

screened for program eligibility and risk to public safety. Each offender performing community

service is monitored by the Probation Department who reports to the court and verifies the

outcome of the work sentence.

The table below illustrates the number of offenders that were sentenced to community service,

the number of hours of community service completed, and the number of jail days saved.

Between 2004 and 2011, the number of offenders sentenced to community service as an

alternative to incarceration has more than doubled. Almost 16,000 hours of community service

were performed and over 32,000 jail days have been saved during this eight-year time period.

Community Service and Jail Time Saved: 2004 to 2011 Herkimer County

Electronic Monitoring

Electronic Monitoring provides the Courts and Criminal Justice System with an enhanced

sanction for sentenced offenders and an alternative to incarceration for selected pre-trial

defendants. The primary focus of the program is to advance public safety and enhance offender

and probationer control.

The Electronic Monitoring Program provides a system whereby offenders may be ordered a

period of home detention. The home detention is electronically managed by the use of a

transmitter worn by the offender and a receiver (monitoring unit) connected to the offender’s

telephone line. The receiver monitors the presence or absence of an offender within a specified

range. This information is compared with specified schedule restrictions by the Probation

Department to determine the offender’s compliance.


2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Offenders Sentenced to Community Service 12 31 43 33 44 26 26 29

Community Service Hours Ordered 395 2447 2624 2910 3365 1260 1455 1467

Community Service Hours Completed 596 281 1280 797 1456 1386 2077 1532

Correctional Facility Jail Time Saved (Days) 2160 5790 6645 4905 7410 2025 1590 1665

State Prison Jail Time Saved (Days) 1246 516 1178 671 0 0 0 0

Table 65

119


Electronic Monitoring Program—2004 to 2012 Herkimer County

As the table above illustrates, the Electronic Monitoring Program has quadrupled the number of

offenders that are court ordered on a pre-trial or post-sentence basis between 2004 and 2012.

During this 8-year time period, Herkimer County has saved approximately 47,000 jail days.

With a jail cost estimated at $95/day, Herkimer County saved over $2.27 million using

electronic monitoring between 2009 and 2012.

Juvenile Electronic Monitoring Program—2008 to 2012 Herkimer County

As the table above illustrates, the number of youth placed on the Juvenile Electronic Monitoring

Program remained fairly steady between 2008 and 2012. During this 5-year time period,

Herkimer County has saved approximately 4,100 days of detention/placement.

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Total Court Ordered to

Electronic Monitoring 29 50 62 73 116 110 95 89 116

Pre-trial 11 23 26 30 66 65 64 62 77

Sentenced Offenders 18 27 36 43 50 45 31 27 39

Days Served/Jail Days Saved 1912 3377 4261 5736 8678 7144 5664 3204 7917


Table 66

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Total Court Ordered to


PINS 3 9 7 3 7

JD 9 5 7 4 7

Pre-adjudication 10 9 9 2 8

As disposition 2 5 5 5 5

Days Saved 922 1260 711 552 660

Table 67


120


Ignition Interlock Devices

On August 15, 2010, it became mandatory that anyone convicted of a DWI offence be sentenced

to at least a conditional discharge and all sentences are to carry the condition of having the

ignition interlock device installed in any vehicle they own or operate.

Since August of 2010, the Herkimer County Probation Department has monitored a total of 108

Ignition Interlock cases.

Drug Treatment Court

Another program that has affected the county’s incarceration rate is the Herkimer County Drug

Treatment Court. The Drug Treatment Court, in existence in Herkimer County since December

2003, has served 66 people.

Individuals that are convicted of a crime that appears to be due to the offender’s alcohol or

substance addiction have their sentences suspended while they receive intensive monitoring and

assistance from the court. Cases are open to services for a period of approximately 18 month to

two years.

A team of 18 professionals from the Courts and community agencies work with addicted

offenders and provide access to multiple levels of treatment, intensive monitoring and

accountability, as well as guidance and support to help achieve positive outcomes.

As of March 2013, 37 people have completed program services. Seventeen have graduated,

twenty have been terminated, and two were transferred to another Treatment Court. Four

individuals have re-offended.

In the last year, the Treatment Court census has doubled. Twenty people are currently receiving

Drug Treatment Court services.

The Lifeworks Group of Herkimer County, a non-profit organization of graduates and current

participants, was created to reduce the stigma of addiction recovery by becoming visible

“helpers” who demonstrate that there is life after a personal history of crime and addiction.

The group gives back to their communities through charitable good works. Proceeds are donated

to residents in need to help improve the quality of life for everyone.

121


Van Hornesville Caves

DATA SOURCES


Office of Probation and Correctional Alternatives

http://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/pdfs/supervised2011.pdf




Herkimer County Drug Treatment Court

122





Juvenile delinquency is a challenging problem that takes a substantial toll on our society.

Explaining crime and delinquency is a complex task. A multitude of biological, psychological and

social factors exist that may lead someone to engage in delinquent behavior.

The social causes of juvenile delinquency encompass a wide array of theories that have been set

forth by criminologists and sociologists. Some theorists view delinquency as a function of the

individual while others view delinquency as a macro level function of society. The prevention of

delinquency rests on the principle of identifying individuals and environments at risk for

delinquent activity before the behavior has occurred, and then either removing risk factors or

strengthening resistance to the risk factors. The impact of this approach depends upon the risk

factors identified and the choice of when and where to direct the intervention.

New York State Family Court Law defines a Juvenile Delinquent (JD) as “a person over seven and

less than sixteen years of age, who, having committed an act that would constitute a crime if

committed by an adult, (a) is not criminally responsible for such conduct by reason of infancy, or

(b) is the defendant in an action ordered removed from a criminal court to the family court

pursuant to article seven hundred twenty-five of the criminal procedure law.”

The chart below illustrates the number of Juvenile Delinquency intakes from 2002 to 2012.


WHERE WE STAND

Source: Herkimer County Probation Department and Family Support PINS Diversion Program

Graph 49

123

Citizenship Juvenile Delinquency

73

132 134 129

143

69

94 90

63

88

75

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Herkimer County Juvenile Delinquency Intakes 2002 to 2012

Juvenile Delinquency intakes have fluctuated during this time period. Cases nearly doubled be-

tween 2002 and 2003, and continued to increase between 2003 and 2006 when 143 JD intakes

were processed. Intakes then fell by about half between 2006 and 2007, and have since

increased slightly to 75 in 2011.

In 2005, the Family Support PINS Diversion Unit began to provide services to JD youth that

were identified as high-risk by the Herkimer County Probation Department. Thirty-three JD

youth were provided services in 2005, 42 in 2006, 35 in 2007, 31 in 2008, and 37 in 2009.

These youth were provided with intensive services designed to improve behaviors and avoid out

of home placement. Since 2010, the Family Support PINS Diversion Program has provided all

services to JD youth.

Placements

The chart below illustrates the number of placements recorded for Juvenile Delinquent (JD)

youth in Herkimer County from 1998 to 2012. The number of JD youth that have been placed

outside the home has seen an overall decline of one-third between 1998 (12) and 2012 (8), In

2007 the number of youth placed rose to 16, the highest number of placements during this time

period. The lowest number of placements recorded during this time period was 6 in 2011.

Source: Herkimer County Department of Social Services 124

Graph 50


12

14

10

1312

109

13

1516

11

78

6

8

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

199

8

199

9

20

00

20

01

20

02

20

03

20

04

20

05

20

06

20

07

20

08

20

09

20

10

20

11

20

12

JD Youth Placed: Herkimer County

1998 to 2012

JD youth tend to require more intensive levels of care than traditional Foster Care homes can

provide, and as a result the majority of JD placements are in costly alternatives such as

institutions, group homes, and detention facilities.

The table below depicts the number of residential and detention care days used for JD youth

from 2006 to 2012. The use of JD detention and residential care days declined by over 2,200

days, or one-third, during this time period.


During 2012, seven youth were placed on Electronic Monitoring as an alternative to detention or

placement. Please refer to page 120 for additional information.


Herkimer County Family Support PINS Diversion Program


JD Residential and Detention Care Days

2006 6,557

2007 9,544

2008 8,823

2009 6,551

2010 5,025

2011 3,149

2012 4,344

Source: Herkimer County Department of Social Services

DATA SOURCES

Table 68

125



WHERE WE STAND

A Person In Need of Supervision (PINS) is an individual less than 18 years of age who does not

attend school in accordance with the education law or who is incorrigible, ungovernable or

habitually disobedient and beyond the lawful control of parent or other person legally

responsible. PINS also includes unlawful possession of marijuana (Penal Law 221.05).

Youth and their families may benefit from services to help address these disobedient behaviors

and to prevent further involvement with the social welfare and criminal justice systems.

The Herkimer County Family Support PINS Diversion Program provides adjustment services for

all Persons in Need of Supervision (PINS) referrals made in Herkimer County. All potential

PINS cases are screened and offered services before being given access to Family Court.

The chart below illustrates PINS and pre-PINS youth by age that received diversion services in

Herkimer County from 2002–2012.

The number of PINS and pre-PINS youth that received services has seen an 18% increase from

2002 to 2012. The majority of youth receiving services are between the ages of 11 and 15.

Graph 51

126

Source: Herkimer County Family Support PINS Diversion Program

Citizenship Persons in Need of Supervision (PINS)

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

7 to 10 17 30 36 28 13 9 2 7 12 7 15

11 to 15 162 136 118 144 178 113 126 127 178 206 183

16 and 17 35 67 63 22 48 33 40 35 36 36 52

Total 214 233 217 194 239 155 168 169 226 249 250

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

Persons in Need of Supervision (PINS) by Age 2002 to 2012

In 2003, the Family Support PINS Diversion Program began its operation as the single point of

entry for PINS services in Herkimer County. The program works to improve youth functioning

at home, at school, and in the community, and provides strength-based services and supports to

youth and their families to address needs and reduce risks. Families are provided with services

from the FS/PINS program prior to filing a formal PINS complaint in court, and can continue to

receive services once adjudicated.

Placements

The chart below illustrates the number of PINS placements recorded in Herkimer County from

2000 to 2012. The number of PINS youth that have been placed outside of the home has

increased by 20% during this time period.

PINS placements doubled between 2000 (21) and 2002 (43). With services provided by the

Family Support PINS Diversion program which began in 2003, placements declined by almost

70% between 2002 (43) and 2008 (12). Since that time, placements have steadily increased

from 12 in 2008 to 26 in 2012.

PINS youth tend to require more intensive levels of care than traditional Foster Care homes can

provide, and as a result the majority of PINS youth are placed in costly alternatives such as

institutions, group homes, and non-secure detention centers.

Graph 52

127


2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Placements 21 34 43 29 19 18 12 20 12 15 20 21 26

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

Herkimer County PINS Placements 2000 to 2012


The chart below shows the number of residential and detention care days used by PINS youth

from 2002 to 2012. The number of care days in 2012 represents an overall reduction of 6,518

days, or a 53% decrease, from the 12,410 care days total in 2002.

In 2008, Herkimer entered into contract with Kids Herkimer to provide Return Home Early

home-based wraparound services for youth who would otherwise remain in placement.

Respite

The chart on the next page depicts Herkimer County PINS respite use from 2003 to 2012.

Since 2003, respite services have been available to PINS youth as an alternative to placement.

Both the number of PINS youth utilizing respite and the number of respite care days used have

increased between 2003 and 2009. Respite use has declined between 2009 and 2012.

128

Graph 53



12,410

10,441

8,795

5,848

4,953

6,554

6,4695,564

7,1376,219

5,892

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

14,000

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Herkimer County PINS Residential & Detention Care Days

2002 to 2012

DATA SOURCES

Juvenile Electronic Monitoring Program

In 2008, Herkimer County began to use Electronic Monitoring for PINS youth as an alternative

to placement. During 2012, seven PINS youth were placed on Electronic Monitoring as an

alternative to detention or placement. Please refer to page 120 for additional information.


Herkimer County Family Support PINS Diversion Program


*2011 & 2012 Number include both PINS & JD Respite Use

Source: Herkimer County Family Support PINS Diversion Program

Graph 54

129


2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Respite Days 72 159 208 366 473 613 443 414 484 369

Number of Youth 22 22 42 54 72 70 42 46 48 41

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

Herkimer County PINS Respite Use 2003 to 2012


WHERE WE STAND

Incarceration can negatively impact family, employment prospects, and self-esteem. The costs

of incarceration not only take their toll on the person incarcerated and their family, but create

economic, societal and cultural impacts in the community at-large.

In January 2005, New York State prison inmates reported that they are parents to more than

66,000 children. The incarceration of a care-taking parent leaves children of incarcerated

parents vulnerable to elevated levels of anxiety, fear, loneliness, anger, and depression. They

may be stigmatized and ostracized by classmates, lose self-esteem, withdraw from relationships

with adults and peers, act out in school or become truant, and experience a decline in academic

performance. Children of incarcerated parents also face an increased risk of getting caught up

in the criminal justice system and substance abuse.

The graph below depicts the number of Herkimer County Jail inmates from 1999 to 2012. The

number of inmates remanded to the Herkimer County Correctional Facility has increased by over

23% during this time period.

Graph 55

130

Citizenship Incarceration


1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Number 626 619 621 626 685 682 717 700 717 738 535 584 629 776

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

Herkimer County Jail Inmates 1999 to 2012

The table below illustrates the number of adults that have been incarcerated in the county jail

from 1999 to 2012. The total number of adults in jail has increased by 40% during this time

period.

Adults in the Herkimer County Jail: 1999 to 2012

In addition, the number of female adults in jail almost tripled in 2012 when compared to 1999,

from 46 in 1999 to 123 in 2012. In 1999, females made up 10% of the total number of adults

incarcerated that year. In 2012, they comprised 19% of that year’s inmate population. The

yearly census of male inmates increased by 26% during this timeframe.

Table 69

131

Adults in Jail 21–29 30–39 40–54 55+ All Ages Total

1999 Male 177 132 91 7 407

453 Female 19 18 8 1 46

2000 Male 164 123 86 14 387

438 Female 14 30 5 2 51

2001 Male 171 127 68 7 373

446 Female 27 34 12 0 73

2002 Male 165 122 82 15 384

443 Female 13 39 6 1 59

2003 Male 188 119 76 19 402

469 Female 27 26 13 1 67

2004 Male 193 105 115 9 422

484 Female 16 18 25 3 62

2005 Male 216 117 99 8 440

521 Female 31 25 24 1 81

2006 Male 215 128 109 10 462

536 Female 31 21 19 3 74

2007 Male 239 97 117 8 461

544 Female 32 22 23 6 83

2008 Male 240 128 92 13 473

560 Female 36 24 23 4 87

2009 Male 190 84 74 10 358

413 Female 28 15 10 2 55

2010 Male 189 93 90 14 386

466 Female 40 13 25 2 80

2011 Male 201 114 86 22 423

513 Female 38 22 27 3 90



2012 Male 262 137 97 19 515

638 Female 64 29 29 1 123

Youths in Jail <16 16–18 19 20 All Ages Total

1999 Male and

Female 0 98 38 37 173 173

2000 Male and

Female 0 96 45 40 181 181

2001 Male and

Female 0 100 38 37 175 175

2002 Male and

Female 0 112 42 29 183 183

2003 Male 0 102 51 41 194

216 Female 0 10 5 7 22

2004 Male 0 97 30 40 167

198 Female 0 13 9 9 31

2005 Male 0 77 46 47 170

196 Female 0 10 7 9 26

2006 Male 0 70 22 36 128

164 Female 0 18 8 10 36

2007 Male 0 82 34 30 146

173 Female 0 11 10 6 27

2008 Male 0 78 43 37 158

178 Female 0 9 7 4 20

2009 Male 0 65 23 24 112

122 Female 0 5 1 4 10

2010 Male 0 46 28 33 107

118 Female 0 6 5 0 11

2011 Male 0 41 30 25 96

116 Female 0 9 7 4 20


Table 70

The table below illustrates the number of youths (16 to <21) that have been incarcerated in the

county jail from 1999 to 2012. The total number of youths in jail has seen a decrease from 173

in 1999 to 138 in 2012, a 20% decline.

Youths in the Herkimer County Jail: 1999 to 2011

The increase in the jail population has resulted in the overcrowding of the jail and the boarding

out of prisoners to other facilities. In 2012, an average of 45 prisoners were boarded out each

month to jails in other counties at a significant additional cost to taxpayers. The number of

inmates boarded out represents 63.4% of the total average daily census of 71 in 2012.

132


2012 Male 0 52 32 32 116

138 Female 0 10 4 8 22

DATA SOURCES

Graph 56

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

% Boarded Out 4.1% 22.6% 31.9% 39.0% 41.1% 46.7% 51.6% 46.3% 47.3% 49.1% 63.4%

Census 49 62 69 59 56 60 62 54 55 57 71

Boarded Out 2 14 22 23 23 28 32 25 26 28 45

In House 47 48 48 36 34 32 31 29 29 29 26

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Yearly Average Daily Census of Jail Population: 2002 to 2012

Herkimer County Sheriff’s Department


http://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/crimnet/ojsa/jail_population.pdf

Source: DCJS Crimestat Report (as of 7/2/12)

133


http://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/crimnet/ojsa/jail_population.pdf

Voting

• There is an increasing disparity between those individuals that are registered to vote and

those that actually vote in elections in Herkimer County. This change is consistent with both

state and national trends.

Engaged and Informed Citizens

• The Herkimer Telegram had a circulation of approximately 3,000 papers each day in 2012.

This is a decrease from the daily circulation of 6,000 papers reported for 2009. The Little

Falls Times had a circulation of approximately 2,000 papers each day in 2012. All local

newspapers currently maintain web sites, but no local data could be obtained to help

determine the number of residents who rely on this medium to keep up with local news. • Between 2009 and 2011, downloadable e-books and audiobooks library circulation figures in

Herkimer County have tripled nearly across the board over 3 years. • According to the Pew Research Center Internet and American Life Project Survey,

approximately 81% of adults surveyed in the US over the age of 18 were users of the

Internet in 2012. In Herkimer County, 96.5% of residents have access to wireless Internet

capabilities. Herkimer County ranks 45th in New York State in terms of Internet access

speed.

• According to a survey done by the Pew Research Center in 2012, approximately 95% of youth

ages 12-17 in the US have access to the Internet. Based on the 2009 Herkimer County TAP

Survey, almost eight out of ten (79%) of teens have their own personal e-mail address, and

nearly three out of four (72%) have a personal profile page on places such as Facebook or

MySpace.

Youth Citizenship

• Almost one in six teens (16%) indicated in the 2009 survey that they felt constantly teased,

threatened or harassed by other youth. This is a decrease from 2005 when 20% said they

felt this way. Seventh graders in each survey have reported feeling constantly bullied at a

higher rate than those in ninth and eleventh grade. In 2009, 21% of the seventh graders

reported feeling this way, whereas 15% of the ninth graders and just 12% of the eleventh

graders said they felt constantly bullied.

• Fewer teens in 2009 than 2005 reported that that they have done something that they could

have been arrested for, such as shoplifting, vandalism and assault in the past year. In 2005,

one in four (25%), but by 2009—22%, reported they had done something illegal. • Herkimer County teens are more likely than teens nationally to have: (1) sent nude or semi-

nude pictures of themselves (HC—27% vs. US—19%); (2) received nude or semi-nude pictures

that someone sent of themselves (HC—40% vs. US—31%); (3) shared nude or semi-nude

pictures they had received with someone else (HC—17% vs. US—14%); and (4) received these

types of pictures from someone who had received the pictures from someone else (HC—32%

vs. US—29%).

134

Citizenship Key Findings & Commentary

Firearms

• 154 Pistol Permits were issued in Herkimer County 2012, and 844 applications for pistol

permit licenses were handed out. The number of applications requested in 2012 is double the

amount requested in 2009. • According to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, there were 15 violent

crimes committed with the use of a firearm in Herkimer County during 2010, a rate of 24.5

per 100,000 of population. This is an increase from the 8 firearm crimes committed in 2007

(rate - 12.7 per 100,000 population).

Youth Arrests

• The total number of juvenile arrests in Herkimer County has decreased by 42% between

2003 and 2011. Arrests for youth below age 16 decreased by 22% during this time period,

while arrests for youth between the ages of 16 and 18 decreased by 46%. • The Kids Wellbeing Indicators Clearinghouse reports that the 2011 property crime arrest

rate for juveniles (under 16 years old) in Herkimer County was 34.5 per 10,000 population,

slightly lower than the Rest of State (New York State minus New York City) rate of 35.3 per

10,000. The violent crime arrest rate for juveniles in Herkimer County in 2011 was also lower

than the rate for the Rest of State (2.9 per 10,000 vs. 7.2 per 10,000 respectively).

Adult Arrests and Convictions

• Herkimer County crime rates were lower than both NYS and Non-NYC rates in 2011 for all

index, violent, and property index crimes (2,093.8 per 100,000 for all index crimes, 217.6 for

violent index crimes, and 1,876.3 per 100,000 for property index crimes). • Overall, adult arrests in Herkimer County have increased by 8.3% between 1994 and 2011.

Arrests in both the misdemeanor and felony categories have seen overall increases but have

fluctuated. DWI arrests (felony and misdemeanor) have seen declines over the time period.

Arrests for misdemeanor and felony drug offenses have experienced slight increases.

• In 2011, Herkimer County tied with Livingston County for the second highest felony convic-

tion rate (94.5%) in New York State behind Schuyler County (96.7%). The 2011 conviction

rate in New York State was 64.4% and in Upstate New York (non-NYC) it was 75.4%. • Herkimer County’s felony incarceration rate of 37.4% in 2011 was lower than the

incarceration rate for New York State(50.6%) and Upstate New York (52.0%).

• Adult sentences to Probation for felony convictions as an alternative to incarceration in

Herkimer County in 2011 was 33.3%. The NYS rate in 2011 was 14.4% and the Upstate NY

rate was 21.3%.

DWI

• Overall total DWI arrests have declined in Herkimer County between 2000 and 2011. Misde-

meanor DWI arrests reached their peak in 2006 and have decreased since that time. Felony

DWI arrests have fluctuated but have nearly doubled. The adult arrest rate for DWI in

Herkimer County is lower than some surrounding counties but higher than the rate recorded

for New York State. 135


• The young adult arrest rate for DWI in Herkimer County is higher than similar counties and

New York State. In 2011, young adult DWI arrests occurred at a rate of 108.7 per 10,000,

compared to a rate of 47.0 per 10,000 for New York State (excluding NYC) and 32.2 per

10,000 for New York State. Herkimer County had the third highest DWI arrest rate for

youth ages 16 to 21 in New York State in 2011.

Probation and Correctional Alternatives

• Between 2004 and 2011, the use of Electronic Monitoring in Herkimer County as an

alternative to incarceration has increased (from 11 to 63), and the number of defendants

released on their own recognizance has decreased (from 20 to 0). Almost 43,000 jail days

have been saved during this five-year period due to the pretrial release option. • The number of youth placed on the Juvenile Electronic Monitoring Program remained fairly

steady between 2008 and 2012. During this 5-year time period, Herkimer County has saved

approximately 4,100 days of detention/placement. • Between 2004 and 2011, the number of offenders sentenced to community service as an

alternative to incarceration has more than doubled. Over 32,000 jail days have been saved

during this eight-year time period.

Juvenile Delinquency

• The number of Herkimer County JD youth that have been placed outside the home has seen

an overall decline of one-third between 1998 (12) and 2012 (8), In 2007 the number of youth

placed rose to 16, the highest number of placements during this time period. The lowest

number of placements recorded during this time period was 6 in 2011.

• The use of JD detention and residential care days declined by over 2,200 days, or one-third,


Persons in Need of Supervision (PINS)

• The number of PINS youth that have been placed outside of the home has increased by 20%


• The number of residential and detention care days used by PINS youth in 2012 was 6,518

days less, or a 53% decrease, from the 12,410 care days used in 2002.

• Respite use for PINS youth has declined between 2009 and 2012.

Incarceration

• The number of inmates remanded to the Herkimer County Correctional Facility has increased

by over 23% between 1999 and 2012. The total number of adults in jail has increased by 40%

during this time period, while youths in jail have experienced a 20% decline. • The increase in the jail population has resulted in the overcrowding of the jail and the

boarding out of prisoners to other facilities. In 2012, an average of 45 prisoners were

boarded out each month to jails in other counties at a significant additional cost to

taxpayers. The number of inmates boarded out represents 63.4% of the total average daily

census of 71 in 2012. 136


137

Physical & Emotional Health New York State Prevention Agenda

The Prevention Agenda 2013-17 is New York State’s health improvement plan for 2013 through

2017, developed by the New York State Public Health and Health Planning Council (PHHPC) at

the request of the Department of Health, in partnership with more than 140 organizations

across the state. This plan involves a unique mix of organizations including local health

departments, health care providers, health plans, community- based organizations, advocacy

groups, academia, and employers, as well as state agencies, schools, and businesses whose

activities can influence the health of individuals and communities and address health disparities.

This unprecedented collaboration informs a five-year plan designed to improve the health and

quality of life for all New Yorkers. Recent natural disasters in New York State that have had an

impact on health and well-being re-emphasize the need for such a roadmap.

In addition, the Prevention Agenda will serve as a guide to local health departments as they work

with their community to develop mandated Community Health Assessments and to hospitals as

they develop mandated Community Health Assessments. It will also guide hospitals as they

develop mandated Community Service Plans and Community Health Needs Assessments required

by the Affordable Care Act over the coming year.

The Prevention Agenda vision is “New York as the Healthiest State in the Nation.” The plan

features five priority areas:

• Prevent chronic diseases

• Promote healthy and safe environments

• Promote healthy women, infants and children

• Promote mental health and prevent substance abuse

• Prevent HIV, sexually transmitted diseases, vaccine-preventable diseases and

healthcare-associated infections

The Prevention Agenda establishes goals for each priority area and defines indicators to

measure progress toward achieving these goals, including reductions in health disparities among

racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups and person with disabilities.

The Agenda also identifies interventions shown to be effective to reach each goal. These

interventions are displayed by stakeholder groups so that each sector can identify evidence-

based or promising practices they can adapt for implementation to address the specific health

issues in their communities. The interventions are also displayed by the five tiers of the Health

Impact Pyramid. The Health Impact Pyramid is a framework based on the potential reach and

relative impact of interventions. At the base are efforts to address socio-economic

determinants of health (Tier 1). In ascending order are interventions directed at the

environmental context to make individuals’ default decisions healthy (Tier 2), clinical

interventions that confer long-term protection against illness and disease (Tier 3), ongoing

direct clinical care (Tier 4), and health education and counseling (Tier 5). Interventions at lower

Physical & Emotional Health New York State Prevention Agenda

levels of the pyramid tend to reach broader segments of society by changing the broader

environments in which people live through policy changes. Sustaining interventions at each of

the levels within communities can achieve the maximum possible public health benefit and

address health disparities and social determinants of health.

The Prevention Agenda has five overarching goals:

• Improve health status in five priority areas and reduce racial, ethnic, socioeconomic and

other health disparities including those among persons with disabilities.

• Advance a “Health in all Policies” approach to address broad social determinants of health.

• Create and strengthen public-private and multi-stakeholder partnerships to achieve public

health improvement at state and local levels.

• Increase investment in prevention and public health to improve health, control health care

costs and increase economic productivity.

• Strengthen governmental and nongovernmental public health agencies and resources at state

and local levels.

A select group of 58 Prevention Agenda objectives were chosen to be tracked annually for New

York State. Data will be available by county for 43 of these objectives, by healthcare plan for

four objectives and by hospital for two objectives. Baseline and updated data will be published

on the DOH website.

The following are the New York State Focus Areas for Public Health Priority Areas:

138

Promote a Health and Safe Environment

• Injuries, Violence and Occupational Health

• Outdoor air quality

• Built environment

• Water quality

Prevent Chronic Diseases

• Reduce obesity in children and adults

• Reduce illness, disability and death- related

to tobacco use and secondhand smoke

exposure

• Increase access to high quality chronic

disease preventative care and management in

both clinical and community settings

Prevent HIV/STDs, Vaccine Preventable

Diseases and Healthcare-Associated

Infections

• Vaccine-preventable diseases

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

• Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)

• Healthcare-associated infections

Promote Mental Health & Prevent Substance

Abuse

• Promote Mental, Emotional and Behavioral

health (MEB)

• Prevent substance abuse and other MEB

disorders

• Strengthen infrastructure across systems

Promote Healthy Women/Infants/Children

• Maternal and infant health

• Child health

• Preconceptive and reproductive health


139

Physical & Emotional Health Access to Quality Health Care

Strong predictors of access to quality health care include having health insurance, a higher

income level, and a regular primary care provider or other source of ongoing health care. Use of

clinical preventive services, such as early prenatal care, can serve as indicators of access to

quality health care services.

Financial, structural, and personal barriers can limit access to health care. Financial barriers

include not having health insurance, not having enough health insurance to cover needed services,

or not having the financial capacity to cover services outside a health plan or insurance program.

Persons with health insurance are more likely to have a primary care provider and to have

received appropriate preventive care such as a recent Pap test, immunization, or early prenatal

care. Adults with health insurance are twice as likely to receive a routine checkup as are adults

without health insurance.

Structural barriers include the lack of primary care providers, medical specialists, or other

health care professionals to meet special needs or the lack of health care facilities. More than

40 million Americans do not have a particular doctor’s office, clinic, health center, or other place

where they usually go to seek health care or health-related advice. Even among privately

insured persons, a significant number lacked a usual source of care or reported difficulty in

accessing needed care due to financial constraints or insurance problems. People aged 18 to 24

years were the most likely to lack a usual source of ongoing primary care.

Personal barriers include cultural or spiritual differences, language barriers, lack of

transportation, and not knowing what to do or when to seek care, or concerns about

confidentiality or discrimination.

In recent years, new scientific reports have linked poor oral health to adverse general health

outcomes. The role of chronic low-grade periodontal (gum) infections in increasing the risk for

heart and lung diseases, stroke, low birth weight and premature births is being studied. A

strong association between diabetes and periodontal infection has been observed. The effect of

early childhood caries (tooth decay) on weight gain and failure to thrive has been reported. The

impact of tooth loss on food choices is well documented. Behaviors that affect general health

such as tobacco use, excessive alcohol use and poor dietary choices are also associated with poor

oral health outcomes. The emergence of this connection between oral health and general health

and risk factors supports oral health care as an essential component of health programs and

policies.

For several types of cancer, detection at an early stage greatly increases the likelihood that

treatment will be successful, and it improves the treatment options that are available to persons

with cancer. The five-year survival rate for breast cancer that is in its earliest stages is 97.0%,

while, at late stage, it is only 23.3%. Similarly, colorectal cancer diagnosed in its earliest stage

currently has a five-year survival rate of 90.1% as opposed to later stage disease, which has a

five-year survival rate of 9.2%.


Table 58

Summary Chart: Access to Quality Healthcare Indicators

Indicator US NYS

Herkimer

County

Herkimer

County

2008

% of Adults with Health

Care Coverage 85.0%a 88.6% 85.4%* 83.4%

(2010) (2010) (2009) (2008)

% of Adults with Regular

Health Care Provider 86%a 86.6% 88.3%* 86.1%

(2008) (2010) (2009) (2008)

% of Adults Who Have

Seen a Dentist in the Past

Year 69.9%a 72.5% 65.8%* 67.2%

(2010) (2010) (2009) (2008)

Early Stage Cancer

Diagnosis:

Breast 60% 64.6% 65.9% N/A

Cervical 48% 46.1% 46.2% N/A

Colorectal 39% 45.1% 39.4% N/A

(2001–2007) (2008) (2004–2008)

a Median percent of States and DC

* Rate age-adjusted to the US 2000 Population

~ Fewer than 20 events in the numerator; rate is unstable

s Suppressed (percent could not be calculated, fewer than 3 cases per year)

140

Source: NYSDOH Herkimer County Indicators for Tracking Public Health Priority Areas

WHERE WE STAND

Table 61

Table 60


Table 59 Medicaid Health Insurance Coverage 2011

As of the end of 2011, Herkimer County has a total Medicaid eligible population of 13,971.

21.77% of Herkimer County’s 2011 estimated population is Medicaid eligible. Herkimer County’s

percentage enrolled is below the State percentages in every category except SSI Blind &

Disable and Other. Herkimer County and NYS have a similar percentage of Medicaid enrollees

covered under the State’s Family Health Plus Program.

Medicare Health Insurance Coverage 2010

Herkimer County has 12,050 Medicare enrollees. Roughly one fifth of the county is currently

receiving Medicare. This is nearly the same percentage of the population on Medicaid. The

percentage of Medicaid enrollees in Herkimer County to the New York State enrollment less

New York City is less than one-percentage point.

Child Health Plus Insurance Coverage July 2012

Total Medicaid

Enrollees SSI Aged

SSI Blind &

Disabled

Family

Health Plus Other

New York

State 25.16% 2.25% 3.86% 2.37% .0002%

Rest of State 16.25% 2.21% 3.22% 1.38% .06%

Herkimer 21.77% 1.99% 4.36% 2.31% .05%

Medicare Total Enrollees % Total of Population

New York State excluding NYC 1,813,630 15.54%

Herkimer County 11,929 18.49%

Child Health Plus Total Enrollees % of Population

under 18 % of Total Population

Herkimer 1,927 — —

NYS excluding NYC 231,978 — —

New York State 360,204 — —

141

Source: CMS, Medicare Enrollment Reports

Source: NYSDOH, Medicaid Enrollees by Category of Eligibility by Social Service District

Source: NYSDOH Child Health Plus Enrollment by Insurer July 2012

Table 62 Uninsured Rates: Comparison

According to the most recent available estimates, only 12.7% of nonelderly Herkimer County

residents are uninsured. This does not give any insight into the percentage of the population

that is underinsured; however, 6,674 children and adults is certainly a significant portion of the

population without any form of health coverage.

Physician Supply Herkimer County received designation as a Health Professional Shortage Area for both primary

care and mental health care in 2005. There are approximately 1,574 individuals per primary care

physician in Herkimer County. There are 41 primary care physicians in Herkimer County.

The county scored 11 out of 25

on the priority scale. Herkimer

and Oneida Counties currently

have 778 physicians of which

310 are primary care physicians

and 468 are specialists. This

results in Herkimer County

residents being required to

travel throughout the Mohawk

Valley to receive the care they

need.

While Oneida County has 92

psychiatry & neurology

providers, Herkimer County only

has four of the types of

providers.

Children

Ages 0–19 Uninsured

Adults


Total Individuals


Herkimer County 5.5% 15.4% 12.7%

New York State

excluding NYC 5.1% 14.2% 13.3%


Source: US Census Bureau, Small Area Health Insurance Estimates, 2010

142

Herkimer County Oneida County Total

Family Medicine 19 114 133

General Practice 2 6 8

Internal

Medicine 11 87 98

Obstetrics &

Gynecology 4 32 36

Pediatrics 5 30 35

Total Primary

Care Physicians 41 269 310

Table 63 Primary Care Physicians in

Herkimer & Oneida Counties

Source: CNY Health Service Agency

Transportation Given the geographic layout of Herkimer County and the availability of physicians and specialists,

the lack of a public transportation system can limit the access an individual has to health care

given their resources. The Herkimer-Oneida Counties Transportation Study identified human

services transportation needs and gaps. The Transportation Coordination Committee prioritized

needs and gaps into high, high-medium, medium, and low importance.

High Importance

• Coordination of bus routes and service hours for employment, childcare, and medical

appointments

• Public and private agencies coordinating programs with available transportation service

• Accessible and affordable transportation options for the elderly, disabled, and low-income to

social activities, shopping, medical, and employment facilities

• Easy to obtain information on available transit services, including non-English

• Filling vehicles with clients from various agencies traveling the same routes at the same

times

High-Medium Importance

• Improved pedestrian access, safer sidewalks, crosswalks, signals, pedestrian-friendly streets

especially within walking distance to bus stops and rail stations

Medium Importance

• Getting workers to employment locations currently not served by public transit

• Provide transportation service during evenings, weekends, holidays, and non-traditional work

hours

• Guaranteed ride for commuters who regularly take public transit, vanpool, carpool, bike, or

walk to and from work in the event of an unexpected emergency

• On-demand transportation options to medical care facilities and options for adults with

limited mobility

• Rural service to local cities and to areas such as Syracuse and Cooperstown

Low Importance

• Being able to track the location of buses on computer, automate trip schedules, dispatching

and billing

As indicated in the study, “on-demand transportation options to medical care facilities and

options for adults with limited mobility” scored as being of medium importance for the two

county region (Oneida-Herkimer). However, the geography, lack of public transportation, and

roads in Herkimer County would indicate a higher level of importance, especially to individuals

who are isolated or have physical limitations.


143


To address transportation needs of particular geographic regions of the county, or particular

populations within the county, various transportation services have been initiated to meet

transportation demands.

• The Herkimer County Office for the Aging provides transportation services to senior

citizens aged 60 and older.

• Community Transportation Services, Ltd., a non-profit incorporated in 1987, exists “to assist

the elderly, disabled and disadvantaged in the Central Adirondack area by providing

necessary transportation, without cost, for medical, health and other related necessary

services”.

• The Herkimer County Department of Social Services provides medical transportation to

individuals receiving Medicaid when no other source of transportation related to medical

appointments is available.

• Catholic Charities of Herkimer County sponsors the RIDE Program utilizing RSVP volunteers

to transport elderly or disabled individuals to medical appointments.

Herkimer County Office for the Aging Transportation The Herkimer County Office for the Aging (OFA) provides transportation services to senior

citizens aged 60 and older. This service is a demand-response system; that is, transportation

wherever the senior would like to go. Rides are provided for medical appointments, grocery

store/pharmacy, banking, hairdresser, visiting, etc. Due to the demand for services, the OFA

does not travel outside the County and basically services the valley corridor from the town of

Schuyler to Dolgeville. The OFA currently has two vehicles, both equipped with wheelchair lifts:

one vehicle operates 5 days/week and the second operates 2 days/

week.

The number of rides provided from 2005 through 2011 has not changed

significantly; this is because the buses are basically at capacity. When

the price of gasoline rose so dramatically in 2008, the demand for the

OFA transportation service also rose dramatically. Many seniors were

unable to be served because the demand was

far beyond the OFA’s capacity to absorb.

Since 2008, the number of rides has returned

to previous service levels.

During 2011, 176 seniors received

transportation from the OFA (unduplicated

count). The average number of rides per

senior served was 30 rides.

The demographics of seniors served with the

OFA transportation service during 2011 was

81% females and 19% males. The ages of

those served were 32% age 85 and older,

34% ages 75 to 84 and 35% ages 60 to 74.

Year # of Rides

Provided

2011 5,326

2010 5,532

2009 5,403

2008 6,059

2007 5,297

2006 5,291

2005 5,659

Tables 64 & 65 Source:

Herkimer County OFA

Table 64

OFA Transportation

2005–2011

Age #

Served

% of

Total

85+ 56 32%

75–84 59 34%

60–74 61 35%

Total 176 100%

Table 65 144

Age of Clients

Served with OFA

Transportation 2011


Herkimer County Non-Emergency MA Transportation

Mode of Transportation (One-Way Trips)

Year # of Clients Auto Van Stretcher

2008 3710 14673 4170 355

2009 3428 14518 3552 344

2010 3184 7042 1629 290

2011 3482 7777 1752 359

2012 3578 7641 1430 346

Note: excludes any ambulance trips

Catholic Charities RIDE Program

2009 2010 2011

Volunteer Drivers 22* 19** 17***

Volunteer Hours 1,702 1,976 1,514

Mileage 32,300 32,958 30,815

Rides 1,492 1,694 1,402

Passengers 746 847 701

Dispatchers 2 1† 5‡

RIDE Program

RSVP volunteers, utilizing their private vehicles, provide transportation to elderly county

residents to medical appointments when no other means of transportation is available. There

has been a reduction of volunteer providers, in part, due to the higher cost of gasoline. Catholic

Charities provides some reimbursement for gasoline but higher gas prices put the program in

jeopardy.

Medicaid Transportation

Medicaid recipients often do not have means of transportation to necessary medical

appointments. The Herkimer DSS provides medical transportation to recipients who do not have

access to a vehicle or public transportation. Some individuals with special medical problems

require specialized transport via van or stretcher. As a part of NYS’ ongoing Medicaid Redesign,

it is planned that Counties will no longer be administering this program.

Table 66

Source: Herkimer County Catholic Charities

Table 67


145

*2009 began w/24 drivers & ended w/22

**2010 began w/22 drivers & ended w/19

***2011 began w/19 drivers & ended w/17

†2010 began w/2 dispatchers & ended w/1 ‡2011 began w/3 dispatchers & ended w/5


Community Transportation Services, Ltd.

Community Transportation Services, Ltd., was incorporated in

1987 as a not-for-profit (501, c, 3) organization. Its

Certificate of Incorporation, Article 3, states “the purpose is

to assist the elderly, disabled and disadvantaged in the

Central Adirondack area by providing necessary

transportation, without cost, for medical, health and other

related necessary services”. CTS is not a taxi service; it is a

totally volunteer organization with no payroll. CTS exists

strictly on “free will” donations.

Table 69

Destination # of Trips

Utica 195

Syracuse 22

Albany 2

Rome 3

Indian Lake 2

Barneveld 43

Ilion 1

Boonville 8

Herkimer 2

Hamilton 2

Old Forge 118

Total Trips 398

2012 Destinations

Table 68 CTS Summary Data 2007–2012

2009 2008 2007 2010 2011 2012

Total Trips 396 332 286 466 421 398

# of Riders 812 676 627 941 797 748

Medical Riders 427 376 299 419 436 348

Riders 60+ 97% 96% 94% 97% 97% 97%*

Total Miles 38,496 34,541 31,516 39,680 40,477 38,663

Volunteer Drivers 34 32 30 32 29 30

Days Served/Week 7 7 7 7 7 7

Areas Served

Town of Webb

Other

98%

2%

98%

2%

97%

3%

98%

2%

98%

2%

98%*

2%*

* estimated

Tables 67–68 Source: Community Transportation Services, Ltd.

146


Individuals living with chronic disease(s)

may require support services to maintain a

level of independence and remain in their

homes. Individuals may have Functional

Limitations defined as ADL’s (Activities of

Daily Living) and IADL’s (Independent

Activities of Daily Living).

A variety of services available to help

maintain individuals in their homes follow.

EISEP

EISEP stands for “Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly Program” and is pronounced “eye-

sep”. EISEP is a New York State Program that provides housekeeping and personal care services

to seniors aged 60 and older whose incomes fall above the Medicaid level. Services are provided

on a cost-share basis dependent on the seniors’ incomes, which determine how much the senior

must contribute toward the actual cost of aide services they are receiving. Cost-sharing can

range from zero to 100% of the aide service cost.

ADL’s include: bathing, personal hygiene,

dressing, mobility, toileting, eating and

transferring.

IADL’s include: housework, self-administration

of medications, shopping, laundry,

transportation, prepare and cook meals, handle

personal business/finances and telephone.

EISEP Clients Served by Gender

4/1/2010–3/31/2011

Gender Number Percent

Female 94 84%

Male 18 16%

Total 112 100%

Source: Tables 70-72 Herkimer County

Office for the Aging

Table 70 Of the 112 seniors that received EISEP

services during the period 4/1/10–

3/31/11, 55% were aged 85 or older and

84% were females.

The ages of consumers receiving EISEP

are somewhat younger than the age

breakdown of consumers receiving home

delivered meals.

Age Number Percent

60–74 16 14%

75–84 34 30%

85+ 62 55%

Total 112 100%

EISEP Clients by Age 4/1/2010–3/31/2011

Table 71

147

Age EISEP Meals-on-

Wheels

60–74 14% 19%

75–84 30% 35%

85+ 56% 46%

EISEP Compared to Meals-on-Wheels

Table 72


Other Long Term Care Programs

The Alternatives in Long Term Care Program, located in the Department of Social Services,

oversees several different programs for individuals of any age. The various programs have

different age or income eligibility criteria. One thing they all have in common, however, is that

they provide in-home services to people who have functional limitations (see definitions on

previous page) and need assistance with ADL’s and/or IADL’s.

The following table lists programs, payment source (Medicaid or non-Medicaid), the number of

clients in each program, and the percentage of total consumers in each program

in December of 2012.

Individuals can receive more than one program. Although there are 247 cases, the total number

of consumers is 197.

Program Payment Source # of Consumers Percent

Care at Home (CAH)—

from birth to 18 years of age Medicaid 4 2%

Consumer Directed Personal

Assistance Program (CDPAP) Medicaid 44 18%

DSS Personal Emergency Response

System (PERS) Medicaid 50 20%

EISEP Level 1—

Housekeeper/Chore (Age 60+) Non-Medicaid 10 4%

EISEP Level 2—

Homemaker/Personal Care (Age 60+) Non-Medicaid 62 25%

Long Term Home Health Care

Program (LTHHCP) Medicaid 1 0%

Personal Care Aide Level 1 (PCA 1) Medicaid 36 15%

Personal Care Aide Level 2 (PCA 2) Medicaid 38 15%

Private Duty Nursing (PDN) Medicaid 2 1%

Total 247 100%

Table 73

Source: Herkimer County Office for the Aging

148


Of the total 247 current cases, 29% are non-Medicaid and 71% are Medicaid. The Alternatives

in Long Term Care Program unit is located in the Herkimer County Department of Social

Services. Staff or financial support from three separate county departments: Social Services,

Office for the Aging, and Public

Health support the unit. The

caseload as of 12/31/12 follows:

Age Number Percent

85+ 55 28%

75–84 42 21%

60–74 47 24%

<60 53 27%

Total 197 100%

Alternatives in LTC Program Caseload

by Age Breakdown 12/31/12


Table 74

Because the programs administered by the

Alternatives Unit are not limited to individuals

aged 60 and older, the age breakdown of

individuals served is dissimilar to that of Home

Delivered Meals and EISEP.

Table 75

Alternatives in LTC Program Caseload

by Marital Status Breakdown 12/31/12

Marital Status Number Percent

Divorced 35 18%

Married 33 17%

Never Married 24 12%

Separated 3 2%

Single 21 11%

Widowed 79 40%

Data Unknown 2 1%

Total 197 100%

Although all ages are served, the Alternatives

Unit caseload serves predominantly individuals

aged 60 and older, who are widowed, and living

alone.


Alternatives in LTC Program Caseload by

Living Arrangement Breakdown 12/31/12

Living Arrangement Number Percent

Alone 123 62%

With Others

(non-relative) 29 15%

With Relatives 22 11%

With Spouse Only 23 12%

Total 197 100% Table 76


149

Catholic Charities of Herkimer County.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Medicare Enrollment Reports.

CNY Health Service Agency.

Community Transportation Services, Ltd.



NYS Department of Health. 2008 Census Bureau Estimates of the Uninsured.

http://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/prevention_agenda/access_to_health_care/

estimates_of_uninsured.htm

NYS Department of Health. Child Health Plus Enrollment by Insurer.

http://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/child_health_plus/enrollment/

NYS Department of Health. Herkimer County Indicators For Tracking Public Health Priority

Areas.

http://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/prevention_agenda/indicators/county/herkimer.htm

NYS Department of Health. NYS Prevention Agenda 2013–2017.

http://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/prevention_agenda/2013-2017/

NYS Department of Health. Number of Medicaid Enrollees by Category of Eligibility by Social

Service District.

http://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/health_care/medicaid/eligible_expenditures/el2011/2011-

cy_enrollees.htm

US Census Bureau. Small Area Health Insurance Estimates.

http://www.census.gov/did/www/sahie/

2005 Herkimer County Community Health Survey, Zogby.

http://www.herkimerhealthnet.com/pdf/2006REPORT.pdf


DATA SOURCES

150

http://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/prevention_agenda/access_to_health_care/estimates_of_uninsured.htmC:/Users/schurch/Documents/My%20Data%20Sources

http://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/prevention_agenda/access_to_health_care/estimates_of_uninsured.htmC:/Users/schurch/Documents/My%20Data%20Sources

http://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/child_health_plus/enrollment/


http://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/prevention_agenda/2013-2017/

http://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/health_care/medicaid/eligible_expenditures/el2011/2011-cy_enrollees.htm

http://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/health_care/medicaid/eligible_expenditures/el2011/2011-cy_enrollees.htm

http://www.census.gov/did/www/sahie/



Physical & Emotional Health Prevent Chronic Diseases

Chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, stroke and asthma are conditions of

long duration and generally slow progression. Chronic diseases are among the leading causes of

death, disability and rising health care costs in New York State (NYS). Specifically, they

account for approximately 70 percent of all deaths in NYS and affect the quality of life for

millions of New Yorkers, causing major limitations in daily living for about one in ten residents.

Costs associated with chronic diseases and their major risk factors consume more than 75

percent of our nation’s spending on health care.

However, chronic diseases are also among the most preventable. Three modifiable risk

behaviors—lack of physical activity, unhealthy nutrition, and tobacco use—are largely

responsible for the incidence, severity and adverse outcomes of chronic disease. The World

Health Organization has estimated that if the major risk factors for chronic disease were

eliminated, at least 80 percent of all heart disease, stroke and type-2 diabetes would be

prevented, and more than 40 percent of cancer cases would be avoided.

As such, increasing physical activity, improving nutrition, and decreasing tobacco use form the

core of the Preventing Chronic Diseases Action Plan for the New York State Prevention Agenda.

Within this framework, the Action Plan places emphasis on three key areas: 1) health prevention

activities to encourage healthy living and limit the onset of chronic disease, 2) early detection

opportunities that include screening populations at risk; and 3) successful management

strategies for existing diseases and related complications. In addition, because of well-

documented and widespread disparities in chronic disease incidence and mortality among

vulnerable populations, addressing these health disparities is a focal point for the chronic

disease action plan.

It is vital that NYS address chronic diseases and their causes to effectively stem the tide of

escalating health care costs and ensure that New Yorkers lead healthy and productive lives.

Without doing so, these persistent conditions will leave in their wake a growing burden of

disability, compromised quality of life, and death, with well-considered and concerted action,

could have been prevented.

Major causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States are related to poor diet and

physical inactivity. By maintaining a healthy diet and being physically active, individuals can

achieve a healthy weight and reduce their risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart

disease and some forms of cancer. Physical activity can strengthen bones and reduce the risk of

osteoporosis. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of death in New York State, killing

almost 59,000 residents each year. Diabetes is the most rapidly growing chronic disease,

affecting one out of every 12 adult New Yorkers.

151

Obesity, which may be addressed through proper nutrition and physical activity, is a major risk

factor for many chronic diseases, and has reached epidemic proportions both in New York and

across the nation. The percentage of obese adults in New York State more than doubled from

10% in 1997 to 25% in 2008 and, nationally, obesity among children and adolescents has tripled

over the past three decades. In fact, obesity costs New York State more than $6 billion

annually in direct medical expenditures for treatment of related diseases, as well as indirect

costs such as lost productivity. Physical inactivity, poor nutrition, consumption of sugar-

sweetened beverages and television viewing can contribute to excess weight gain in children and

adults. (Finkelstein EA, Fiebelkorn IC, Wang G. State-level estimates of annual medical

expenditures attributable to obesity. Obesity Research. January 2004;12(1):18-24.)

Regular physical activity:

• Increases muscle and bone strength.

• Increases lean muscle and helps decrease body fat.

• Aids in weight control and is a key part of any weight loss effort.

• Enhances psychological well-being and may even reduce the risk of developing

depression.

• Appears to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and to improve mood.

Children and adolescents need weight-bearing exercise for normal skeletal development, and

young adults need such exercise to achieve and maintain peak bone mass. Older adults can

improve and maintain strength and agility with regular physical activity. This can reduce the risk

of falling, helping older adults maintain an independent living status. Regular physical activity

also increases the ability of people with certain chronic, disabling conditions to perform

activities of daily living.

Cigarette smoking is the single most preventable cause of disease and death in the United

States. Smoking results in more deaths each year in the United States than AIDS, alcohol,

cocaine, heroin, homicide, suicide, motor vehicle crashes, and fires—combined.

Tobacco-related deaths number more than 430,000 per year among U.S. adults, representing

more than 5 million years of potential life lost. Direct medical costs attributable to smoking

total at least $50 billion per year.

Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and chronic lung diseases—

all leading causes of death. Smoking during pregnancy can result in miscarriages, premature

delivery, and sudden infant death syndrome. Other health effects of smoking result from

injuries and environmental damage caused by fires.

152


153

Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), or secondhand smoke, among nonsmokers is

widespread. Home and workplace environments are major sources of exposure. A total of 15

million children, in the U.S., are estimated to have been exposed to secondhand smoke in their

homes in 1996. ETS increases the risk of heart disease and respiratory infections in children

and is responsible for an estimated 3,000 cancer deaths of adult nonsmokers.

Adolescents. Overall, the percentage of adolescents in grades 9 through 12 who smoked in the

past month increased in the 1990s. Every day, an estimated 3,000 young persons start smoking.

These trends are disturbing because the vast majority of adult smokers tried their first

cigarette before age 18 years; more than half of adult smokers became daily smokers before

this same age. Almost half of adolescents who continue smoking regularly will die eventually

from a smoking-related illness.

Adults. Following years of steady decline, rates of smoking among adults appear to have leveled

off in the 1990s.

There is no safe tobacco alternative to cigarettes. Spit tobacco (chew) causes cancer of the

mouth, inflammation of the gums, and tooth loss. Cigar smoking causes cancer of the mouth,

throat, and lungs and can increase the risk of heart disease and chronic lung problems.

Fire Tower on Bald Mountain, Old Forge


154


Chronic Disease Summary Chart

Indicator Data Years

Herkimer

County

New York

State

NYS 2017

Objective

Age-adjusted percentage of adults

who are obese 2008–2009

29.5

(24.6–34.5)

23.1

(21.0–25.1)

23.0

Percentage of children and

adolescents who are obese 2010–2012 17.9 17.6

NYC: 19.7

ROS: 16.7

Age-adjusted percentage of

cigarette smoking among adults 2008–2009

20.9

(16.3–25.5)

17.0

(15.3–18.8)

15.0

Percentage of adults who receive a

colorectal cancer screening based on

the most recent guidelines—Ages 50–

75 years

2008–2009 64.8

(58.9–70.2)

66.3

(63.5–69.1)

71.4

Asthma emergency department visit

rate per 10,000 2008–2010 33.5 83.7 75.1

Asthma emergency department visit

rate per 10,000—Ages 0–4 years 2008–2010 66.3 221.4 196.5

Age-adjusted heart attack

hospitalization rate per 10,000 2010 13.2 15.5 14.0

Rate of hospitalizations for short-

term complications of diabetes per

10,000—Ages 6–17 years

2008–2010 4.6 3.2 3.06

Rate of hospitalizations for short-

term complications of diabetes per

10,000—Ages 18+ years

2008–2010 4.4 5.6 4.86

Table 77

Source: NYSDOH Herkimer County Indicators For Tracking Public Health Priority Areas, 2013–2017

WHERE WE STAND

Table 79


Table 78

Indicator Herkimer

County Rate NYS Rate

NYS Rate

excluding NYC

Age-adjusted mortality rates

per 100,000 282.5 250.9* 244.7*

Premature death

(ages 35–64) 130.6 102.0* 95.3*

Pre-transport mortality 224.4 144.1* 155.9*

Age-adjusted hospitalization rates

per 10,000 178.1 165.6* 157.5*

Cardiovascular Disease

In relation to cardiovascular disease, Herkimer County statistically has higher rates of age-

adjusted mortality, premature death, and pre-transport mortality when compared to New York

State as a whole. When comparing to the Upstate area, excluding New York City, Herkimer

County also has statistically higher rates of hospitalizations.

Diseases of the Heart

Herkimer County statistically has higher rates of disease of the heart when compared to NYS

and NYS excluding New York City.

Source: NYSDOH Cardiovascular Disease Indicators 2008–2010—All tables on this page

Indicator Herkimer


NYS Rate

excluding NYC

Age-adjusted Mortality rates per

100,000 230.5 207.6* 196.5*

Premature death

(ages 35–64) 112.5 83.3* 78.0*



per 10,000 126.0 113.3* 109.2*

*Indicates statistical difference

155


156


Table 81

Table 80 Coronary Heart Disease

Coronary Heart Disease occurs in Herkimer County at statistically higher rates of mortality,

premature death, pre-transport mortality, and hospitalizations when compared with the Upstate

area, excluding New York City.

Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive Heart Failure occurs at statistically higher rates in Herkimer County concerning

hospitalization rates when compared with New York State and the Upstate area, excluding

New York City.

Indicator Herkimer


NYS Rate

excluding NYC

Age-adjusted Mortality rates

per 100,000 17.9 11.3* 15.5

Premature death

(ages 35–64) 1.3** 1.6 2.0

Pre-transport mortality 9.5 7.2 10.9

Age-adjusted Hospitalization rates

per 10,000 34.8 28.9* 26.9*

Source: NYSDOH Cardiovascular Disease Indicators 2008–2010—All tables on this page

Indicator Herkimer


NYS Rate

excluding NYC


per 100,000 164.3 169.4 145.1*

Premature death

(ages 35–64) 85.3 69.0 59.9*



per 10,000 48.3 46.9 43.7*



**Fewer than 10 events in the numerator; therefore the rate is unstable


Table 82

Table 83

Cerebrovascular Disease (Stroke)

Herkimer County has higher rates of stroke mortality, premature death, pre-transport

mortality, and hospitalizations however most of these rates are not statistically higher than

New York State or the upstate region excluding New York City.

Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease (CLRD)

Herkimer County has statistically significant higher rates of Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease

(CLRD) mortality and hospitalization when compared to New York State. However these rates,

when compared to the Upstate region, excluding New York City, are not statistically significant.

Indicator Herkimer


NYS Rate

excluding

NYC

Age-adjusted CLRD mortality

Rate per 100,000 40.9 31.1* 38.5

Age-adjusted CLRD

hospitalization rate per 10,000 31.5** 37.5* 31.7

Source: NYSDOH Respiratory Diseases Indicators 2008–2010

Indicator Herkimer


NYS Rate

excluding NYC


per 100,000 31.5 26.7 31.9

Premature death

(ages 35–64) 6.5** 10.6 10.5

Pre-transport mortality 20.1 10.9* 16.5


per 10,000 26.0 25.1 25.3

Source: NYSDOH Cardiovascular Disease Indicators 2008–2010





157

Table 84

Table 85

Cancer Age-adjusted Incidence per 100,000 Herkimer County

has higher rates

of Lip, Oral Cavity,

and Pharynx; Colon

and Rectum; and

Lung and Bronchus

Cancer than New

York State. There

are too few cases

for accurate

comparisons of

Melanoma Cancer

when compared to

the upstate

region, excluding

New York City.

Cancer Age-adjusted Mortality Rate per 100,000 Herkimer County

has higher rates of

cancer diagnosed at

an early stage for

female breast

cancer. It has

lower rates of

cancer diagnosed at

an early stage for

lung and ovarian

cancer. All of

these rates

however are not

statistically

significant

differences.

Indicator Herkimer


NYS Rate

excluding

NYC

Lip, Oral Cavity, & Pharynx 2.4** 2.1 2.0

Colon and Rectum 17.5 15.7 15.7

Lung and Bronchus 52.1 42.8* 49.0

Female Breast 17.1 21.7 22.2

Cervix Uteri 1.4** 2.3 1.9

Ovary 10.5 7.8 8.5

Prostate 12.8 21.6 20.8

Melanoma 1.8** 2.1 2.7 *Indicates statistical difference


Source: NYSDOH Cancer Indicators 2007–2009—all Tables this page

Indicator Herkimer


NYS Rate

excluding

NYC

Lip, Oral Cavity, & Pharynx 12.0 10.4 10.8

Colon and Rectum 53.2 45.8 46.2

Lung and Bronchus 70.9 63.8 72.2

Female Breast 131.1 126.9 136.1

Cervix Uteri 9.3 8.3 7.4

Ovary 12.4 12.9 13.4

Prostate 162.0 166.9 171.2

158




159

Table 86

Obesity Statistics

Source: NYSDOH Obesity Statistics for Herkimer County 2008–2010

Indicator

Herkimer County

Rate State Rate

% Adults Overweight or Obese (BMI 25+)—

Age- adjusted 61.0 59.3

% Adults Who Participated in Leisure Time

Physical Activity in Last 30 Days—

Age-adjusted

79.6 76.3

% Adults Eating 5 or More Fruits or

Vegetables per Day—Age-adjusted 20.9 27.1

% Adults with Physician Diagnosed Diabetes—

Age-adjusted 11.2 9.0

% Adults with Physician Diagnosed Angina,

Heart Attack or Stroke—Age-adjusted 6.8 7.6

% Adults with Physician Diagnosed Arthritis—

Age-adjusted 32.2 26.6


Causes of Obesity Bigger portions Over the years, most Americans have been consuming more calories. Between 1977 and 1996,

portion sizes grew markedly in the United States, not only at fast-food outlets/restaurants but

also in homes. The Nielsen SJ, Popkin BM study “Patterns and trends in food portion sizes 1977–

1998” revealed the following:

• Salty snacks increased from 132 calories to 225 calories.

• Soft drinks increased from 144 calories to 193 calories.

• French fries increased from 188 calories to 256 calories.

• Hamburgers increased from 389 calories to 486 calories.

Less nutrition Most Americans do not eat enough fruits and vegetables.

• In 1980, about 50% of high school seniors reported eating green vegetables “nearly

every day or more.” By 2003, that figure had dropped to about 30%.

• In 2000, 81% of men and 73% of women reported eating fewer than five servings of

fruits and vegetables a day.

• Americans aren’t getting enough whole grains. Whole grains include whole wheat,

whole oats, barley, whole rye, and brown and wild rice. Products made with whole

grains retain more fiber and vitamins and minerals.

• Most Americans consume less than one serving of whole grains a day, but between the

early 1980s and 2000, consumption of refined grains increased.

Milk consumption is lower than it should be:

• In 1977–78 children ages 6–11 drank about four times as much milk as soda. In 2001–

2002, they drank about the same amounts of milk and soda.

Added sugars have increased in the American diet. Added sugars contain “empty” calories be-

cause they have little or no nutritional value.

• Between 1977–78 and 1994–96 for adolescents ages 12–19, Girls’ average daily con-

sumption of fruit juices rose from 2.54 to 4.73 ounces (nearly doubled), and their so-

da consumption rose from 7.34 to 13.97 ounces (nearly doubled).

• In the same timeframes, boys’ average daily consumption of fruit juices rose from

3.46 to 7.23 ounces (more than doubled), and their soda consumption rose from 7.76

to 21.45 ounces (nearly tripled).

Technology’s sedentary seduction As individuals devote more of their free time to television, computers and video games, they’re

spending less time being physically active. A survey of young people ages 8 to 18 showed their

daily activities accounted for the following hours:

• Watching television—3 hrs. 51 min.

• Using the computer—1 hr. 2 min.

• Video games—49 min.

• Reading—43 min. Source: Generation M: Media in the Lives of 8–18 Year Olds. Kaiser Family Foundation, 2005 160



161

Physical Activity

During the past seven days, on average, how many hours per day did you watch

television?

The 2008 Smoke Free Mohawk Valley Survey has found that Herkimer County residents

statistically watch more hours of television when compared to

their county peers. In the course of a year, American

children spend more time in front of the television than in

school.

For over forty years, scientists have collected data on the

impact of electronic media on our lives. The leading factor

with the most significant impact has been the television, but

recently there is greater and greater competition with the

growing availability of electronic games, personal computers,

Hand- held devices and other tools. The effect of a growing

arsenal of personal electronics has left more people more

sedentary, more solitary and a great deal more overweight

than at any time in history. The tie-in between screen-time

and obesity are clear and based on worldwide studies.

For the first time in world history, the World Health

Organization has stated that obesity is now a bigger problem

than hunger and starvation. Children who reduce their screen

time are more likely to read well and be physically fit.

Turning off the screen also allows for more family time.

Many Herkimer County residents report inability to be

physically active due to physical, mental, or emotional problems. One in five (20%) respondents

say they are limited in activities because of physical, mental, or emotional problems, while 80%

are not limited.

Reasons given for inactivity are broken down:

Comparison

Across CNY/

WNY Counties

Daily Hours

Television

Herkimer 3.055

County A 2.424

County B 2.716

County C 2.673

County D 2.502

County E 3.055

County F 2.433

County G 2.541

County H 2.793

County I 2.699

County J 2.172

County K 2.697

County L 2.125

AVERAGE

TOTAL

2.602

Source: Smoke Free Mohawk Valley

Table 87

Impairment % Impairment %

Arthritis/Rheumatism 11% Diabetes 3%

Bone/Joint Injury 7% Lung/Breathing Problem 3%

Back/Neck Injury 6% Other 9%

Heart Problems 4% Not Sure 47%

Source: HCHN-Zogby, 2005 Herkimer County Community Assessment

Table 88


How Many Times a Week Do You Engage in Light to Moderate

Physical Activity for t Least 30 Minutes?

Twenty-eight

percent of

respondents

indicate moderate

physical activity for

at least 30 minutes

for 6 or more times

per week.

How Many Times a Week Do You Engage in Vigorous

Physical Activity for t Least 30 Minutes?

Eighteen percent of

respondents indicate

vigorous physical

activity for 30

minutes for 4 or

more days per week.

Forty-three percent

of respondents

indicate no vigorous

physical activity

whatsoever.

Graph 55

Graph 56

Source: 2005 HCHN-Zogby Herkimer County Community Health Assessment—all graphs this page

11.8%

6.9%

29.8%

23.3%

19.6%

7.6% 9.0%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

0 1 2-3 4-5 6-7 7+ NS

43.1%

16.7% 21.2%

9.8%

5.7%2.3% 1.3%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

0 1 2-3 4-5 6-7 7+ NS

162


Table 91

The 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, issued by the Federal Department of

Health and Human Services follow.

2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans

Children and Adolescents (aged 6–17)

Children and adolescents should do one hour (60 minutes) or more of physical activity every day.

Most of the one hour or more a day should be either moderate or vigorous intensity aerobic

physical activity.

Children and adolescents should do vigorously intense activity on at least three days per week.

They also should do muscle strengthening and bone strengthening activity on at least three days

per week.

Adults (aged 18–64)

Adults should do two and a half hours a week of moderate intensity, or one hour and fifteen

minutes (75 minutes) a week of vigorous intensity aerobic physical activity or an equivalent

combination of moderate and vigorous intensity aerobic physical activity. Aerobic activity should

be performed in episodes of at least ten minutes, preferably spread throughout the week.

Additional health benefits are provided by increasing to five hours (300 minutes) a week of

moderate intensity aerobic physical activity, or two and a half hours a week of vigorous intensity

physical activity, or an equivalent combination of both.

Adults should also do muscle strengthening activities that involve all major muscle groups

performed on two or more days per week.

Older Adults (aged 65 and older)

Older adults should follow the adult guidelines. If this is not possible due to limiting chronic

conditions, older adults should be as physically active as their abilities allow. They should avoid

inactivity. Older adults should do exercises that maintain or improve balance if they are at risk

of falling.

Pregnant and Postpartum Women

Healthy women who are not already doing vigorous intensity physical activity should get at least

two and a half hours of moderate intensity aerobic activity a week. Preferably this activity

should be spread throughout the week.

Women who regularly engage in vigorous intensity aerobic activity or high amounts of activity can

continue their activity provided that their condition remains unchanged and they talk to their

health care provider about their activity level throughout their pregnancy.

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

163


Graph 57

Source: Zogby, 2005 Herkimer County Community Health Assessment

• No changes 24% • Cut down on junk food 4%

• Better food and exercise 14% • Became vegetarian/cut out red meat 3%

• Better food choices 14% • Cut down on portion size 3%

• More exercise 13% • Diet program/lost weight 3%

• More fruits and veggies 8% • Joined a gym 1%

• Cut back on fat 7% • Always have taken care of myself 1%

• Cut sweets and sugar 5%

The 2005 Herkimer County Community Survey asked residents, With all the current literature

and media exposure regarding the issue of obesity in the United States, has your family

increased their level of activity or started making better food choices?’ 66% admitted to making

better choices or increasing their physical activity, while a third of respondents admitted to

making no changes at all.

The follow-up question to respondents indicating they had made changes shows 24% had not

actually made changes.

This inconsistency may reflect people’s reluctance to admit a problem or a difference between

perception and actions.

Nutrition

164

Yes

66%

No

33%

Not Sure

1%

Percent of People Making Better

Food Choices Based on New Information

Lack of physical activity At least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity is recommended on most days of the week.

However, nearly 23 percent of children and nearly 40 percent of adults get no free-time

physical activity at all.

Eating out The traditional home-cooked meal is becoming a thing of the past as more American are eating

away from home. Today, with more two-income families, there is often less time to prepare

food. Americans travel more than they used to, commute longer distances to their jobs, and

work longer hours. These factors have contributed to the increased popularity of restaurants

and fast-food outlets.

• In 1970, about 25% of total food spending occurred in restaurants. By 1995, 40% of

food dollars were spent away from home.

• On average, children ages 11–18 eat at fast-food restaurants twice a week.

Research suggests that food eaten away from home (especially fast food), tends to be higher in

total fat, saturated fat and sodium, and lower in fiber. In addition, people eating away from

home are likely to eat more foods, and in larger portions. Source: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, “A Nation at Risk: Obesity in the United States A Statistical Sourcebook”

WIC Client Obesity & Breastfeeding Rates—2008–2010

Indicator

3 Year

Total

Herkimer

County

Rate

State

Rate

% of pregnant women in WIC who

were overweight pre-pregnancy but

not obese (BMI 25–less than 30)

268 22.9 26.6

% of pregnant women in WIC who

were obese pre-pregnancy (BMI 30

or higher)

352 30.1 23.4

% obese (95th percentile or higher)

children in WIC (ages 2–4 years) 293 13.8 14.5

% of children in WIC viewing TV 2

hours or less per day (ages 0–4 years) 1600 70.3 78.6

% of WIC mothers breastfeeding at

6 months 139 18.6 39.7

Table 89

Source: NYSDOH Obesity Statistics 2008–2010

165


Herkimer County adults have higher rates of obesity compared to NYS as a whole. Herkimer

County also does worse in relation to the state in the amount of physical activity in the last 30

days.

When asked to assess

their weight in the 2009

TAP Survey, 27.3% of

Herkimer County students

reported being slightly or

very overweight. When

broken down by grade

level for slightly and very

overweight, 7th graders

report 25.3%, 9th graders

27.7% and 11th graders

28.8%. Weight gain seems

to progress as the student

grows older, If this trend

continues through

adulthood the rates of

overweight and obesity will

sky rocket over the next

10–20 years.

Students were also asked

what methods they

employed in the last 30

days to control their

weight. Responses are

shown in the adjacent

graph. Most students who

attempted to control their

weight understood the

importance of exercise

and proper nutrition. A

few, however, are choosing

methods that could

threaten overall health.

166

Source: 2009 TAP Survey—Herkimer-Oneida Comprehensive Planning Department

1.8%

11.0%

60.0%

22.7%

4.6%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Very

Underweight

Slightly

Underweight

About right Slightly

Overweight

Very

Overweight

How Would You Describe Your WeightGraph 58

Graph 59 Source: 2009 TAP Survey—Herkimer Oneida-Comprehensive Planning

44.6%

42.2%

4.0%

0.8%

0.9%

7.6%

0% 20% 40% 60%

I did not try to lose weight

or keep from gaining weight

A ate a balanced diet

and/or I exercised

I went without eating

for 24 hours or more…

I vomited after eating

or took laxatives

I used diet products

Other method not listed

During the Past 30 Days the One Method

Used Most to Control Your Weight


Student Weight Status Data

“The Student Weight Status Category Reporting System was established by amendments to

New York State Education Law in 2007 to support state and local efforts to understand and

confront the problem of childhood obesity. Amendments to Education Law required student

health certificates to include students’ body mass index (BMI) and weight status categories.

Currently, students in Kindergarten and grades 2, 4, 7 and 10 are required to have a student

health certificate completed based on a physical examination (usually performed by the

student’s personal physician). Information, including BMI and weight status category—

underweight, healthy weight, overweight or obese (based on BMI determined from measured

height and weight), is collected by each school from the student health certificate forms. A

summary from each school is reported to the District and then to the State Health Department,

using a secure reporting system.”

167

Source: NYSDOH Student Weight Status Data—both Graphs this page

Underweight (<5th

Percentile),

2%Healthy Weight

(5th–49th

Percentile), 28%

Healthy Weight

(50th–84th

Percentile), 38%

Overweight (85th–94th Percentile),

15%

Obese (≥95th

Percentile),

17%

Student Weight Status

Categories, NYS

2008–2010 School Years

Underweight (<5th

Percentile),

1%

Healthy Weight

(5th–49th

Percentile), 28%

Healthy Weight

(50th–84th

Percentile), 39%

Overweight (85th–94th Percentile),

15%

Obese (≥95th

Percentile),

17%

Student Weight Status

Categories, NYS


Graph 60 Graph 61


Table 90

Table 91

Student Weight Status Categories, Herkimer County Totals


Student Weight Status Categories, Herkimer County by Grades


168

Less than 5th

percentile

Underweight

5th to 84th

percentile

Healthy Weight

85th to 94th

percentile

Overweight

95th+

percentile

Obese

Total 0.7% 67.9% 12.5% 18.9%

Elementary

(PK, K, 2nd, 4th) — 70.3% 11.6% 18.1%

Middle/High

(7th, 10th) 1.6% 64.8% 13.6% 20.0%

Grades

Less than 5th

percentile

Underweight

5th to 84th

percentile

Healthy Weight

85th to 94th

percentile

Overweight

95th+

percentile

Obese

Second — 73.3% 11.0% 15.7%

Fourth — 67.0% 9.5% 23.6%

Seventh 2.4% 63.3% 11.0% 23.3%

Tenth 0.9% 66.1% 15.9% 17.2%

Source: NYSDOH Student Weight Status Data—both Tables this page


169

Herkimer County Meals-on-Wheels

Meals-on-Wheels & Congregate Meal Consumers

Meals-on-Wheels and congregate meals are services offered through the Herkimer County Of-

fice for the Aging. Meals on Wheels are home delivered to seniors while congregate meals are

provided at five senior housing facilities in the County.

Meals-on-Wheels and congregate meals are not income-based programs. Meals-on-Wheels are

based on the need for meals. Congregate meals are available to any senior aged 60 or older.

Meals are more of a health-related program than an economically- related program like Food

Stamps.

Meals on Wheels are home delivered to seniors who are disa-

bled due to chronic conditions or because of a temporary con-

dition such as caused by an accident or post-hospitalization

recovery.

Congregate meals are available to any senior regardless of

disability. Congregate meals are also offered to individuals

under the age of 60 if the person lives in the facility where

congregate meals are provided.

Total Consumers Served: A total of 740 people received ei-

ther home delivered Meals-on-Wheels or congregate meals

during 2011.

• 8% of those consumers were under the age of 60 (all

of the under 60s were congregate meal clients),

• 25% were between the ages of 60 and 74,

• 30% were between 75 and 84 years, and

• 37% were aged 85 or older.

The vast majority of the aged 60+ consumers receiving congregate meals meet the eligibility cri-

teria for home delivered meals. If these people did not live in the housing facility where we pro-

vide congregate meals, they would receive Meals-on-Wheels. Because they live in one of the

housing facilities, they can come downstairs and eat their meal with others at our congregate

sites.

Of the total 740 people receiving meals, 519 (70%) received Meals-on-Wheels and 221 (30%)

received congregate meals.

Herkimer County

Meals-on-Wheels and

Congregate Meal Consumers

2011

Age Number Percent

<60 59 8%

60–74 183 25%

75–84 225 30%

85+ 273 37%

Sum 740 100%


Table 92


170

Meals-on-Wheels: During the 2011 calendar year, 519 seniors received Meals-on-Wheels. With

a senior population of approximately 15,000+, this is the equivalent of about 3.5% of the senior

population.

Of these Meals-on-Wheels seniors, nearly half (46%) were aged 85 or older, 72% were females,

and 64% lived alone.

Of the Meals-on-Wheels participants who were aged 85 and older, 72% are females, and 70%

lived alone.

Congregate Meals: During the 2011 calendar year, 221 people received congregate meals. Of

these individuals, 27% were under the age of 60, 38% were ages 60 to 74, 20% were ages 75 to

84, and 15% were aged 85 or older. Sixty-one percent (61%) of congregate meal participants

lived alone.

Age Number Percent

60–74 100 19%

75–84 180 35%

85+ 239 46%

Sum 519 100%

Tables 93 & 94 Source: Herkimer County OFA

Sex Number Percent

Females 372 72%

Males 147 28%

Sum 519 100%

Table 93

Age Number Percent

<60 59 27%

60–74 83 38%

75–84 45 20%

85+ 34 15%

Sum 221 100%

Sex Number Percent

Female 150 68%

Male 71 32%

Sum 221 100%

Herkimer County Meals-on-Wheels Consumers 2011

Herkimer County Congregate Meal Consumers 2011

Table 94

Tables 93 & 94 Source: Herkimer County OFA


Table 95 Summary Table Tobacco Use

The New York State Department of Health’s Tobacco Control Program works to reduce the morbidity

and mortality, and alleviate the social and economic burden caused by tobacco use in New York

through following statewide and local actions:

• Changes to the community environment that support the tobacco-free norm and reduce the social

acceptability of tobacco use;

• Cessation interventions that promote cessation from tobacco use and increase access to and

delivery of tobacco dependence treatment;

• Health communications to decrease the social acceptability of tobacco use and educate

community members and decision makers about the hazards and costs of tobacco use, as well as

effective strategies to prevent and reduce tobacco use;

• Surveillance and evaluation to monitor program progress and improve program quality; and

• Statewide coordination of these strategies.

Indicator

Prevention

Agenda 2013

Objective US NYS

Herkimer

County

Herkimer

County

2008

% Cigarette Smoking in

Adolescents (past month) 10% 19.5% 12.6% N/A N/A

(2009) (2010)

% Cigarette Smoking in

Adults 12%† 17.3%a 15.5% 20.9% 22.2%

(2010) (2010) (2009) (2008)

COPD Hospitalizations

Among Adults 18+ Years

(per 10,000)

31.0 23.4 43.4 44.8* N/A

(2008) (2009) (2007–2009)

Lung Cancer Incidence

(per 100,000)

Male 62.0* 80.5* 75.2* 93.6* N/A

Female 41.0* 54.5* 55.4* 69.0* N/A

(2007) (2008) (2004–2008)

† Healthy People 2010 Goal

a Median percent of States and DC

* Rate age-adjusted to the US 2000 Population

~ Fewer than 20 events in the numerator; rate is unstable

s Suppressed (percent could not be calculated, fewer than 3 cases per year)

Source: NYSDOH Herkimer County Indicators For Tracking Public Health Priority Areas

171


BRiDGES to Prevent Tobacco

BRiDGES to Prevent Tobacco is a community partnership affiliated with the New York Tobacco

Control Program, a program of the New York State Department of Health, whose goals include

advocating, initiating, funding, and supporting activities that promote the prevention and

cessation of tobacco use among Herkimer County residents. Ultimately, the purpose of the

program is to better educate residents regarding the risks of tobacco use and to reduce the

rates of tobacco use and tobacco-related death and disease in the county.

The New York State Department of Health Tobacco Control Program implements evidence-based

and promising strategies to prevent and reduce tobacco use. Over time, the program has

effectively implemented a strong, clean indoor air law, maintained support for high tobacco

taxes to keep the price of tobacco high, and worked to increase access to effective cessation

services and motivate smokers to try to quit. As a result of programmatic efforts, youth and

adult smoking rates in the state are at their lowest levels on record.

The current vision, mission, and goal for the New York Tobacco Control are:

Vision: All New Yorkers living in a tobacco-free society.

Mission: To reduce morbidity and mortality and alleviate the social and economic burden caused

by tobacco use in New York State.

Goal: To reduce the prevalence of adult cigarette use to 12% and adolescent cigarette use to

10% by 2013.

To satisfy this vision and mission, and to attain this goal, the New York Tobacco Control Program

and its community partnerships have identified the following priority issues: (1) eliminating

exposure to secondhand smoke; (2) changing the community’s attitudes and policies regarding

tobacco use, thereby decreasing the social acceptability of tobacco; (3) promoting cessation of

tobacco use; (4) preventing the initiation of tobacco use among youths and adults; (5) building

and maintaining effective tobacco control infrastructure; and (6) contributing to the science of

tobacco control.

Specific current priorities that have been identified for the tobacco community partnerships

include, but are not limited to: Spreading the Message about the Dangers of Tobacco; Tobacco

Marketing; Tobacco Point of Sale; Outdoor Tobacco Policies; Smoke Free Workplace; and Smoke

Free Housing.

172


Summary of Findings of the community tobacco study completed in June 2012 regarding the

attitudes and behaviors related to tobacco among adult residents of Herkimer County:

Tobacco Marketing Findings:

1. The majority of Herkimer County adults (55.3%, not significantly different from the current

regional average of 51.0%) report that they are in favor of a policy that would ban the

display of tobacco products such as packs of cigarettes or cigars from stores (37.1%

strongly in favor and another 18.2% somewhat in favor), while only 25.6% are against such a

policy. Even among current smokers in Herkimer County, 47.1% are in favor of a policy that

would ban the display of tobacco products such as packs of cigarettes or cigars from stores.

2. Strong support for tobacco retailers being required to keep tobacco products out of the

view from customers in stores is present among Herkimer County adults—66.8% support this

potential requirement for tobacco retailers, while only 28.0% opposit (level of support is

significantly higher than the current regional average of 57.3% supporting). Notably, even

among current smokers in the county there is majority support for this potential

requirement—57.2% of current smokers believe that retailers should be required to keep

tobacco products out of view.

3. When asked their opinion about how much one agrees with the following statement, “Internet

sites, movies, and TV shows that youth use and watch should not include tobacco use or

images.”, Over two-thirds of Herkimer County adults (67.4%) agree with this statement

(46.5% strongly agree, and 20.9% somewhat agree). Level of agreement in Herkimer County

is not significantly different from the current regional average rate of 70.5% agreeing with

this statement. Even among current smokers in Herkimer County, 56.6% agree with the

notion that tobacco use and images should not be shown on screen where accessible to

youths.

Tobacco Point of Sale Findings:

4. By a large margin, Herkimer County adults believe that pharmacies should not be allowed sell

tobacco products (55.8% indicate “Should not,” while only 35.4% indicate “Should”). Belief

that pharmacies should not be allowed to sell tobacco is even evident among current

cigarette smokers with 47.6% of current smokers responding “Should not”.

5. When asked “How do you feel about tobacco products being sold in stores that are located

near schools?” the majority of adults in Herkimer County (54.6%) respond with either

“somewhat unacceptable” (16.4%) or “totally unacceptable” (38.2%). Even among current

smokers in Herkimer County, 39.7% respond with either “somewhat unacceptable” or “totally

unacceptable.”

173


6. Herkimer County adults are quite equally divided in their sentiments regarding a local or

state policy that would limit the maximum number of tobacco retailers allowed in a

neighborhood or area (46.8% voice support for this potential type of policy, while 48.8%

voice opposition.) Notably, even among current smokers in the county, 34.4% indicate “Yes”

which represents approximately one-in-three current smokers who support having a maximum

number of tobacco retailers allowed in a neighborhood or area.

Outdoor Tobacco Policies Findings:

7. There is a very high level of support among Herkimer County residents for reducing

secondhand smoke exposure at public outdoor locations, with at least 86% of the residents

supporting either restricting or completely eliminating cigarette smoking at each of the

three types of outdoor locations studied (public playgrounds; public building entryways; and

public outdoor recreation areas like parks, pools, and beaches.) More strikingly, at public

playgrounds, 77.9% of the interviewed adults in Herkimer County support complete

elimination of smoking, and similarly, at public building entryways 65.5% of the interviewed

adults support complete elimination of smoking. Support for restriction or elimination of

smoking at public outdoor locations in Herkimer County has increased significantly in the

county in the past four years.

8. Even among current cigarette smokers, there is a large degree of support for the notion of

at least restricting cigarette smoking to certain areas at public outdoor locations. At each

of the three studied public outdoor locations, at least 71% of Herkimer County current

cigarette smokers believe that smoking should be restricted or not allowed at all. Note the

high level of support among current cigarette smokers in Herkimer County for reducing

secondhand smoke exposure at public playgrounds and public building entryways—61.6% of

the smokers support complete elimination of smoking at public playgrounds, and 45.7% of the

smokers support complete elimination of smoking at public building entryways.

Smoke Free Workplace Findings:

9. Approximately one-half of the adult residents (51.6%) in Herkimer County are employed, not

significantly different from the current regional average rate of 54.2%. Among these

employed residents in Herkimer County, the majority favor a policy that prohibits smoking on

the entire grounds of their workplace—57.2% favor while only 36.3% oppose. This level of

support among currently employed individuals in Herkimer County for a smoke-free has not

changed significantly in the county between 2008 and 2012. Level of support is particularly

high among younger employed adult residents—71.0% of those who are under the age of 35

are in favor. Notably, 15.7% of the employed current smokers in Herkimer County favor a

smoking prohibition policy at their workplace.

174


Smoke Free Housing Findings:

10. Less than 10% of the participants (6.4%) in this study are residents of a multi-unit dwelling

or apartment, not significantly different from the current regional average of 10.6%. It is

common among residents in Herkimer County who live in multiple-unit dwellings (apartments)

to indicate that they support policies that prohibit indoor smoking everywhere inside the

building, including living areas—51.8% of renters currently report this to be their preference

(significantly higher than the 2006 and 2008 findings in the county, 22.3% and 44.3%,

respectively; but not significantly different from 55.9% found in the county in 2010).

Tobacco Use Findings:

11. The current cigarette smoking rate found in Herkimer County is: a total estimate of 18.9%

current smokers, with 15.3% smoking every day and 3.5% smoking on only some days. This

current cigarette smoking rate has not changed significantly from the rates found in

Herkimer County in 2006 through 2010.

Have you smoked at least 100 cigarettes in your entire life?

The current 18.9% smoking rate in Herkimer County is not significantly different from the

current regional average rate of 16.4% current cigarette smokers found among the sixteen

Northern, Central, and Western New York counties studied in December 2011–June 2012. The

New York State Department of Health published the results for the Expanded Behavioral Risk

Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) in December 2009.

The adult smoking prevalence rate reported for Herkimer County in the 2009 Expanded BRFSS

was 20.9%. The 18.9% smoking rate found in Herkimer County in this June 2012 Herkimer

County adult tobacco community assessment is not significantly different from the finding in the

Expanded BRFSS.

175

Trend Analysis 2006 2008 2010 2012

Yes 49.1% 47.9% 51.3% 51.4%

No 50.9% 50.0% 48.7% 48.6%

Don’t Know/Not Sure 0.0% 2.0% 0.0% 0.0%

Table 96

Source: BRiDGES to Prevent Tobacco


Graph 62 Percent Tobacco Use: Herkimer County

In the past 30 days, have you noticed advertising or information about

the dangers of tobacco or quitting smoking on the radio?

176

Source: Herkimer County Community Tobacco Survey 2006 & 2008

Graph 63

70.5

3.7

24

1.8

75.5

3.7

14

4.8

80.9

2.4

13.4

2.1

0

20

40

60

80

100

Use of No Tobacco Products

Use of Other Tobacco Products

Cigarettes Only Both Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products

2006 2008 2008 Regional Average

17.913

6.4 5.9

45

11.8

38.2

57.3

9.3

0

20

40

60

80

100

Yes,

every day

Yes, 2-3

Times/Week

Yes,

Once/Week

Yes,

<1 per Week

Never Don't Know

2006 2008



In the past 30

days, how often

have you noticed

cigarettes or

tobacco products

being advertised or

promoted in

newspapers?

Current Cigarette Smoking Status Among Adult Residents—Herkimer County

In the past twelve months did any doctor, nurse or healthcare professional advise

you to quit smoking? If yes, did he/she do any of the following?

Source: Herkimer County Community Tobacco Survey 2008

Herkimer

County

New York

State

Gender Male 25.0% 19.2%

Female 17.1% 15.0%

≤ High School 26.6% 22.8%

Education Some College 21.3% 19.4%

≥ College Degree 11.8% 10.0%

Source: CDC Expanded BRFSS Report

Responses 2006 2008

Recommended nicotine patch, nicotine gum, nasal spray, an inhaler, or pills such as

Zyban 41.5% 40.2%

Suggest you set a specific date to stop smoking 18.4% 16.3%

Suggest you use a smoking cessation class, program, or counseling 18.9% 18.1%

Suggest you call a telephone quit line 16.0% 13.9%

Provide you with materials to help you quit smoking on your own 20.0% 19.4%

Schedule a follow-up visit to discuss progress 14.9% 11.8%

None of the above 0.0% 47.6%

Don't know/not Sure 0.0% 3.6%


Table 97

The Healthy People 2010 goal

for adults smoking is 12% for

adults. The Prevention Agenda

goal for teen smoking is 12%.

Herkimer County populations do

not meet these goals. This is an

area for improvement.

Table 98

Every Day

7%

Some Days

22%

Never (don't

pay attention)

60%

Not Sure

0.1

Percent of Individuals Noticing Tobacco Promotion

Graph 64

177


During the past twelve months have you stopped smoking

for one day or longer because you were trying to quit

smoking?

Less than half of smokers in Herkimer County attempted to

quit during the survey period. The average for the entire

Smoke Free Mohawk Valley region of individuals attempting

to quit was higher than that of Herkimer County smokers.

178

Comparison

Across CNY/

WNY Counties

Tried to quit in

the past year?

Yes No/DK

Herkimer 44.6% 55.4%

County A 45.7% 54.3%

County B 47.6% 52.4%

County C 49.8% 50.2%

County D 50.9% 49.1%

County E 48.6% 51.4%

County F 41.8% 51.4%

County G 67.5% 32.5%

County H 80.0% 20.0%

County I 66.9% 33.1%

County J 51.8% 48.2%

County K 44.0% 56.0%

County L 47.1% 52.9%

TOTAL 53.2% 46.8%

Table 99

Source: Herkimer County Community Tobacco

Survey 2008

32.2%

24.3%

17.3% 12.7%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

1997 2001 2005 2009

Youth Who Smoked in the Last

30 DaysResults from the

Herkimer County TAP

Survey indicated

decreased rates of

smoking among

Herkimer County teens

from 1997 through

2009. The Oneida

County TAP survey

indicates a similar

trend in that county.

Source: Herkimer County TAP Data 1997, 2001, 2005, 2009

Graph 65



The percent of youth using

chewing tobacco or snuff in

the last 30 days has

increased from 1997 until

2009. Perhaps this trend

results from youth thinking

by not smoking tobacco

they are reducing their

risk. Another factor could

result from youth

emulating professional

athletes who are

increasingly using

smokeless products.

The New York State

Smokers’ Quitline

(NYSSQL) supports the

vision of the New York

State Tobacco Control

Program for all New

Yorkers to live in a tobacco

-free society. Programs

and services provided by

the Quitline strive to help

achieve the mission to

reduce morbidity and

mortality and alleviate the

social and economic burden

caused by tobacco use in

New York State.

Quitline services include cessation coaching and information, free Nicotine Replacement Therapy

(NRT), enhanced services (additional coaching calls and NRT for uninsured and Medicaid clients),

and a referral program.

7.3%

7.8%

7.0%

9.4%

0%

2%

4%

6%

8%

10%

1997 2001 2005 2009

Youth Who Used Chewing Tobacco or

Snuff in the Last 30 Days

Source: Herkimer County TAP Data 1997, 2001, 2005, 2009

Graph 66

Source: New York State Smokers’ Quitline Annual Report 2003–2010

Graph 67

179

39 42

258

518

559

1,2451,087

988

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

NYS Quitline Calls

Herkimer County Residents

When clients contact the Quitline they are given a variety of options. Most clients, 75%, choose

to speak with a Quit Coach while 9% listen to daily tip messages and 5% request Quitline

materials, including self help guides. Other clients, 7%, request a callback from a Quit Coach.

Clients may access more than one option.

Quitline quit rates for all clients at 3 months is 34%, and at 12 months is 36% (based upon a

seven-day point prevalence of cigarette abstinence).

Recent budget cuts to the New York State (NYS) Tobacco Control Program’s (TCP) public

service anti-smoking campaigns have resulted in fewer NYS smokers seeking Quitline help; this

includes those who are disadvantaged and who need it the most. The NYSSQL had an 11%

increase in call volume in 2011 when compared to 2010 and a 26% decrease from 2009.

In an effort to reach and recruit more smokers, the NYSSQL has engaged in several strategies.

In 2011, the NYSSQL began work with NYS hospitals to implement the Opt-to-Quit program.

The Opt-to-Quit program is a policy-driven, system-wide referral program that helps hospitals

and other health care settings meet the rapidly emerging emphasis on prevention and provider

accountability as put forth by several national initiatives. Currently the Opt-to-Quit program is

in the adoption or implementation phase in eight NYS health care facilities, and there are

several other facilities that have expressed interest.


180

Swallowtail Butterfly—woods edge, Herkimer County

Chronic Disease Self-Management Program

Because of the high incidence of chronic disease in Herkimer County and the effects these

diseases have on quality of life, an intervention to improve the lives of individuals with chronic

disease was sought. The Stanford Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) is a

research based best practice program administered through workshops given two and a half

hours, once a week, in community settings. People with different chronic health problems attend

together. Workshops are facilitated by two trained leaders.

Subjects covered include:

• Techniques to deal with problems such as frustration, fatigue, pain and isolation,

• Appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and

endurance,

• Appropriate use of medications,

• Communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals,

• Nutrition, and

• How to evaluate new treatments.

It is the process in which the program is taught that makes it effective. Classes are highly

participative, where mutual support and success build the participants confidence in their ability

to manage their health and maintain active and fulfilling lives.

The Self-Management Program will not conflict with existing programs or treatment. It is

designed to enhance regular treatment and disease-specific education such as Better Breathers,

cardiac rehabilitation, or diabetes instruction. In addition, many people have more than one

chronic condition. The program is especially helpful for these people, as it gives them the skills

to coordinate all the things needed to manage their health, as well as to help them keep active in

their lives.

Subjects who take the CDSMP, when compared to those who did not, demonstrated significant

improvements in exercise, cognitive symptom management, communication with physicians, self-

reported general health, health distress, fatigue, disability, and social/role activities limitations.

They also spent fewer days in the hospital, and there was also a trend toward fewer outpatients

visits and hospitalizations. These data yield a cost to savings ratio of approximately 1:4.

181


DATA SOURCES 2005 Herkimer County Community Health Survey, Zogby.


BRiDGES to Prevent Tobacco

Centers for Disease Control. Expanded Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

Herkimer County Community Tobacco Survey, 2006 & 2008



Herkimer-Oneida Counties Comprehensive Planning. TAP Survey: 1997, 2001, 2005, 2009

http://www.ocgov.net/oneida/sites/default/files/planning/PlanPdf/TAP%20FINAL%

20HERKIMER2009.pdf

New York State Department of Health. Cancer Indicators 2007–2009.

http://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/chac/chai/docs/can_21.htm

New York State Department of Health. Cardiovascular Disease Indicators 2008–2010.

http://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/chac/chai/docs/chr_21.htm

New York State Department of Health. Herkimer County Indicators For Tracking Public Health Priority

Areas, 2013–2017.

http://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/prevention_agenda/2013-2017/indicators/2013/herkimer.htm

New York State Department of Health. New York State Prevention Agenda 2013–2017

http://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/prevention_agenda/2013-2017/docs/prevent_chronic_diseases.pdf

New York State Department of Health. Obesity Statistics for Herkimer County

http://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/chac/chai/docs/obs_21.htm

New York State Department of Health. Respiratory Diseases Indicators 2008–2010.

http://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/chac/chai/docs/res_21.htm

New York State Department of Health. Student Weight Status Data.

http://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/obesity/statistics_and_impact/student_weight_status_data.htm

New York State Smokers’ Quitline Annual Report

http://www.nysmokefree.com/download/AnnualReport2011.pdf

Smoke Free Mohawk Valley

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans

http://www.health.gov/PAguidelines/guidelines/default.aspx

182



http://www.ocgov.net/oneida/sites/default/files/planning/PlanPdf/TAP%20FINAL%20HERKIMER2009.pdf


http://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/chac/chai/docs/can_21.htm

http://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/chac/chai/docs/chr_21.htm


http://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/prevention_agenda/2013-2017/docs/prevent_chronic_diseases.pdf

http://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/chac/chai/docs/obs_21.htm


http://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/obesity/statistics_and_impact/student_weight_status_data.htm

http://www.nysmokefree.com/download/AnnualReport2011.pdf

http://www.health.gov/PAguidelines/guidelines/default.aspx

The 2013–2017 State Health Improvement Plan to “Promote a Healthy and Safe Environment” in

New York State focuses on four core areas that impact health. These are: the quality of the

water we drink, the air we breathe, and the built environments where we live, work, learn and

play; and injuries and occupational health. ‘Environment,’ as used here, incorporates all

dimensions of the physical environment that impact health and safety.

The impact of the physical environment on health is multi-faceted. While the causes of some

environmentally related health problems are well established (e.g., neurological damage due to

lead poisoning, asphyxiation due to carbon monoxide poisoning), others are indirect, multi-

factorial, chronic, and not routinely tracked (e.g., long-term impacts of various forms of energy

usage on climate change and health in New York State).

Environmental conditions can have immediate, short-term and long-term impacts on health. The

direct health benefits of some of the interventions proposed here are expected to be

measurable within the five-year timeframe of this plan. Others may not have measurable

impacts on health for many years to come.

Some environmental conditions vary markedly between regions, communities, and populations

across the State (e.g., urban vs. rural, upstate vs. downstate, children, elderly, and the poor).

Accordingly, not all interventions are appropriate for all communities.

Progress will require a multi-sector approach, involving diverse public and private partners

across housing, transportation, energy, insurance, health care and other sectors.

183


Physical & Emotional Health Promote a Healthy and Safe Environment

Table 100

Promote a Safe & Healthy Environment Summary Chart

184

WHERE WE STAND

Indicator

Herkimer

County

New York

State

NYS 2017

Objective

Rate of hospitalizations due to falls per 10,000—

Ages 65+ years 269.4 204.6 Maintain

Rate of emergency department visits due to falls per

10,000—Ages 1–4 years 517.5 476.8 429.1

Assault-related hospitalization rate per 100,000 1.3 4.8 4.3

Ratio of Black non-Hispanics to White non-Hispanics

0.00† 7.43 6.69

Ratio of Hispanics to White non-Hispanics 0.00† 3.06 2.75

Ratio of low income ZIP codes to non-low income ZIP codes

1.23† 3.25 2.92

Rate of occupational injuries treated in ED per

10,000 adolescents—Ages 15–19 53.1 36.7 33.0

Percentage of population that lives in a jurisdiction

that adopted the Climate Smart Communities pledge 0.0* 26.7 32.0

Percentage of commuters who use alternative modes

of transportation 18.9 44.6 49.2

Percentage of population with low-income and low

access to a supermarket or large grocery store 4.4 2.5 2.24

Percentage of home in Health Neighborhood Program

that have fewer asthma triggers during the home

revisits

N/A 12.9 20

Percentage of residents served by community water

systems with optimally fluoridated water 5.0 71.4 78.5

*Fewer than 10 events in the numerator, therefore the rate is unstable

†Fewer than 10 events in one or both rate numerators, therefore the ratio is unstable



Asthma

Asthma, a chronic disease of the lungs, is prevalent in more than 1.1 million New York adults.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for Health Statistics Asthma occurs at any age, but is more

common in children than adults. Nationally, nearly one in 13 school-age children have asthma, and

that rate is rising more rapidly in preschool-aged children and those living in urban inner cities

than in any other group. Although there is no cure for asthma, asthma attacks can be prevented

and controlled with proper care. New York is actively working with health care providers,

community coalitions, schools, families and many others to fight asthma so people with asthma

can live a full and active life.

There were typically a few unhealthy ozone days each year at several locations across the state.

These days mainly occurred during the “ozone season” from mid-May through mid-September.

Elevated ozone levels occurred most commonly near and downwind of major cities. Herkimer

County is designated as an area with 0 to 4 days of unhealthy ozone levels yearly.

Graph 68 Average Number of Days per Year

That Ozone Levels Were Unhealthy for Asthmatics, NYS, 2005–2007

185

Source: NYSDOH Asthma Surveillance Summary Report 2009

Number of Days of High Ozone Levels

Maximum 8-Hour Average >0.075 ppm

0 to 4

5 to 9

10 and Above

New York City

Area


Table 101

Table 102

Asthma

Overall, Herkimer County has lower rates of asthma for all age groups. In all stable categories

(aside from asthma mortality), Herkimer County has a lower rate of asthma hospitalizations

when compared to the Upstate region, excluding New York City and New York City as a whole.

Childhood Asthma

186

Source: NYSDOH Respiratory Diseases Indicators 2008–2010

Indicator Herkimer


NYS Rate

excluding

NYC

Age-adjusted Asthma Hospitalization Rate

per 10,000

Ages 0–17 years 7.6 29.0* 16.1*

Ages 5–64 years 6.5 15.4* 9.5*

Ages 15–24 years 2.4** 7.5* 4.1

Ages 25–44 years 6.9 10.8* 8.1

Ages 45–64 years 8.6 21.8* 12.6*

Ages 65 years or older 18.9 32.2* 19.2

Age-adjusted Asthma Mortality Rate per

1,000,000

Crude 2.1** 1.3 0.9

Age-adjusted 1.5** 1.2 0.7

*Indicates statistical difference **Fewer than 10 events in the numerator; therefore the rate is unstable

Indicator Herkimer


NYS Rate

excluding

NYC

Asthma hospitalization rate per 10,000

Ages 0–4 years 17.3 58.8* 36.1*

Ages 5–14 years 5.3 20.9* 11.2*

Ages 0–17 years 7.6 29.0* 16.1*

Source: NYSDOH Child and Adolescent Health Indicators 2008–2010



Lead

The map below graphically depicts the variation in incidence rates among counties across the

state. Counties with the highest rates of incidence of childhood lead poisoning are highlighted

in the darkest shade, while those with the lowest incidence rates are highlighted in the lightest

shade. The statewide three-year average incidence rate for this time period was 6.7 incident

cases per 1,000 children tested. Herkimer County, with a rate of 17.6, is in the upper mid-range

of incidence rates.

Incidence Rates for Blood Lead Levels of 10 µg/dL or Higher

Among Children Under Age Six Years by County;

Three Year Average Rates, 2006–2008 Blood Lead Test Data

Statewide Rate: 6.7 per 1,000 Children Tested

Three-year average incidence rates, 2006–2008

Less than 8.8 per 1,000 Children Tested

8.8 to < 14.1 per 1,000 Children Tested

14.1 to < 27.3 per 1,000 Children Tested

27.3 and Greater per 1,000 Children Tested

Graph 69

187

Source: NYSDOH, Reducing Lead Exposure in Children: Lead Testing and Lead Poisoning Among NYS Children

2008 Report


Table 103 Lead Screening Rates

The Herkimer County rate of lead screenings for children by age two is below that of New York

State, excluding New York City. Herkimer County children have a slightly higher incidence of

elevated blood lead levels compared to New York State, excluding New York City. Herkimer

County has an old housing stock which is more likely to have lead paint. This could be an area for

closer scrutiny.

Indicator

Herkimer

County

Rate

NYS

Rate

NYS Rate

excluding

NYC

% children born in 2007 with a lead screening by 9 months 1.8 6.8* 2.9

% children born in 2007 with lead screening by 18 months 69.8 69.5 65.4

% children born in 2007 with at least two lead screenings by 36

months 48.8 52.9 45.2

Incidence rate per 1,000 among children less than 72 months of

age with a confirmed blood lead level of 10 µg/dl or higher 46.6 15.8* 23.2*


Source: NYSDOH Child and Adolescent Health Indicators 2008–2010

188


Table 104 Falls Hospitalization Rate per 10,000

Indicator

Herkimer

County

Rate

NYS

Rate

Significantly

Different

NYS

Excluding

NYC Rate

Significantly

Different

Falls hospitalization rate

per 10,000

Age-adjusted 41.3 36.2 Yes 36.8 Yes

Age <10 Years 7.1 10.0 No 8.5 No

Age 10–14 Years 7.5* 7.1 No 6.1 No

Age 15–24 Years 6.8 6.9 No 6.3 No

Age 25–64 Years 20.8 18.7 No 18.7 No

Age 65–74 Years 97.7 77.5 Yes 78.5 Yes

Age 75–84 Years 282.5 230.8 Yes 242.4 Yes

Age 85+ Years 666.7 567.7 Yes 617.0 No

The Herkimer County rate of falls for the population aged 75 and older remains considerably

higher than both the NYS and NYS excluding NYC rates.

The rate of alcohol-related motor vehicle injuries and deaths in Herkimer County is significantly

above the NYS rate.

Table 105 Other Unintentional Injury

Source: NYSDOH Injury Indicators 2008–2010—all tables on this page

*Fewer than 10 events in the numerator; therefore the rate is unstable

189

Indicator

Herkimer

County

Rate

NYS

Rate

Significantly

Different

NYS

Excluding

NYC Rate

Significantly

Different

Motor vehicle mortality rate

per 100,000

Age-adjusted 15.2 6.0 Yes 8.0 Yes

Non-motor vehicle mortality

rate per 100,000

Age-adjusted 15.5 16.4 No 18.4 No

Traumatic brain injury

hospitalization rate per

10,000

Age-adjusted 8.9 9.4 No 9.3 No

Alcohol related motor vehicle

injuries and deaths per

100,000

47.1 36.2 Yes 50.0 No


Community Preparedness

Over the past several years ,the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) has worked

closely with local health departments (LHDs) and other key partners to make sure that every

county will be ready for the unexpected. Depending on where you live, natural hazards include

blizzards and ice storms, tornadoes, floods, an occasional earthquake, and the effects of

hurricanes hugging the Atlantic coast. Such extreme contrasts pose big challenges to health

emergency preparedness planning, as does the state’s demographics:

• 13% of New Yorkers are age 65 and older;

• 15% live below the poverty level;

• 20% are foreign born;

• 28% speak a language other than English at home; and

• Seven federally-recognized and two state-recognized Indian tribes live on

reservations within New York State.

New York State’s preparedness planning assumes that in spite of our diversity, some things pose

a risk to each of us. An all-hazards approach is crucial to respond to all types of emergencies

including biological, chemical, radiological, and weather related.

No community, large or small, is immune to the effects of a natural disaster. A pathogen that

arrives with an international traveler can spread from metropolitan to rural areas in the time it

takes to board a bus or train. Chemical spills, pipeline explosions and derailments occur in rural

and urban areas, alike. And, although the threat of terrorist attacks is most keenly felt in New

York City, upstate New York, with its reservoirs, nuclear power facilities, chemical plants, rivers

and Great Lakes ports, and landmark tourist attractions is vulnerable, as well. For more

information on preparing for all types of emergencies, go to the Department of Health’s

webpage on Emergency Preparedness and Response: http://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/

emergency/index.htm

Natural disasters, food-borne disease outbreaks and vaccine shortages occur more and more

often, and when they do, a quick and effective public health response is crucial to reduce injury,

prevent or control illness and save lives. For that reason, the NYSDOH Prevention Agenda

Priority for Community Preparedness aims to empower local health departments (LHDs) and

their community partners across the state to promote local readiness, foster community

resilience and ensure a comprehensive and effective response, should disaster strike.

190


http://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/emergency/index.htm

http://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/emergency/index.htm

191

Healthy People 2010 Goal/Prevention Agenda 2013—100% of population living within

a jurisdiction with state-approved emergency preparedness plan

Herkimer County Public Health has an approved Community Preparedness plan and additional

information helpful in emergency situations is available on the web at:

http://herkimercounty.org/content/EmergencyManagement

Mid-State EMS Information

24 Agencies providing 1st response services

1 Ambulance Certified Agency in Herkimer County (Can provide Advanced Life Support)

1 Community Agency

2 Career Fire Departments (paid employees) (Can provide Advanced Life Support)

1 Basic Life Support

10 Paramedic Level

1 Critical Care Level (lower than paramedic)

8 Volunteer Agencies

23 Certified Transportation Vehicles in Herkimer County

2008 DOH Data

245 Pre-Hospital Providers in Herkimer County

27 Advanced Life Support Training

32 Paramedics

166 Basic EMTs

9 Intermediate Level

69 New Certifications issued


http://herkimercounty.org/content/EmergencyManagement

192

Herkimer County E911

Herkimer County Website (www.herkimercounty.org)

New York State Department of Health. Asthma Surveillance Summary Report 2009

http://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/ny_asthma/

pdf/2009_asthma_surveillance_summary_report.pdf

New York State Department of Health. Child and Adolescent Health Indicators, 2008–2010

http://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/chac/chai/docs/cah_21.htm

New York State Department of Health. Herkimer County Indicators For Tracking Public Health

Priority Areas, 2013–2017

http://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/prevention_agenda/2013-2017/indicators/2013/

herkimer.htm

New York State Department of Health. Injury Indicators, 2008–2010

http://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/chac/chai/docs/inj_21.htm


http://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/prevention_agenda/2013-2017/docs/

healthy_environment.pdf

New York State Department of Health. Reducing Lead Exposure in Children: Lead Testing and

Lead Poisoning Among New York State Children 2008 Report

http://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/lead/exposure/childhood/surveillance_report/

docs/2008_reducing_lead_exposure_children.pdf

New York State Department of Health. Respiratory Disease Indicators 2008–2010


DATA SOURCES


http://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/ny_asthma/pdf/2009_asthma_surveillance_summary_report.pdf

http://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/ny_asthma/pdf/2009_asthma_surveillance_summary_report.pdf

http://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/chac/chai/docs/cah_21.htm

http://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/prevention_agenda/2013-2017/indicators/2013/herkimer.htmC:/Users/schurch/Documents/My%20Data%20Sources

http://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/prevention_agenda/2013-2017/indicators/2013/herkimer.htmC:/Users/schurch/Documents/My%20Data%20Sources

http://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/chac/chai/docs/inj_21.htm

http://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/prevention_agenda/2013-2017/docs/healthy_environment.pdf

http://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/prevention_agenda/2013-2017/docs/healthy_environment.pdf

http://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/lead/exposure/childhood/surveillance_report/docs/2008_reducing_lead_exposure_children.pdf

http://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/lead/exposure/childhood/surveillance_report/docs/2008_reducing_lead_exposure_children.pdf



The health and well-being of mothers and children are fundamental to overall population health.

Improving health outcomes for women, infants and children is a priority for the New York State

Prevention Agenda, aligning with goals of the state’s Medicaid program and Title V/Maternal

Child Health Services Block Grant. Of great concern, New York’s key population indicators of

maternal and child health have been stagnant or worsened during the last decade. Even for

measures with improving trends, there are striking racial, ethnic and economic disparities.

Maternal and child health encompass a broad scope of health conditions, behaviors and service

systems. There is increasing recognition that a ‘life course’ perspective is needed to promote

health and prevent disease across the lifespan. This perspective approaches health as a

continuum and considers the impact of social, economic, environmental, biological, behavioral and

psychological factors on individuals and families throughout their lives. This perspective

recognizes that more than half of all pregnancies are unplanned, underscoring the importance of

promoting women’s health across the lifespan, with increasing attention to health during

preconception (before pregnancy) and inter-conception (between pregnancies).

193

General Herkimer Statue—Meyers Park, Herkimer

Physical & Emotional Health Promote Healthy Women, Infants and Children

Table 106

Indicator

Data

Years

Herkimer

County

New York

State

NYS 2017

Objective

Percentage of preterm births

2008–2010

11.2 12.0 10.2

Ratio of Black non-Hispanics to White non-Hispanics s 1.61 1.42

Ratio of Hispanics to White non-Hispanics 0.95* 1.25 1.12

Ratio of Medicaid births to non-Medicaid births 0.98 1.10 1.00

Percentage of infants exclusively breastfed in the

hospital

2008–2010

51.9 42.5 48.1

Ratio of Black non-Hispanics to White non-Hispanics 1.50 0.50 0.57

Ratio of Hispanics to White non-Hispanics 1.39 0.55 0.64


Maternal mortality rate per 100,000 births 2008–2010 s 23.3 21.0

Percentage of children who have had the

recommended number of well child visits in

government sponsored insurance programs 2011

72.2 69.9 76.9

Ages 0–15 months 87.7 82.8 91.3

Ages 3–6 years 84.4 82.8 91.3

Ages 12–21 years 64.0 61.0 67.1

Percentage of children with any kind of health

insurance—Ages 0–19 years 2010

94.5

(93.2–95.8)

94.9

(94.5–95.3)

100

Percentage of third-grade children with evidence

of untreated tooth decay 2009–2011

42.5

(32.7–52.3)

24.0

(22.6–25.4)

21.6

Ratio of low-income children to non-low income children

2.5 2.5 2.21

Adolescent pregnancy rate per 1,000 females—

Ages 15–17 years 2008–2010

25.0 31.1 25.6

Ratio of Black non-Hispanics to White non-Hispanics 1.08 5.74 4.90

Ratio of Hispanics to White non-Hispanics 2.56 5.16 4.10

Percentage of unintended pregnancy among live

births

2011

49.5 26.4 23.8

Ratio of Black non-Hispanics to White non-Hispanics s 2.11 1.90

Ratio of Hispanics to White non-Hispanics 0.94* 1.59 1.43


Percentage of women with health coverage—Ages

18–64 years 2010

87.0

(85.0–89.0)

86.1

(85.8–86.4)

100

Percentage of live births that occur within 24

months of a previous pregnancy 2008–2010 25.6 18.0 17.0

* Fewer than 10 events in one or both rate numerators, therefore the ratio is unstable

s Data do not meet reporting criteria

Summary Chart: Healthy Mothers, Babies & Children


194


Source: NYSDOH Maternal and Infant Health Indicators 2008–2010

Table 107

Indicator

Herkimer

County

Rate

NYS

Rate

Significantly

Different

NYS

Excluding

NYC Rate

Significantly

Different

Mortality Rates (per 1,000

Births)

Neonatal Mortality

(<28 Days) 8.2 9.6 Yes 4.0 Yes

Post-neonatal Mortality

(1 Month to 1 Year) 2.6* 1.7 No 1.7 No

Fetal Death

(>20 Weeks Gest) 3.6* 6.9 No 4.8 No

Perinatal

(20 Weeks Gest–

28 Days of Life)

11.7 10.4 No 8.8 No

Perinatal

(28 Weeks Gest–

7 Days of Life)

6.7 5.7 No 5.7 No

Maternal Mortality Rate per

100,000 Births 51.2* 23.3 No 17.6 No

*Fewer than 10 events in the numerator, therefore the rate is unstable

Infant/Neonatal Mortality Rates

The only area of significance in infant mortality rates occurs for the neonatal period. Post-

neonatal, fetal death, and maternal mortality rate per 100,000 births has an unstable rate.

195


Infant/Neonatal Death Herkimer County rates of Infant and Neonatal Death tend to be worse than both NYS and NYS

excluding NYC.

8.9

3.1

5.6

7.8

11.912.6

5.8

5.6

5.5 5.4 5.3 5.1

5.9

5.5

5.95.8 5.6 5.6

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Infant Death Rate 2005–2010

Per 1,000 Live Births

Herkimer County New York State Rest of State (Minus NYC)

7.4

3.1

5.64.7

4.0

11.0

4.0

3.8

3.6 3.7 3.6 3.5

4.3

3.8

4.0 4.0 4.0 4.1

0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0

12.0

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Neonatal Death Rate 2005–2010

Per 1,000 Live Births Under 28 Days

Herkimer County New York State Rest of State (Minus NYC)

Graph 70

Graph 71

Source: NYSDOH Vital Statistics, Table XX—both Graphs this page

196


1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

1st-3rd 533 489 502 519 515 499 479 494 490 460 542 477 497 496

4th-6th 123 135 135 110 130 147 169 158 126 149 138 142 141 117

7th-9th 27 17 19 17 13 24 34 24 25 23 17 16 21 14

None 4 7 4 4 3 7 4 0 0 5 7 1 4 3

NS 13 11 11 9 11 5 16 22 31 6 0 3 1 1

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

Live Births & Months Prenatal Care Began

Source: NYSDOH Vital Statistics, Table 12

Each year there are a significant number of pregnant women who wait to receive prenatal care

after their first trimester. Many wait until the seventh month or pregnancy and some don’t re-

ceive any prenatal care.

Total Low Birthweight births in 2010—43

Total births in 2010—635

The rate of low Birthweight births to Herkimer County women in 2010 was 6.77%

The rate of low Birthweight births in New York State in 2010 was 8.20%

<15 15–17 18–19 20–24 25–29 30–34 35–39 40–44 45+ N.S.

Herkimer

County 0 1 6 11 15 9 1 0 0 0

Table 108


Low Birthweight Live Births (<2500 grams) by Mothers Age 2010

Graph 72

197


NY

SD

OH

Vit

al S

tati

stic

s, T

able

7

Tot

al Birth

s by M

others

’ Age

Herk

imer

Cou

nty

Gra

ph 7

3

Eac

h y

ear

ther

e ar

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num

ber

of

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ths

to w

omen

und

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age

of 2

0.

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hoo

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t su

ch a

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ly

age

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mes

wit

hou

t th

e ben

efit

of

a co

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ete

educ

atio

n or

a f

ull-

tim

e fa

ther

for

the

child

inc

reas

es, th

e

like

lihoo

d o

f pr

olon

ged p

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ds

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ublic

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and g

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to a

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prod

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mem

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of

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ety

.

198

<15

15-1

718

-19

20-2

425-2

930-3

435-3

940-4

445+

NS

2006

013

40

197

204

132

51

140

0

2007

216

44

192

219

148

73

170

0

2008

020

34

188

176

148

63

152

0

2009

023

50

177

200

144

61

142

0

2010

015

48

171

183

143

60

140

1

0

50

100

150

200

250


Of the teen pregnancies each year, a significant number end in abortion and a small number end

in spontaneous fetal death.

Table 109 Teen Pregnancies (19 & Under) & Outcomes in


Total Rate Live

Births Abortions

Spontaneous

Fetal

Deaths

2010 103 41.8 63 39 1

2009 117 57.4 73 39 5

2008 101 48.3 54 40 7

2007 97 44.5 60 34 3

2006 109 50.1 53 53 3

2005 86 40.1 55 29 2

2004 131 60.7 92 36 3

2003 128 59.7 86 37 5


Source: NYSDOH Vital statistics, Table 26

Graph 74

199


According to the 2009 TAP

Survey, the rate of sexual

intercourse by 11th grade

female students in Herkimer

County is 57.7%. The rate over

the period 1997–2009 remained

above 50% except for 2005.

Of all students who had sexual intercourse, the following table provides a comparison breakdown

of methods used to prevent pregnancy in 2005 and 2009.

The number of high school students having intercourse has increased since 2005, but the

percentage not using birth control of some type has decreased by percentage of the total.

57.1% 53.2%

43.2%

57.7%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

1997 2001 2005 2009

11th Grade Female Students Who Have

Had Sexual Intercourse

Graph 75

Source: TAP Survey 1997,2001,2005,2009

2005 2009

I have never had sexual intercourse 69.4% 67.6%

No method used to prevent pregnancy 3.8% 3.3%

Birth control pills 4.9% 6.8%

Condoms 16.9% 18.1%

Depro-Prevera (injectable birth control) 0.8% 0.2%

Withdrawal 2.2% 1.8%

Morning after pill 0.2% 0.3%

Some other method 0.8% 0.8%

Not sure 1.1% 1.1%

Method Used to Prevent Pregnancies in Herkimer County High School Students

Source: TAP Survey 1997,2001,2005,2009

Table 110

200


Herkimer

County has a

high ratio of

unwed women

giving birth as

a component of

total live

births in the

county each

year.

Households

headed by

single mothers,

on average,

have a lower

median

household income than either male headed households or household with two parents. (Refer to

the Economic Security section of this document page 273.)

Graph 76


Graph 77 Out of Wedlock Births by Mother’s Age

<15 15-17 18-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45+ NS

2006 0 13 40 197 204 132 51 14 0 0

2007 2 16 44 192 219 148 73 17 0 0

2008 0 20 34 188 176 148 63 15 2 0

2009 0 23 50 177 200 144 61 14 2 0

2010 0 15 48 171 183 143 60 14 0 1

0

50

100

150

200

250

Source NYSDOH Vital Statistics Table 10

201


The 25–29 age group consistently registers the most births out of wedlock by mother’s age with

the 20–24 age group coming in second, and the 30–34 age group coming in third. These age

groups represent women who might otherwise be furthering their education and ensuring a more

secure future for themselves and any children born to them at an older age.

In 2010, 48% of all live births

to Herkimer County women

were paid for by Medicaid or

other government program.

49% were paid for by private

health insurance.

2% of all live births were self-

pay.

1% of all birth had other

insurance.

This represents a high

percentage of births not

covered through private

health insurance (usually

offered through employment).

Source NYSDOH Vital Statistics Table 13

●

●

●

●

202

Graph 78


Breastfeeding

Healthy People 2020 target calls for 81.9% of infants to have been breastfed, 60.6% to be

breastfeeding at 6 months, and 34.1% at a year. It also calls for 46.2% of infants to have been

exclusively breastfed through 3 months and 25.5% at 6 months. Breastfeeding provides many

physical, medical, immunological, and psychological benefits to mothers and their children.

Human milk contains just the right amount of fatty acids, lactose, water, and amino acids for

human digestion, brain development, and growth. Breastfed babies have fewer illnesses because

human milk transfers to the infant a mother’s antibodies to disease. “Human milk also contains

immunologic agents and other compounds that act against viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Since

an infant’s immune system is not fully developed until age 2, human milk provides a distinct

advantage over formula. Mothers, too, are the recipients of many positive hormonal and physical

effects, including reducing the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Finally, breastfeeding may

save families hundreds of dollars which would have been spent on formula and medical bills.

203

Waterfall in southern Herkimer County


Dental

Dental caries, the most common chronic childhood disease, impacts children’s functioning

including eating, growth, speaking, and learning (1–3). For children, oral diseases can

jeopardize their physical growth, self-esteem and capacity to socialize. In the US, children are

estimated to lose over 51 million school hours annually because of dental problems and dental

visits.

To combat the prevalence of dental caries in Herkimer County children, Herkimer County Public

Health with HCHN support provides dental health education on appropriate dental hygiene to all

pre-k, kindergarten, fourth Grade & Head Start students in Herkimer County. Public Health also

includes the following populations: the Amish & Migrant Workers, and provides dental education

at all Prenatal Care Assistance Program Clinics, Immunization Clinics & WIC sites. Participants

receive a toothbrush, floss, a child’s coloring book & educational materials, including a copy of

The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist.

204

Ilion Marina


Table 111

Access to Dental Care

Oral Health Survey of Third Grade Children


When comparing Herkimer County with New York State and New York State excluding New York

City it is noted that Herkimer County third graders have higher rates of caries. However, on a

positive note, Herkimer County’s rate is lower than New York State and the upstate region con-

cerning untreated caries in low-socioeconomic status families. Overall, Herkimer County, while

having higher rates of caries have lower rates of untreated caries in the third grade population.

Third Grade Dental Insurance and Visits

Third graders from low socio-economic families are statistically less likely to have dental insur-

ance when compared to the New York State and U

Source: New York State Department of Health, Oral Health Indicators 2009–2010

205

Indicator

Herkimer

County

NYS

excluding NYC

% of 3rd grade children with

caries experience 60.3 45.4*


untreated caries 42.5 24.0*

% of 3rd grade children with dental

sealants 39.7 41.9*

% of 3rd grade children with dental

insurance 79.5 81.8*


at least one dental visit in last year 78.9 83.4*


at least one dental visit in last year 79.5 41.9*


Table 112

Source: New York State Department of Health, Oral Health Indicators 2009–2011

Medicaid Oral Health Indicators

Herkimer County v. New York State 2008–2010


About how long has it been since you last received dental care?

According to the American Dental

Association 2007 Public Opinion

Survey of Oral Health of the US

Population, 48.7% of adults

reported having visited the dentist

less than six months ago, as

compared to 57% of Herkimer

County residents in 2005. An

additional 18.9% reported having

seen the dentist sometime between

six months and a year. Therefore,

Herkimer County’s utilization

patterns show Herkimer County

well above ADA standards for

regular dental visits. (refer to Table

58 page 126

Indicator Herkimer


NYS Rate

excluding

NYC

% of Medicaid enrollees with at least one

dental visit within the last year 28.9 31.3* 29.4*

% of Medicaid enrollees with at least one

preventive dental visit within the last year 24.8 25.9* 23.4*

% of Medicaid enrollees (ages 2–20 years)

who had at leas one dental visit within the

last year

38.6 40.8* 40.5*

Within the

Past Six

Months

57%Within the

Past Year

16%

Within the

Past Two

Years

9%

Within the

Past Five

Years

4%

Five or More

Years

13%

No Care/Not

Sure

1%

Length of Time Since Last Dental Visit

Source: Zogby, 2005 Herkimer County Community Health Survey

206

Graph 79


Cavity Free Kids

Mohawk Valley Perinatal Network, Inc. now offers Cavity Free Kids curriculum training to

providers in Herkimer County. Cavity Free Kids is a complete oral health curriculum designed to

educate preschoolers and their families, with two additional curricula specific to pregnant

women, infants and toddlers, and child care providers. The curriculum was crafted by the

Washington Dental Service Foundation and is evidence- based. Cavity Free Kids materials place a

strong emphasis on dental caries being a preventable disease and addresses this by giving

children (through lesson plans) and parents (through newsletter articles and take home notices,

offered in a variety of languages) the steps and tools necessary to maintain optimal oral health.

This also includes guidance for providers on implementing tooth brushing while the child is in

their care and how to make referrals for dental care.

Mohawk Valley Perinatal Network has trained Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency Head

Start and home visiting staff in August 2011, and 6 child care providers affiliated with the

Family Daycare Association of Herkimer County in September 2012. Mohawk Valley Perinatal

Network continues to be available to providers interested in implementing Cavity Free Kids.

About how long has it been since your child visited a dentist or dental clinic? The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) periodicity schedule states children should receive

annual oral health visits at ages

three through six and biannual

visits at ages eight and ten. It

appears that an overwhelming

majority of Herkimer County

residents are visiting their dentist

for annual and bi-annual visits.

Has your child(ren) ever

received dental sealants or

take fluoride regularly?

The American Dental Association,

American Academy of Pediatrics

and American Academy of

Pediatric Dentistry recommend

both dental sealants and fluoride

use as effective prevention from

childhood caries. Fluoride use is

recommended for children six months and older with 0.6 parts per million or less of fluoride in 207

Millers Mills Ice Festival


208

DATA SOURCES

2005 Herkimer County Community Health Survey, Zogby.



Herkimer-Oneida Counties Comprehensive Planning. TAP Survey: 1997, 2001, 2005, 2009

http://www.ocgov.net/oneida/sites/default/files/planning/PlanPdf/TAP%20FINAL%

20HERKIMER2009.pdf

New York State Department of Health. Herkimer County Indicators For Tracking Public Health



herkimer.htm

New York State Department of Health. Maternal and Infant Health Indicators

http://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/chac/chai/docs/mih_21.htm

New York State Department of Health. Oral Health Indicators.

http://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/chac/chai/docs/ora_21.htm

New York State Department of Health. Oral Health Status of 3rd Grade Children: New York

State Oral Health Surveillance System

http://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/dental/docs/child_oral_health_surveillance.pdf

New York State Department of Health. Vital Statistics of New York State



http://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/prevention_agenda/2013-2017/docs/

healthy_women_children_infants.pdf

U.S Department of Health and Human Services. Healthy People 2020







http://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/chac/chai/docs/mih_21.htm

http://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/chac/chai/docs/ora_21.htm

http://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/dental/docs/child_oral_health_surveillance.pdf


http://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/prevention_agenda/2013-2017/docs/healthy_women_children_infants.pdf

http://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/prevention_agenda/2013-2017/docs/healthy_women_children_infants.pdf


WHERE WE STAND

Mental and emotional well- being is essential to overall health. At any given time, almost one in

five young people nationally are affected by mental, emotional and behavioral (MEB) disorders,

including conduct disorders, depression and substance abuse. About three-fourths of all MEB

disorders are diagnosed between the ages of 14–24 years.

The best opportunities to improve the public’s mental health are interventions delivered before

a disorder manifests itself to prevent its development. Risk factors for MEB disorders are well

-established. Effective preventive interventions are available, and the first symptoms typically

precede a disorder by two to four years. These interventions can be integrated with routing

health care and wellness promotion in health care settings, as well as in schools and community

settings.

Many MEB disorders, such as substance abuse and depression, have lifelong effects that include

high psychosocial and economic costs for people, their families, schools and communities. The

financial costs nationally in terms of treatment services and lost productivity are estimated at

$247 billion annually. Beyond the financial costs, MEB disorders interfere with people’s ability

to accomplish developmental tasks, such as establishing healthy interpersonal relationships,

succeeding in school, making their way into the workforce and staying optimally functional once

there. Mental and physical health problems are interwoven. Improvements in mental health help

improve individuals and populations’ physical health.

The Herkimer County suicide rate (age adjusted) is worse than the rate for NYS. The

Prevention Agenda Objective of 5.9 is significantly below the current Herkimer County rate.

209

Physical & Emotional Health Promote Mental Health and Prevent Substance Abuse

Summary Chart: Promote Mental Health &

Prevent Substance Abuse


Indicator

Data

Years

Herkimer

County

New York

State

NYS 2017

Objective

Age-adjusted percentage of adults with poor

mental health for 14 or more days in the last

month

10.1

(6.7-13.5)

10.2

(8.7-11.7)

10.1

2008–2009

Age-adjusted percentage of adult binge

drinking during the past month

20.2

(15.2-25.3)

18.1

(16.1-20.2)

18.4

Age-adjusted suicide death rate per 100,000 2008–2010 10.6 7.1 5.9

Table 113

210

Substance Abuse Prevalence & Services

Prevention Services

Prevention services are provided by the Herkimer County Prevention

Council, a program of Catholic Charities of Herkimer County. The

Herkimer County Prevention Council provides comprehensive

substance abuse and violence prevention education services to

individuals, families, schools and communities in Herkimer County.

Services provided include classroom education (K-12), student

assistance counseling, brief intervention, information dissemination

and referral, health fairs, and community education and training. All

education and intervention services are evidence- based programs.

The HCPC utilizes evidence- based programs

such as the Life Skills, Too Good for Drugs, and

Too Good for Violence programs. HCPC also

provides Student Assistance Counseling and

Brief Intervention (Teen Intervene) for grades

7-12 in five school districts. Three of the five

schools have a full time HCPC Prevention

Services Coordinator. HCPC has a full time

coordinator at HCCC who provides the SASSY

program, Teen Intervene, Freshmen Seminar,

group work, and a lecture series surrounding

substance abuse education.

HCPC provides educational and awareness

outreach targeting middle school youth through

the annual Drug Quiz Show, and parents

through environmental strategies such as the

“Parents who Host Lose the Most” campaign.

This County-wide campaign takes place in the

months of May and June to educate adults on

the issues surrounding the hosting of underage

drinking parties during the prom and graduation

seasons. The 2012 campaign included local

school districts, retailers of alcoholic

beverages, media coverage in local newspapers,

television commercials as well as a segment on

WKTV News Talk at 5, and an ad trailer that

ran before each movie showing at the Strand


Year Total Served

2009 5,812

2010 5,813

2011 6,504

2012 4,202

Youth and Adults Served

by Herkimer County

Prevention Council

Source: Herkimer

County Prevention

Council

Source: Herkimer County Prevention Council

Source: Herkimer County Prevention Council

2009 2010 2011 2012

Youth 4,971 3,510 3,718 1,906

Adult 514 1,877 3,257 2,034

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

Youth & Adults Receiving

Educational Services from the

Prevention Council 2009–2012

2009 2010 2011 2012

Youth 142 135 116 64

Adult 185 291 221 198

0

100

200

300

400

500

Youth & Adults Receiving

Counseling Services from the

Prevention Council 2009–2012

Table 114

Graph 80

Graph 81

Theater in Old Forge, NY. Additional educational awareness campaigns surrounding community,

school and family are Prescription Drop Box events, Red Ribbon Week, and National Drug Facts

Week.

The HCPC also uses billboards, local media outlets, and maintains a website with the most up-to-

date information on substance abuse and prevention services. Each month a newsletter is posted

regarding recent trends in alcohol and substance abuse field as they relate to our county

concerns.

In 2012, the Herkimer County Prevention Council formed a local coalition: the Community

Partnership. The partnership consists of local law enforcement and various human service

agencies within Herkimer County. The goal and function of the partnership is to collectively

tackle those issues surrounding substance abuse concerns in Herkimer County such as synthetic

drugs, underage drinking, and the prescription drug problem.

Collectively the Herkimer County Prevention Council has provided substance abuse prevention

services in some form to over 22,331 youth and adults since January of 2009.

Chemical Dependency Treatment

Herkimer County Community Health Assessment Report

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Community Health Status

Indicators (CHSI), Herkimer County has a higher rate of substance abuse hospital admissions

than neighboring Oneida County and NYS (15.5 per 100,000 vs. 13.9 and 6.3 per 100,000

respectively). NYS Department of Health, County Health Assessment Indicators report that

cirrhosis mortality rates in Herkimer County are also higher than Oneida County and NYS (10.1

per 100,000 vs. 6.7 and 6.0 per 100,000 respectively).

Service Need Profiles

The March 2011 OASAS Service Need Profile for Herkimer County indicates that 12.1% of

Herkimer County’s population over age 12 exhibits chemical dependence problems (6,478

individuals), an increase from 9% identified in March 2008. 1,818 individuals in this age group are

identified as being in need of treatment services for their addictions (28% of prevalence).

Approximately 1,200 of these individuals are adults age 18+ in need of alcohol treatment

services only, with 476 adults requiring treatment for alcohol and drug dependence. It is

estimated that 130 youths between the ages of 12 and 17 are in need of chemical dependence

treatment.

The greatest areas of unmet need are documented for crisis chemical dependence services,

methadone treatment services, and community residence living options.

Approximately half of the need for outpatient adult services and one-third of the need for

adolescent outpatient services is currently being met by the existing service capacity.


211

The November 2009 OASAS Summary of the County Profile indicates that 489 Herkimer

County residents received treatment services, and more than half of these individuals (57.7%)

received services within the county. The average daily enrollment in treatment services was 100

individuals. Total treatment costs for 2008 are estimated at slightly over one million dollars,

with $3,324 spent per person. This amount is far below the $6,488 spent per person statewide.

There were no expenditures for gambling treatment services in 2008.

Medicaid Recipient Cost Profiles

In 2010, 360 Medicaid recipients received coverage for chemical dependence services totaling

$1,127,459, an increase of 82 Medicaid recipients and $220,000 over 2008 numbers and

expenditures. Outpatient chemical dependence services were used most frequently by Medicaid

recipients in 2008 (325 individuals or 90%). These 360 recipients had a total of 3.8 million

dollars worth of total covered medical expenses for 2010.

Although the number of Medicaid recipients who have received coverage for CD services has

increased from 2008 to 2010, the per-person expenditure for those services has decreased,

from $3,255 in 2008 to $3,101 in 2010.

County Resource Data

Despite the large number of Herkimer County residents that are estimated to be in need of

services, a much lower number of individuals received treatment for alcohol and drug- related

issues, as reported in the 2008 County Resource Data Book, which includes information for

services provided between October 1, 2006 and September 30, 2007.

The high number of individuals with ASA problems who seek mental health services but not

alcohol/substance abuse treatment services may confound this data.

Between October 1, 2006 and September 30, 2007, 405 Herkimer County residents received

treatment services at a rate of 63.5 per 10,000 residents. This rate has declined from the 72.8

per 10,000 admissions reported in 2004, and is the third lowest in New York State, followed

only by neighboring Otsego (57.9) and Hamilton (28.7) counties.

During this time period ,there were 102 Herkimer County residents that were admitted to

inpatient rehabilitation treatment at a rate of 16.0 per 10,000 of the county population. This

rate is an increase from the 12.5 per 10,000 in 2004. Between October 1, 2006 and

September 30, 2007, there were 167 Herkimer County residents that were admitted to

outpatient treatment services, at a rate of 26.2 per 10,000 of the county population. This rate

is the second lowest recorded rate in New York State, and may be impacted by the change in

treatment provider that occurred during this time period.

There were 48 Herkimer County residents that were admitted to residential treatment services

between October 1, 2006 and September 30, 2007, at a rate of 7.5 per 10,000 residents. Half

of all admissions were to residential services in Herkimer County

(Herkimer County has one supportive living residential facility that serves 15 males).


212

The majority of Herkimer County residents that were admitted to Alcohol and Substance Abuse

Treatment Services between October 1, 2006 and September 30, 2007 were male (70.4%),

white (85.9%) and between the ages of 25 and 34 (30.4%). Three out of four admissions (76.1%)

were for individuals between the ages of 18 and 44. Approximately 5% of all admissions between

October 1, 2006 and September 30, 2007 were for youth below the age of 18.

The primary reason for admission during this time period was alcohol abuse (42.6%), a decrease

from 55.1% of all admissions in 2004. Other reasons for admission included marijuana abuse

(15.8%), crack abuse (15.3%) and heroin/other opiate abuse (12.9%).

Between October 1, 2006 and September 30, 2007, 30.1% of all ASA treatment services

referrals came from the criminal justice system. Over 55% of the Herkimer County residents

admitted to ASA Services between October 1, 2006 and September 30, 2007 reported being

children of alcoholics or substance abusers. Approximately 70% were high school graduates, 10%

were homeless, 5.2% were veterans, and 27.2% were employed at least part-time. More than

half of all admissions (52.2%) were involved with the criminal justice system, (71.6%) have had

prior chemical dependence treatment services and 39.7% had a diagnosis of mental illness.

Only 23.5% of all Herkimer County individuals admitted to ASA treatment had wages as their

primary source of income, down from 48% in 2005. Approximately 35% of Herkimer County

individuals discharged from ASA treatment between October 1, 2006 and September 30, 2007

had Medicaid as their primary payment source, which is less than the Rest of State rate of

40.2%. One in four individuals discharged from treatment (25%) had “None” listed as the

primary payment source, compared with 16.2% and 13.9% for NYS and the Rest of State

respectively.

Over 49% of those discharged from ASA treatment were referred to other treatment services

upon release, which is higher than the Rest of State average of 38.6%. No referral was made

for 34.2% of the Herkimer County discharges, which is similar to the Rest of State average.

The primary reason for admission during this time period was alcohol abuse (42.6%), a decrease

from 55.1% of all admissions in 2004. Other reasons for admission included marijuana abuse

(15.8%), crack abuse (15.3%) and heroin/other opiate abuse (12.9%).

Year

2009 2010 2011


DWI-Alcohol 0 11 11 0 9 9 0 7 7

DWI-Drugs 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 4 4

Source: DCJS, Uniform Crime/Incident-Based Reporting systems (as of 7/30/12)

Youth DWI Arrests 2009–2011


213

Table 115


Graph 82

Source: BRFSS

Adults Engaging in Binge Drinking

Alcohol Use

Binge drinking (5 or more drinks on one occasion for men, 4 or more drinks on one occasion for

women) is associated with many health problems including unintentional injury, alcohol poisoning,

poorly controlled diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. In Herkimer County, 20.2% of adult resi-

dents engage in binge drinking. Among adults residing in New York State and New York State

exclusive of New York City, 18.1% and 19.8%, respectively, engage in binge drinking.

Self reported use of alcohol by teens in Herkimer County has decreased from 1997 to 2009, as

reported in the TAP Survey. (Refer to Graph 87 on the following page) So while reported use is

down over this time period, rates of DWI arrests are up. If the data is correct, then it appears

enforcement efforts in Herkimer County are a major factor.

Of those teens who reported drinking on the TAP Survey, the primary source of alcohol remains,

“self bought or legal aged buyer”. (Refer to Graph 88 On the following page) However, when you

look at trends from 1997 to 2009, as a percentage, alcohol obtained from “self bought or legal

aged buyer” has decreased over time. Conversely, alcohol obtained from “their house or a

friend’s house” and “their parents or a friend’s parents” has increased over the same time peri-

od. New York State law holds parents of teens liable if they serve alcohol to underage youth.

The Prevention Council works to educate parents about the ramifications of serving alcohol to

youth as a means to address this issue.

214

20.2%18.1%

19.8%

24.0%

0.0%

5.0%

10.0%

15.0%

20.0%

25.0%

30.0%

Herkimer

County

New York State NYS Excluding

NYC

Prevention Agenda 2013–

2017 Goal

32%

59%

14%

31%

49%

20%

32%

45%

23%

36%41%

23%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Their House or

A Friend's House

Self Bought

or Legal Aged Buyer

Their Parents or a

Friend's Parents

1997 2001 2005 2009

1997 2001 2005 2009

Ever Used Alcohol 58% 58% 50% 43%

Used Alcohol At Least A Few

Times A Month31% 29% 23% 19%

Been Binge Drinking In The Past

Month28% 26% 20% 15%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

Teenage Alcohol Use Graph 83

Source: Herkimer County TAP Survey 2009—All graphs on this page

Graph 84 Alcohol Sources for Herkimer County Teens

215


11.9% of students reported access to illegal drugs on school property in the 2008–2009 school

year. This is the first time this question has been asked on the TAP survey, so no comparative

data over time is available. A breakdown of the Yes answers by grade shows that as students

get older the access to drugs on the school property increases.

Graph 85

216

Source: Herkimer County TAP Survey 2009


Graph 86

Source: NYSDOH County Health Assessment Indicators 2008–2010

Drug Related Hospitalizations, Herkimer County

2008-2010

During 2008-2009 School Year, Has Anyone Offered,

Sold, or Given You an Illegal Drug on School Property

11.9%

88.1%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Yes No

127

115

126

105

110

115

120

125

130

2008 2009 2010

Percent of Students Offered, Sold or Given Illegal Drugs During the 2008–2009

School Year On School Property

Breakdown by Grade

As youth progress through the grades from 7th to 11th, the percent of students offered, sold

or given illegal drugs on school property increased.

The above graph includes two additional categories in the 2009 TAP Survey; “medications not

yours” and “over the counter drugs”. While drug use in all the other categories declined from

2005 to 2009, students found additional sources of drugs to get high.

7th 9th 11th

5.4% 13.8% 16.5%

Table 116


Graph 87

44.0%

9.0% 9.0%7.0%

6.0% 5.0%

36.9%

7.4% 7.4%

4.5%

8.5%

3.8%

15.5% 13.9%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

Marijuana Cocaine Inhalents Meth Ecstacy Steroids MedicationsNot Yours

Over theCounterDrugs

2005 2009

11th Grade Students Who Used Different Drugs

During Their Life



217

Mental Health

Below is a chart of annual

clinic visits for the

Herkimer County Mental

Health Clinic, including Jail

Services. There was an

43.6% increase in clinic

appointments from 2007-

2012. In December 2012,

there were 66 visits to

correctional facility

inmates. For the month,

we provided services to

401 persons through 603

visits. 456 individuals

were enrolled in services

at the end of the month.

Public Mental Health Services Utilization

The following charts compare percentages of adults and children who received public mental

health emergency, inpatient, outpatient, residential and support services. In Herkimer County,

Support Services mainly consist of the “Impact Program.”


Source: Patient Characteristics Survey, 2011

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

ClinicAppointments

5,575 6,435 6,773 7,022 7,292 8,006

Jail Visits* 679 700 770

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

Total Clinic Appointments & Jail Visits

2007–2012

Graph 88

Graph 89

* Program Began in 2010

Source: Herkimer County Department of Mental Health

218

Emergency Inpatient Outpatient Residential Support

Herkimer County 0.0% 0.0% 62.9% 24.9% 32.1%

NYS 2.3% 7.3% 65.7% 20.4% 23.6%

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

70.0%

Public Mental Health Services by Type

Adults (18+)

219


Source: Patient Characteristics Survey. 2011

Inpatient Services Census

Below are the average daily inpatient census for the selected county of residence as reported

by licensed general hospital, private hospital and State Psychiatric facilities. Inpatient census

rates are based on the calculation: (Daily

census divided by total persons in the

county) times 10,000.

Herkimer County’s rate for inpatients

hospitalization for mental health reasons is

lower for both adults and children than the

New York State rate. The proportion is

similar between the Herkimer County and

NYS rates.

The chart on the following page is a

breakdown of the inpatient census for

Herkimer County and New York State by

type for both adults and children. Neither

Herkimer County or New York State

reported inpatient hospitalization in a

private hospital setting.

Source: Mental Health Automated Recordkeeping

System, 2010

Emergency Inpatient Outpatient Residential Support

Herkimer County 8.8% 0.0% 31.6% 0.0% 63.2%

NYS 2.7% 5.2% 79.2% 0.8% 20.0%

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

70.0%

80.0%

90.0%

Public Mental Health Services by Type

Children (0-17) Graph 90

1.7

2.3

2.6

4.8

0

2

4

6

8

Herkimer County NYS

Average Inpatient Census

Herkimer County & New York

State per 10,000

Adults 18+ Children 0-17

Graph 91

220


Source: Mental Health Automated Recordkeeping System, 2010

Patient Characteristics Survey

The PCS (Patient Characteristics Survey) includes questions on chronic medical conditions,

special education services for children, parental custody of minors, living situation and

employment in a community setting. This report displays measures relevant to client wellness and

community integration for Herkimer County and NYS.

Herkimer County results are similar to overall NYS results. Though Herkimer County patients

are more likely to have a chronic condition, live in a private residence, and have custody of a

minor. Though Herkimer County patients are less likely to need special educational services and

more apt to report that they are competitively employed.

Herkimer County New York State

Chronic Medical Condition (All Ages) 56.10% 51.30%

Adults, 18 or older, with Cardiac and Metabolic Illnesses 59.30% 47.10%

Children, 17 and younger, with Pulmonary Condition 0.00% 8.60%

Living in Private Residence 84.90% 75.10%

Children with Special Education 31.30% 56.80%

Adults, 18 or older, with Custody of Minors 17.60% 12.30%

Adults, aged 18 through 64 years old, that are Competitively Employed 16.40% 13.40%

PCS Results Herkimer County and New York State

Source: Patient Characteristics Survey, 2011

General Hospital

(Adults)

State Psych

Center (Adults)

General

Hospital

(Children)

Private Hospital

(Children)

State Psych

Center

(Children)

Herkimer County 1.4 1.2 0.1 0.2 1.4

New York State 2.7 2.1 0.8 0.6 0.9

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

Inpatient Census by Type Herkimer County &

New York State per 10,000

Graph 92

Table 117

221


Medicaid and Health Coverage

This report displays summary information about the selected county and NY State annual

Medicaid expenditures for mental health services provided to adults who were Medicaid eligible

on the date of service within the 2009 Local Fiscal Year.

Mental health services for adults are grouped into four major program categories:

While Mental health services for children are grouped into four major program categories:

Case

Management

• Blended Case Management (BCM),

• Intensive Case Management (ICM),

• Supported Case Management (SCM)

Inpatient

• Psychiatric Inpatient General (Article 28)

• Private (Article 31),

• Psychiatric Inpatient OMH (State Psych IP)

Outpatient

• Assertive Community Treatment (ACT),

• Continuing Day Treatment (CDT),

• Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP),

• Intensive Psychiatric Rehabilitation Treatment (IPRT),

• Clinic Treatment (MH Clinic),

• Partial Hospitalization (PartHosp),

• Personalized Recovery Oriented Services (PROS),

• Recovery Services (RS - PMHP)

Residential • Community Residence Adult (CR Adult)

Case

Management

• Blended Case Management (BCM),

• Intensive Case Management (ICM),

• Supported Case Management (SCM)

Inpatient

• Psychiatric Inpatient General (Article 28),

• Private (Article 31),

• Residential Treatment Facility (RTF),

• Psychiatric Inpatient OMH (State Psych IP)

Outpatient

• Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP),

• Day Treatment (DT),

• Home and Community Based Services Waiver (HCBS Waiver),

• Clinic Treatment (MH Clinic),

• Partial Hospitalization (PartHosp)

Residential • Family Based Treatment/Teaching Family Home (Children FBT/TFH),

• Community Residence Child (CR Child)

As a percentage of total Medicaid spending, Herkimer County spends much less on inpatient

services than New York State as a whole. For Children, Herkimer County spends approximately

same percentage on outpatient services, as the State does for both outpatient and inpatient

services.

222


Medicaid Expenditures Herkimer County & New York State

Adults (age 18 +) $1,531,653 $1,781,687,702

Case Management $15,705 $101,312,166

Inpatient $0.00 $753,860,283

Outpatient $718,453 $707,708,158

Residential $797,495 $218,807,094

Children (age 0 - 17) $239,528 $713,563,438

Case Management $24,558 $18,585,496

Inpatient $0.00 $380,838,194

Outpatient $204,853 $270,916,912

Residential $10,117 $43,222,836

Source all tables & charts on this page: DOH eMedNY Extract for OMH

Graph 93

Graph 94

Table 118

Managed Care

Below is the managed care plan enrollment in New York State and Herkimer County for managed

care plans licensed to operate in NYS. The enrollment reflects membership for organizations

under their Article 44 managed care licenses only. While organizations may have additional

membership through products under other health insurance licenses, those members are not

included in this report.

There are two types of managed care plans included in the table: health maintenance

organizations (HMOs) and prepaid health service plans, which primarily enroll Medicaid and Child

Health Plus beneficiaries. Partial capitation managed care plans, managed long-term care plans,

and HIV special needs plans are not included in this report.

The penetration rate is calculated using managed care plan enrollment divided by population

estimates from the 2000 Census provided by the State Department of Economic Development.

(Total NYS population estimate as of July 1, 2009, is 19,541,453).

223



Total Enrollment 12,115 5,746,335

HMO/POS 1,437 1,254,649

Direct Pay 2 27,672

Healthy NY 382 142,106

Medicare 68 674,637

Child Health Plus 2,175 400,804

Medicaid 6,709 2,846,861

Family Health Plus 1,342 393,688

Penetration


Population 64,519 19,378,102

Managed Care Totals 12,115 5,746,335

Penetration Rate 18.80% 29.70%

Source all tables on this page: 2010 NYS Managed Care Plan Enrollment Report

Table 120

Table 119

Depression

Untreated mental illnesses have associated human and economic costs such as diminished

productivity, work-place absenteeism, and in severe cases, an increased rate of suicide. In

Herkimer County, 10.1% of adult residents experience poor mental health for 14 or more days in

a month, according to the Expanded Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2010 Herkimer

County Report. Among adults residing in New York State and New York State exclusive of New

York City, 10.2% and 10.9%, respectively, experience poor mental health for 14 or more days in a

month.

Youth

The graphs on the following pages depict trends for suicide ideation and attempts. These

indicators have consistently improved from 1997 through 2009 for Herkimer County High School

TAP survey participants.

Graph 95

1.5

10.6

12.3

4.7

18.6

9.4

15.7

17.3 17.2 17.2

12.8

8.0

6.4

17.0

8.2 7.7 8.1 7.5 7.8 7.6 7.4 6.7 6.6 6.6

8.3

8.47.4

9.4

0.0

5.0

10.0

15.0

20.0

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Herkimer County Upstate New York

Suicide Death Rate Per 100,000 Population

Source: NYSDOH Vital Statistics, Table 39 *2006 data unavailable

224


Graph 96

225


Source: H

erkimer C

ounty TA

P Surve

y 199

7, 2

00

1, 20

05

, 20

09

199

72

00

12

00

52

00

9

Youth S

eriously Consid

ered A

ttem

pting Suicide

in

Past 12 M

onths2

6.1%

22

.6%

20

.6%

12.7

%

Youth M

ade Plans to A

ttempt S

uicide in Past 12

Month

s2

1.6%

17.8

%16

.3%

8.0

%

0.0

%

5.0

%

10.0

%

15.0

%

20

.0%

25

.0%

30

.0%

Youth

Attitud

es on S

uicide

1997 2001 2005 2009

0 89.4% 90.0% 87.9% 95.4%

1 Time 5.7% 5.5% 7.0% 2.2%

2 or 3 Times 2.9% 2.7% 2.7% 1.4%

4 or 5 Times 0.4% 0.5% 1.2% 0.3%

6 or More Times 1.6% 1.3% 1.2% 0.7%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

During the Past 12 Months, Number of Times Herkimer County Youth

Attempted Suicide

Source: Herkimer County TAP Survey 1997, 2001, 2005, 2009

226


Graph 97

DATA SOURCES

2010 Census

2005 Herkimer County Health Net Community Survey, Zogby International.


Herkimer County Chemical Dependence Needs Assessment 2006

Herkimer County Prevention Council

*New York State Department of Health Herkimer County Indicators For Tracking Public Health

Priority Areas


Teen Assessment Project Survey, 1997, 2001, 2005, 2009

http://www.ocgov.net/oneidacty/gov/dept/planning/humanservices.html


HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and hepatitis C (HCV) are significant public

health concerns. New York State (NYS) remains at the epicenter of the HIV epidemic in the

country, ranking first in the number of persons living with HIV/AIDS. By the end of 2010,

approximately 129,000 New Yorkers were living with HIV or AIDS, with nearly 3,950 new

diagnoses of HIV infection in 2010. Furthermore, 123,122 New Yorkers had STDs, representing

70 percent of all communicable diseases reported statewide in 2010. The number of people with

chronic or resolved cases of HCV in NYS exceeded 175,000 between 2001 and 2009. However,

many of those with chronic HCV do not know they are infected, and recently it has been noted

that more New Yorkers are dying from HCV than from HIV.

The same behaviors and community characteristics associated with HIV also place individuals

and communities at risk for STDs and viral hepatitis. STDs increase the likelihood of HIV

transmission and acquisition. Epidemiological data increasingly point to HIV, STDs and HCV as

“syndemics,” or infections which occur in similar groups of people with the same behavioral risk

factors. Notable, in the United States in 2010, the leading cause of death among people with

HIV was liver disease from co-infection with HCV.

The impact of HIV, STDs and HCV is greater in some population groups. For instance, non-

Whites have rates of infection that are several times higher than Whites. Prevention

interventions, including those that affect underlying factors such as stigma and discrimination,

are needed to address these historical inequities. People of color account for more than 75

percent of new HIV diagnoses and, for persons living with HIV, the racial/ethnic distribution is

21 percent White, 43 percent Black, 32 percent Hispanic, 1.2 percent Asian/Pacific Islander, 0.1

percent Native American and 2.8 percent more than one racial group. Data on race and ethnicity

of people with STDs and HCV suggest significant disparities exist as well. Men who have sex

with men, transgender persons and women of color continue to have much higher rates of these

diseases than the general population. Though HIV among injection drug users has decreased

steadily (due in large part to expanded access to sterile syringes), HCV among drug injectors is

prevalent.

Multiple drug regimens exist for HIV, STDs and HCV, although some are more effective than

others. A key approach to preventing more infections is to identify infected people as soon as

possible and link them to care. The health of infected people will improve, and the likelihood

they will transmit the infection to others will be reduced.


Physical & Emotional Health Prevent HIV, STDs, Vaccine-Preventable Diseases & Healthcare Associated Infections

227

Table 121

Infectious Disease Summary Chart

Additional information on sexually transmitted disease follows on the next page. Herkimer

County does better than New York State in rates of sexually transmitted disease in every cate-

gory.


Indicator

Data

Years

Herkimer

County

New York

State

NYS 2017

Objective

Percentage of children with 4:3:1:3:3:1:4

immunization series—Ages 19–35 months 2011 53.4 47.6 80.0

Percentage of adolescent females with 3-

dose HPV immunization—Ages 13–17 years 2011 23.5 26.0 50.0

Age-adjusted percentage of adults with flu

immunization—Ages 65+ years 2008–2009

76.3

(70.3–82.3)

75.0

(71.5–78.5)

66.2

Newly diagnosed HIV case rate per 100,000

2008–2010

5.4 21.6 14.7

Difference in rates (Black and White) of new HIV diagnoses

s 59.4 45.7

Difference in rates (Hispanic and White) of new HIV diagnoses

s 31.1 22.3

Gonorrhea case rate per 100,000 women—

Ages 15–44 years 2010 77.9* 203.4 183.1

Gonorrhea case rate per 100,000 men—Ages

15–44 years 2010 26.0* 221.7 199.5

Chlamydia case rate per 100,000 women—

Ages 15–44 years 2010 848.3 1619.8 1458.0

Primary and secondary syphilis case rate per

100,000 males 2010 0.0* 11.2 10.1

Primary and secondary syphilis case rate per

100,000 females 2010 0.0* 0.5 0.4

* Fewer than 10 events in the numerator, therefore the rate is unstable s Data do not meet reporting criteria


228

* Fewer than 10 events in the numerator; therefore the rate is unstable s Data do not meet reporting criteria

Sexually Transmitted Disease

Source: NYSDOH HIV/AIDS and Other Sexually Transmitted Infection Indicators

Table 122

Indicator

3 Year

Total

County

Rate NYS Rate Sig Dif.

NYS Rate

exc NYC Sig Dif.

HIV/AIDS

HIV case rate per 100,000 10 5.3 21.4 Yes 7.4 No

AIDS case rate per 100,000 6 3.2* 17.6 Yes 5.6 No

AIDS mortality rate per 100,000 0 0.0* 5.7 Yes 1.7 Yes

AIDS mortality rate age-adjusted 0 0.0* 5.3 Yes 1.6 Yes

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES

Early Syphilis rate per 100,000 1 0.5* 12.8 Yes 2.5 No

Gonorrhea rate per 100,000

All Ages 19 10.1 89.7 Yes 55.7 Yes

15–19 years 5 37.4* 335.5 Yes 210.3 Yes

Chlamydia rate per 100,000

Males

All Ages 78 84.5 305.1 Yes 178.9 Yes

15–19 years 23 339.4 1013.5 Yes 586.9 Yes

20–24 years 36 611.9 1410.1 Yes 920.6 Yes

Females

All Ages 249 257.7 644.6 Yes 426.2 Yes

15–19 years 91 1379.6 3587.6 Yes 2334.5 Yes

20–24 years 111 1886.8 3114.6 Yes 2200.4 No

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

hospitalization rate

per 10,000 women ages 15–44 years

12 3.4 3.7 No 2.5 No


229

http://www.health.state.ny.us/statistics/chac/chai/docs/statistical_significance.pdf

http://www.health.state.ny.us/statistics/chac/chai/docs/statistical_significance.pdf

Table 123

Percentage of Children with 4:3:1:3:3:1:4 Immunization Series

The state has instituted an Immunization Registry, which is able to collect information on all

immunizations.

63.8% 62.5% 64.6% 68.0% 65.9%61.8% 64.7%

70.5% 70.9%75.0%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

1999 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Persons 65 Years or Older Who Had a Flu Shot in the

Past 12 Months, New York State

Graph 98

Source: BRFSS Revised 2010

Source: National Immunization Survey

Fully immunized

children

Children ages

19–35 months Percentage

Cayuga 776 1,136 68.3

Cortland 349 725 48.1

Herkimer 496 929 53.4

Jefferson 1,126 2,473 45.5

Lewis 352 498 70.7

Madison 444 940 47.2

Oneida 2,027 3,904 51.9

Onondaga 4,866 8,139 59.8

Oswego 1,195 2,007 59.5

St. Lawrence 982 1,591 61.7

Tompkins 489 1,404 34.8

Region Total 13,102 23,746 55.2

New York State

(exclusive of NYC) 79,712 16,7622 47.6


230

*Enterohemorrhagic E. Coli non-O157 and not sero-grouped shigatoxin producing infection

**Newly reported HIV cases

Reported Cases by Selected Disease

Herkimer County v. NYS Excluding New York City 2011

Table 124

Herkimer County NYS Excluding

New York City

Oneida County

AIDS 5 736 6

Campylobacteriosis 22 2,052 38

Chlamydia 178 37,494 752

Cryptosporidiosis 4 234 14

E. Coli 0157 0 98 2

EHEC* 3 123 5

Giardiasis 9 1,144 50

Gonorrhea 12 6,240 141

Hepatitis A 0 47 1

Hepatitis B Acute 1 54 1

Hepatitis C Acute 0 44 2

Herpes Infection,

Infant <60 Days

0 12 0

HIV** 4 1,043 12

Confirmed Influenza 59 12,921 329

Legionellosis 1 400 10

Lyme Disease 12 7,276 49

Salmonellosis 5 1,423 26

Strep B 8 936 24

Strep Pneumonia 6 1,183 22

Tuberculosis 0 221 8

Source: NYSDOH 2011 Communicable Disease Annual Reports


231

DATA SOURCES Centers for Disease Control. Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

National Immunization Survey

New York State Department of Health. 2011 Communicable Disease Annual Reports

http://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/diseases/communicable/2011/

New York State Department of Health. Herkimer County Indicators for Tracking Public Health



herkimer.htm

New York State Department of Health. HIV/AIDS and Other Sexually Transmitted Infection

Indicators

http://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/chac/chai/docs/sti_21.htm

Tree fungus along the trail - Adirondack Park,

Herkimer County


232

http://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/diseases/communicable/2011/



http://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/chac/chai/docs/sti_21.htm

Access to Quality Healthcare

• The Herkimer-Oneida Counties Transportation Study identified human services

transportation needs and gaps. Including:

• Improved pedestrian access, safer sidewalks, crosswalks, signals, pedestrian-friendly

streets especially within walking distance to bus stops and rail stations, and

• Accessible and affordable transportation options for the elderly, disabled, and low-

income to social activities, shopping, medical, and employment facilities.

• Herkimer County received designation as a Health Professional Shortage Area for both

primary care and mental health care in 2005. There are approximately 1,574 individuals per

primary care physician in Herkimer county. There are 41 primary care physicians in Herkimer

County.

Prevent Chronic Diseases

• Herkimer County’s Rate of hospitalizations for short-term complications of diabetes per

10,000 for residents ages 6–17 years is 4.6, above both the NYS Rate (3.2), and the

Prevention Agenda Goal of 3.06.

• 20.9% of Herkimer County Adults smoke cigarettes, above the NYS percentage of 17% and

the Prevention Agenda Goal of 15%.

• Herkimer rates of Pre-Transport Mortality and Premature Death related to Cardiovascular

Disease, Diseases of the Heart, Coronary Heart Disease, Congestive Heart Failure, Stroke

are all well above the corresponding state and NYS minus NYC rates.

• Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease Mortality Rate per 10,000 in Herkimer County (40.9) is

above the corresponding state and NYS minus NYC rates (31.1 and 38.5).

• 33.6% of 7th & 10th graders in Herkimer County are considered Overweight or Obese.

Promote a Healthy and Safe Environment

• The rate of hospitalizations due to falls per 10,000 for Herkimer County Residents aged 65+

is 269.4 well above the NYS Rate of 204.6

• The rate of emergency department visits due to falls per 10,000 for Herkimer County

Residents ages 1-4 is 517.5 well above the NYS Rate of 476.8 and the Prevention Agenda

Goal of 429.1

• Only 5% of Herkimer County Residents are served by community water systems with

optimally fluoridated water, compared to 71.4% of New Yorkers overall and the Prevention

Agenda Goal of 78.5%.

• 1.8% of Herkimer County Children born in 2007 received a lead screening by 9 months of age,

compared to 6.8% of children statewide and 2.9% in NYS minus NYC.

• 46.6 per 1,000 of children in Herkimer County less than 72 months of age have a confirmed

blood lead level of 10 µg/dl or higher as compared to 15.8 statewide and 23.2 in NYS minus

NYC.

233

Physical & Emotional Health Key Findings & Commentary

Promote Healthy Women, Infants and Children

• 42.5% of third-grade children in Herkimer County have evidence of untreated tooth decay as

compared to 24% of children in third grade statewide and the Prevention Agenda Goal of

21.6%

• 49.5% of live births in Herkimer County were results of an unintended pregnancy as

compared to 24% statewide and the Prevention Agenda Goal of 21.6%

• 25.6% of live births in Herkimer County occurred within 24 months of a previous pregnancy,

compared to 18% statewide and the Prevention Agenda Goal of 17%

• In 2010 the majority of births were “Out of Wedlock”, 324 to 311 and the number has been

trending up since 2005.

• 47% of the live births in Herkimer County were paid for by Medicaid and Herkimer County’s

Prenatal Clinic closed in 2012.

• 38.6% of Medicaid Enrollees in Herkimer County (ages 2-20) had one dental visit within the

last year, compared to 40.8% statewide and 40.5% in NYS minus NYC.

Promote Mental Health and Prevent Substance Abuse

• The age-adjusted percentage of adult binge drinking in the past month in Herkimer County is

20.2% as compared to 18.1% statewide and the Prevention Agenda Goal of 18.4%

• The age-adjusted Suicide Death Rate for Herkimer County (2008-2010) per 100,000 is 10.6,

above the statewide rate of 7.1 and the Prevention Agenda Goal of 5.9

• Heavy utilization of “Support” services, 63.2%, for children in Herkimer County, age 0-17 as

compared to NYS utilization (20%)

• There has been an 43.6% increase in Department of Mental Health clinic appointments from

2007-2012.

• 13.4% increase in Jail Visits since the program began in 2010.

Prevent HIV, STDs, Vaccine-Preventable Diseases & Healthcare Associated

Infections

• Percentage of Herkimer Count Children (ages 19-35 months) with 4:3:1:3:3:1:4 immunization series is

53.4%, which is higher than the NYS rate but well below the Prevention Agenda Goal of 80% • Percentage of Herkimer County adolescent females (ages 13-17 years) with the 3-dose HPV

immunization is 23.5% below the NYS percentage of 26%. Both are well below the NYS Prevention

Agenda Goal of 50%. • Herkimer Rate rates for all Sexually Transmitted Diseases tracked by the Prevention

Agenda are well below NYS and NYS minus NYC rates.

Physical & Emotional Health Key Findings & Commentary

234

Family Household Composition

The family and the household are the most fundamental socioeconomic institutions in human

society. The principal social function of the family has historically been to bring children into

the world and to care for them until they can support themselves.

Household composition may have an impact on well-being. While two parents in a household may

be biological, step, or adoptive, their presence does not guarantee a child’s success, but it

generally indicates a greater level of resources available to children and to their well-being

(America’s Children, 2002, p.7). Children living in households with only one parent are much more

likely to have families whose incomes fall below the poverty line. In addition, marital status

affects the resources available to both women with children and women alone at any age.

(Source: The Status of Women: A Portrait of Women and Girls in Oneida & Herkimer Counties,

December 2003—Women’s Fund)

Family and Household Demographics

According to the 2008–2010 U.S. Census American Community Survey, there are 64,429 people,

26,478 households, and 17,362 families residing in Herkimer County. The following graph

illustrates the percentage of each type of household in existence in Herkimer County. As

illustrated below, almost half (49.5%) of all households in Herkimer County are married couple

families.


WHERE WE STAND

235

Graph 100


The 2008–2010 U.S. Census American Community Survey (ACS) estimates that 30.9% of all

households had children under the age of 18 living with them and 13.1% had someone living alone

who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 persons and the average

family size was 2.93 persons.

The 2008-2010 ACS shows a slight increase since 2000 in overall population and in the number

of households, families, and female householders (no spouse present) . A decrease in married

couples living together and individuals living alone is also identified.

When compared to NYS and US ACS data, Herkimer County has a higher percentage of married

couples living together and individuals living alone, and a lower percentage of female-headed

households (no spouse present) and non-family households.

Household by Type

The 2008–2010 American Community Survey estimates that 65.6% of all households in Herkimer

County are comprised of families. Half of all families (49.5%) are traditional two-parent


Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 Census & 2008–2010 American Community Survey

236

Table 125

Herkimer County Households and Families 2000 2008–2010

Population 64,427 64,429

Households 25,734 26,478

Average Household Size 2.46 2.38

Families 17,101 17,362

Average Family Size 2.99 2.93

Households With Children < 18 32.8% 30.9%

Households in

Herkimer County, NYS and US 2000 2008–2010

NYS

(2008–2010)

US

(2008–2010)

Total Households 25,734 26,478 7,221,564 114,596,927

Married Couple Family 51.2% 49.5% 44.9% 49.1%

Female (no Husband Present) 10.3% 11.6% 14.7% 12.8%

Male (no Wife Present) 5% 4.5% 4.8% 4.6%

Individuals Living Alone 27% 29.5% 29.1% 27.4%

Non-Family 6% 4.9% 6.5% 6.1% Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 Census & 2008–2010 American Community Survey

Table 126


families, a decline from 51.2% in 2000. This percentage is higher, however, than both NYS and

US percentages. Female-headed families with no male present have increased as a percent of all

families in Herkimer County, from 10.3% in 2000 to approximately 12% in 2008–2010. This

percentage is lower, however, than both NYS and US percentages. Male householders comprise

5% of all households in Herkimer County, which is higher than the percentage found in NYS and

the US. In addition, 28% of all households in Herkimer County have someone in the household

that is 65 years old or over, which is higher than the percentage found in both NYS and the US.

Family Structure

The structure of families in the County has changed over the last 50 years, as reflected in the

table on the next page. As a percentage of all families, fewer are two-parent and more are

single-parent, both female- and male-headed. Two-parent families comprised 88% of all families

in 1960; by 2010 they dropped to only 74%. Eight percent (8%) of families were female-headed

in 1960, they increased to 17% of all families by 2010. In addition, male-headed families made

up about 4% of all families from 1969 to 1990, but by 2010, they increased to 7% of all families.

Table 127

Households By Type, ACS 2008–2010 Herkimer County HC % NYS % US %

Total households 26,478 100% 7,221,564 114,596,927

Family households (families) 17,362 65.6% 64.4% 66.5%

With own children under 18 years 7,671 29.0% 29.3% 30.2%

Married-couple family 13,097 49.5% 44.9% 49.1%


Male householder, no wife present, family 1,202 4.5% 4.8% 4.6%

With own children under 18 years 675 2.5% 2.0% 2.2%

Female householder, no husband present,

family 3,063 11.6% 14.7% 12.8%


Nonfamily households 9,116 34.4% 35.6% 33.5%

Householder living alone 7,816 29.5% 29.1% 27.4%

65 years and over 3,457 13.1% 10.4% 9.5%

Households with one or more people under 18

years 8,186 30.9% 32.4% 33.5%

Households with one or more people 65 or over 7,401 28.0% 25.8% 24.4%


237


Herkimer County Two Parent and Female-Headed Families, 1960–2010

The chart below illustrates the percentage of families with children in the home by family

structure. Since 1960, two-parent families have seen a steady decline in the percentage that

have children under the age of 18 in the home, while single-parent families have seen a steady

increase.

1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

# % # % # % # % # % # %

2-Parent

Families 15,169 88% 14,975 87% 14,864 85% 14,511 82% 13,183 77% 12,534 74%

w/children 9,331 62% 8,156 55% 7,518 51% 6,843 47% 5,509 42% 4,765 38%

Female-

Headed

Families 1,365 8% 1,657 10% 2,071 12% 2,350 13% 2,648 16% 2,934 17%

w/children 466 34% 672 41% 999 48% 1,114 47% 1,600 60% 1,882 64%

Total

Families 17,310 100% 17,185 100% 17,565 100% 17,714 100% 17,101 100% 16,871 100%

61.5%

54.5% 50.6%

47.2%

41.8%38.0%

34.1%

40.6%

48.2%

47.4% 60.4%

64.1%

14.0%

24.8%

33.8%

43.1%

66.3%

61.8%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

Herkimer County Family Structure:

Percent of Families with Children Under 18

Present at Home

Couples with Children

Single Females with Children

Single Males with Children

Source: Herkimer Oneida Counties Comprehensive Planning Program

Table 128

Graph 101

Source: Herkimer Oneida Counties Comprehensive Planning Program

238

For two-parent families, the percentage that had children at home dropped from 61.5% in 1960

to 38% in 2010. During this same period, the percentage of all female-headed families that have

children under 18 in the home increased from 34.1% in 1960 to 64.1% in 2010. In addition, the

percentage of all male-headed families that have children climbed even faster from 14% in 1960

to 62% in 2010.

Family Composition — Youth Survey

This change in family structure can also be seen from the results of the Herkimer County TAP

Survey when students in 7th, 9th and 11th grade were asked about their family composition in

1997, 2001, 2005 and 2009.

Family Composition of Herkimer County TAP Survey Participants

1997, 2001, 2005 and 2009

Question: Who do you live with most of the time?

As seen in the table above, 57.9% of the TAP Survey participants in 2009 indicated that they

lived with both of their natural or adoptive parents. This is lower than found either in the

1997 (64%) or in the 2001 (59%) TAP Survey, and slightly higher than reported in 2005 (57%).

Over the twelve year period of the four TAP Surveys, there has been a slight, but steady,

increase in the percent of those who lived in either a parent/step-parent household—

1997 (12%), 2001 (15%) , 2005 (16%), and 2009 (17%) or lived in a single-parent household—

1997 (18%), 2001 (21%), and 2005 (23%), however, a slight decline was noted in 2009 (21.1%).

Less than 4% of youth indicated that they lived with other relatives, in a foster home or alone.


239

Response 1997 2001 2005 2009

Two Parents (biological or adoptive) 63.7% 59.4% 57.0% 57.9%

A Parent and a Step-parent 12.4% 15.4% 16.3% 17.2%

Father most of the time 3.6% 3.7% 4.8% 4.3%

Mother most of the time 14.4% 13.8% 14.4% 12.3%

Mother part of the time, father part of

the time N/A 3.9% 3.9% 4.5%

With relatives (aunt, uncle, grandparents,

etc.) 2.0% 2.4% 2.6% 2.7%

Group home or foster home N/A 0.5% 0.3% 0.5%

Alone or with friends only 1.5% 0.9% 0.7% 0.6%

Source: Herkimer County TAP Survey

Table 129

Graph 102


The graph below illustrates the percentage of births to wedded and unwedded mothers in

Herkimer County between 2004 and 2010. Herkimer County has seen an increase of unwed

women giving birth as a percentage of total live births in the county each year since 2007. In

2010, the percentage of births to unwed mothers was greater than half of all births recorded.


Households headed by single mothers, on average, have a lower median household income than

both single, male-headed households and households with two parents. Additional information

pertaining to household composition and income can be found in the “Economic Security” section

of this document.

Divorces

As seen in the chart on the next page, the number of divorces, both with and without children,

has fluctuated between 2001 to 2010. In 2004, the number of total divorces and those with

children reached 230 and 139 respectively, the highest during this time period. The current

divorce rate per 1,000 persons in Herkimer County is about 3.3, which is just under the rate for

New York State (3.4 per 1,000) and well below the rate for the U.S. (4.95 per 1,000).



2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Out of Wedlock Births 303 257 295 294 287 313 324

Births to Wedded Mothers 395 415 356 417 359 358 311

57%62%

55% 59% 56% 53% 49%

43%38%

45% 41% 44% 47% 51%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

240

The number of divorces in 2010 was the third lowest number recorded in this ten year time

period.

Parents in the Workforce

The chart on the next page depicts the percentage of children in Herkimer County, New York

State and the United States that have all parents in the labor force in 2000 (US Census) and

2008–2010 (US Census, ACS estimates). As reported in the 2008–2010 American Community

Survey, Herkimer County has seen a decline in the percentage of children below the age of 18

that have all parents in the labor force (from 69.0% to 60.6% for children under age 6, and

from 74% to 69.1% for children ages 6 to 17). During this time period, NYS percentages for

both age groups have increased. When compared to New York State and the US, children below

the age of six in Herkimer County are less likely to have their parents working. Percentages are

relatively similar for HC, NYS and the US for the 6 to 17 year old age group.

For families in which both parents are working, there is a concern that family time for leisure,

recreation and socialization may get pushed aside by the demands of daily activities (Maine

Marks), which may increase stress.



2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Not Stated 5 0 6 5 7 3 6 5 4 6

No Children 97 95 73 86 96 91 91 104 94 90

With Children < 18 120 133 105 139 119 98 112 111 113 96

Total Divorces 222 228 184 230 222 192 209 220 211 192

0

50

100

150

200

250

Herkimer County Divorces

2001 to 2010

Graph 103

241

Senior Population

The chart on the next page depicts the percentage of seniors (over 65) that reside in a

household with others or alone (in a one person household) for 2000 and 2008–2010 (ACS

estimates). Herkimer County ACS data estimates that the percentage of seniors in both

categories has remained steady. The 2008–2010 ACS reports that a higher percentage of

seniors live with others or alone in Herkimer County (with others 29.7%, alone 13.1%) than in

NYS (with others 26.3%, alone 10.5%) or the US (with others 24.9%, alone 9.4%).

Herkimer County has a high percentage of senior citizens (age 60+). Since 1960, the total

County population has decreased by 1,851 while the senior population has increased by 3,434.

The percentage of seniors, as a portion of the total County population, increased from 17% in

1960 to 23% with the 2010 Census. Also, during this time period, the number of those aged 85

and older has more than tripled.



2000 2008–2010 2000 2008–2010

Under Age 6 Age 6 to 17

Herkimer County 69.0% 60.6% 74.0% 69.1%

New York State 54.0% 62.5% 64.0% 69.9%

United States 58.6% 64.4% 71.6%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Children Having All Parents in the Labor ForceGraph 104

Not Available

242


Herkimer County Senior Population 60+ and 85+

Herkimer County has a growing population of older senior citizens, and they comprise an

increasing proportion of the total population. This older population generally requires the most

care; often the caregiving responsibilities fall upon family members.

It has been estimated that in the United States, family members provide approximately 80% of

the necessary care for the elderly. However, with the rapid increase in the oldest segment of

the population, the pool of available family caregivers is shrinking. This invariably is causing

issues for the elderly regarding the lack of appropriate care.

Especially with the growing 85+ population, these seniors are much more likely to be in need of

services in order to keep them at home and out of a nursing home. Care for the elderly, and

assistance with access to services, very often falls to their adult children, who may also have

the responsibility for providing care for their own children and/or grandchildren. This

phenomenon is often referred to as being in the “sandwich generation.”


2000 2008–2010 2000 2008–2010

w/Person > 65 in Household One Person Household > 65

Herkimer County 29.7% 29.7% 13.7% 13.1%

New York State 25.0% 26.3% 10.1% 10.5%

United States 23.4% 24.9% 9.2% 9.4%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

Households With Persons Age 65 and OverGraph 105

243


Table 130

Herkimer County Senior Population 60+ and 85+

One way to assess the pressure the sandwich generation may experience in caring for elderly

parents is the parent support ratio, which is the number of oldest old (age 80+) per 100 people

ages 50–64. The higher the ratio, the fewer number of people ages 50–64 are available to help

care for those aged 80 plus. For the United States, this ratio, based on Census figures,

increased from 21 in 1990 to 22 in 2000. For Herkimer County the ratio has been steadily

increasing between 1970 and 2000: 1970 (16); 1980 (18); 1990 (26); 2000 (31); With a slight

decline noted in 2005–07 (28).

Grandparents as Care Givers

The 2000 U.S. Census asked for the first time questions about grandparents living with their

grandchildren and grandparents responsible for the care of their grandchildren. This means it

is possible to compare Herkimer County to other regions, but there is limited trend data. The

chart on the next page illustrates the percentage of persons over age 35 who live with their

grandchildren and the percentage of those that co-reside with grandchildren and are

responsible for their care for Herkimer County, New York State and the U.S.

In Herkimer County, approximately 2.9% (1,064) of all persons are grandparents co-residing with

their grandchildren. This is below the percentage for both New York State (3.5%) and for the

U.S. (3.7%). However, when compared to all the counties in New York State, Herkimer County is

similar to other upstate counties in that fewer grandparents are living with their grandchildren

than is evident in the larger counties in the state and the counties around New York City.

1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

#

Persons

#

Persons

#

Persons

#

Persons

#

Persons

#

Persons

Total

Population

66,370

67,633 66,714 65,797 64,427 64,519

Population age

60+

11,588

(17.5% of total)

11,545

(17.1% of total)

13,164

(19.7% of total)

14,243

(21.6% of total)

13,781

(21.4% of total)

15,022

(23.3% of total)

Population age

85+

547

(4.7% of 60+)

740

(6.4% of 60+)

910

(6.9% of 60+)

1,157

(8.1% of 60+)

1,443

(10.5% of 60+)

1,737

(11.6% of 60+)


244

Graph 106 Graph 107


Grandparents Living With Grandchildren

Of those grandparents that live with their grandchildren in Herkimer County, 47.5% (505

grandparents) care for their grandchildren; this is above the NYS and US percentage (31.4%

and 40% respectively). Though a higher percentage of grandparents in Herkimer County are

caring for their grandchildren than is true for New York State as a whole, again, Herkimer

County is near the median for all counties in the state.

There is no data available that would indicate how many grandparents that are not residing with

their grandchildren provide care for their grandchildren for a significant period of time each

day.


Herkimer County Teen Assessment Project (TAP) Survey

Herkimer-Oneida Counties Comprehensive Planning Program. Herkimer County Retrospective: 1950–2000.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 Census & 2008–2010 ACS—both graphs this page

245

DATA SOURCES

2000 2008–2010

Herkimer County 2.3% 2.9%

New York State 3.8% 3.5%

United States 3.6% 3.7%

0.0%

0.5%

1.0%

1.5%

2.0%

2.5%

3.0%

3.5%

4.0%

% of grandparents co-residing with

grandchildren

2000 2008–2010

Herkimer County 42.8% 47.5%

New York State 34.7% 31.4%

United States 42.0% 40.1%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

% of grandparents co-residing with

grandchildren and responsible for

their care


Maine Marks

New York State Department of Health, Vital Statistics of New York


NYS Department of Health, Vital Statistics of NYS

The Status of Women: A Portrait of Women and Girls in Oneida & Herkimer Counties, December

2003—Women’s Fund

U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey

Remsen Falls—McKeever

246


1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Voluntary 3 4 1 2 2 1 3 0 1 1 0 0 1 0

JD 12 14 10 13 12 10 9 13 16 15 11 7 8 6

PINS 30 36 21 34 43 32 19 18 12 17 12 12 20 21

CPS 33 22 42 36 59 26 17 35 25 17 26 33 22 33

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

Family Family Management

Poor family management practices include a lack of clear expectations for behavior, failure of

parents to monitor their children (knowing where they are and whom they are with), and

excessively severe and inconsistent punishment. Poor family management, as a risk factor, has

been shown to increase the risk of drug use, delinquency, violence, teen pregnancy and school

dropout.

Studies have shown that the strength and warmth in the parent-child relationship is related to

positive outcomes for children including higher self-esteem, better parent-child communication,

and fewer psychological and behavior problems. Conversely, receiving insufficient levels of

parental support can foster feelings of alienation, expressions of hostility and aggression,

diminished self-esteem, and antisocial and risk behaviors.

Foster Care Placements

The chart below shows the number of placements into foster care by source from 1998 to 2011.

The total admissions into foster care have fluctuated during this period of time, peaking in 2002

at 116, and decreasing in 2004 to a low of 48 admissions. Overall, there has been a 23%

reduction in the number of placements during this thirteen-year timeframe.


WHERE WE STAND


Graph 108

247

Herkimer County: Number of Foster Care Admissions by Source: 1998–2011

78 76 74 85

116

69

48

66

54 50 49 52 51 60


During 2011, 60 children were admitted into care. Of these, 33 (55%) came from Child

Protective Services (CPS), 21 (35%) were admitted as a Person In Need of Supervision (PINS),

and 6 (10%) were Juvenile Delinquents (JD). Out of the 60 foster care admissions, 36 (60%)

were males, and 24 (40%) were females.

In addition, 27 (45%) of all admissions in 2011 were pre-schoolers, age birth to 5 years, 7 (12%)

were between 6 and 11 years, and 26 (43%) were over 12 years of age.

Herkimer County, when compared to the Rest of the State (ROS = NYS – NYC), had a higher

rate of placements per 1000 children (age 0-18) in 2009: Herkimer County — 2.3 per 1000; Rest

of State – 1.6 per 1000. The median length of stay of those admitted during 2009 was shorter

for Herkimer County (9 months) than for Rest of State (10.4 months), and more as a percentage

exited care within two years in Herkimer County (69%) than in the Rest of State (65%).

Graph 109

Herkimer County Foster Care Admissions Compared to Rest of State

OUTCOME MEASURES

2.3 children per 1000 (39 kids) in the

population (under age 18) entered foster

care for the first time in 2009

(ROS—1.6)

69% of children (27 kids) enter-

ing care for the first time in

2009 exited to a permanent exit

within two years

(ROS—65%)

Median length of stay to any exit: 9

months for 2009 first admissions

(ROS—10.4 months)

15 (38%) exited to

reunification within 2 years

(ROS—45%)

3 (8%) exited to adoption

within 2 years

(ROS—4%)

9 (23%) exited to

relative/KinGAP within 2 years

(ROS—16%)

Source: NYS Office of Children and Family Services

248


The chart above illustrates the primary placement type for all youth in care for

Herkimer County and the Rest of State. Since 2007, Herkimer County has had a higher

percentage of children placed in congregate care settings than was evident for the Rest of

State. For the Rest of State, the percentage in congregate care ranged from a high of 33%

during both 2007 and 2008 to a low of 30% in 2011. For Herkimer County, the percentage in

congregate care ranged from a high of 45% during both 2009 and 2010 to a low of 34% in 2011.

Out of Home Placement Census

The graph on the next page illustrates the number of Herkimer County youth that were in an out

of home placement on the last day of the year from December 1991 to December 2011. The

number in placement has been trending down with a 46% overall reduction in census between the

highpoint (May 2003) and December 2011.

The Number of Children in Foster Care Placement at the End of the Month includes the total

number of children residing in any level of Foster Care placement (boarding home, residential or

detention care) on the last day of the month. This number includes children who entered care

due to abuse, neglect, a PINS or Juvenile Delinquency petition, or on a voluntary basis.

Graph 110

249

Source: NYS Office of Children and Family Services & CCRS Data

Primary Placement Type All Ages Herkimer County & ROS

27%33%

39%34%

43%34%

45%

32%

45%

31% 34% 30%

65%60%

56%59%

51%59%

49%

59%

52%

60%64%

61%

8% 7% 4% 7% 4% 7% 5% 9%3%

9%2%

10%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Herkimer

County

ROS Herkimer

County

ROS Herkimer

County

ROS Herkimer

County

ROS Herkimer

County

ROS Herkimer

County

ROS

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Congregate Care Foster Boarding Home Kinship Foster Care


Children Re-Entering Foster Care

The chart below depicts the number of children re-entering Foster Care within one year in Herkimer

County & the Rest of State (ROS). In 2010, 28 children were discharged from out of home care

either to reunification with their family (23) or to a relative (5). Of the 23 reunified with their

family, four (17%) returned to care within one year. Of those five (5) discharged to a relative, one

(17%) returned to care within one year. This is similar to the Rest of State.

250

90 9279

9177 81 87

95111

10497

130

138*

122

8698

10896

8272 71

64

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

Youth In Foster Care Placement


Source: Herkimer County Department of Social Services *5/31/03—Highest Recorded Month

Graph 111

Children Re-Entering Foster Care within One Year

Herkimer County & Rest Of State Graph 112

4 of 23 (17%) exits to

reunification in reentry

(ROS—16%)

1 of 5 (20%) exit to

relative resulted in

reentry

(ROS—17%)

5 of 28 (18%) children re-entered

foster care within one year of 2010

discharge

(ROS—16%)

OUTCOME MEASURE

Source: NYS CCRS Data


Support Services for Youth and their Families

As more youth are diverted or discharged from placement, the need for enhanced family and

youth supports in the home, school and community are of critical importance. The chart below

illustrates the number of Preventive & School Intervention Partnership (SIP) referrals received


School Intervention Partnership (SIP) referrals have fluctuated from a low of 89 in 2009 to a

high of 205 in 2011. The highest number of SIP cases opened was 100 in 2011. Preventive

referrals ranged from a high of 167 in 2007 and gradually decreased to a low of 123 in 2011.

The number of Mandated Preventive cases opened also declined during that time from 118 in

2007 to 85 in 2011, and the number of open Mandated Preventive cases at the end of the year

decreased from 104 in 2007 to a low of 49 in 2011.

251

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

# of SIP Referrals 128 115 116 89 127 205

# of SIP Cases Opened 65 64 51 86 74 100

# of Preventative Referrals 139 167 133 132 125 123

# of Mandated Preventatives Cases Opened 103 118 92 89 83 85

# of End of the Year Mandated Preventative

Cases70 104 94 76 67 49

0

50

100

150

200

250


Preventative and SIP Services Caseload (2006–2011)Graph 113



Runaway & Homeless Youth

The Runaway and Homeless Youth Program (RHYP) serves young people under the age of 21 who

have either run away, been kicked out of their home, or are homeless.

Runaway & Homeless Youth Program Statistics, 2001–2011

Runaway and Homeless Youth Program statistics for 2011 show a decrease from 2010 in the

number of calls received and the number of total intakes (cases opened). The trend continues of

serving older youth (age 18+) who do not have skills to live successfully on their own. Many end

up “couch-surfing” and contact the program when they have exhausted all of their resources.

There are no transitional residential programs in the county, and limited space is available in

neighboring Oneida County. The Runaway and Homeless Youth Program does offer temporary,

emergency shelter in a network of six community volunteer homes, but many older youth opt to

not enter a “host home” because of the 24-hour supervision and household rules. Program staff

work with the youth to obtain housing and provide on-going case management to assist with

stabilizing them.

The RHY Program has a community youth room where youth can come after school for help with

schoolwork or to attend various groups such as anger management or independent living skills

training.

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Calls

Received

86 82 93 110 101 96 103 121 85 92 74

Intakes:

Males 7 19 31 38 26 32 37 37 37 45 27

Females 16 26 35 40 39 51 58 52 42 58 41

Total

Intakes:

23 45 66 78 65 83 95 89 79 103 68

Major Problems Faced:

Parental

Conflict

22 41 79 81 75 71 85 83 65 77 43

Police

Involvement

4 10 14 17 15 13 16 10 17 8 10

School 15 26 34 41 39 62 29 53 53 29 32

Status at Discharge:

With Parent 11 20 32 42 37 40 65 58 33 48 26

Ind. Living 2 4 15 15 14 12 8 10 15 14 11

Friend /

Relative

3 10 8 5 4 16 10 14 24 20 9

Note: Youth can indicate more than one problem. Only the top three discharges are indicated

Source: Runaway and Homeless Youth Program Annual Reports (2001–2011)

Table 131

252


Healthy Families of Herkimer County

Herkimer County was selected to receive a grant from the Office of Children and Family

Services in 2007 to fund a Healthy Families program. Selection was made on the basis of

multiple risk indicators present in our communities. These indicators included high teen

pregnancy and birth rates, out of wedlock births, low birth weight infants, Medicaid births and

late or no prenatal care.

The Healthy Families program is voluntary. It is designed as a primary prevention, education and

referral program that strives to provide universal risk screening of all pregnant women, a more

in-depth review of history, strengths and needs for selected families, and intensive, long-term

home visiting for a smaller targeted group of families. The focus for families receiving home

visiting is on reducing parent stress, improving self-sufficiency and maximizing parent/child

interactions.

This program provides a new opportunity to know and understand our resident families in their

formative years. Some factors that put a family and child at risk of abuse and/or neglect and

other poor outcomes include: unmarried status, inadequate income, education under 12 years and

maternal depression.

The information gathered from universal screening and targeted group interventions indicates

that more of our families are now forming under risk conditions than are not. This may have

both social and financial implications for the community. James Heckman, Nobel laureate,

University of Chicago says, “Early advantages accumulate, just as early disadvantages do.” And,

“Schools can only work with what families give them. School comes too late in the life cycle of

child development to be the main locus of remediation for the disadvantaged.”

Healthy Families of Herkimer County: Pregnant Women Screening Data

The Herkimer County Healthy Families Program gathered information as a part of a one-year

universal screening of all pregnant women. It reflects the statistics from women who delivered

babies between September 1, 2011 and August 31. 2012. There are no duplicate screenings and

the data from this survey is from the community at large—no presorted risk pool. This includes

information from 621 women who gave birth during this time period, which could be different

from the birth number because multiple births share the same mother. The universal screening

information is derived from birth abstracts from Herkimer County Public Health & the NYS

Health Information Network (HIN) and the surveys that the women complete.

Of the 621 mothers surveyed, 374 (60%) were Not Married, 109 (18%) had a partner that was

unemployed, 356 (57%) had inadequate income, 45 (7%) had no phone, 120 (19%) had less than

12 years of education, 18 (3%) reported a history of substance abuse, 112 (18%) had late or no

prenatal care, and 128 (21%) were under 21 years of age.

253

Table 132


254

Healthy Families of Herkimer County: Program Demographics for Enrolled Participants

The tables below and on the following page illustrate select demographics for families enrolled in

the Healthy Families Program over the five years of program operation. The following are the

dates during which the demographics were collected:

• Year 1: 09/01/2007 — 08/31/2008

• Year 2: 09/01/2008 — 08/31/2009

• Year 3: 09/01/2009 — 08/31/2010

• Year 4: 09/01/2010 — 08/31/2011

• Year 5: 09/01/2011 — 08/31/2012

Education of Primary Caregiver at Enrollment

Three in ten Primary Caregivers (parents) that were enrolled in the Healthy Families Program in

Year 5 had less than 12 years of education upon entry into the program. Four in ten (40%) were

high school graduates or had a GED, and three in ten (30%) had some postsecondary education.

In Year 5, approximately one in four (26%) of the primary caretakers were employed and/or in

an education/training program (25%). If two caretakers were present in the home, at least one

caretaker was working in one out of every two homes (55%).

Employment and Training at Enrollment

Source: Herkimer County Healthy Families Home Visiting Program

Less than 12 Years High School Graduate/GED Postsecondary

Year 1 9 (28%) 16 (50%) 7 (22%)

Year 2 21 (31%) 26 (39%) 20 (30%)

Year 3 28 (35%) 28 (35%) 24 (30%)

Year 4 29 (32%) 31 (34%) 30 (33%)

Year 5 32 (30%) 42 (40%) 31 (30%)

Table 133


Primary

Caretaker 1

Employed

Primary

Caretaker 2

Employed

PC1 or PC2

Employed

PC1 in Educa-

tion/Training

Program

PC2 in Educa-

tion/Training

Program

Year 1 10 (31%) 15 (47%) 20 (63%) 7 (22%) 1 (3%)

Year 2 17 (25%) 29 (43%) 36 (54%) 14 (21%) 2 (3%)

Year 3 17 (21%) 32 (40%) 41 (51%) 20 (25%) 5 (6%)

Year 4 19 (21%) 35 (39%) 44 (49%) 21 (23%) 6 (7%)

Year 5 27 (26%) 42 (40%) 58 (55%) 26 (25%) 8 (8%)


255

Primary Caretaker Marital Status at Enrollment

As reflected in the table above, almost nine in ten Primary Caretakers that enroll in the Healthy

Families Home Visiting Program are unmarried at the time of entry into the program.

Over one half of all families enrolled in the Healthy Families Program, however, did have a

biological father in the household (44% in Year 5) or had a partner/other support living in the

household (13% in Year 5). The rate of families with a biological father or other supports in the

home decreased slightly throughout the course of this survey.

Household Composition at Enrollment

Herkimer County Healthy Families Home Visiting Program: Primary Caretaker Issues

The table on the next page depicts the percent of primary caretakers that identified that they

experienced select issues at the point of enrollment and at the end of each program year. The

data is based on self-reported information. Families may be enrolled in the program over

multiple years and progress was measured at the end of each program year enrolled.

After participation over a span of five years, the following variables decreased: mental health

issues (depression and/or other mental illness/disability), stress/emotional difficulties, legal

issues (criminal activity and/or other legal problems), resource issues (financial difficulties/

insufficient income and/or inadequate food, clothing or household goods) and social isolation/

inadequate social support.

Table 133


Married Not Married

Year 1 4 (13%) 28 (87%)

Year 2 7 (10%) 60 (90%)

Year 3 9 (11%) 71 (89%)

Year 4 11 (12%) 79 (88%)

Year 5 13 (12%) 92 (88%)

Biological Father in Household Other Support / Partner in Household

Year 1 16 (50%) 5 (16%)

Year 2 28 (42%) 13 (19%)

Year 3 36 (45%) 12 (15%)

Year 4 42 (47%) 10 (11%)

Year 5 46 (44%) 14 (13%)

Table 134


Table 135


Herkimer County Healthy Families Home Visiting Program:

Primary Caretaker Issues


Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5

Issues

At Enroll-ment

Year End

At Enrollment

Year End

At Enrollment

Year End

At Enrollment

Year End

At Enrollment

Year End

Mental Health 47% 46% 40% 43% 37% 42% 35% 21% 20% 19%

Stress/Emotional

Difficulties 94% 76% 61% 56% 49% 90% 57% 34% 34% 26%

Legal Issues 16% 10% 5% 7% 5% 6% 6% 0% 1% 1%

Resource Issues 91% 91% 90% 86% 74% 87% 76% 68% 56% 33%

Social Isolation/

Inadequate Social

Support

53% 34% 24% 23% 23% 48% 21% 10% 13% 14%

Domestic Violence 3% 1% 1% 4% 3% 0% 3% 1% 7% 4%

Marital/

Relationship

Difficulties

3% 1% 1% 4% 3% 0% 3% 1% 7% 4%

Homelessness/

Inadequate

Housing

38% 30% 26% 29% 28% 48% 22% 21% 16% 9%

256

Woodhull Lake


Vulnerable Adults — Protective Services for Adults

Protective Services for Adults (PSA) helps adults, 18 years or older, who may need protection

because they can (1) no longer care for themselves and, thus, are endangered or (2) they are

being abused or threatened by others.

The graph below shows for 2001 to 2011 three workload indicators: (1) the number of

information and referral calls (minus fuel emergency calls); (2) the number of referrals

regarding concerns of homelessness; and (3) the number of Protective Services for Adults

assessments that assess risk. As depicted in the graph, since 2006, there has been a steady

increase in both the number of information and referral calls and the number of referrals for

homelessness. In fact, since 2006, the information and referral calls increased almost

threefold from 102 to 303, and the homelessness referrals increased tenfold from 18 to 181.

The two graphs on the next page provide information on the total population of open Protective

Services for Adults (PSA) cases from 2001 through 2011. The first graph looks at the percent

with certain impairments, and the second shows the percent with certain risks or unmet needs.

257


2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

# of Information & Referral 93 67 76 80 149 102 183 181 233 269 303

# of Homeless Referrals 11 13 10 19 22 18 26 46 70 145 181

# of PSA Assessments 145 143 114 135 123 119 100 101 90 88 101

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

Adult Protective Services Workload (2001–2011)Graph 114

The graph above indicates the prevailing impairment of this population has been medical in

nature. In 2011, 52% of the impairments were medical, 17% of the impairments were

Alzheimer’s/Dementia, and one in five (19%) involved mental illness. The graph below shows that

in 2011, 35 percent of the open PSA cases had neglected their own needs; 17 percent had an

untreated medical condition; and 26 percent were living in unsafe accommodations

(environmental hazards).



258

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Medical 41% 48% 43% 54% 50% 47% 59% 36% 56% 47% 52%

Mentally Ill 23% 18% 16% 17% 14% 18% 10% 17% 6% 14% 19%

Developmentally Delayed 12% 16% 9% 9% 11% 11% 7% 16% 8% 7% 8%

Alzheimer's/Dementia 15% 26% 21% 19% 21% 24% 21% 29% 21% 27% 17%

Substance/Abuse 6% 1% 4% 2% 4% 1% 1% 2% 10% 5% 1%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

Protective Services for Adults by ImpairmentGraph 115

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Neglect of Their Own Needs 49% 56% 61% 66% 60% 49% 54% 40% 36% 36% 35%

Untreated Medical Condition 14% 8% 15% 10% 13% 9% 9% 10% 19% 19% 17%

Self-Endangering Behavior 10% 8% 3% 4% 9% 10% 7% 14% 18% 17% 16%

Unable to Managa Finances 18% 20% 8% 7% 6% 10% 13% 10% 3% 9% 6%

Environmental Hazards 10% 9% 14% 13% 12% 21% 16% 26% 25% 20% 26%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

Protective Services for Adults by Type of Risk of Harm/Unmet NeedGraph 116



259

Homelessness

Housing is a basic need and is essential to the well being of individuals, families and the

community. Those that come to the Department of Social Services for assistance and indicate

they are housing insecure are referred to a caseworker. If it is a single individual, they are

referred to a caseworker from Adult Protective Services. In the case of a family, they are

referred to a caseworker from Preventive Services. The next two graphs show the number of

individuals referred each month for housing assistance between 2008 and 2012.

As seen in the graph above, the number of homeless individuals referred to Adult Protective

Services increased significantly in August and September of 2010. During 2008, 2009 and the

first half of 2010, the number rose above ten only once. In August 2010, it jumped up to 23 and

each month since then, except for four times, it has been above ten, and nine times it has been

above 15.

The number of homeless families referred to Preventive Services also increased in 2010.

Overall the numbers are much lower, however, than those seen in Adult Protective Services.

0

5

10

15

20

25

Jan

Mar

May Jul

Se

p

Nov

Jan

Mar

May Jul

Se

p

Nov

Jan

Mar

May Jul

Se

p

Nov

Jan

Mar

May Jul

Se

p

Nov

Jan

Mar

May Jul

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Total Number of Monthly Homeless Referred to

Adult Protective Services (2008–2012)

Graph 117



DATA SOURCES

There was a significant increase in 2011 when there were 14 homeless referrals in May and 10 in

August, but the numbers went down again in 2012 when no more than three families per month

were referred as housing insecure.

Child Trends Databank



Herkimer County Healthy Families Home Visiting Program

Herkimer County Runaway and Homeless Youth Program

Herkimer County Teen Assessment Project Survey


New York State Office of Children and Family Services, Program Improvement Plan Data

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

Jan

Mar

May Jul

Se

p

Nov

Jan

Mar

May Jul

Se

p

Nov

Jan

Mar

May Jul

Se

p

Nov

Jan

Mar

May Jul

Se

p

Nov

Jan

Mar

May Jul

Se

p

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Total Number of Homeless Referred to

Preventive Services (2008–2012)

Graph 118


260

Family Family Conflict


WHERE WE STAND

Persistent and serious conflict between primary caregivers or between caregivers and children

increases risk factors for children. Conflict between family members appears to be more

important than family structure. Whether two biological parents, a single parent, or some other

primary caregiver heads the family, children raised in families high in conflict appear to be at

risk.

Child abuse is linked to an increased risk of substance abuse, eating disorders, obesity,

depression, suicide, and sexual promiscuity later in life. Child abuse or neglect is often

associated with physical injuries, delayed physical growth, and even neurological damage. Child

maltreatment is also associated with psychological and emotional problems such as aggression,

depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Women who were victims of physical assault as

children are twice as likely to be victims of physical assault as adults. Victims of child

maltreatment are more likely than others to abuse children themselves in adulthood. (Source:

Child Trends Databank)

Child Protective Services

One indicator of family conflict is the number of child abuse and neglect reports. The State

Central Registry (SCR) is the New York State central hotline for people to report suspicions of

child abuse or neglect. Once a call is made to the SCR, the report is transferred to the county

of origin for an investigation.

The graph on the next page shows the number of Child Protective Services (CPS) reports

received in Herkimer County from 2001 to 2011. Over this period the trend has been upwards,

and in 2011 Herkimer County received 979 CPS reports, the highest number yet.

Based on data from New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), there were

1038 children involved in Herkimer County CPS reports in 2011, this represents some 7.3% of

the total population of children under age 18 (14,200). Compared to the “Rest of State,” which

is all of New York State minus New York City, this is a high rate. For the ROS, the percentage

of children in CPS reports was 5.6% in 2011.

Also based on OCFS data, Herkimer County when compared to ROS over the last three years has

had a lower indication rate, which is the percentage of all determined reports that are indicated.

For Herkimer County the rate from 2009 to 2011 has been at or under 25%; and for ROS it has

been at 27%.

261


As seen in the first graph on the next page, the majority of CPS reports received involve

neglect. Overall, CPS neglect reports have risen by 16%, between 2001 and 2011. CPS reports of

sexual abuse have also been trending upward during the period from 2001 to 2011, although,

since 2007, the number has decreased from a high of 110 reports down to 92 in 2011. On

average, about 10% of all CPS reports involve allegations of sexual abuse. The number of

physical abuse reports has consistently been much lower than sexual abuse reports. As the

graph shows, it is generally in the single digits. However, there appears to be a minor spike

during 2010 and 2011 when there were nine (9) and eleven (11) physical abuse reports

respectively.

The second graph on the next page illustrates the number of abuse or neglect petitions filed by

the Department of Social Services in Family Court. The number of abuse or neglect petitions

increased from 46 to a high of 71 between 2001 and 2007. Since 2007 the number of petitions

filed steadily decreased so by 2011 there were just 46, matching the number seen in 2001.

The number of children placed due to concern for their safety has fluctuated since 2001, from a

low in 2002 of just 16 to a high of 35 in 2005. Over the eleven years (2001–2011) on average

about 25 children each year were placed into out of home care due to CPS protective removals.

262

803 805745 754

839 820879

964928 938

979

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011


Child Protective Services Reports (2001–2011)

Graph 119



2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

# of Abuse/Neglect Petitions

Filed in Family Court46 52 48 62 59 61 65 71 50 47 46

# of Children Placed due to

Protective Removals23 16 28 17 35 25 16 23 34 22 32

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80


Child Protective Services (2001–2011)

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Physical Abuse 2 10 6 4 1 3 4 5 4 9 11

Sexual Abuse 45 98 66 69 77 82 110 100 104 103 92

Neglect 756 697 673 681 761 735 765 859 820 826 876

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200


Child Protective Services Report Types

Graph 121

263



Graph 120


Recurrence of Maltreatment

A national performance measure for child welfare services, as well as a measure for family

conflict, is the rate of “Recurrence of Maltreatment,” which measures the percent of children

that were victims in an indicated report of child abuse or neglect during a six month period that

were then victims again in another indicated report within six months.

As the graph above illustrates, the percent of recurrence has fluctuated considerably in

Herkimer County, due mostly to low numbers, during the past five years from a low of 2.3% to

the most recent percentage high of 14.5%. The median for Herkimer County is 9.7%, which is

below the median percentage for the rest of state (ROS) at 13.6%, but above the national

standard, which is set at 5.4% or less

264

Sept.

'07Mar. '08

Sept.

'08Mar. '09

Sept.

'09Mar. '10 Sept. '10 Mar. '11 Sept. '11

Herkimer County 10.6% 13.5% 2.3% 14.2% 9.7% 7.3% 9.4% 4.6% 14.5%

Rest of State 13.7% 12.8% 13.5% 13.6% 14.1% 13.2% 14.3% 13.2% 13.6%

0.0%

2.0%

4.0%

6.0%

8.0%

10.0%

12.0%

14.0%

16.0%

Recurrence of Maltreatment(National Standard = 5.4%)

Graph 122



Family Re-Reporting Rate

A similar performance measure for child welfare services and family conflict is the “Family

Re-Reporting Rate.” Like the “Recurrence of Maltreatment,” this measures repeat involvement

in child protective services (CPS) reports; however, there are several differences.

The graph below shows the percent of all families, not child victims, of any CPS report, not just

indicated reports, during the first six months of 2009 (January-June) that then are

subsequently involved in another CPS report in six month intervals over the course of two years.

What is evident from the graph is that the percentage increases over time until well over half

(56%) are again involved in a CPS report after two years. Also evident is that the Family

Re-Reporting Rate in Herkimer County is similar to the rate for the ROS, though slightly higher.

265

6 Months 12 Months 18 Months 24 Months

Herkimer County 25.7% 40.6% 49.2% 53.4%

Rest of State 25.4% 42.3% 51.0% 56.0%

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

Family Re-Reporting Rate

(January 2009–June 2009)

Graph 123



Graph 124

Domestic Violence

The graph below illustrates the number of domestic violence arrests by category for 2009

through 2011. Over this time period, total domestic violence arrests, and in particular arrests

for simple assault, have increased by 20% and 21% respectively.

Domestic Violence Arrests in Herkimer County—2009 to 2011

The table on the next page depicts the annual statistics for the Herkimer County Domestic

Violence Program at Catholic Charities for the years 2001–2011. There has been a significant

increase in the number of calls made to the Domestic Violence Hotline during this time period.

These numbers have increased steadily since 2002, when there was a low of 188 calls made, until

2009, when a high of 1680 calls were made. Call volume declined in 2010 and 2011, but remains at

over 1200 per year. The number of adult victims of domestic violence receiving services has

remained over 400 since 2004. The Director of the Program attributes some of these increases

to the growing awareness about their services.

During this period there continues to be a consistent demand for program services. One area

that there does seem to be on the increase is teenagers receiving services for their own

relationships due to dating violence. There continues to be a need for the Domestic Violence

offender to be held accountable, and for affordable alternative housing for DV victims.

266

Source: DCJS, Uniform Crime Reporting system (as of 4/30/12)

2009 2010 2011

Vio. Prot. Order 15 9 13

Sex Offense 9 13 10

Simple Assault 167 163 213

Agg. Assault 18 10 18

Total 209 195 254

0

50

100

150

200

250

300


Domestic Violence Program Annual Statistics (2001–2011)

Teen Dating Violence

Based on the 2009 Herkimer County Teen Assessment Project (TAP) Survey, 6% of 7th graders,

7% of 9th graders, and 10% of 11th graders reported they had been hit, slapped or physically

hurt on purpose by their boyfriend or girlfriend in the past year.

When compared to national data from the Center for Disease Control Youth Risk Behavior Survey, fewer 9th graders as a percentage experience such abuse locally than found nationally

(Herkimer County – 7%; U.S. – 9%), whereas for 11th graders it was the same at 10% both locally

and nationally.

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Calls to

domestic violence

twenty-four

hour hotline

221 188 334 342 460 1425 1365 1245 1680 1526 1209

Adult Victims

of domestic

violence receiving

services

374 374 399 459 508 489 434 421 449 411 412

Child victims/

witnesses of

domestic violence

receiving services

76 86 50 86 87 66 76 81 87 59 49

Children

sheltered in

Safe House

27 57 14 27 26 29 21 18 21 19 16

Assistance with

emergency orders

of protection

and/or custody

68 88 21 33 34 111 102 78 184 174 164

Reports made by

Domestic Violence

Program staff to

NYS Child Abuse

and Neglect

Hotline

19 14 12 17 13 3 2 6 18 13 18

Source: Herkimer County Domestic Violence Program

267

Table 136


Conflict in the Home

The Herkimer County Teen Assessment Project (TAP) Survey includes several questions that

broach the issue of possible conflict in the home environment. The responses to two of the

questions are illustrated in the graph below. When asked how much they worry about getting

along with their parents, the percent of teens that said they worry a “fair amount” to “a lot”

went from 52% in 1997 to 59% in 2001. About 58% said they had this level of concern in 2005,

but by 2009 the percent that worried a “fair amount” to “a lot” dropped to only 32% of all teens.

When asked how much they worry about how well their parents get along with each other, the

percentage of teens who worried a “fair amount” to “a lot” about this increased from 35% in

1997 to 53% in 2001. In 2005, the percentage remained 53% and in 2009, the percent of

teens who worry about how well their parents related to one another dropped significantly to

only 28%.

In another question, youth were asked if an adult in their home had made a serious threat in the

past year to another family member, including themselves. In 2009, 8% said yes; whereas, 18%

indicated yes in 2005. A related question asked youth if they had been physically hurt by an

adult at home in the past year, and, as the graph on the next page shows, the percentage of

teens that indicated they had been hurt increased from 5% in 1997 to 13% in 2005 and then

dipped down to 9% in 2009. Graph 125

268

Percent of Teens That Said They Worry a Fair Amount to a Lot About…

Source: Herkimer County Teen Assessment Project (TAP) Survey

52%

35%

59%

53%

58%

52%

32%

28%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%

Getting Along With

Their Parents

How Well Their Parents

Get Along

2009 2005 2001 1997


The TAP Survey also asks a question about how safe youth feel in their home. As illustrated in

the chart below, more seventh and ninth graders appear to be concerned about home safety

than eleventh graders (5%, 6% versus 3%). Also, females seem more likely to be concerned for

their safety than males (6% versus 3%).

I feel safe in my home.

Herkimer County TAP Survey results also found that for those teens that indicated they felt

unsafe at home in contrast to those that said they felt safe, they were over twice as likely to

have felt unsafe at school (59% versus 23%); three times more likely to have missed school

because they felt unsafe (35% versus 12%); and were over three times more likely to have felt

unsafe in their community (58% versus 31%). 269


Total 2009

1997 2001 2005 2009 Male Female 7th 9th 11th

Strongly Agree 58.9% 61.3% 64.2% 67.9% 70.0% 66.0% 70.5% 65.3% 68.0%

Agree 34.3% 33.8% 29.8% 27.1% 26.3% 28.3% 24.5% 28.9% 28.6%

Disagree 3.0% 2.7% 3.8% 3.4% 2.1% 4.3% 3.7% 3.5% 2.5%

Strongly

Disagree 3.7% 2.2% 2.2% 1.5% 1.6% 1.4% 1.3% 2.2% 0.9%

N = 2275 2151 2174 1875 867 978 616 678 553

Table 138

3%

6%

8%

5%

2%

5% 5%4%

0%

2%

4%

6%

8%

10%

1997 2001 2005 2009

Percent of Teens That Said They Have Been Physically Hurt by

an Adult at Home in the Past Year

Once More Than Once

Graph 126



In addition, youth that felt unsafe at home were much more likely to have smoked cigarettes

(53% versus 30%), drank alcohol (60% versus 49%), used marijuana (40% versus 21%), or tried

cocaine (18% versus 5%); and more likely to have seriously considered suicide (50% versus 19%)

and actually attempted suicide (34% versus 10%).

Family, School and Community Integration and the Relationship to Risk Behaviors

2009 TAP Survey

In another analysis done with the results of the 2009 Herkimer County TAP Survey, the

Herkimer Oneida Counties Comprehensive Planning Program looked at the percentage of youth

that appeared to experience positive integration with their family (94%), with their school

(87%) and with their community (80%). In short, they were deemed to experience positive

integration in these respective settings if they felt safe at home, in school or in their

community, and if they felt adults in these settings cared for them. What was found is that

youth with negative integration patterns were more likely than those with positive integration

patterns to participate in various risk behaviors. In addition, youth with positive community

integration were the least likely to participate in many risk behaviors, and in fact, it was a

better predictor of risk behavior avoidance than was family or school integration for all

examined behaviors except suicide and depression.

Additional information regarding the analysis is listed below.

Premise: Youth involved in bullying and violent behavior toward others lack family integration.

They tend to be the same youth that appear in family court and other legal jurisdictions in need

of services. These kids seem to come from troubled families and homes.

Question 1: Do teens that have negative family integration tend to be more involved in risk

behaviors than teens with positive family integration ?

Question 2: Do teens that have positive family integration tend to be less involved in risk

behaviors than teens with positive school and community integration ?

Measurement Tool: Simple measures of family integration, school integration and community

integration were constructed as follows:

• Family—The responses to whether a youth felt safe at home and whether they felt

they could turn to their parents if they had a serious personal problem were combined

to create a dichotomy for positive and negative family integration.

• School—The responses to whether a youth felt safe at school and whether they felt

teachers in their school cared about them were combined to create a dichotomy for

positive and negative school integration.

• Community—The responses to whether a youth felt safe in their community and

whether they felt adults in their community valued and cared about them were

combined to create a dichotomy for positive and negative community integration. 270


Findings: Based on these integrations measures, then, the following relationships were observed:

• There was no relationship to the strength of integration into families, schools or the

community based on sex or grade/age. Similar percentages of youth were positively

integrated in each grade and regardless of whether they were male or female as with

the general population.

• Parents/Families had the highest rate of overall positive integration at 94%. Schools

had the next highest level of overall positive integration among teens at 87%.

Communities had a positive integration rate of 80%.

• Generally, youth with negative integration patterns are more likely to participate in

various risk behaviors.

• Youth with positive community integration were least likely to participate in many risk

behaviors. In fact, positive community integration was a better predictor of risk

behavior avoidance than was family or school integration for all examined behaviors

except suicide and depression.

The table below illustrates the relationship between select youth risk behaviors and negative

integration patterns with family, school and community. As the table shows, youth that exhibit

negative integration in these areas are much more likely to participate in various risk behaviors.

Youth Risk Behaviors and Their Relationship to

Family, School and Community Integration

271

Issue Negative Family

Integration

Negative School

Integration

Negative Community

Integration

Feel Bullied 2X as likely 2.5X as likely 2.5X as likely

Bullied Others 2X as likely 2X as likely 2X as likely

Had Violent

Relationship with

Girlfriend/Boyfriend

3X as likely 2.5X as likely 2X as likely

Source: Herkimer County Teen Assessment Project (TAP) Survey, with further analysis

done by the Herkimer-Oneida Counties Comprehensive Planning Program

Table 138

Catholic Charities Domestic Violence Program Annual Statistics

Child Trends Databank


DCJS, Uniform Crime Reporting System

http://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/crimnet/ojsa/domestic-violence-data.html


Herkimer County Teen Assessment Project (TAP) Survey


NYS Office of Children and Family Services


DATA SOURCES

272

http://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/crimnet/ojsa/domestic-violence-data.html

Family Parental Attitudes & Family Norms

Parental attitudes and behaviors influence the attitudes and behavior of children. Children of

parents who approve or excuse the children for breaking the law are more likely to develop

problems. Children whose parents engage in violent behavior inside or outside the home are at

greater risk for exhibiting violent behaviors. Parental approval of a child’s moderate drinking,

even under parental supervision, increases the risk of the use of alcohol and other drugs.

Parents that monitor their children’s behavior, hold them accountable for their actions, and are

generally engaged in their children’s lives help to protect them against involvement in problem

behaviors.

There are several questions from the Herkimer County Teen Assessment Project Survey that

examine the relationship that teens feel they have with their parents. By looking at their

responses from the last three TAP Surveys in 2001, 2005, and 2009 it appears that most youth

have a good relationship with their parents.


WHERE WE STAND

273

Graph 126

68%

55%

81%

88%

86%

67%

51%

80%

87%

84%

67%

54%

83%

88%

84%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

….set clear rules for me

to follow

….discipline or punish

me when I break the rules

….know my friends

….ask me where I'm going

when I go out

….are interested & encourage

me in my school work

2009 2005 2001

Teens That Said Their Parents Either Often or Always. . .



Parents, for the most part, seem to be monitoring their children’s behavior, holding them

accountable and are generally engaged in their children’s lives. For example, when asked if their

parents set clear rules for them to follow, the percent of teens that said that they did often or

always, versus never or occasionally, was 68% in 2001, 67% in 2005, and 67% again in the most

recent survey in 2009. And, the percent that said their parents often or always disciplined or

punished them when they broke the rules was 55% in 2001, 51% in 2005, and 54% in 2009—a

slight drop which then increased almost to the previous level.

There are several other questions that explore whether parents are engaged in their children’s

lives, and based on their children’s response to these question, it appears that the great

majority of parents are engaged. The 2009 TAP Survey results indicated that 83% of parents

often or always know their teen’s friends; 88% often or always ask them where they are going

when going out; and 84% often or always encourage them in their schoolwork. These numbers

are very similar to the results of the previous survey.

According to how teens responded in both the 2001 and 2005 TAP Survey, fewer than

half (45%) of parents talked at least sometimes to their children about the dangers of drinking,

smoking, using drugs; in 2009 the number remained relatively stable at 44%. In past surveys,

just over a third (35%, 37%) reported that their parents talked at least sometimes to them

about being sexually active; in 2009 that number increased slightly to 38%.

Graph 127

274

53%

37%

46%

54%

35%

45%

50%

38%

44%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

. . . their familiy's history, faith,

and/or values

. . . the risks of being sexually active

. . . the risks of smoking, drinking,

or taking drugs

Percent of Teens That Said That Their Parents at Least

Sometimes Talk to Them About . .

2009 2005 2001



The degree to which teens appear to be concerned about getting along with their parents has

increased since 1997, but seems fairly level since 2001. In 1997 about 72% of all teens worried

at least a little about how they got along with their parents.

By 2001, this percentage had increased to as much as 79% of all teens. In the 2005 TAP Survey,

78% of all teens said they were at least a little concerned about how well they were relating to

their parents. However, of the teens who took the survey in 2009, the number who worried

about getting along with their parents dropped to 55%.

Almost 80% of all teens in 2005 said they could turn to their parents with a serious problem,

this number remained steady for the 2009 survey. This percentage remains just under 80%

regardless of gender or age. What is interesting to note, however, is that when asked who they

generally talk to when they have a problem, most said a friend, though the percentage relying on

friends has decreased (1997—53%, 2001—49%, 2005—47%, 2009—48%), and fewer said their

parent, though that percentage has increased (1997—21%, 2001—22%, 2005—24%, 2009—

24%).

A question was asked about what teens did when faced with a serious problem, with a focus on

thoughts about suicide. Disturbingly, the results from the 2009 survey show a dramatic

decrease in the number of youth who talk to their parent or another caring adult when they had

thoughts of committing suicide. These numbers were low in 1997 (2%) and in 2001 (1%) but

Graph 129


35%

14%

53%

22%

52%

23%

28%

18%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

. . . How well their parents get along

with each other

. . . That their parents drink or use drugs

Percent of Teens That Said They Worry A Fair Amount or a Lot About . .

2009 2005 2001 1997

275

increased to 7% in 2005. In 2009, less than 1% of teens indicated they would talk to a parent

or another caring adult when thinking about suicide. The number who said they would talk to a

friend had been decreasing (1997—7%, 2001—5%, 2005—3%) but remained at slightly over 3%

in the 2009 survey.

Youth appear to be increasingly worried about how well their parents got along with each other.

Thirty five percent (35%) of all teens worried about their parents’ relationship to one another in

1997, but slightly more than half (53% and 52% respectively) worried about this in 2001 and

2005. This number dropped to 46.7% in the 2009 survey. Youth also appear to be concerned

about whether their parents are using drugs or alcohol. About one in four teens (23%) said they

were worried a fair amount or a lot about parental use of drugs or alcohol in 2005, up from 14%

that were concerned in 1997. In the 2009 survey, this number increased again to 29%.

Finally, more youth seem to feel safe at home. The percent that indicated that they strongly

agreed with the statement that they feel safe in their home has steadily increased (1997—59%,

2001—61%, 2005—64%, 2009—68%). While overall the number of teens who felt safe at home

had not changed significantly (93% in 1997, 94% in 2005, and 95% in 2009), the strength of

their sense of being safe HAS in fact significantly increased. When asked in 1997 if they

agreed with the statement that they felt safe at home, about 59% stated that they strongly

agreed with that statement. In 2005, the number of students that strongly agreed with that

statement was 64%. The number who strongly agreed in 2009 was 68%—another increase. This

represents a significantly stronger sense of home safety in the 2009 TAP Survey for teens than

in previous surveys.

Family Meals

According to the Child Trends Data Bank, research has shown a positive relationship between

frequent family dinners and positive teen behavioral outcomes. Teens who regularly have meals

with their family not only get better nutrition and develop healthier eating habits, they also are

less likely to get into fights, think about suicide, smoke, drink, use drugs, and are more likely to

have later initiation of sexual activity, and better academic performance than teens who do not.

Even after controlling for family connectedness, more frequent family meals have been found to

be associated with less substance use, fewer depressive symptoms, and less suicide involvement,

and with better grades.

Based on the Herkimer County TAP Survey, the percentage of teens in 7th, 9th and 11th grades

that said they sit down to dinner with their family at least five times a week decreased from

47% in 2001 to 43% in 2005. That number remained stable at 43% for 2009. According to a

national survey by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia

University, the percentage of 12- to 17-year-olds that said they ate dinner with their families at

least five times weekly increased from 47% in 1998 to 58% in 2005. So, over these last several

years whereas nationally the percentage of adolescents that eat dinner together with their fam-

ilies at least five times per week increased, in Herkimer County it has decreased.


276



Herkimer County Teen Assessment Project (TAP) Surveys, 1997, 2001, 2005 and 2009


DATA SOURCES

277

Household Composition

• The 2008–2010 American Community Survey (ACS) estimates that 65.6% of all households in

Herkimer County are comprised of families. Half of all families (49.5%) are traditional two-

parent families, a decline from 51.2% in 2000. This percentage is higher than both NYS and

US percentages.

• Female-headed families with no male present have increased as a percent of all families in

Herkimer County, from 10.3% in 2000 to approximately 12% in 2008–2010. This percentage

is lower than both NYS and US percentages. Male householders comprise 5% of all

households in Herkimer County according to the 2008-2010 ACS, which is higher than the

percentage found in NYS and the US.

• The 2008-2010 ACS reports that 28% of all households in Herkimer County have someone in

the household that is 65 years old or over, which is higher than in both NYS and the US.

• The structure of families in Herkimer County has changed over the last 50 years, as

reflected in U.S. Census data from 1960 to 2010. A steady decline can be seen in the

percentage of two-parent families in each ten year period, while the percentage of single-

parent families, both female- and male-headed, have steadily increased.

• Herkimer County has seen an increase of unwed women giving birth as a percentage of total

live births for each year since 2007. In 2007, 41% of all live births were to unwed mothers;

In 2010, the percentage rose to 51%, more than half of all births recorded.

• The divorce rate per 1,000 persons in Herkimer County is about 3.3, which is just under the

rate for New York State (3.4 per 1,000) and well below the rate for the US (4.95 per 1,000).

• As reported in the 2008–2010 American Community Survey, Herkimer County has seen a

decline in the percentage of children below the age of 18 that have all parents in the labor

force (from 69.0% in 2000 to 60.6% in 2008-2010 for children under age 6, and from 74%

to 69.1% for children ages 6 to 17). During this time period, NYS percentages for both age

groups have increased. When compared to New York State and the US, children below the

age of six in Herkimer County are less likely to have their parents working. Percentages are

relatively similar for HC, NYS and the US for the 6 to 17 year old age group.

• The 2008–2010 ACS reports that a higher percentage of seniors live with others or alone in

Herkimer County (with others 29.7%, alone 13.1%) than in NYS (with others 26.3%, alone

10.5%) or the US (with others 24.9%, alone 9.4%).

• Since 1960, the total County population has decreased by 1,851 while the senior population

has increased by 3,434. The percentage of seniors, as a portion of the total County

population, increased from 17% in 1960 to 23% with the 2010 Census. Also, during this time

period, the number of those aged 85 and older has more than tripled.

• In Herkimer County, approximately 2.9% (1,064) of all persons are grandparents co-residing

with their grandchildren. This is similar to other upstate counties but below the percentage

for both New York State (3.5%) and for the U.S. (3.7%).

• Of those grandparents that live with their grandchildren in Herkimer County, 47.5% (505

grandparents) care for their grandchildren; this is above the NYS and US percentage (31.4%

and 40% respectively).

Family Key Findings & Commentary

278

Family Management

• The total admissions into foster care in Herkimer County have fluctuated between 1998 and

2011, peaking in 2002 at 116, and decreasing in 2004 to a low of 48 admissions. Overall,

there has been a 23% reduction in the number of placements during this thirteen-year

timeframe. • During 2011, 60 children were admitted into care. Of these, 33 (55%) came from Child

Protective Services (CPS), 21 (35%) were admitted as a Person In Need of Supervision

(PINS), and 6 (10%) were Juvenile Delinquents (JD).

• Out of the 60 foster care admissions, 36 (60%) were males, and 24 (40%) were females.

27 (45%) of all admissions in 2011 were pre-schoolers, age birth to 5 years, 7 (12%) were

between 6 and 11 years, and 26 (43%) were over 12 years of age.

• Herkimer County, when compared to the Rest of the State (ROS = NYS – NYC), had a higher

rate of placements per 1000 children (age 0-18) in 2009: Herkimer County — 2.3 per 1000;

Rest of State – 1.6 per 1000. The median length of stay of those admitted during 2009 was

shorter for Herkimer County (9 months) than for Rest of State (10.4 months), and more as a

percentage exited care within two years in Herkimer County (69%) than in the Rest of State

(65%).

• The number of Herkimer County youth that were in an out of home placement on the last day

of the year from December 1991 to December 2011 has been trending down, with a 46%

overall reduction in census between the highpoint (May 2003) and December 2011.

• School Intervention Partnership (SIP) referrals have fluctuated from a low of 89 in 2009 to

a high of 205 in 2011. The highest number of SIP cases opened was 100 in 2011. Preventive

referrals ranged from a high of 167 in 2007 and gradually decreased to a low of 123 in 2011.

• The number of Mandated Preventive cases opened also declined from 118 in 2007 to 85 in

2011, and the number of open Mandated Preventive cases at the end of the year decreased

from 104 in 2007 to a low of 49 in 2011.

• Three in ten Primary Caregivers (parents) that were enrolled in the Healthy Families Program

in Year 5 had less than 12 years of education. Four in ten (40%) were high school graduates

or had a GED, and three in ten (30%) had some postsecondary education.

• In Year 5, approximately one in four (26%) of the primary caretakers enrolled in the Healthy

Families Program were employed and/or in an education/training program (25%). If two

caretakers were present in the home, at least one caretaker was working in one out of every

two homes (55%).

• The Herkimer County Healthy Families Program gathered information as a part of a one-year

universal screening of all women who delivered babies between September 1, 2011 and August

31. 2012. Of the 621 mothers surveyed, 374 (60%) were Not Married, 109 (18%) had a

partner that was unemployed, 356 (57%) had inadequate income, 45 (7%) had no phone,

120 (19%) had less than 12 years of education, 18 (3%) reported a history of substance

abuse, 112 (18%) had late or no prenatal care, and 128 (21%) were under 21 years of age.

• Almost nine in ten Primary Caretakers that enroll in the Healthy Families Home Visiting

Program are unmarried at the time of entry into the program.

•


279

• Between 2006 and 2011, Adult Protective Services has seen a steady increase in both the

number of information and referral calls and the number of referrals for homelessness. In

fact, since 2006, the information and referral calls increased almost threefold from 102 to

303, and the homelessness referrals increased tenfold from 18 to 181.

Family Conflict

• The number of Child Protective Services (CPS) reports received in Herkimer County between

2001 to 2011 have been trending upwards, and in 2011 Herkimer County received 979 CPS

reports, the highest number yet.

• Based on data from New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), there

were 1038 children involved in Herkimer County CPS reports in 2011, this represents some

7.3% of the total population of children under age 18 (14,200). Compared to the “Rest of

State,” which is all of New York State minus New York City, this is a high rate. For the ROS,

the percentage of children in CPS reports was 5.6% in 2011.

• Herkimer County, when compared to the ROS over the last three years, has had a lower

indication rate, which is the percentage of all determined reports that are indicated. For

Herkimer County the rate from 2009 to 2011 has been at or under 25%; and for ROS it has

been at 27%.

• CPS neglect reports have risen by 16%, between 2001 and 2011. CPS reports of sexual abuse

have also been trending upward during the period from 2001 to 2011, although, since 2007,

the number has decreased from a high of 110 reports down to 92 in 2011. The number of

physical abuse reports has consistently been much lower, it is generally in the single digits.

However, there appears to be an increase during 2010 and 2011 when there were nine (9) and

eleven (11) physical abuse reports respectively.

• The number of abuse or neglect petitions filed by DSS in Family Court increased from 46 to

a high of 71 between 2001 and 2007. Since 2007 the number of petitions filed steadily

decreased so by 2011 there were just 46, matching the number seen in 2001.

• The median for Recurrence of Maltreatment in Herkimer County is 9.7%, which is below the

median percentage for the rest of state (ROS) at 13.6%, but above the national standard,

which is set at 5.4% or less

• The Family Re-Reporting Rate for families involved in a CPS report increases over time until

well over half (56%) are again involved in a CPS report after two years. The Herkimer

County percentage is similar to the Rest of State (ROS) average.

• Between 2009 and 2011, total domestic violence arrests, and in particular arrests for simple

assault, have increased by 20% and 21% respectively.

• There has been a significant increase in the number of calls made to the Domestic Violence

Hotline between 2001 and 2011. These calls have increased steadily since 2002, when there

was a low of 188 calls made, until 2009, when a high of 1680 calls were made. Call volume

declined in 2010 and 2011, but remains at over 1200 per year. The number of adult victims

of domestic violence receiving services has remained over 400 since 2004.


280

• Based on the 2009 Herkimer County Teen Assessment Project (TAP) Survey, 6% of 7th

graders, 7% of 9th graders, and 10% of 11th graders reported they had been hit, slapped or

physically hurt on purpose by their boyfriend or girlfriend in the past year.

• The 2009 TAP Survey also asks a question about how safe youth feel in their home. More

seventh and ninth graders appear to be concerned about home safety than eleventh

graders (5%, 6% versus 3%). Also, females seem more likely to be concerned for their

safety than males (6% versus 3%).

• Herkimer County TAP Survey results also found that for those teens that indicated they

felt unsafe at home in contrast to those that said they felt safe, they were over twice as

likely to have felt unsafe at school (59% versus 23%); three times more likely to have missed

school because they felt unsafe (35% versus 12%); and were over three times more likely to

have felt unsafe in their community (58% versus 31%).

• In another analysis done with the results of the 2009 Herkimer County TAP Survey, youth

that were identified to experience negative integration patterns (did not feel safe at home,

in school or in their community, and felt adults in these settings did not care for them) were

more likely than those with positive integration patterns to participate in various risk

behaviors. In addition, youth with positive community integration were the least likely to

participate in many risk behaviors, and in fact, it was a better predictor of risk behavior

avoidance than was family or school integration for all examined behaviors except suicide and

depression.

Parental Attitudes & Family Norms

• According to the 2001 and 2005 TAP Survey, fewer than half (45%) of parents talked at

least sometimes to their children about the dangers of drinking, smoking, using drugs; in

2009 the number remained relatively stable at 44%. In past surveys, just over a third (35%,

37%) reported that their parents talked at least sometimes to them about being sexually

active; in 2009 that number increased slightly to 38%.

• Youth appear to be increasingly worried about how well their parents get along with each

other. Thirty five percent (35%) of all teens worried about their parents’ relationship to one

another in 1997, but slightly more than half (53% and 52% respectively) worried about this

in 2001 and 2005. This number dropped to 46.7% in the 2009 survey. Youth also appear to

be concerned about whether their parents are using drugs or alcohol. About one in four

teens (23%) said they were worried a fair amount or a lot about parental use of drugs or

alcohol in 2005, up from 14% that were concerned in 1997. In the 2009 survey, this number

increased again to 29%.

• Based on the Herkimer County TAP Survey, the percentage of teens in 7th, 9th and 11th

grades that said they sit down to dinner with their family at least five times a week

decreased from 47% in 2001 to 43% in 2005 and 2009. According to a national survey by

the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, the

percentage of 12- to 17-year-olds that said they ate dinner with their families at least five

times weekly increased from 47% in 1998 to 58% in 2005.


281

Economic Security Income & Employment

If people are not earning a high enough wage to support themselves and their non-income earning

dependents (such as children, or elders), they must either live without some basic necessities or

they must depend on some type of public assistance. Each of those alternatives has a negative

impact on the economy. Jobs that pay below a livable wage, on balance, are not likely contributing

to economic growth. Source: Maine Marks 2003

Many seniors are having difficulty meeting their most basic living expenses. According to the

2000 Census, 10.8% of seniors aged 65 and older were living at or below the poverty level. The

poverty level for 2012 is $930/month. The longer a person lives, the more likely they are to

outlive their savings and to see their incomes eroded by inflation. When fuel bills escalate as we

have seen in the past few years, these seniors are at high risk. Seniors also tend to have health

problems and high medical and prescription drug costs. These kinds of issues put seniors in a

very vulnerable position.

In 2008-2011, U.S. median household income is $51,222; New York State, $55,117; and Herkimer

County, $42,383. Full-time, year-round female workers earn 75¢ on the dollar as compared to

male workers locally and nationally contribute to the feminization of poverty.

According to the Herkimer-Oneida Counties Comprehensive Planning Programs (HOCCPP), income

increases are only as good as their ability to outpace rising costs of living. Matching the rising

costs of living only allows a family to maintain a level of fiscal consistency, not provide an

increased ability to save for major purchases or to prepare for any unexpected costs. Growth of

income in terms of its real buying power probably provides a more accurate picture of the

financial health of families. Income growth for each quintile was compared to the Consumer


WHERE WE STAND

Herkimer County New York State United States

2005 2005 2005 2008–2010* 2008–2010* 2008–2010*

Median H.H. Income $32,924 $42,383 $43,393 $55,217 $41,994 $51,222

Per Capita Income $16,141 $22,090 $23,389 $30,791 $21,587 $26,942

<$10,000 11.4% 8.8% 11.5% 8.2% 9.5% 7.4%

<$25,000 38.2% 29.7% 29.6% 23.7% 28.6% 9.0%

$100,000+ 3.7% 9.9% 15.3% 25.1% 12.3% 20.6%

Source: HOCCPP, ACS 2008–2010 282

Table 139

Median Income: Herkimer County, New York State, and United States

* 2008–2010 Estimates

Income & Employment

283

Table 140

2010

Income Rank

2000

Income % Change

New York State $30,791 $23,389 31.7%

Albany $30,863 10 $23,345 32.2%

Allegany $20,058 60 $14,975 33.9%

Bronx $17,575 62 $13,959 25.9%

Broome $24,314 28 $19,168 26.8%

Cattaraugus $20,824 56 $15,959 30.5%

Cayuga $22,959 40 $18,003 27.5%

Chautauqua $21,033 54 $16,840 24.9%

Chemung $23,457 35 $18,264 28.4%

Chenango $22,036 49 $16,427 34.1%

Clinton $22,660 44 $17,946 26.3%

Columbia $31,844 8 $22,265 43.0%

Cortland $22,078 48 $16,622 32.8%

Delaware $22,928 41 $17,357 32.1%

Dutchess $31,642 9 $23,940 32.2%

Erie $26,378 21 $20,357 29.6%

Essex $24,390 26 $18,194 34.1%

Franklin $19,807 61 $15,888 24.7%

Fulton $23,147 39 $16,844 37.4%

Genesee $24,323 27 $18,498 31.5%

Greene $23,461 33 $18,931 23.9%

Hamilton $29,965 12 $18,643 60.7%

Herkimer $21,908 50 $16,141 35.7%

Jefferson $21,823 51 $16,202 34.7%

Kings $23,605 32 $16,775 40.7%

Lewis $20,970 55 $14,971 40.1%

Livingston $22,923 42 $18,062 26.9%

Madison $24,311 29 $19,105 27.2%

Monroe $26,999 20 $22,821 18.3%

Montgomery $22,347 45 $17,005 31.4%

Nassau $41,387 3 $32,151 28.7%

New York $59,149 1 $42,922 37.8%

Niagara $24,224 30 $19,219 26.0%

Oneida $23,458 34 $18,516 26.7%

Onondaga $27,037 19 $21,336 26.7%

Ontario $28,950 14 $21,533 34.4%

Orange $28,944 15 $21,597 34.0%

Orleans $20,812 57 $16,457 26.5%

Oswego $21,604 53 $16,853 28.2%

Otsego $22,902 43 $16,806 36.3%

Putnam $37,915 4 $30,127 25.9%

Queens $25,553 23 $19,222 32.9%

Rensselaer $27,457 18 $21,095 30.2%

Richmond $30,843 11 $23,905 29.0%

Rockland $34,304 6 $28,082 22.2%

Saratoga $32,186 7 $23,945 34.4%

Schenectady $27,500 17 $21,992 25.0%

Schoharie $25,105 24 $17,778 41.2%

Schuyler $22,123 47 $17,039 29.8%

Seneca $21,818 52 $15,728 38.7%

St. Lawrence $20,143 59 $17,630 14.3%

Steuben $23,279 37 $18,197 27.9%

Suffolk $35,755 5 $26,577 34.5%

Sullivan $23,422 36 $18,892 24.0%

Tioga $24,596 25 $18,673 31.7%

Tompkins $25,737 22 $19,659 30.9%

Ulster $28,954 13 $20,846 38.9%

Warren $27,744 16 $20,727 33.9%

Washington $22,347 46 $17,958 24.4%

Wayne $24,092 31 $19,258 25.1%

Westchester $47,814 2 $36,726 30.2%

Wyoming $20,605 58 $17,248 19.5%

Yates $23,255 38 $16,781 38.6%

Source: ??

Income

Photos: Parker’s Ilion Clapsaddle Farm, View of the Adirondack Park, and Dolgeville

Farmers’ Market.


Table 141

Area 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

2010

Rank

2009-10 Change

Percent Rank

New York 34,623 35,476 35,448 36,264 38,660 41,108 44,567 47,852 49,408 46,824 48,596 3.6

Albany 33,165 35,123 34,875 36,060 37,619 38,905 40,923 43,311 45,129 44,533 45,764 8 2.7 49

Allegany 19,012 19,809 19,930 20,334 21,326 22,270 23,147 24,132 26,658 25,948 26,953 62 3.7 23

Bronx 19,433 20,687 21,579 22,259 23,752 24,438 26,162 28,284 29,133 29,287 30,551 53 4.1 17

Broome 25,234 25,700 26,053 26,031 27,391 27,701 29,391 31,748 33,799 33,558 34,334 31 2.3 58

Cattaraugus 20,779 22,771 23,656 24,660 25,805 26,569 27,552 29,417 31,459 31,938 33,508 40 4.7 12

Cayuga 22,519 24,083 24,732 25,989 27,247 27,132 27,906 30,272 31,865 31,078 32,176 44 3.4 31

Chautauqua 21,175 21,988 21,837 22,607 24,007 24,910 26,021 27,773 29,950 29,306 30,543 54 4.1 19

Chemung 24,306 24,533 24,253 24,751 26,043 27,787 29,195 31,064 33,385 32,467 34,104 34 4.8 7

Chenango 21,287 22,813 23,098 23,713 25,429 26,335 27,174 28,671 30,617 30,367 31,792 48 4.5 15

Clinton 22,518 24,000 24,365 25,160 26,311 27,177 28,434 30,699 32,225 32,397 33,521 39 3.4 32

Columbia 28,293 28,672 28,091 28,902 31,473 32,407 34,108 36,547 39,253 38,023 39,490 17 3.7 24

Cortland 22,011 22,467 22,613 23,296 24,556 24,972 25,876 27,450 29,280 29,082 30,477 55 4.6 14

Delaware 21,671 22,699 22,810 23,552 24,985 25,971 26,757 27,974 29,494 29,846 31,323 51 4.7 11

Dutchess 31,384 32,834 32,209 33,058 34,796 36,788 39,269 42,255 44,012 42,367 43,730 9 3.1 38

Erie 27,690 28,465 28,963 30,140 31,612 32,354 34,284 36,576 38,437 37,961 39,369 18 3.6 28

Essex 22,078 23,061 23,394 24,185 26,017 26,772 27,717 29,491 31,652 31,728 33,088 41 4.1 18

Franklin 18,863 19,946 20,073 20,715 21,966 22,965 24,211 25,751 27,570 27,661 28,726 59 3.7 25

Fulton 23,868 24,878 25,360 26,772 28,218 28,605 29,865 31,334 32,832 32,867 33,997 35 3.3 33

Genesee 24,071 25,079 25,264 26,132 26,996 27,919 28,813 30,527 32,469 31,766 32,940 42 3.6 29

Greene 23,596 24,895 25,077 26,717 27,629 28,414 29,829 31,411 34,500 34,155 36,665 26 6.8 2

Hamilton 23,400 24,969 26,046 26,953 28,563 30,084 31,157 33,711 37,514 37,621 39,105 19 3.8 22

Herkimer 21,408 22,569 22,695 23,243 24,610 25,459 26,349 27,824 30,054 30,556 32,082 45 4.8 9

Jefferson 22,672 23,846 24,843 26,655 28,890 31,237 34,542 36,612 39,646 40,684 42,661 11 4.6 13

Kings 24,532 25,307 25,689 26,329 28,485 29,534 31,901 34,656 36,555 36,065 37,527 24 3.9 21

Lewis 19,397 20,331 21,284 21,949 23,346 24,357 25,434 27,237 29,471 29,468 31,335 50 6.0 5

Livingston 22,715 23,081 23,519 24,292 25,272 26,084 26,870 28,608 30,317 29,697 30,706 52 3.3 35

Madison 25,111 25,862 25,650 26,136 27,098 28,044 28,868 30,475 32,026 31,463 32,341 43 2.7 47

Monroe 30,826 32,133 32,432 32,789 34,493 35,792 37,594 39,686 42,104 40,562 42,083 12 3.6 27

Montgomery 24,027 24,959 25,719 26,633 27,450 27,951 29,055 30,561 31,524 31,311 31,887 46 1.8 61

Nassau 46,974 49,364 49,020 50,136 52,618 56,639 61,044 65,934 68,918 64,124 65,615 3 2.3 57

New York 83,947 82,435 81,001 81,708 87,764 98,994 112,102 118,768 118,293 104,384 111,386 1 6.3 3

Niagara 24,419 25,029 25,443 26,535 26,981 28,074 29,623 31,464 32,759 32,811 33,613 38 2.4 55

Oneida 24,137 24,906 24,956 25,670 27,177 28,168 29,543 31,714 33,716 33,546 34,560 30 2.9 42

Onondaga 28,549 29,039 29,610 30,667 31,870 33,181 34,947 37,490 39,443 38,539 39,611 16 2.7 48

Ontario 28,182 29,208 28,664 29,537 31,291 32,378 34,080 36,735 39,004 38,462 39,730 15 3.2 37

Orange 27,762 29,166 28,963 29,835 31,315 32,766 34,390 36,659 38,304 37,335 38,399 20 2.8 45

Orleans 20,620 20,914 20,953 21,719 22,775 23,893 24,772 26,038 27,624 27,628 28,381 60 2.7 50

Oswego 21,416 21,875 22,491 23,130 23,850 24,776 25,813 27,397 28,842 29,105 29,997 57 3.0 41

Otsego 21,510 22,363 22,342 23,451 24,867 25,736 27,303 28,458 31,266 30,606 31,700 49 3.5 30

Putnam 38,673 39,739 39,339 40,496 42,899 44,687 48,170 52,306 54,037 50,944 52,273 4 2.5 51

Queens 27,894 28,843 29,023 29,923 31,909 33,123 35,590 38,890 40,256 38,962 40,285 14 3.3 36

Rensselaer 27,344 28,464 29,018 29,555 30,922 31,826 33,372 35,277 37,242 37,112 37,956 22 2.2 59

Richmond 34,089 35,223 35,201 35,950 37,996 39,755 42,454 45,988 47,908 46,101 47,444 7 2.8 44

Rockland 40,764 40,721 40,749 41,131 44,352 46,022 49,593 53,450 53,862 50,773 52,030 5 2.4 52

St. Lawrence 19,614 20,424 20,590 21,436 22,548 23,056 24,096 25,536 27,250 26,894 27,809 10 3.3 34

Saratoga 30,562 31,365 31,426 32,566 34,554 36,923 39,586 41,085 43,087 42,403 43,428 13 2.4 56

Schenectady 29,136 30,919 30,821 31,932 34,368 34,604 35,958 38,139 41,023 39,794 41,025 33 3.0 39

Schoharie 23,316 23,585 23,278 24,112 25,513 26,499 27,612 29,586 32,480 32,628 34,120 37 4.4 16

Schuyler 21,749 22,428 22,766 23,865 25,243 26,808 27,870 29,768 32,075 32,071 33,873 36 5.3 6

Seneca 22,941 22,867 22,950 23,593 25,112 26,008 27,268 28,935 31,716 31,188 33,886 61 8.0 1

Steuben 28,519 27,726 26,099 26,276 27,915 29,899 33,517 33,988 35,673 35,198 37,447 25 6.0 4

Suffolk 36,910 37,424 37,181 37,766 40,529 43,023 46,509 50,755 52,085 48,791 49,994 6 2.4 53

Sullivan 25,495 26,274 26,630 27,496 29,064 30,117 30,781 32,486 35,130 34,738 35,764 27 2.9 43

Tioga 23,724 24,488 24,321 24,620 26,152 27,508 29,340 31,257 33,586 33,694 34,327 32 1.8 60

Tompkins 23,859 24,803 25,134 26,557 27,986 28,347 29,769 32,018 34,927 33,881 34,713 28 2.4 54

Ulster 25,539 26,757 26,543 27,280 28,899 30,488 32,790 35,053 37,300 36,696 37,741 23 2.8 46

Warren 26,803 27,664 28,235 28,871 30,562 31,382 32,806 34,364 37,446 36,753 38,147 21 3.7 26

Washington 21,354 21,934 22,032 22,909 24,575 25,855 26,600 28,120 30,614 30,573 31,825 47 3.9 20

Wayne 24,759 25,615 25,477 26,740 27,835 28,856 30,286 32,231 33,994 33,618 34,649 29 3.0 40

Westchester 54,600 55,736 54,554 55,455 60,186 64,805 71,559 77,165 77,741 71,857 73,159 2 1.8 62

Wyoming 19,423 20,591 21,371 22,316 24,067 25,326 25,721 27,422 28,878 27,773 29,150 58 4.7 10

Yates 20,349 20,748 20,515 20,868 22,683 24,025 24,694 26,513 29,155 28,817 30,259 56 4.8 8

New York State Counties Per Capita Personal Income (Dollars), 2000–2010

Note: Per capita personal income was computed using Census Bureau midyear population estimates. Estimates for 2000-2010 reflect county population estimates available as of April 2012. All state and local area dollar estimates are in current dollars (not adjusted for inflation).

Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Regional Economic Information System 1969–2010. April 2012.

Prepared by Empire State Development, NYS Data Center, June 2012. 284


Median

Household Income

Median

Family Income

Per Capita

Income

2000* 2008–2010 2000* 2008–2010 2000* 2008–2010

City

Little Falls $31,367 $34,473 $45,264 $50,521 $19,815 $23,860

Towns

Columbia $48,111 $57,163 $57,412 $62,024 $20,406 $22,485

Danube $41,641 $38,382 $42,538 $40,000 $17,764 $17,714

Fairfield $52,491 $50,121 $58,989 $56,016 $20,422 $23,944

Frankfort $50,259 $44,472 $57,058 $54,479 $21,883 $22,609

German Flatts $42,894 $41,348 $51,543 $50,868 $19,463 $21,360

Herkimer $37,647 $31,141 $55,360 $44,681 $22,527 $18,478

Litchfield $55,501 $57,250 $63,807 $63,958 $21,506 $23,623

Little Falls $50,882 $55,972 $56,795 $67,167 $26,678 $27,351

Manheim $41,556 $45,969 $51,087 $53,724 $20,194 $23,860

Newport $48,820 $45,375 $55,329 $59,850 $22,308 $21,350

Norway $48,060 $49,271 $53,990 $60,250 $20,151 $23,603

Ohio $39,021 $38,603 $47,992 $54,583 $17,854 $21,811

Russia $46,580 $49,853 $53,463 $57,500 $22,987 $23,567

Salisbury $42,497 $40,694 $47,622 $44,485 $16,547 $18,618

Schuyler $46,301 $48,172 $55,627 $54,386 $23,828 $21,772

Stark $41,253 $39,938 $45,215 $50,972 $18,492 $19,844

Warren $47,836 $43,750 $51,200 $45,104 $18,115 $19,395

Webb $46,518 $50,083 $56,956 $53,558 $26,059 $29,153

Winfield $46,580 $51,146 $56,073 $61,875 $22,001 $25,249

* 2000 incomes have been adjusted for inflation

Source: HOCCPP/U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 Census

Table 142

Median Income In Herkimer County by Household, Family and Per Capita Income

285

Price Index (CPI) maintained by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A measurement of “real” in-

come growth can be observed to show that there are considerable disparities in the way each

quintile has experienced the last 40 years of income growth.

According to HOCCPP, from 1960–1980 “provided for true real income growth for all families

within Herkimer County. While those families in the middle and upper middle groups (3rd and 4th

quintiles) saw real income growth in excess of 50%, each quintile saw their purchasing power

grow. The group experiencing the least growth was, in fact, those making the most money—those

families in the top quintile. They experienced real income growth of about 28%.” 1980–2000 saw

a shift in real income growth, HOCCPP found, “families in the top quintile were the only ones to

see an increase in real income in excess of what they experienced from 1960 to 1980. Again, this

is even more so the case if you look at the families in the top 1% of the income brackets. “The

Top Quintile experienced a growth of 40.6% from 1980–2000 and the Top 1% saw an increase of

42.9% for that period. Compared to a 28.1% & 16.2% growth respectively during the previous

twenty years. Compare this to the growth of the bottom two quintiles of 0.3% for Herkimer

County’s poorest families and 8% for the Second Quintile.

HOCCPP found that while all families in Herkimer County have experienced growth in their real

income, “this growth has been considerably different during the last half of that period, and

considerably different depending on whether a family was on the bottom of the income ladder or

on its top most rungs.”


Source: HOCCPP/U.S. Census Bureau, 1960–2000 Censuses

Graph 129

Bottom

Quintile

2nd

Quintile

3rd

Quintile

4th

Quintile

Top

Quintile

Top 1%

Income

1960-1980 31.9% 39.6% 52.1% 59.2% 28.1% 16.2%

1980-2000 0.3% 8.0% 17.0% 28.7% 40.6% 42.9%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Real Income Growth by Herkimer County

Families

(1960-2000)

286

The Census Bureau released a report on Household Income Disparity in US Counties which shows

how each county in the U.S. ranks on the Gini Index. The Gini Index is a summary measure of

income inequality. As an index, it only has a value between 0 and 1. A value of “0” would mean

that every household had the same exact income; a value of “1” would mean that income was con-

centrated solely in a single household.

Nationally the value ranges from 0.645 in East Carroll Parish in Louisiana, to 0.207 in Loving

County in Texas. This would mean that the place where the most disparity or inequality of in-

come exists is East Carroll, LA and the county where the most equity exists is in Loving County,

TX.

In Herkimer and Oneida Counties, the Gini Index is 0.411 and 0.432 respectively. The two coun-

ties are in the middle of the range of inequity.


287

Herkimer County

Households Families

Married-

couple

Families

Nonfamily

Households

Total Types of HHs,

Families, Etc. 26,291 17,396 13,272 8,895

Income Level

Less than $10,000 7.7% 3.5% 0.9% 17.2%

$10,000 to $14,999 7.1% 3.2% 2.1% 15.6%

$15,000 to $24,999 13.5% 10.4% 7.1% 21.0%

$25,000 to $34,999 13.9% 13.1% 10.6% 16.7%

$35,000 to $49,999 15.2% 16.8% 16.5% 11.6%

$50,000 to $74,999 20.3% 24.6% 28.1% 9.5%

$75,000 to $99,999 11.8% 13.9% 16.4% 6.2%

$100,000 to $149,000 7.8% 10.7% 13.5% 1.7%

$150,000 to $199,999 1.8% 2.6% 3.3% 0.1%

$200,000 or more 0.9% 1.2% 1.6% 0.4%

Median Income $42,318 $53,288 $60,578 $22,604

Mean Income $52,516 $61,939 $70,289 $30,990

Table 143 Herkimer County Income Levels by Family Type

Source: HOCCPP/U.S. Census Bureau, 2006–2010 ACS, Table S1901


288

Unemployment & Wages

The unemployment rate is defined as the percentage of unemployed persons in the labor force.

To be in the labor force, an individual must be 16 years of age or older and either working or

actively looking for work, regardless of whether the individual is collecting Unemployment

Insurance or not.

The unemployment rate is by residence. For example, the unemployment rate for Herkimer

County is the percentage of Herkimer County residents that are unemployed out of the number

of Herkimer County residents in the labor force. It doesn’t matter where the residents work,

but only where they reside.

Unemployment rate data from 1990 through 2012 shows...

Compared with New York State,

• Herkimer County’s unemployment rate was better (lower) than that of New York

State from 2000–2004 and again from 2009-2010, but was worse than the state rate

in all other years in this time period.

Compared with the United States,

• Herkimer County’s unemployment rate was better (lower) than that of the United

States from 2001–2003 and 2009–2011, but was worse than the United States rate in

all other years in this time period.

It appears the national recession and the effects of 9/11/2001 affected New York State and

the United States unemployment rates more than it affected Herkimer County’s rates in the

2000–2004 and 2009-2011 time periods.

Beardslee Castle—Town of Manheim


Sou

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Tab

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44


Industry Number of

Firms Employment Total Payroll

Avg.

Annual Pay

Total Private: 1,157 11,917 $361,563,994 $30,340

Natural Resources, Mining & Construction 161 656 $29,071,908 $44,317

Manufacturing 56 2,446 $104,052,468 $42,540

Trade, Transportation & Utilities 255 2,918 $88,452,089 $30,313

Information 21 126 $5,544,197 $44,002

Financial Activities 83 396 $13,111,076 $33,109

Professional & Business Services 119 610 $21,243,350 $34,825

Private Educational & Health Services 132 2,382 $63,433,660 $26,630

Leisure & Hospitality 186 1,832 $26,144,984 $14,271

Other Services 125 548 $10,433,963 $19,040

Unclassified 21 5 $76,299 $15,260

Total Government: 117 4,359 $154,757,606 $35,503

Federal 20 106 $5,196,739 $49,026

State 7 197 $12,416,070 $63,026

Local (includes Public Schools) 90 4,056 $137,144,797 $33,813

All Industries 1,274 16,276 $516,321,600 $31,723

Source: New York State Department of Labor, Research and Statistics Division.

Industry Change

2006-2011

% Change

2006-2011

Total Private: -438 -3.5%

Natural Resources, Mining & Construction -55 -7.7%

Manufacturing -456 -15.7%

Trade, Transportation & Utilities -62 -2.1%

Information -182 -59.1%

Financial Activities -75 -15.9%

Professional & Business Services 47 8.3%

Private Educational & Health Services 240 11.2%

Leisure & Hospitality 166 10.0%

Other Services -2 -0.4%

Unclassified -22 -81.5%

Total Government: -205 -4.5

Federal -18 -14.5%

State -10 -4.8%

Local (includes Public Schools) -177 -4.2%

All Industries -643 -3.8

Table 145 Types of Employment—Herkimer County Industries 2011

291

Herkimer County Industries Change from 2006-2011

Table 146


Empire State Development, NYS Data Center

http://esd.ny.gov/NYSDataCenter.html

Herkimer-Oneida Counties Comprehensive Planning Program.

Maine Marks, 2003

New York State Department of Labor

U.S. Census Bureau

DATA SOURCES

292

Pinksters in flower along the Spruce Lake Channel

The tables on the previous page show the types of employment in Herkimer County in 2008 & the

amount of change in employment by sector from 2003 to 2008. Employment in both Private &

Government sectors decreased between 2003 & 2008. The sector with the largest decrease

was the Information sector, followed by the Unclassified sector. The sector with the largest

increase was the Professional & Business Services sector.

Private industry makes up 71.8% of employment and 68.7% of total payroll in Herkimer County.

Trade, Transportation & Utilities is the largest employment sector in Herkimer County followed

by the Manufacturing sector. The Manufacturing sector also has the highest average annual pay

of any private employment sector.

http://esd.ny.gov/NYSDataCenter.html

Economic Security Poverty (Extreme Economic Deprivation)

Economic deprivation—lack of income—is a standard feature of most definitions of poverty. But

this in itself does not take into account of the myriad of social, cultural and political aspects of

the phenomenon. Poverty is not only deprivation of economic or material resources but a violation

of human dignity too.

Indeed, no social phenomenon is as comprehensive in its assault on human rights as poverty.

Poverty erodes or nullifies economic and social rights such as the right to health, adequate

housing, food and safe water, and the right to education. The same is true of civil and political

rights, such as the right to a fair trial, political participation and security of the person. This

fundamental recognition is reshaping the international community’s approach to the next

generation of poverty reduction initiatives.

Federal Poverty Guidelines

In January or February of each year the federal

government releases an official income level for

poverty called the Federal Poverty Income

Guidelines, and often informally referred to as

the “Federal Poverty Level”. The benefit levels of

many low-income assistance programs are based

on these poverty guidelines.

Most researchers agree that the poverty line

income is not sufficient to support most working

families. Basic family budgets, individualized for

communities nationwide and for type of family

(e.g., one parent/one child, two parents/two

children) offer a more realistic measure of the

income required to have a safe and decent

though basic standard of living. Economic Policy Institute.org On an average, families need an

income equal to about two times the federal

poverty guideline to meet their most basic needs.

Families at or below this level are referred to as

low-income.


WHERE WE STAND

Year One

Person

Four Person

Family

2012 $11,170 $23,050

2011 $10,890 $22,350

2010 $10,830 $22,050

2009 $10,830 $22,050

2008 $10,400 $21,200

2007 $10,210 $20,650

2006 $9,800 $20,000

2005 $9,570 $19,350

2004 $9,310 $18,850

2003 $8,980 $18,400

2002 $8,860 $18,100

2001 $8,590 $17,650

2000 $8,350 $17,050

1999 $8,240 $16,700

Federal Poverty Levels 1999–2012

Source: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

293

Table 147

As of the 2008-2010 American Community Survey, 18.2% of Children under the age of 18 and

11.4% of Adults (18-64) in Herkimer County live below the Federal Poverty level. This translates

to one out of every ten families (10.3%) in Herkimer County living in poverty. which in 2012 would

be a family of four earning $23,050 or less annually.

More than 1,500 families were determined to

be living below the poverty threshold in the

2000 Census. Just over 500 were married-

couple families and 800 were single-parent

households. As many as 24% of single-

parent families live below poverty. Among male

-headed single-parent families (with no female

present), just over 7% live in poverty. Among

female-headed single-parent families (no male

present) the rate is more than 31%.


Percent of Herkimer County Persons

Living Below Poverty

1990, 2000, 2008–10

1990 2000 2008–10

Children (<18) 16.8% 16.1% 18.2%

Adults (18-64) 14.8% 11.7% 11.4%

Seniors (65+) 13.9% 10.4% 10.4%

Table 148

Source: 1990–2000 Censuses & ACS 2008–2010

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 Census & ACS 2008–2010

Graph 131 Percent of Each Family Type in Poverty

Herkimer County 2000 v. 2006–2008

294

According to the

1950-2000

Census

Retrospective

produced by the

Herkimer-Oneida

Counties

Comprehensive

Planning Program

(HOCCPP), the

vast majority of

female-headed

families in

poverty in

Herkimer County

have children

present. HOCCPP observed that, “In 1970, about 7 out of 10 of single mom families (71%) had

children under the age of 18 present in the home.


Graph 133

295

60.4%

93.2% 91.4%

71.5%

93.0%82.7%

27.7%

47.0%40.7%

50.5%

31.8% 33.5%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Married Couples Male Headed

(no female present)

Female Headed

(no male present)

Married Couples Male Headed

(no female present)

Female Headed

(no male present)

2000 2008-2010

Percent of Herkimer County Families in Poverty

With Children in the Home

With Children Present,Any Age

With Children,< Age 5

Graph 132

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 Census & American Community Survey 2008-2010

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 1970–2000 Censuses & 2008–2010 American Community Survey

71%

86% 88% 91%83%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

1970 1980 1990 2000 2008–2010

Herkimer County Female Headed Households in Poverty

with Children Present in the Home 1970–2010


By 2000, that number is closer to 9 out of 10 such families (91%). Census 2000 data shows that

about half of these female-headed families with children (45%) have young children, under the

age of 5, present.

Foregoing Necessities

According to the 2005 HCHN Community Survey, those who could not pay for necessities

because of a lack of money were forced to choose where to spend their money:

• 13% Were Unable to Visit a Doctor

• 11% Were Unable to receive Dental Services

• 7% Were Unable to obtain Prescription Drugs

• 7% Went Without Utilities

• 6% Utilized a Food Pantry or Meal Site

• 4% Had Difficulty Maintaining a Place to Live

The overwhelming majority of Herkimer County residents answered that they, or anyone in their

immediate family, had not gone without food for 24 hours in the last month. 2% did admit that

they or a member of their immediate family did go without food in the last month.

Cannot Pay for Necessities Because of Lack of Money

Graph 134

Source: Zogby 2005, HCHN Community Survey

296

6%

7%

11%

13%

7%

4%

0%

2%

4%

6%

8%

10%

12%

14%

Visited food

pantry

meal site

Couldn't obtain

prescription

drugs

Couldn't receive

dental

services

Unable to visit

doctor

Went

without utilities

Difficulty

maintaining

place to live


85% of those that did go without food, answered that it was due to not being able to afford

groceries.

50% of those who went

without food because of not

being able to afford

groceries live in the

northern region of Herkimer

County and have less than a

high school education.


297

Graph 135

Yes, 2%

No, 98%

Gone Without Food for 24 Hours in the Past

Month due to Lack of Food

Town of Webb Snowmobile Trails

The percentage of those in poverty in Herkimer County varies by age and geographic location, as

reflected in the following two tables.



298

Table 149

Poverty

Population in

Poverty Under

Age 5

Population in

Poverty Under

Age 18

Population in

Poverty Over

Age 64

Population

for Whom

Poverty

Was

Determined

Total

Persons

in

Poverty

# in

Poverty

As %

of All

those

Under

Age 5

# in

Poverty

As %

of All

those

Under

Age

18

# in

Poverty

As %

of All

those

Over

Age

64

City

Little Falls 4,873 885 14 8.0% 354 32.6% 85 9.4%

Towns

Columbia 1,709 128 36 27.1% 185 29.9% 20 11.0%

Danube 1,267 390 7 20.6% 121 44.0% 6 4.8%

Fairfield 1,669 114 5 5.2% 153 31.7% 8 5.6%

Frankfort 7,507 914 132 24.3% 647 33.0% 207 16.9%

German Flatts 13,263 1,745 105 12.3% 1,260 32.7% 128 7.0%

Herkimer 9,238 1,846 114 20.9% 835 32.9% 264 15.6%

Litchfield 1,611 92 88 57.5% 221 41.8% 18 10.3%

Little Falls 1,420 136 44 56.4% 158 37.4% 31 13.0%

Manheim 3,307 241 15 11.3% 209 27.9% 79 15.8%

Newport 2,239 244 6 5.2% 298 38.2% 30 7.4%

Norway 919 45 3 4.6% 82 25.1% 4 6.3%

Ohio 928 151 6 100.0% 88 40.0% 8 7.4%

Russia 2,500 237 45 35.4% 250 34.1% 26 8.2%

Salisbury 1,925 278 0 0.0% 177 35.3% 27 9.6%

Schuyler 3,395 200 0 0.0% 309 32.5% 26 3.8%

Stark 776 21 24 54.5% 119 39.1% 12 9.1%

Warren 1,131 142 0 0.0% 87 29.4% 16 8.1%

Webb 1,553 44 18 47.4% 77 27.0% 0 0.0%

Winfield 1,913 229 11 10.5% 218 33.1% 42 13.2%

Poverty by Herkimer County Cities & Towns

2005 Herkimer County HealthNet Community Survey, Zogby International

Economic Policy Institute

http://www.epi.org/


U.S. Census Bureau

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services


DATA SOURCES

299

http://www.epi.org/

Economic Security Economic Assistance for Basic Needs

The children in families receiving AFDC/TANF are subjected to an unstable environment, at

least at that time, which may indicate that other risk factors are present in the home. Note:

AFDC was discontinued in 1997. The equivalent funded program is now called Temporary

Assistance to Needy Families (TANF).

Home Energy Assistance Program

In an effort to help income-eligible households cope with the higher fuel bills of winter, New

York State participates in the federally funded “Home Energy Assistance Program” (HEAP). If

eligibility requirements are met HEAP will make a lump-sum payment directly to the energy

supplier on the clients’ behalf. This payment is known as a grant and appears as a credit on their

fuel account.

HEAP benefits are also authorized for emergencies such as; impending fuel shut offs, and

furnace replacement or repair.

Total benefits authorized in 2008 at over 2.9 million is an increase of approximately 44.5% over

2007. For 2010, HEAP had an extra regular benefit and only one emergency benefit.


WHERE WE STAND

Table 150

Source: Herkimer County DSS

300

Herkimer County HEAP Caseload Data 2008-2011

2008 2009 2010 2011

Authorized

$ Amount

Authorized

Benefits

Authorized

$ Amount

Authorized

Benefits

Authorized

$ Amount

Authorized

Benefits

Authorized

$ Amount

Authorized

Non-

Emergency 4,955 $1,880,970 6,253 $3,552,810 12,196 $3,788,999 7036 $3,279,397

Emergency

Benefits 1,853 $944,194 2009 $1,089,428 1,687 $800,100 2893 $1,595,870

Emergency

Furnace

Replacement 30 $83,918 73 $14,459 60 $176,523 82 $267,135

Furnace

Repair 5 $3,515 20 $3,563 17 $14,146 32 $19,394

Totals 6,843 $2,912,597 8,355 $4,876,920 13,960 $4,779,768 10,043 $5,161,786

Catholic Charities of Herkimer County’s Emergency Assistance Program

The Emergency Assistance Program acts as a safety net to catch those county residents who

have fallen through the cracks of the other systems in place. To be eligible for Emergency

Assistance, it must be determined that the applicant has exhausted all other available resources

including DSS, Red Cross, Salvation Army, Veterans Administration, Care and Share Program,

HEAP, FEMA, assistance from family members, etc.

No cash is dispensed. All transactions are completed by a voucher system and direct payment

from Catholic Charities of Herkimer County is made to the relevant entity. Major categories of

the Emergency Assistance Program include:

• Shelter (motels, utilities, heating fuel, household appliances, etc.)

• Transportation (Gas vouchers, bus tickets, emergency auto repairs, etc.)

• Food/Formula (Food vouchers, meal vouchers, formula, etc.)

• Clothing/Diapers

• Medical (Emergency medications, Medicaid spend-downs, adaptive equipment repair, etc.)

The Emergency Assistance Program is funded by local contributions as well as the agency’s

fundraising efforts; the budget rarely completely covers the need for services. The ability to

serve as many families in need as possible is protected by placing a cap on the amount of funding

a family may receive in any calendar year.

The table below indicates Emergency Assistance Funds and Categories for Disbursement.

2005–

2006

2006–

2007

2007–

2008

2008-

2009

2009-

2010

2010-

2011

2011-

2012

Number of

Households 158 223 152 160 195 146 116

Amount

Budgeted $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $13,000 $13,000

Total Disbursed $12,741 $22,258 $12,650 $11,210 $14,384 $18,568 $15,575

Shelter $7,262 $16,374 $7,242 $8,147* $9,192* $14,395* $12,556*

Transportation $3,185 $3,260 $3,253 $2,514 $3,882 $3,136 $1,491

Food/Formula $1,020 $1,119 $1,020 $171 $434 $557 $711

Clothing $637 $781 $463 $85 $313 $13 $24

Medical $637 $724 $642 $293 $572 $467 $793

*The greater proportion of shelter expenses was disbursed for utilities (electric, water, heating, fuel, etc.). Source: Catholic Charities of Herkimer County

Households Served by Emergency Assistance Program &

Amount Budgeted & Disbursed by Category 2004–2012


301 Table 151

ARRA at Herkimer County Catholic Charities

The reduction in the number of households served through the Emergency Assistance Program is

directly related to the number of households served by the ARRA Program which was in effect

from October 2009–November 2011. Without the ARRA Program, the need for Catholic

Charities of Herkimer County’s Emergency Assistance Program would have been much higher.

The table below indicated the number of households served by the ARRA Program at the

Catholic Charities of Herkimer County site.

Notes:

• The ARRA Program ended in November 2011.

Emergency Food & Shelter Program

The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) began in 1983 with a $50 million federal

appropriation. The program was created by Congress and administered by the United States

Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The

program is designed to help meet the needs of individuals and families in economic crisis

throughout the United States and its territories by allocating federal funds for the provision of

food, shelter and utilities.

The EFS program is governed by a National Board composed of representatives of the American

Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; The Jewish Federations of North America; National Council

of the Churches of Christ in the USA; The Salvation Army; and United Way Worldwide. The

Board is chaired by a representative of FEMA.

Oct. 2009-

June 2010

July 2010–

June 2011

July 2011–

Nov. 2012*

Number of

Households 62 70 22

Total Disbursed $48,841 $76,879 $25,023

Rent $12,905 $42,826 $13,629

Security $11,651 $16,230 $7,277

Motel $1,443 $10,910 $0

Utilities $3,180 $6,485 $4,117

Moving/Storage $662 $428 $0

Source: Catholic Charities of Herkimer County

Households Served by ARRA Served at Catholic Charities of Herkimer County Site

Table 152


302

http://www.redcross.org/

http://www.redcross.org/

http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org

http://www.jewishfederations.org/

http://ncccusa.org/

http://ncccusa.org/

http://www.salvationarmyusa.org

http://www.unitedway.org/


Award amounts are determined by dividing the available funds by the number of unemployed

persons within each jurisdiction that qualifies. For funding during fiscal years 2009 to 2012,

jurisdictions qualified for funding if they met one of the following criteria:

• Number of unemployed: 300 or more with an 11.5% rate of unemployment

• Number of unemployed: 300 or more with a 14.4% rate of poverty

Jurisdictions that do not qualify under the above

formula do not receive funding directly from the

National Board but may receive funds through the

State Set-Aside (SSA) process. Jurisdictions that

do qualify for direct EFSP funding may also receive

additional funding from the SSA process.

The State Set-Aside allocation formula ranks the

needs of each jurisdiction (High, Medium and Low)

based on recent local statistics concerning

homelessness, poverty, household income,

unemployment, lay-offs and plant closings,

participation rates in WIC and school meals

programs, and the availability of emergency food.

The Emergency Food and Shelter Board of Herkimer County, similar in composition to the

National EFSP Board, allocates funds to qualifying non-profit and government agencies to

benefit emergency food, shelter and utility programs.

In order to qualify for Herkimer County EFSP funding an agency must:

• Be a non-profit or governmental agency in Herkimer County with FEIN registration.

• Have an accounting system and conduct an annual audit.

• Practice non-discrimination.

• Have demonstrated the capability to deliver the services requested. Have a volunteer

Board if they are voluntary organization.

• Must not be debarred or suspended from receiving federal funds.

• Have or apply for a DUNS Number.

TANF/Safety Net

With welfare reform that began to take effect in 1997, the number of cases (and subsequent

individuals) qualified for TANF has diminished. As a result the overall TANF/Safety Net

caseload decreased steadily until 2001 and has stabilized since. The SSI caseload remained

fairly constant from 1997-2005 but has begun to climb from 2006 to present.

Source: United Way of the Valley & Greater

Utica Area

Table 153

Emergency Food & Shelter Program

Awards in Herkimer County

2009 - 2012

2009 Phase 27 EFSP funding $45,316

2009 American Recovery &

Reinvestment Act $20,879

2010 Phase 28 EFSP funding $36,999

2011 Phase 29 SSA funding $7,400

2012 Phase 30 SSA funding $4,927

303


As clients come off of the TANF program they are legislatively entitled to five months of

guaranteed Food Stamp benefits and six months of Medicaid if the case is closed due to earned

income. If the TANF case is closed due to increased Child Support income the adult case

member receives four months of Medicaid.

Under the continuous coverage guarantee children are eligible for an additional year of Medicaid

coverage. The state of the local economy has also contributed to the increase in the number of

people eligible for food stamp benefits.

TANF/Safety Net Monthly Average Eligible Individuals 1997–2011

Source: Herkimer County DSS, Income Maintenance Graph 136

1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Family Health Plus 30 501 987 1,337 1,469 1,509 1,539 1,516 1,938 2,103 2,306

Safety Net Children 329 290 290 209 145 112 55 38 41 56 56 72 84 89 93

Safety Net Adults 251 300 326 304 250 248 269 309 342 401 417 531 194 196 243

TANF Children 1,845 1,816 1,830 2,137 2,663 3,246 3,956 4,414 4,553 4,170 3,998 3,954 329 376 424

TANF Adults 721 691 632 666 778 931 1,347 1,813 1,804 1,780 1,658 1,664 98 122 132

SSI Related 1,142 1,137 1,151 1,173 1,161 1,209 1,294 1,354 1,517 1,551 1,551 1,662 1,775 1,782 1,824

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

304


Food Stamp Program

There are two types of Food Stamps offered to Herkimer County residents:

• Temporary Assistance Food Stamps: For Residents who meet the Public Assistance

Eligibility (usually with little or no income).

• Non-temporary Assistance Food Stamps: For Residents who meet Food Stamp

Eligibility Requirements and are employed.

The Non-Temporary Assistance caseload has increased from approximately 1,931 cases in 2002

to over 3,878 in 2011. The total Food Stamps caseload increased 94.3% from 2,605 cases in

2002 to 3,418 cases in 5,062.

Nutrition Outreach & Education Program

NOEP (Nutrition Outreach & Education Program), sponsored by Catholic Charities of Herkimer

County, began its educational and prescreening outreach in January 2004. NOEP is funded by

the NYS Department of Health, the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, and the

USDA/FNS. The NOEP counselor provides information, confidential pre-screening, and

application assistance to those who may potentially be eligible for food stamps. Home visits are

provided for consumers unable to access the office. Through NOEP’s on-going public relations

Graph 137 Food Stamp Cases by Type

Source: Herkimer County DSS, Income Maintenance

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Non-temporary Assistance 1,459 1,432 1,467 1,670 1,931 2,174 2,527 1,915 2,045 2,064 2,394 2,995 3,457 3,878

Temporary Assistance 686 687 665 676 674 705 896 906 899 921 1,024 1,068 1,103 1,184

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000House

hold

s

305

Table 154

campaign, the stereotype of food stamps being a ‘welfare program’ is vanishing. Food stamps are

seen more as an entitlement program, benefiting consumers and the community alike. Recent

changes in food stamp guidelines beginning in 2008, coupled with the downturn in the economy,

have made more individuals eligible for the program. Seniors, in particular, are now applying. In

the first six-months of 2009, 49% of individuals prescreened for food stamps by NOEP were

seniors.

Nutrition Outreach & Education Program Cases

*Calculated by the Nutrition Consortium

Source: Catholic Charities

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the new name for the Food Stamp

Program (effective August 29, 2012). SNAP issues monthly electronic benefits that can be used

like cash to purchase food at authorized retail food stores. Eligibility and benefit levels are

based on household size, income, assets and other factors. SNAP can help put healthy food on

the table. SNAP benefits help low-income working people, seniors, the disabled and others feed

their families.

Food Pantries

There are ten community-based food pantries in Herkimer County who are affiliated with the

Food Bank of Central New York: Dolgeville; Herkimer/Mohawk; Salvation Army Ministries;

Frankfort/Ilion; Little Falls; Kuyahoora; St. Bartholomew’s Old Forge; West Winfield;

Van Hornesville/Jordanville; and Pinecrest. All pantries must raise local revenue, usually equal to

or greater than the grants they receive, in order to keep the shelves stocked. For each of the

larger pantries, that is roughly between $15,000–$26,000 annually. With the cuts in FEMA

funding, the rise in food prices, the reduction of USDA due to the recent drought, pantries will

be paying more as well as raising more funds to keep pace. The demand for emergency feeding

programs has continued to climb, with 2012 being the most households, meals, and seniors served

in the history of the County. The increase can be attributed to the current recession,

unemployment rise as well as underemployment, service industry jobs continuing to replace

manufacturing positions, single head of households, high transportation, medical and utility

costs, and the increased publicity and education regarding assistance programs. Nearly all

pantries are supervised and operated by volunteers, most of whom are affiliated with the RSVP

2006–

2007

2007–

2008

2008–

2009

2009-

2010

2010-

2011

2011-

2012

Households Prescreened 297 474 771 422 445 527

Households Receiving FS* 160 219 349 265 277 288


306

Program of Catholic Charities. Without volunteers, food pantry operations could cease.

Between 2009–2012, 245 RSVP volunteers contributed 55,777 hours of service assisting at food

co-op and emergency feeding programs throughout Herkimer County.

Gleaning from local stores including Stewart’s, Hannaford’s, and Heidelberg’s Bakery supplement

the pantries food supply. Local farmers also donate produce throughout the summer and fall to

local pantries. Hannaford’s conducts a Fund-a-Feast program during the holidays, encouraging

patrons to purchase food boxes that are then donated to the local pantries.

In addition, there is the annual Boy Scouts and Postal Food Drives that aid in stocking food

shelves. Community dinners are provided Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights at the

Salvation Army Café, and at the Reformed Church in Herkimer on the first, third, and fifth

Tuesdays of the month. The Shepherd’s Table at the Reformed Church of Herkimer also offers

hot lunches on every Tuesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. New Life Ministries offers

paper products, toiletries, and some groceries on the last Thursday of each month to any family

in need. The usage of local pantries peeked in 2012, though is still significantly higher than

usage in 2008. Whereas once pantries were seen strictly as an ‘emergency’ safety net, they are

now being used as a ‘supplemental’ safety net, that is, on a monthly basis.


Number of

Children

Number of

Adults

Total

Individuals

Total

Households

Total

Meals

Dolgeville 1,874 3,846 607 6,327 2,135

Frankfort/Ilion 1,893 3,237 394 5,524 1,858

Herkimer/

Mohawk 1,456 2,984 302 4,742 1,724

Kuyahoora 2,169 2,861 349 5,379 1,622

Little Falls 2,035 3,067 439 5,541 1,877

St. Bartholomew 228 371 159 758 343

Van Hornesville/

Jordanville 872 1,007 227 2,106 594

West Winfield 1,614 2,080 882 4,576 2,582

Salvation Army 1,029 1,432 121 2,582 872

Pinecrest 570 776 1,410 430 12,690

Totals 13,740 21,661 4,890 37,965 26,297


2008 Food Pantry Use by Site

Table 156

307


308

Number of

Children

Number of

Adults

Total

Individuals

Total

Households

Total

Meals

Dolgeville 1,837 4,044 6,648 2,317 76,299

Frankfort/Ilion 1,603 2,721 4,729 1,675 71,249

Herkimer/

Mohawk 1,686 2,844 4,885 1,652 67,215

Kuyahoora 2,519 3,662 6,590 1,956 80,709

Little Falls 1,923 3,066 5,513 2,051 79,163

St. Bartholomew 258 392 793 314 11,895

Van Hornesville/

Jordanville 945 1,155 2,331 657 35,115

West Winfield 1,813 2,429 5,194 2,269 62,328

Salvation Army 942 1,513 2,652 922 39,630

Totals 13,526 21,826 39,335 13,813 523,603



Table 157

Number of

Children

Number of

Adults

Total

Individuals

Total

Households

Total

Meals

Dolgeville 1,835 4,407 7,144 2,519 88,899

Frankfort/Ilion 1,923 3,272 5,631 1,918 76,040

Herkimer/

Mohawk 1,356 3,033 4,775 1,677 70,151

Kuyahoora 2,388 3,622 6,429 1,920 78,903

Little Falls 2,164 3,495 6,347 2,219 84,389

St. Bartholomew 979 394 736 320 11,025

Van Hornesville/

Jordanville 979 1,206 2,378 623 35,640

West Winfield 1,778 2,157 4,832 2,220 57,435

Salvation Army 903 2,092 3,201 958 28,809

Totals 13,536 23,678 41,473 14,374 531,291



Table 158

Notes: * Data not available ** Salvation Army data not included. Please note while cross-examining data.

Tables 156 through 159 represent figures reported to the Food Bank of Central New York from

the following emergency feeding programs operating in Herkimer County: Frankfort/Ilion Food

Pantry, Ilion; Herkimer/Mohawk Food Pantry, Herkimer; Salvation Army Ministries Food Pantry

& Gleaning Program, Herkimer; SA Café (Soup Kitchen), Herkimer; Little Falls Food Pantry, Little

Falls; Van Hornesville/Jordanville Food Pantry, Van Hornesville; Dolgeville Food Pantry,

Dolgeville; Kuyahoora Food Pantry, Newport; West Winfield Food Pantry, West Winfield; St.

Bartholomew’s Food Pantry, Old Forge; Pinecrest Food Pantry, Salisbury Center; and the

Domestic Violence Program (Shelter), Ilion.

Food Sense

Food Sense is a food co-op program affiliated with the Food Bank of Central New York. The

cost per month of the program is $15.50 per package, paid in cash or food stamps at the time of

registration. Bonus items are also offered. Currently, Old Forge and Ilion are the two sites for

registrations and distribution in Herkimer County.


Number of

Children

Number of

Adults

Total

Individuals

Total

Households

Total

Meals

Dolgeville 1,787 4,265 7,003 2,435 88,722

Frankfort/Ilion 1,838 3,408 5,705 1,938 77,495

Herkimer/

Mohawk 1,822 3,326 5,364 1,844 80,460

Kuyahoora 2,230 3,644 6,290 1,861 78,557

Little Falls 2,348 3,796 6,909 2,395 91,652

St. Bartholomew 211 399 717 336 10,765

Van Hornesville/

Jordanville 478 674 1,261 347 18,915

West Winfield 1,502 2,334 4,265 2,047 55,857

Salvation Army* — — — — —

Totals** 12,216 21,846 37,514 13,203 472,423



Table 159

309


The totals in Table 145 for

2008 represent the most

households, individuals and

meals served in the history of

the emergency feeding

programs in Herkimer County.

This can be attributed, in part,

to: families’ low income as a

result of lay-offs, injuries,

work slowdowns, single head of

households, and low-paying

service jobs; the establishment

of two pantries in the outlying

areas reaching more people in

need: Old Forge (June ’05) and

Van Hornesville/Jordanville

(Mar. ’03), the establishment of a soup kitchen (Salvation Army Café) in 2004; and the rise in

energy costs which drove individuals to seek assistance program.

Food Pantry use is broken down by age group. Based on 2011 population estimates, seniors make

up 16.7% of the total population in Herkimer County, children under age 18 are 21.9% of the

total population.

Food Co-ops continue to offer an alternative to clients. Catholic Charities’ Food Sense Program,

as well as the Angel Food Ministries Program offered through area churches, provides

wholesome foods at lower-than-retail prices.

*Note: Soup kitchens and shelters do not report households served

Source: Food Pantry/Soup Kitchen Service Report—Food Bank of Central New York

2003 2004 2005 2002 2001 2000 2006 2007 2008

Children 14,880 18,074 18,562 12,740 17,043 14,221 18,183 15,512 17,651

Adults 18,403 25,721 26,630 17,228 22,972 17,064 28,460 26,019 32,730

Seniors 4,245 5,194 4,512 3,100 4,233 3,013 4283 4,306 6,452

Total

People

37,528 48,989 49,704 33,068 44,248 34,298 50,926 45,837 56,833

Total

Households

12,342 14,516 14,686 14,907 13,954 15,897

Total

Meals

397,565 474,340 508,826 359,434 339,886 281,235 513,717 483,585 556,000

Herkimer County Food Pantry/Soup Kitchen Usage, 2000–2008

Table 160


508

688

527 517

821

988917

965

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Food Sense Unit Totals

310

Graph 138


Herkimer County Poverty Among Seniors Age 65 & Over

Based on the 2006-2008 ACS, for individuals age 65 and over, the poverty rate for Herkimer

County (9.1%) is just under three percentage points lower than NYS for those below the poverty

level (11.8%). To meet their most basic needs many Seniors must utilize Food Pantries and HEAP

to supplement what they can purchase with their limited income.

In 2011, 11% of food pantry use was by Senior Citizens. The Food Pantry supplements what the

Senior can purchase with cash or Food Stamps (for those eligible for the program).

The Herkimer County Office for the Aging (OFA) processes HEAP applications for individuals

age 60+ and adults eligible for Supplemental Security Income living in their own household.

Anyone on Food Stamps would receive HEAP automatically and these individuals do not need to

apply for HEAP. Therefore Graph 138 on the following page, depicting applications processed by

OFA for individuals 60+ does not capture the total number of individuals 60+ receiving HEAP.

Income eligibility for HEAP extends beyond the poverty level, that is, the income eligibility is

set above the poverty level and does not count assets. The percentage above Federal Poverty

Level is set by HEAP each heating season. So, someone can have assets (savings & investments)


Graph 139

Elderly, 11%

Adults, 58%

Children, 31%

Food Pantry Use by Age - 2011

311

and still be eligible for HEAP as only the interest and dividends are counted as income. For

Emergency HEAP, there is an asset test however. According to the 2000 Census, 10.4% of

seniors aged 65 and over had incomes at or below the poverty level ($696 per month at that

time.) It appears then that there are many seniors in Herkimer County who are eligible for

HEAP but do not apply.

Herkimer County DSS Adult Protective Services

Since 2007, the number of cases needing information and referral services has increased

because local utility companies began making referrals to Herkimer County Adult Protective

Services when an individual was pending termination of services. In 2007, 62 referrals and in

2008, 125 referrals were received on households that had received a disconnect notice.


619 683795

959 9191,102

1,448 1,405 1,463 1,531

1,575 1,623 1,457

1,612 1,757

1,500 1,482

1,295

0

500

1000

1500

2000

94-95 95-96 96-97 97-98 98-99 99-00 00-01 01-02 02-03 03-04 04-05 05-06 06-07 07-08 08-09 09-10 10-11 11-12

HEAP Applications Processed by OFA

Clients Age 60+ & SSI

Graph 140


312


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61

313


Food Bank of Central New York



NYS Department of Education

United Way

DATA SOURCES


Herkimer County Office Building—Mary Street

314

Economic Security Health Coverage

People with inadequate or no health insurance often forego routine preventative care. Some

health problems may not be treated until they become more serious. This adds tremendous cost

to an already costly health care system, and can add stress to families’ lives. Parents who are

physically ill or suffer from an untreated mental illness do not function well as parents to their

children. (Maine Marks, 2003)


WHERE WE STAND

Graph 141

Medicaid Only Monthly Average Eligible Individuals by Category

2000–2011

Source: New York State Department of Health

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

SafetyNet Children 4 8 17 26 32 46 45 34 47 57 62 63

SafetyNet Adults 86 72 87 108 105 108 120 119 150 138 138 174

TANF Children 484 404 383 343 374 357 396 292 317 365 401 437

TANF Adults 188 223 181 169 164 149 128 132 145 169 184 195

SSI 1613 1571 1611 1620 1619 1655 1683 1723 1780 1802 1793 1842

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

315

Data from the NYSDOH, as of 2011, indicate 13,971 individuals were receiving some type of

services through Medicaid. Based on population estimates for 2011 this translates to about

21.8% of Herkimer County Residents.

The number of Herkimer County Residents receiving Medicaid benefits has trended up since at

least 2000. In 2000, the number of eligible individuals was just over 2,300 and increased to

about 2,700 in 2011. The largest increases were in the number of children eligible for TANF and

those eligible for Family Health Plus.

According to the 2005 Herkimer County HealthNet Community Survey, of those receiving

government assisted Healthcare, 28% said they have Medicare coverage and only 7% responded

that they receive Medicaid.


Percent Receiving Government Assisted

Healthcare Coverage


Graph 142

28

75 4

55

1

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Medicare Medicaid Medicare &

Medicaid

Other

Government

Program

None Not Sure

316

Table 162

HIICAP (Health Insurance Information, Counseling & Assistance Program)

HIICAP is a federally-funded program from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

(CMS). HIICAP is administered by the New York State Office for the Aging through the

Herkimer County Office for the Aging and operated by Catholic Charities of Herkimer County.

The program has been in existence in Herkimer County since 2006. The HIICAP counselors

provide information, education and counseling about Medicare and other health insurances.

Trained staff and volunteers answer questions and facilitate enrollments. The service is both

free and unbiased.

HIICAP helps clients:

• understand the Medicare prescription drug benefit (Medicare Part D) and how to select the

best plan;

• apply for Extra Help on-line, facilitate Medicare Part D, Medigap, and Medicare Advantage

Plan enrollments

• complete applications for the Medicare Savings Plan;

• apply for assistance through the Patient Assistance Programs;

• assist with enrollments into EPIC;

• choose between original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans including HMOs, PPOs,

Special Needs Plans and Private Fee-for-Service-Plans;

• discover ways to fill in Medicare’s gaps in services;

• explore New York State Partnership for Long Term Care options;

• file insurance claims and deal with paperwork; advocate on behalf of the client with suppliers

and providers regarding healthcare billing and coverage.

The HIICAP program has seen a sharp increase in client contacts since 2006. This is due to on-

going changes affecting Medicare beneficiaries; EPIC changes; employers dropping coverage;

seniors needing to apply for benefits to cut costs, i.e. MSP and/or Extra Help programs; aging of

the baby-boomer generation; and word-of-mouth referrals. The HIICAP program experienced a

29% increase in client contacts for the first half of 2012 as compared to the same period in the

previous year.

The HIICAP office is located at Catholic Charities, 61 West Street, Ilion and can be reached by

calling 315-894-9917.


HIICAP Client Contacts 2006–2012


Year 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Client Contacts 358 698 1,068 1,093 1,409 2,028 2,613

317


Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage Program

The Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage Program (EPIC) is a New York State sponsored

prescription plan for senior citizens who need help paying for their prescriptions. Over 360,000

seniors already belong and are saving, on average, over 80% of the cost of their medicines. EPIC

can be used with other prescription coverage for greater benefits and savings. When purchasing

prescription drugs, the enrollee should show both of their cards at the pharmacy. There are

two plans available that seniors can participate in, based on income:

• Fee Plan: Single seniors with income up to $20,000 and married seniors with income

up to $26,000 are eligible for the Fee Plan; the cost to join this plan is based on

annual income. Seniors may pay their annual fee in quarterly installments.

• Deductible Plan: The Deductible plan is available to single seniors with income

between $20,001 and $35,000, and married seniors with income between $26,001 and

$50,000. This plan is designed to help seniors with high drug costs. There is no fee to

join the Deductible Plan. Those enrolled pay full price for their prescriptions until

they meet an annual deductible which is also based on income.

The majority of EPIC Enrollees in Herkimer County are enrolled in the Fee Plan for lower income

seniors. In 2006 only 20.7% of Seniors in Herkimer County were enrolled in the Deductible Plan

for Seniors with a higher income. In 2008 that number increased to 33.8%. Refer to chart on

the following page.

The total enrollment in EPIC for Herkimer County more than doubled from 1999–2003 and then

declined each year thereafter. Refer to chart on the following page. The reduction may be the

result of the new Medicare Part D program. When Medicare Part D was initiated, EPIC

contacted all enrollees and discovered unreported changes such as; individuals now in nursing

homes, individuals now eligible for Medicaid, and individuals who with Medicare Part D coverage

no longer required EPIC services.

Source: NYS Department of Health, EPIC Annual Reports

Table 163 EPIC Enrollees in Herkimer County, 2006–2010

9/30/06 9/30/07 9/30/08 9/30/09 9/30/10

2,798 -76

2,722 -58

2,664 -30

2,634 -53

2,581 Enrollees -2.72% -2.13% -1.13% -2.01%

318



Graph 144

EPIC Program

Total Herkimer County Enrollment

Graph 143

2,629

2,755

2,817

2,690

2,640 2,634

2,581

2,450

2,500

2,550

2,600

2,650

2,700

2,750

2,800

2,850

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010


319


Healthy New York

The Healthy NY program is designed to assist small business owners in providing their employees

and their employees’ families with the health insurance they need and deserve. In addition,

uninsured sole proprietors and workers whose employers do not provide health insurance may

also purchase comprehensive coverage directly through the Healthy NY program.

Healthy NY is designed

to encourage small

employers with 50 or

fewer employees to

offer health insurance

coverage to their

employees, dependents,

and other qualified

individuals. Healthy NY

is also available to

eligible working

uninsured individuals

including sole

proprietors. With this

program, eligible

individuals can purchase

the streamlined

benefits packages that

are available to

employees of small

businesses participating in the Healthy NY small business insurance program. The program

creates standardized health insurance benefit packages that are offered by all health

maintenance organizations (HMOs) in New York State. These packages are made more

affordable through State sponsorship, so that more uninsured small employers and uninsured

employed individuals are able to purchase health insurance coverage.

In Herkimer County residents utilizing Healthy NY has increased dramatically since 2002. In

2002, Herkimer County only had 20 Healthy NY participants. In 2011, Herkimer County had 382

participants.

Child Health Plus

New York State has a health insurance plan for kids, called Child Health Plus. Depending on the

family’s income, a child may be eligible to join either Child Health Plus A (formerly Children’s

Medicaid) or Child Health Plus B. To be eligible for either Child Health Plus A or B, children

must be under the age of 19 and be residents of New York State. Whether a child qualifies for

Source: NYSDOH, Managed Care Annual Enrollment Reports Graph 145

Herkimer County Healthy NY Enrollees, 2002-2011

20

104

232

382

460

533

255 255

403382

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

320


Child Health Plus A or Child Health

Plus B depends on gross family income.

Children who are not eligible for Child

Health Plus A can enroll in Child Health

Plus B, if they don’t already have

health insurance and are not eligible

for coverage under the public

employees’ state health benefits plan.

There is no monthly premium for

families whose income is less than 1.6

times the poverty level. Families with

somewhat higher incomes pay a

monthly premium per child, depending

on their income and family size. For

larger families, the monthly fee is

capped at three children. If the

family’s income is more than 2.5 times

the poverty level, they pay the full monthly premium charged by the health plan. There are no

co-payments for services under Child Health Plus.

From 2003 to 2011 the number of children on CHP increased from 1,388 to 2,203. That

represents a 58.7% increase. The increase has slowed to 3% from 2008 to 2011; from 1,914 to

2,203 enrollees.

NYS Long-Term Care Partnership Policies

In 1993, the New York State Partnership for Long-Term

Care was initiated in New York State in order to

encourage more people to purchase long term care

insurance policies. Under the Partnership program, if you

purchase a Partnership-approved long term care policy

and satisfy the duration requirements of your policy, you

can then apply for a special Medicaid program called

“Medicaid Extended Coverage”.

Long-Term Care Partnership Policies are Long-Term Care Insurance policies offered through

private carriers meeting state criteria. The policies exist in conjunction with Medicaid and when

the insurance benefits are exhausted the recipient automatically qualifies for Medicaid.

Long-term care can mean many different things but any chronic or disabling condition that

requires nursing care or constant supervision can bring on the need for long term care services.

Long term care means not only care in a nursing home, it can also mean nursing care in your own

home and help with the activities of daily living, such as dressing, eating, bathing and taking

medicine.

Source: NYS Department of Health

Table 164

2006 137

2008 167

2011 188

NYS Long-Term Care

Partnership Policies

Source: NYS Partnership for Long-Term Care

Graph 146

Herkimer County Child Health Plus Enrollees

1,3881,206

1,477

1,8231,914 1,979

2,141 2,175 2,203

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

321

Table 165

There are many different services that would fall under the definition of long-term care. These

services include institutional care, i.e., nursing facilities, or non-institutional care such as home

health care, personal care, adult day care, long term home health care, respite care and hospice

care.

There are other LTC insurance policies that do not classify as “partnership policies”; statistics

are not available on the number of these policies in Herkimer County. More information on LTC

insurance policies is available on the Herkimer County Office for the Aging’s web site

www.herkimercounty.org.

Herkimer County Discount Card

Herkimer County residents received their Discount Prescription Drug Program Cards May 26,

2009. Any county resident, regardless of age, income, or existing health coverage, can use the

card. There is no cost to county government or taxpayers. Herkimer County partnered with

ProAct, Inc. a regional pharmacy benefit management company, to provide the prescription drug

discount program. Participants can save 10 to 20 percent on brand name prescriptions and 20 to

50 percent on generic drugs.

New York Prescription Saver Card

NYS began to offer the New York Prescription Saver card for low-income residents ages 50 to

64 effective April 1, 2009. Low-income is defined as an annual household income of less than

$35,000 for an individual and $50,000 for a married couple. As of December 2009, there were

11,000 enrollees statewide. The average savings on prescriptions (generic and brand combined)

is 51%. The card can be used at participating pharmacies.


Month:

Total

Claims

Total

Cards

Used

Member Rx

Cost

Avg. Member

Rx Cost

Price

Savings

Avg. Price

Savings

% Price

Savings

2009 6,305 2,411 $175,687.01 $27.86 $126,655.57 $20.09 42%

2010 16,271 4,346 $411,979.64 $25.32 $348,951.18 $21.45 46%

2011 19,804 5,272 $437,948.52 $22.11 $487,525.30 $24.62 53%

2012 22,404 4,970 $442,612.18 $19.76 $651,206.42 $29.07 60%

Totals 64,784 16,999 $1,468,227.35 $23.76* $1,614,338.47 $23.81* 50%*

* Averages

Source: ProAct Inc.

322

http://www.herkimercounty.org/

Health Friends

Health Friends assists uninsured income eligible individuals residents acquire prescription

medication necessary to achieve and maintain good health, through drug companies’ indigent

programs. This is accomplished by direct purchase through authorization for prescription

medication for immediate need and through application for free medication from pharmaceutical

companies for long-term need (PAPS).

Health Friends is in its tenth year of operation and has provided $3.5 million worth of

prescription medication for the uninsured in our communities.

The monthly pharmacy program now costs

approximately $5,000 plus each month.

Medication samples from doctor’s offices

obtained to assist applicants are not reflected in

these statistics, nor is Health Friends advocacy

for other medical/insurance needs.

There has been a sharp drop in the dollar value of

medication assistance to Herkimer County

residents from Health Friends in 2007 and 2008

when compared to previous years. Numerous changes in other factors have contributed to this

phenomenon:

• Many individuals now “self” re-enroll for medication assistance programs through

pharmaceutical companies (enrollment is every three months for long-term need). Now there

are fewer visits for re-enrollment. Such individuals need visit us only once a year.

• Many brand name medications have gone generic and are no longer available on patient

assistance programs.

• Wal-Mart generic programs offer many $4 prescriptions, which many individuals access

rather than go through Health Friends.

• A new program of assistance called Bridges to Access offers two months of immediate

medication assistance with a $10 coupon. Often the individual in need can afford the cost.

When they cannot, it is covered by Health Friends.

• Other programs, such as RX Outreach and the Herkimer County Drug Discount Card are

available for generic medications with a small monthly cost. Many individuals have been using

these programs to realize their prescription needs.

• A number of applications for long term need can be faxed to pharmaceutical companies for

immediate enrollment, often saving the cost of an authorization.


Table 166

Health Friends Assistance to

Herkimer County Residents

2008 $21,709.00

2009 $27,956.00

2010 $36,786.00

2011 $39,588.00

2012 $38,240.00

Total $164,279.00

Source: Health Friends

323

While Health Friends usage is down Herkimer County residents now have access to more options

to meet their medication needs, and on the whole, this area of access to healthcare has

improved.


Herkimer County Residents Seen by HealthFriends

Clients Visits Number of RXs Purchased

Applications for Free

Medication

2010 158 182 264 141

2011 151 164 226 170

2012 149 166 284 112

Total 458 512 774 423

Table 167

Source: Health Friends

DATA SOURCES



Health Friends

New York State Department of Health, EPIC Annual Reports

http://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/epic/annual_reports.htm

New York State Department of Health, Managed Care Annual Enrollment Reports

http://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/managed_care/report/q_report.htm

New York State Department of Health, Medicaid Eligibles and Expenditures by County

http://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/health_care/medicaid/eligible_expenditures/

New York State Partnership for Long-Term Care

http://www.nyspltc.org/policysales.htm

ProAct Inc.

324

http://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/epic/annual_reports.htm

http://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/managed_care/report/q_report.htm

http://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/health_care/medicaid/eligible_expenditures/

http://www.nyspltc.org/policysales.htm

Economic Security Key Findings & Commentary

Income & Employment

U.S. median household income is $51,222; New York State, $55,217; and Herkimer County,

$42,383.

Herkimer County ranked 45th out of 62 New York State Counties in Per Capita Personal Income.

Herkimer County experienced a 4.8% growth in this category from 2009 to 2010; the 9th largest

increase out of the 62 counties in NYS.

28.3% of Herkimer County households have incomes under $25,000 annually.

11% of Herkimer County residents have incomes over $100,000 annually as opposed to NYS with

24.8% and the United States with 20.8%.

Unemployment rate data for Herkimer County from 1990 through 2012 shows;

Herkimer County’s unemployment rate was better (lower) than that of the United States

from 2001–2003 and 2009–2011, but was worse than the United States rate in all other

years in this time period.

Herkimer County’s unemployment rate was better (lower) than that of New York

State from 2000–2004 and again from 2009-2010, but was worse than the state rate

in all other years in this time period.

Of the comparable-sized counties, Herkimer had the lowest average annual wage each year

from 2000–2011. Only 3 counties had a lower 2000–2011 growth rate in wages than Herkimer

County’s wage growth of 35.9% percent: Livingston County (+34.4%), Warren County (+35.1%)

and Washington County (+35.1%). Otsego County had the largest increase over the period of

43.2%. Herkimer County’s growth rate was comparable to the NYS minus NYC rate of 35.97%

but below the region rate of 39.1% and the total NYS rate of 36.2%.

Private industry makes up 73.22% of employment and 70.02% of total payroll in Herkimer County.

Trade, Transportation & Utilities is the largest employment sector in Herkimer County followed by

the Manufacturing sector. The Natural Resources, Mining & Construction sector has the highest

average annual pay of any private employment sector.

Employment in both Private & Government sectors decreased between 2006 & 2011 in

Herkimer County. The sector with the largest decrease was the Unclassified sector (-89.5%),

followed by the Information sector (-59.1%). The sector with the largest increase was the

Private Educational & Health Services sector (11.2%).

Poverty (Extreme Economic Deprivation)

As of the 2008-2010 American Community Survey, 18.2% of Children under the age of 18 and

11.4% of Adults (ages 18-64) in Herkimer County live below the Federal Poverty level. This

translates to one out of every ten families (10.3%) in Herkimer County living in poverty. which in

2012 would be a family of four earning $23,050 or less annually.

325

0…..


According to the 2000 Census and 2008-2010 ACS, the percent of Female-Headed Families in

poverty increased from 23.2% to 31.3%. Herkimer County Female Headed Households in

Poverty with Children Present in the Home increased from 71% in 1970 to 91% in 2000, and has

decreased to 83% according to the 2008-2010 ACS.

Economic Assistance for Basic Needs

HEAP benefits are authorized for emergencies such as; impending fuel shut offs, and furnace

replacement or repair. Total benefits authorized in 2011 for Herkimer County was over 5.1

million, which is an increase of 77.2% over 2008.

The TANF/Safety Net caseload steadily increased from 2005 through 2005, then stabilized

through 2008. In 2009 it experienced a dramatic decrease and has since stabilized.

Food Stamp cases have increased by 94.3% from 2002 through 2011 broken down as follows;

Non-Temporary has increased 100.8% from 2002 through 2011

Temporary has increased 75.7% from 2002 through 2011

The usage of local pantries peeked in 2012. Pantries have been seen as a supplemental vs. an

emergency safety net for over ten years. This means that clients may access local pantries on

a monthly basis if necessary.

In 2011, Herkimer County Food Pantries and Soup Kitchens provided 472,423 meals. In 2008

the figure was 26,297 meals. There has been a dramatic increase in demand for meals.

In 2011, 11% of food pantry use was by Senior Citizens.

When comparing Herkimer County schools to New York State averages in the most recent data

available, all districts are below the state average for free lunches but above the state

average for reduced lunches (with the exception of the Town of Webb & Mohawk School

Districts). Overall the numbers show a high number of students receiving free or reduced

lunch in Herkimer County.

Health Coverage

Data from the NYSDOH, as of 2011, indicate 13,971 individuals were receiving some type of

services through Medicaid. Based on population estimates for 2011 this translates to about

21.8% of Herkimer County Residents.

The HIICAP program has seen a sharp increase in client contacts since 2006; 358 in 2006 to

2,613 in 2012.This is due to on-going changes affecting Medicare beneficiaries; EPIC

changes; employers dropping coverage; seniors needing to apply for benefits to cut costs,

MSP’s; and Extra-Help; aging of the baby-boomer generation; and word-of-mouth referrals.

The HIICAP program experienced a 29% increase in client contacts for the 2012 calendar

year as compared to the same period in the previous year.

The Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage Program (EPIC) is a New York State sponsored

prescription plan for senior citizens who need help paying for their prescriptions. The total 326


enrollment in EPIC for Herkimer County more than doubled from 1999-2003 and has declined

each year thereafter. As of 2010 there were 2,581 enrollees from Herkimer County, a 4%

decrease from 2007.

From 2003 to 2011 the number of children on CHP increased from 1,388 to 2,203. That

represents a 58.7% increase. The increase has slowed to 3% from 2008 to 2011; from 1,914

to 2,203 enrollees.

Herkimer County began a Discount Prescription Drug Program on May 26, 2009. Any county

resident, regardless of age, income, or existing health coverage, can use the card. There is no

cost to county government or taxpayers. Herkimer County partnered with ProAct, Inc. a

regional pharmacy benefit management company, to provide the prescription drug discount

program. Participants can save 10 to 20 percent on brand name prescriptions and 20 to 50

percent on generic drugs. Average savings in 2012 were 50% for participants and on average

saved 50% from 2009-2012. Additionally, the total number of cards used has doubled since

2009.

Health Friends assists uninsured income eligible residents acquire prescription medication to

achieve and maintain good health, through drug companies’ indigent programs. From 2008 to

2012 Herkimer County residents received $164,279.00 in assistance with prescription drugs.

327

Education K-12 Demographics & Environment

Our public schools are mandated to serve all children in grades K–12, and many local districts

provide a Pre-K experience or send children to a BOCES Pre-K program. Studying the

demographics and enrollment trends in our region is an important step in predicting staffing

needs, program needs and school budgets. With the recent educational accountability standards

set forth in the No Child Left Behind Act, there are even greater pressures on schools to

account for the effectiveness of their curricular, instructional, and assessment practices. Data-

driven decision making, therefore, becomes even more critical in our efforts to lead our schools

and help our children be all that they can be. Understanding issues regarding poor attendance,

attitudes towards school, safety concerns and completion rates is vital to identify at-risk

behaviors that interfere with successfully completing an educational program. At-risk school aged

behaviors impact all community agencies, and the community needs to work together to help

students become productive, successful citizens.


WHERE WE STAND

Source: NYS Education Department: Accountability and Overview Report

Table 168

Enrollment by Grade Level All Herkimer County School Districts 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 2009–10 2010–11

Pre-K 295 229 257 355 350 330

Kindergarten 731 743 740 749 736 696

Grade 1 768 726 781 755 755 769

Grade 2 730 756 700 721 724 748

Grade 3 715 711 752 714 729 729

Grade 4 735 727 718 736 710 736

Grade 5 772 855 746 710 751 718

Grade 6 859 782 769 737 734 750

Ungraded Elementary 57 42 29 42 42 13

Grade 7 846 906 832 795 764 773

Grade 8 882 834 926 829 817 768

Grade 9 1006 927 876 922 847 832

Grade 10 886 929 877 819 898 793

Grade 11 855 862 898 840 771 837

Grade 12 781 812 848 872 807 760

Ungraded Secondary 38 22 14 35 13 10

Total Enrollment PreK–12 10,956 10,863 10,763 10,631 10,448 10,262

328

The table on the preceding page lists the number of students that are enrolled by grade level in

Herkimer County school districts for 2005 through 2011. During this time period, pre-

Kindergarten enrollment has increased by approximately 12%. During the 2004 school year,

No Child Left Behind criteria changed regarding “ungraded students”. By grade three, when the

New York State assessments begin, all students must be aligned with a grade level and cohort

group.

The table below reflects the enrollment for all Herkimer County School Districts for the

2005/2006, 2006/2007, 2007/2008, 2008/2009, 2009/2010, and 2010/2011 academic years.

This chart does not include pre-Kindergarten students. School districts in Herkimer County

have experienced slight fluctuations in enrollment. Overall, there has been a decline of

729 students enrolled between the 2005/2006 and 2010/2011 school years.

Education K–12 Demographics & Environment

Enrollment by District—Herkimer County

2005–2006 2006–2007 2007–2008 2008–2009 2009–2010 2010–2011

Dolgeville 946 936 912 913 902 879

Frankfort-Schuyler 1,161 1,142 1,217 1,200 1,209 1,183

Herkimer 1,249 1,227 1,229 1,216 1,200 1,212

Ilion 1,673 1,710 1,623 1,601 1,570 1,578

Little Falls 1,140 1,155 1,179 1,157 1,162 1,178

Mohawk 957 950 935 914 875 813

Mount Markham 1,369 1,342 1,335 1,293 1,243 1,216

Owen D. Young 206 222 213 230 218 207

Poland 706 716 697 665 639 630

West Canada Valley 899 867 849 800 786 746

Town of Webb 355 312 315 287 294 290

Source: NYS Education Department: Accountability and Overview Report

Table 169

329

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331

School Environment

The Safe Schools Against Violence In Education (SAVE) Act enacted in November 2000 required

a Uniform Violent Incident Reporting System. School districts are required to report annually to

the New York State Education Department (NYSED) all alleged, violent and disruptive behavior

through the Violent and Disruptive Incidents Reports (VADIR). VADIR data is used to identify

schools considered “persistently dangerous”, which is a federal requirement under the No Child

Left Behind Act. Beyond the “persistently dangerous” identification, the VADIR does not

characterize or rank order schools on the basis of violence. No comparative data, therefore, is

presented here.

None of the schools within Herkimer County have been designated as persistently dangerous in

any of the years of reporting. Of the 21 categories of violent and disruptive behaviors, there

were no incidences reported across Herkimer County in the last audited year in 10 of those

categories. Many of these categories are serious crimes, such as homicide, forcible sex

offenses, and crimes committed with weapons. Below is the total number of reported incidences

(not numbers of students) for each of the 12 remaining categories:


Table 171 VADIR Summary 2010–2011 Herkimer County Schools

Category # Definition

Minor Altercations 215 Minor altercations involving physical contact but no physical injury.

Harassment/

Bullying

133 Intimidation, harassment, menacing or bullying with no physical contact but

intentionally placing another person in fear of imminent physical injury.

Criminal Mischief 14 Intentional or reckless damaging of school property or the property of another

person, including but not limited to vandalism and the defacing of property with

graffiti.

Endangerment 10 Subjecting individuals to danger by recklessly engaging in conduct that creates a

grave risk of death or serious injury but no actual physical injury.

Weapons

Possession

9 A list of several weapons is provided, including not only guns and knives, but

firecrackers, imitation guns and slingshots.

Larceny or Other

Theft

7 Unlawful taking and carrying away of personal property with intent to deprive the

rightful owner of property. Permanently or unlawfully withholding property from

another.

Assault with

Physical Injury

21 Intentional or reckless act causing impairment of physical condition or substantial

pain.

Drugs 29 Use, possession or sale.

Alcohol 6 Use, possession or sale.

Other Sex

Offenses

5 Involving inappropriate sexual contact (no forcible compulsion.)

False Alarm 0 Falsely activating a fire alarm or other disaster alarm.

Other Disruptive

Behaviors

515 Disruption to the educational process serious enough to lead to one or more

disciplinary consequences.

Source: NYS Education Department, Violent and Disruptive Incidents Reports 2010–11 332


Source: NYS Education Department, Violent and Disruptive Incidents Reports

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

VADIR Summary 2007–2011

Herkimer County Schools

2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011

Graph 148

333



0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Minor Altercations Totals

2007–2011

2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011

Graph 149

334


Bullying

One behavior of concern for parents, youth and schools is bullying. The 2005 Herkimer County

Teen Assessment Project (TAP) Survey reported that one in five youth felt constantly teased,

threatened or harassed by other youth. An analysis of the TAP Survey responses found that

those students who admit to having been bullied are more likely to experience unhealthy and

anti-social behaviors.

• Among those that have ever drank alcohol, those that experienced bullying were more likely

to use alcohol at least once a week (20% of teens who experienced bullying versus 13% of

those that haven’t felt bullied)

• Youth were more likely to have ever tried someone else’s prescriptions (13% versus 8%)

• Were more likely to have ever misused over the counter drugs (25% versus 13%)

• Were more likely to feel unsafe at school (45% versus 20%)

• Were more likely to have missed school in the past year because they felt unsafe (23%

versus 10%), and

• Were more likely to feel unsafe in their communities (35% versus 17%)

• Youth were also more likely to have attempted suicide in the past year (20% versus 9%)

• Among those that have tried to commit suicide in the past year, youth were more likely to

have been injured during a suicide attempt to the point it required medical attention (26%

versus 23%)


0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

VADIR Bullying Totals

2007–2011

2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011

Graph 150

335


Negative Family, School and Community Integration

The Herkimer County Teen Assessment Project (TAP) obtains responses from 7th, 9th, and 11th

graders in all the school districts in Herkimer County. Results from the TAP Survey for all

school districts except West Winfield (Mt. Markham) are included in TAP results reported in

this document.

Following is a crosswalk of issues and their relationship to negative family integration, negative

school integration, and negative community integration. The issues highlighted in Table 157 are

all behaviors that impinge on the youths present/future health and well being. Youths who

experience negative family, school, or community integration in every case have a higher

prevalence of behavioral issues than youth not experiencing negative family, school and

community integration.

Issue Negative Family

Integration

Negative School

Integration

Negative Community

Integration

Ever Smoked 2X as likely 2X as likely 2X as likely

Ever Drank 1.5X as likely 1.5X as likely 1.5X as likely

Ever Used Marijuana ~2X as likely 2X as likely ~2X as likely

Cutting/Self Mutilate 3X as likely 2+X as likely 2+X as likely

Depression 3X as likely 2X as likely 2X as likely

Suicide Ideation 4X as likely 3X as likely 3X as likely

Suicide Planning 5X as likely 3X as likely 4X as likely

Suicide Attempt 5X as likely 4X as likely 4X as likely

Ever Sexually Active 1.5X as likely 1.5X as likely 1.5X as likely

Sexually Promiscuous 2.5X as likely 2.5X as likely 2.5X as likely

Feel Bullied 2X as likely 2.5X as likely 2.5X as likely

Bullied Others 2X as likely 2X as likely 2X as likely

Had Violent Relationship

GF/BF 3X as likely 2.5X as likely 2X as likely

Bullied Online 2X as likely 2X as likely 2X as likely

Bullied Others Online 2.5X as likely 2.5X as likely 2.5X as likely

Table 172


Negative Family, School and Community Integration

Crosswalk of Behavioral Issues

336


Herkimer County Teen Assessment Project Survey 2009

New York State Department of Education, Comprehensive Information Report

New York State Department of Education, New York State Report Cards

https://reportcards.nysed.gov/

New York State Department of Education, Violent and Disruptive Incidents Reports

http://www.p12.nysed.gov/irs/vadir/

DATA SOURCES

McCauley Mountain Scenic Overlook

337


http://www.p12.nysed.gov/irs/vadir/

Education Attendance & Completion Rates


WHERE WE STAND

High School graduates earn substantially more than persons who leave high school without

graduating. High School drop-outs have lower earnings, experience more unemployment, and are

more likely to end up on welfare and/or in prison than their peers who complete high school or

college. Women who drop out of high school are more likely to become pregnant and give birth

at a young age, and are more likely to become single parents (Maine Marks, June 2003).

The table above illustrates the Attendance and Suspension rates for all Herkimer County School

Districts for the 2003/04 through 2009/10 academic years. Herkimer County’s average

attendance rate (and every individual school district rate) was above New York State’s average

Table 173 Attendance & Suspension Rates

District

2003–2004 2004–2005 2005–2006 2006–2007 2007–2008 2008–2009 2009–2010

Attend

%

Susp.

%

Attend

%

Susp.

%

Attend

%

Susp.

%

Attend

%

Susp.

%

Attend

%

Susp.

%

Attend

%

Susp.

%

Attend

%

Susp.

%

Dolgeville 95.6 3.1 95 4 95 5 96 5 96 4 95 4 95 4

Frankfort-

Schuyler 93.6 4.5 93 5 94 3 94 5 95 8 94 7 94 7

Herkimer 95 7.3 94 8 94 8 94 7 94 5 94 5 94 4

Ilion 95.6 4.1 95 7 95 6 94 5 95 9 95 7 95 2

Little Falls 94 4.2 95 9 96 6 95 7 96 3 97 5 95 5

Mohawk 93.2 3.6 94 4 93 5 93 5 93 3 93 4 93 6

Mt. Markham 95.1 3.5 95 4 95 2 95 3 95 3 95 2 95 2

Owen D.

Young 95.4 1.3 96 3 97 5 95 0 94 3 95 4 94 3

Poland 95 4.3 95 3 96 1 96 2 96 3 96 2 96 5

Town of

Webb 94.6 5.3 95 0 95 7 95 3 95 7 95 3 94 2

West Canada

Valley 96.4 3.3 96 4 96 3 95 3 96 3 96 4 95 3

Herkimer

County

Average

94.9 4.0 94.8 4.6 95.1 4.6 94.7 4.1 95.0 4.6 95.0 4.3 94.5 3.9

New York

State

Average

92.7 4.8 93 5 93 6 93 5 93 5 93 5 93 5

Source: NYS Department of Education-Accountability and Overview Report

338


attendance rate for each academic year during this time period. The average suspension rate

for Herkimer County schools has also been consistently below that of the New York State rate

for the same period, although some districts within the county have higher suspension rates in a

given year when compared to the NYS average rate.

For those youth not

completing high school, having

an opportunity to obtain a

General Educational

Development (GED) is

extremely important. Table

174 lists the number of GED

classes that have been held

by Herkimer BOCES and the

number of Herkimer County

youth between the ages of 16

and 21 that were enrolled for

the academic years

1999/2000 through

2011/2012.

In 2006, the funding that

supported the GED programs

for youth age 19 to 21 was

discontinued; as a result, the

classes held during the

2006/07 academic year to

the present are for eligible school age students

only (students between the ages of 16 to 18 and

those enrolled in an Individualized Education

Program—IEP).

Project Connect began in Herkimer County in June

2001 to work with youth who had dropped out of

school and who are between the ages of 16 and 21,

economically disadvantaged, deficient in basic

skills and who were unemployed or underemployed.

Its prime goal was to return students to their

home high schools, where they could receive a

Regents Diploma. Depending upon a student’s age

and circumstances, an array of other options were

Table 174

School Year Classes Youth Per Year

1999–2000 4 60

2000–2001 4 98

2001–2002 4 92

2002–2003 4 83

2003–2004 4 120

2004–2005 4 94

2005–2006 4 69

2006–2007 2 61

2007–2008 2 60

2008–2009 2 50

2009-2010 2 62

2010-2011 2 113

2011-2012 2 115

GED Classes & Youth Per Year at Herkimer BOCES

Source: Herkimer BOCES

School Year Number of Students

2001–2002 169

2002–2003 149

2003–2004 184

2004–2005 137

2005–2006 138

2006–2007 Program Discontinued

Total 777

Table 175

Youth Enrolled in Project Connect

by School Year

Source: Herkimer BOCES 339


explored, from helping students to earn a GED

to gaining work experience. Project Connect was

discontinued in the fall of 2006 due to a lack of

grant funding.

Project ReConnect began in 2007 when funding,

once again, became available. Like Project

Connect, Project ReConnect is intended to be a

single point of entry for youth at least 18 years

old, who have dropped out of school and want to

improve their education and job opportunities,

and are, ideally, expected to complete the

program in a year. Each person is tested, goals

are set and an individual plan developed. Small

stipends can be paid for predetermined

milestones for WIA (Workforce Investment

Act) eligible students.

Herkimer County, on average, has a consistently better dropout rate than New York State.

Individual school district dropout rates vary. Detailed information by school district is included

in the table on the following page.


Tables 176

Youth Enrolled in Project ReConnect

by School Year

School Year Number of Students

2007–2008 77

2008–2009 86

2009-2010 70

2010-2011 72

2011-2012 85

Total 390

Graph 151

Source: NYS Department of Education: Comprehensive Information Report

4.5%4.4%

3.2%

2.9%2.7% 2.7% 2.7%2.7%

2.5%

1.7%

2.5%2.2%

1.3%

1.8%

0%

1%

2%

3%

4%

5%

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Percentage of Annual High School Dropouts

NYS Herkimer County Average

340


Data on dropout rates from the 2004/2005 school year and forward are based on a newly

implemented system that measures high school students as a cohort starting in 9th grade and

continuing through the completion of 12th grade. It is hoped that this system will more

accurately reflect the dropout rate than the previous method. Prior to this new method, only

those students who began but did not complete their senior year were counted as dropouts. The

new method still does not take into account how many of these dropouts may return to school to

obtain their GED.

SCHOOL

DISTRICT

2005–

2006

2006–

2007

2007–

2008

2008–

2009

2009–

2010

2010–

2011

Dolgeville 2 2 2 2 1 1

Frankfort-Schuyler 2 2 4 2 1 2

Herkimer 7 4 4 5 3 4

Ilion 2 3 2 3 2 2

Little Falls 3 1 5 4 2 3

Mohawk 4 3 2 3 2 1

Mount Markham 2 1 3 2 2 1

Owen D. Young 1 1 2 2 0 2

Poland 1 0 1 0 1 0

Town of Webb 2 1 0 0 0 2

West Canada

Valley 2 1 2 1 0 2

Herkimer County

Average 2.5 1.7 2.5 2.2 1.3 1.8

NYS 4.4 3.2 2.9 2.7 2.7 2.7

Percentage of High School Dropouts—Herkimer County & NYS

Source: NYS Department of Education: Comprehensive Information Report

Table 177

341

Herkimer BOCES

New York State Department of Education, Comprehensive Information Report



DATA SOURCES


SCHOOL

DISTRICT

Cohort

Entering Graduates Percentage

Dolgeville 76 57 75.0%

Frankfort-Schuyler 99 80 80.8%

Herkimer 108 74 68.5%

Ilion 117 94 80.3%

Little Falls 97 79 81.4%

Mohawk 78 58 74.4%

Mount Markham 112 92 82.1%

Owen D. Young 24 21 87.5%

Poland 66 51 77.3%

Town of Webb 27 26 96.3%

West Canada Valley 60 44 73.3%

Total 864 676 78.2%

Four Year Completion by District 2007–2011

Source: NYS Department of Education

Table 178

342


Education Academic Proficiency


WHERE WE STAND

Research overwhelmingly reveals that the early childhood years are the single most important

period of time during which literacy development occurs in a person’s life (National Association

for the Education of Young Children, 1998; Slegers, 1996). Young children’s literacy learning

benefits greatly from adults who are responsive to their interests and sensitive to their current

level of language development (Slegers, 1996). Young children also need adults to play with, talk

with, sing to, and with whom to do finger plays and other learning games. This can be facilitated

in preschool, as can positive and nurturing relationships with teachers who can model reading and

writing behaviors, engage in responsive conversations, and foster children’s interests in learning

to read and write (NAEYC, 1998; Teale & Yokota, 2000).

Beginning in the late elementary grades, academic failure increases the risk that youth will

engage in problem behaviors. Children fail for many reasons, yet it seems that the experience of

failure, not necessarily the lack of ability, increases risk.

The table below identifies the number of pre-Kindergarten students that were enrolled in a

Pre-K program operated by Herkimer BOCES. Full Day enrollment is every other day, M/W or

T/TH plus every other Friday. Half day enrollment is every day (M–F).

Schools are meant to provide educational opportunities for all children, to enhance their chances

to succeed and learn, regardless of a child’s needs for support. For children with special

learning-related needs, being ready to enter school and to succeed in school partly depends upon

having had early intervention and perhaps having ongoing supports in place at the time of school

entry for the child and family (Maine Marks, June 2003).

Full Day Half Day

2003–2004 137 94

2004–2005 153 95

2005–2006 159 92

2006–2007 145 104

2007–2008 92 64

2008–2009 86 72

2009–2010 94 66

2010–2011 101 63

2011–2012 98 64

Pre-K Students for Herkimer BOCES


Table 179

343

Children Receiving Preschool Special Education Programs 2003–2013

The table above illustrates the number of Herkimer County children that have received

preschool special education services from 2003–2013. Preschool Special Education Services are

provided to children ages 3 and 4 that are found to be qualified to receive these services after

a multidisciplinary evaluation. Services range from in-home therapies to intensive facility-based

programs. Costs for these services can range from $20,000 to $44,000 per child per year, not

including transportation costs.

Testing Proficiency

The New York State Department of Education requires that every 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade

student be tested in English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics and Science. The tests’ results

are broken down into the following categories:

• Level 1: These students have serious academic deficiencies.

• Level 2: These students need extra help to meet the standards and pass the Regents exam.

• Level 3: These students meet the standards and, with continued steady growth, should pass

the Regents exam.

• Level 4: These students exceed the standards and are moving toward high performance on

the Regents exam.

A student is deemed to have proficiency in the subject area if they score at Level 3 or Level 4.

The charts on the next few pages describe the results of the 4th and 8th grade tests for

students in Herkimer County School Districts and New York State.


Total

Children

Half Day

BOCES

Full Day

BOCES

Half Day

out of

County

Promise 1:1 Aide EIP

Referral

Out of

County

Referral

Full Day

out of

County

2012-13 31 6 25 0 2 N/A 35 N/A N/A

2011-12 32 8 24 1 2 N/A 3 N/A N/A

2010-11 36 11 25 1 2 N/A 6.5 N/A N/A

2009-10 46 12 34 0 0 4 6 24 N/A

2008-09 41.75 12 29 0 0.75 5 5.5 25 N/A

2007-08 30 12 17 0 1 4 4.5 27 N/A

2006-07 30.25 12 18 0 3 3 25 3 0.25

2005-06 28 11 14 0.5 4 4.5 41 1 2.5

2004-05 30 11 18 0 0 5.5 N/A N/A 1

2003-04 22.5 6.5 15 0 1 N/A 4 N/A N/A

Source: Herkimer BOCES & Herkimer County Public Health Table 180

344


Table 181

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Dolgeville 53% 57% 60% 53% 65% 64% 34% 50%

Frankfort 75% 76% 80% 69% 70% 85% 74% 78%

Herkimer 70% 82% 68% 78% 82% 83% 57% 53%

Ilion 52% 65% 69% 67% 69% 74% 52% 53%

Little Falls 58% 71% 73% 71% 76% 75% 55% 49%

Mohawk 55% 69% 66% 74% 78% 78% 50% 49%

Mount Markham 56% 71% 61% 69% 65% 78% 47% 59%

Owen D. Young 91% 75% 75% 88% 92% 80% 50% 61%

Poland 47% 75% 72% 59% 81% 76% 56% 43%

West Canada Valley 60% 74% 67% 67% 69% 75% 72% 50%

Town of Webb 70% 74% 89% 83% 87% 100% 69% 44%

Source: NYSED: Accountability and Overview Report

62.5%

71.3% 70.9% 70.7%

75.8% 78.9%

56.0%53.5%

64.3%62.2%

70.4%68.0%

70.0%

77.0%

57.0% 57.0%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Percent Proficient in English Language Arts

Grade 4

Herkimer NYSGraph 152 Source: NYSED: Accountability and Overview Report

345



Table 182


84.8%

89.1%

83.6% 85.2%87.5% 88.6%

61.0%

66.0%

79.0%85.0%

78.0% 80.0% 84.0%

87.0%

64.0%67.0%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Percentage Proficient in Math Grade 4

Herkimer NYS

Graph 153

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Dolgeville 80% 86% 89% 79% 89% 77% 54% 68%

Frankfort 90% 86% 80% 86% 87% 97% 79% 89%

Herkimer 87% 90% 86% 89% 91% 88% 61% 57%

Ilion 73% 83% 74% 71% 82% 82% 50% 67%

Little Falls 79% 85% 78% 82% 81% 77% 53% 51%

Mohawk 74% 87% 82% 90% 88% 96% 71% 46%

Mount Markham 73% 89% 76% 88% 80% 88% 65% 76%

Owen D. Young 100% 100% 75% 100% 92% 90% 43% 87%

Poland 91% 89% 92% 80% 94% 87% 59% 44%


Town of Webb 100% 92% 95% 92% 97% 100% 56% 61%

346

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Dolgeville 85% 84% 98% 95% 93% 81% 82% 95%

Frankfort 93% 83% 98% 98% 92% 97% 98% 96%

Herkimer 92% 90% 96% 96% 91% 91% 93% 90%

Ilion 79% 79% 88% 83% 86% 90% 89% 88%

Little Falls 93% 94% 94% 96% 87% 94% 95% 88%

Mohawk 86% 94% 93% 98% 93% 91% 90% 87%

Mount Markham 82% 89% 91% 91% 84% 91% 94% 94%

Owen D. Young 100% 94% 100% 100% 93% 95% 100% 96%

Poland 96% 89% 96% 94% 96% 89% 95% 87%


Town of Webb 97% 97% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 89%

Table 183



90.6% 89.5%95.7% 95.1%

90.8% 92.1% 94.0% 91.3%

78.8% 80.2%86.0% 85.0%

70.0%

88.0% 88.0% 88.0%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Percentage Proficient in Science Grade 4

Herkimer NYS


Graph 154

347

At the Grade 4 level:

• For English Language Arts, Herkimer County students performed better, on average,

than all the students in NYS commencing in 2004 and each year thereafter until 2010.

• For Math, Herkimer County students performed better, on average, than all the stu-

dents in NYS for 2004 and each year thereafter until 2010.

• For Science, Herkimer County students performed better, on average, than all the

students in NYS for 2004 and each year thereafter.

At Grade 8 Level:

• For English and Math, Herkimer County students, on average, did worse than the NYS

rate except for 2008 and 2009 when rates were about the same.

• For Science, Herkimer County students, on average, were consistently better than the

NYS rate in every year.


General Herkimer Home Historic Site

348


2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Dolgeville 47% 34% 42% 42% 58% 60% 51% 36%

Frankfort 47% 51% 55% 63% 57% 74% 55% 51%

Herkimer 45% 47% 33% 44% 60% 61% 42% 49%

Ilion 36% 47% 33% 48% 46% 66% 49% 41%

Little Falls 50% 40% 51% 51% 48% 73% 47% 48%

Mohawk 41% 45% 46% 54% 53% 81% 59% 54%

Mount Markham 41% 52% 66% 58% 56% 79% 59% 48%

Owen D. Young 46% 44% 25% 30% 80% 54% 52% 35%

Poland 34% 36% 39% 57% 50% 73% 61% 41%


Town of Webb 41% 52% 63% 43% 61% 64% 52% 61%


Table 184

43.3% 42.1%46.3%

49.5%

55.7%

69.1%

53.5%

46.4%47.0% 48.0% 49.0%

57.0% 56.0%

69.0%

51.0%47.0%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Percentage Proficient in English Language Arts

Grade 8

Herkimer NYS


Graph 155

349


2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Dolgeville 71% 40% 54% 46% 76% 90% 44% 50%

Frankfort 46% 48% 52% 66% 70% 78% 54% 60%

Herkimer 60% 54% 25% 43% 70% 74% 40% 44%

Ilion 57% 52% 61% 64% 70% 83% 47% 35%

Little Falls 69% 56% 70% 59% 68% 90% 38% 48%

Mohawk 52% 35% 30% 49% 53% 82% 31% 54%

Mount Markham 54% 45% 57% 50% 64% 85% 53% 54%

Owen D. Young 46% 20% 20% 25% 80% 83% 17% 29%

Poland 61% 60% 40% 52% 62% 78% 43% 33%


Town of Webb 72% 73% 64% 43% 64% 88% 62% 65%

Table 185



59.3%

49.4% 48.7% 52.6%

69.3%

84.4%

46.7%50.2%

58.0% 56.0% 54.0% 59.0%

70.0%

80.0%

55.0%60.0%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Percent Proficient in Math Grade 8

Herkimer NYS

Graph 156

350

Table 186 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Dolgeville 80% 81% 81% 59% 74% 70% 89% 75%

Frankfort 78% 84% 80% 78% 90% 79% 87% 77%

Herkimer 77% 86% 70% 69% 81% 72% 60% 77%

Ilion 77% 79% 80% 67% 71% 72% 73% 67%

Little Falls 89% 89% 90% 95% 88% 86% 77% 80%

Mohawk 74% 76% 73% 70% 80% 86% 68% 73%

Mount Markham 83% 78% 82% 72% 80% 85% 82% 80%

Owen D. Young 100% 87% 70% 90% 100% 85% 83% 76%

Poland 91% 87% 84% 92% 96% 88% 82% 98%


Town of Webb 100% 94% 92% 92% 82% 94% 90% 100%

Graph 157




85.9%84.5%

80.4%78.9%

83.9% 82.4%80.6% 81.3%

68.0% 68.0%64.0%

68.0%73.0%

68.0%71.0%

69.0%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Percent Proficient in Science Grade 8

Herkimer NYS

351


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352

According to the United States Department of Education, each public school child who receives

special education and related services must have an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Each IEP must be designed for one student and must be a truly individualized document. The

IEP creates an opportunity for teachers, parents, school administrators, related services

personnel, and students (when appropriate) to work together to improve educational results for

children with disabilities. The IEP is the cornerstone of a quality education for each child with a

disability.

Vocational Education

The primary goal of vocational education is to prepare youth and adults for employment.

Changing demographics in combination with technological developments have placed the

education and training of the work force on the national agenda.

Given their changing expectations for employees, it is significant to note that both national and

state studies of employers’ perceptions of vocational education that were conducted prior to

1985 revealed that, on the whole, employers were satisfied with vocational graduates. Results

of studies conducted since 1985 found that when respondents hired high school graduates for

entry-level positions, over 60 percent had a strong preference for vocationally trained

individuals. Respondents reported that vocational education graduates are more enthusiastic,

require less training, and are preferred over college- or military-trained persons as well as

individuals with several years’ work experience. (ERIC Clearinghouse on Adult Career and Vocational

Education Columbus OH, ED312454)


449

533501

552572

615592 595

0

209 207

246263 272 279

246

42 46 46 52 40 47 5028

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

2003-2004 2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011

Regents and Local Diplomas

Regents Diploma Regents w/ Advanced Designation Receiving an IEP Diploma

* Graduates with IEP Diplomas were not required to be included until the 2004/2005 school year Source: NYS Education Department: Comprehensive Information Report

Graph 159

353

Number of Herkimer County High School Students in

Vocational Education At BOCES by School District


2003-

2004

2004-

2005

2005-

2006

2006-

2007

2007-

2008

2008-

2009

2009-

2010

2010-

2011

2011-

2012

Dolgeville 62 55 53 51 46 56 50 35 34

Frankfort-

Schuyler

54 48 61 54 54 52 65 75 65

Herkimer 68 74 61 56 69 74 82 75 81

Ilion 110 90 101 102 96 92 85 87 96

Little Falls 54 52 56 56 55 55 42 42 56

Mohawk 60 67 55 50 54 42 44 51 47

Mt. Markham 56 69 74 88 71 43 33 44 46

Owen D.

Young

19 15 12 10 14 18 21 13 9

Poland 29 23 35 40 30 34 47 50 54

Town of

Webb

13 12 16 18 9 5 * * *

West Canada

Valley

34 44 57 47 40 36 36 44 42

Total 559 549 581 572 538 507 505** 516** 530**

*Data Unavailable **Total minus Town of Webb numbers.

Source: Herkimer & Jefferson-Lewis BOCES

Table 187

The table above illustrates the number of high school students that were enrolled in Vocational

Education at Herkimer or Jefferson-Lewis BOCES by individual school district for the years

2003/04 to 2008/09. Enrollment peaked in 2005/06, then began a four year decline, before

increasing again in 2010/2011 and 2011/2012.

354

Indicators of BOCES Performance Career & Technical Education (CTE)

BOCES CTE classes, offered primarily on a half-day basis, prepare high school students from

component districts for skilled work force careers. Most CTE programs require two years to

complete.


Table 188

Number of 11th/12th grade students

enrolled in a CTE two-year sequence:

2009–2010 2010–2011

General

Education

Students

Students

with

Disabilities

General

Education

Students

Students

with

Disabilities

First-year students 213 105 211 118

Second-year students 172 66 145 68

Second-year students completing 163 63 143 59

Completers with technical endorsement 48 6 77 22

Number of 11th/12th grade students

enrolled in one-year programs:

“New Vision” 0 0 4 0

Participated 1 year of a CTE Program 6 4 2 6

Other one-year programs 5 59 0 31

ELA Regents

Success

Math Regents

Success

Technical

AssessmentHS Completion

State Performance Target 72.25% 73.25% 57.27% 72.00%

All CTE Students 76.41% 76.29% 69.01% 96.15%

Students w/Disabilities 28.00% 38.00% 40.63% 90.00%

0.00%

20.00%

40.00%

60.00%

80.00%

100.00%

CTE Student Performance on Perkins Indicators Who Left School in 2010

Graph 160



355

DATA SOURCES

Herkimer BOCES Survey of Career & Technical Education Graduates

Status Six Months Post-Program Completion (2008)

BOCES Surveys CTE concentrators six months after they last attended their CTE program to

determine if they are employed or continuing their education

Herkimer & Jefferson-Lewis BOCESBOCES


Source: NYS Education Department: Comprehensive Information Report



NAEYC, 1998; Slegers, 1996; Teale & Yokota, 2000



0.00%

5.00%

10.00%

15.00%

20.00%

25.00%

30.00%

35.00%

40.00%

45.00%

50.00%

Employed Military Pursuring Post-

Secondary Education

Unemployed Other

2009-2010 All Graduates (General Education and Students with Disabilities)

2009-2010 Students with Disabilities

Graph 161

356


Education Perceptions & Attitudes Towards School

Students’ perceptions of and experiences in the school influence the development of their self-

esteem, self-perception and health behaviors. Although the school is not the only formative

influence on children and adolescents, it provides direct access to young people for educational

programs and is in itself an environment which is amenable to intervention—with or without

reference to other major influences on health status such as families, peers and the media. The

school can be both a risk and a resource for the development of students’ health behaviors and

general health. The risk is most obvious when examining students with negative perceptions of

school. Those students who dislike school are also those most likely to be failing academically,

and those at greatest risk of adopting unhealthy behaviors, exhibiting psychosomatic problems

and experiencing reduced quality of life (Epstein, 1981a; Calabrese, 1987a; Kasen et al., 1990;

Nordlohne and Hurrelmann, 1990; Jessor, 1991; Nutbeam and Aaro, 1991; Nutbeam et al., 1993).

(O. Samdal, D. Nutbeam1, B. Wold and and L. Kannas)

The percent of Herkimer County High School Students that go on to college increased fairly

steadily from 1996 until 2004. Since then the rate has decreased from 84.5% to 81.9%. This

does not take into account preparedness for college or the percent that go on to complete

college.


WHERE WE STAND

84.5%

82.3%

83.8%

75.9%

79.9% 80.3%

78.2%

81.9%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

2003-2004 2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011

Percent Attending 2 or 4 Year College Post

Graduation

Graph 162

Source: NYS Department of Education: Comprehensive Information Report 357


High school

students who

enjoy going

to school has

increased

from 1997 to

2009. In

2009, 61.6%

of 7th, 9th,

and 11th

grade

students

reported

strongly

agreeing or

agreeing they

enjoy going

to school.

How much they enjoy going to school varies from 7th to 9th and 11th grades.

Graph 163


63.0%58.1%

63.7%

37.0%41.9%

36.3%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

7th Graders 9th Graders 11th Graders

Herkimer County Students Who Enjoy Going to School

by Grade - 2009

Strongly Agree & Agree Disagree & Strongly Disagree

48.2%

51.0%

49.1%

61.6%

34.7%40.8% 41.4% 38.4%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

1997 2001 2005 2009

Students Who Enjoy Going to School

Strongly Agree & Agree Disagree & Strongly Disagree


Graph 164

358


When asked if

the rules in their

school are the

same for

everyone, as the

students

progress

through 7th, 9th,

and 11th grades

the percentage

agreeing rules

are the same for

everyone

decreases.

When comparing

2005 with 2009,

the results for

2009 show more

students feel

the rules are the

same for everyone than they did in 2005 in each grade.

81% of

students in

Herkimer

County

generally

believe that

their

teachers

care about

them, care

about how

well they do

in school,

and have

high

expectations

of the

students. Source: Herkimer County TAP Survey 2009

Graph 165

Graph 166

Source Herkimer County TAP Survey 2009

Strongly Agree &

Agree, 81.5%

Disagree &

Strongly

Disagree, 18.5%

Teachers Generally Have High Expectations of

Me, Care About Me, and How Well I Do

359


76% of

Herkimer

County

students feel

safe in their

schools. This

is an increase

over 2001

and 2005

results, but

not as high as

1997 when

78.4% of

students

reported

feeling safe

in their

schools. This

could result

from events on 9/11/2001 and all that has ensued since that time.

The results in

this graph

indicate

students are

not missing

school, for the

most part,

because they

felt unsafe at

school or while

traveling to

and from

school. 2009

results show an

improvement

over 2005,

which was an

improvement

over 2001.

Graph 167 Source: Herkimer County TAP Survey 2009


Graph 168

78.4%

70.3%

74.5% 76.0%

21.6%

29.7%25.5% 24.0%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

1997 2001 2005 2009

Students Who Feel Safe in Their School

Strongly Agree, Agree Disagree, Strongly Disagree

84.8%

7.2%2.9% 1.7%

86.5%

7.6%2.8% 3.1%

92.1%

6.1%1.1% 0.7%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Never Once Several Times Many Times

2001 2005 2009

Students Who Missed School Because They Felt:

Unsafe at School or Unsafe Traveling To and From School

360


DATA SOURCES

About half of the teens in both 1997 and 2001 admitted they did one hour or less of homework

or studying per week. In 2009, even more (63%) reported they spent just one hour or less on

homework.

Herkimer County’s Teen Assessment Project (TAP) Survey: 1997, 2001, 2005 & 2009



12.7%

37.9% 41.6%

5.5% 2.4%

10.5%

37.8%

43.2%

6.7%1.8%

14.8%

48.1%

33.3%

3.0% 0.9%0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

None About 1 Hour 2-10 Hours 11-20 Hours More Than 20

Hours1997 2001 2009

How Much Time Do You Spend Doing Homework Or Studying

After School Or On Weekends

Source: TAP Survey 2009 Graph 169

361


Education Continuing & Adult Education

Adult illiteracy is a growing problem despite efforts to curb it. Each year, an estimated

2.3 million persons join the pool of those 23 million adults considered to be functionally

illiterate. This number includes high school dropouts and “push-outs,” legal and illegal immigrants,

and refugees (United States Department of Education). The cost of illiteracy in increased

participation in welfare programs and unemployment compensation is estimated to be $6 billion a

year (Wellborn 1982). ERIC Clearinghouse on Adult Career and Vocational Education Columbus OH, ED259210.


WHERE WE STAND

The table below illustrates the number of adults enrolled in continuing education programs

through Herkimer BOCES between the 2003/2004 and 2011/2012 academic years. There has

been a decrease in the number of adults enrolled in these programs with few increases in the

2008/2009 and 2010/2011 academic years, particularly due to the lack of funding to support

those below the age of 21 to receive these services. Funding to support that age group was

discontinued as of 12/31/06.

Those enrolled reflect students that entered a program after assessment. Upon entry,

students are assessed in reading and math. Often students come in with a goal of getting their

diploma, but they lack the skills to enter a diploma program.

Adult Basis Education (ABE) programs are for students who score at an 8.9 grade equivalent or

below. Diploma programs, the General Educational Diploma (GED) or External Diploma Program

(EDP), have an entry requirement of a 9th grade equivalent. After a time of instruction on their

individual needs, the student is post-tested. When a student reaches a 9th grade skill level, they

may choose a diploma program. For an EDP, the student must be over 21 years old.

2003-2004 2004–2005 2005–2006 2006–2007 2007–2008 2008–2009 2011-2012 2009-2010 2010-2011

ABE 215 212 167 236 214 265 240 247 222

GED 133 (77)* 148 (76) 150 (81) 111 (61) 97 (56) 90 (61) 92 (66) 87 (53) 99 (58)

EDP 95 (43) 85 (35) 95 (55) 104 (42) 92 (49) 83 (48) 88 (47) 73 (35) 112 (61)

ESL 23 24 22 23 14 4 3 2 0

Total 466 469 427 377 324 359 335 336 341

Adults Enrolled in Continuing Education Programs by Year

Source: NYS Department of Education: CTEDS-2

* The numbers in parenthesis represent graduates.

ABE—Adult Basic Education GED—General Educational EDP— External Diploma ESL— English As A Second Language

Table 189

362

The chart below identifies BOCES Adult Literacy Students by age cohort. Beginning with the

2006–2007 school year, the age brackets were changed which precludes comparing data prior to

that school year.

Herkimer BOCES

New York State Department of Education

ERIC Clearinghouse on Adult Career and Vocational Education

Columbus OH, ED259210.

Education Continuing & Adult Education

DATA SOURCES


19

101

168

74

16

52

90

132

45

10

61

115

141

34

8

39

111

140

36

10

56

111

126

44

4

62

112

125

333

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

16-18 19-24 25-44 45-59 60+

Herkimer BOCES Adult Literacy Students by Age Cohort

2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012

Graph 170

363

Education Continuing & Adult Education: Community College

Herkimer County Community College, founded in 1966, plays a vital role in providing accessible

and affordable higher education and training through its credit and non-credit programs. In

2010, the college generated a $75 million economic impact in the county. This translates to a

$17.30 return to the public for each dollar of support received from state and county

taxpayers.

Total enrollment is comprised of full- and part-time students, as reflected in the above graph.

There was a slight dip in enrollments in 2006 and 2007 but enrollment numbers recovered in

2008.

HCCC offers more than 40 degree programs. Through their Internet Academy, there are one-

year certificate programs and 18 full degree programs that are offered completely on line.

HCCC continues to develop new academic programs to meet

the changing needs of the workplace, (most recently, Music

Industry and Medical Coding/Transcriptionist) and continues

to attract students to programs in Cybersecurity, Business

Administration, Radio-TV Broadcasting, EMT/Paramedic,

Physical Therapist Assistant and more.

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Part-Time 1,249 1,277 1,171 1,200 1,173 1,198 1,192 1,209

Full-Time 2,223 2,272 2,183 2,128 2,393 2,527 2,582 2,470

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000

3,500

4,000

Herkimer County Community College

Enrollment

Source: NYSED Office of Research and Information Systems

Graph 171

Herkimer County Community College Campus 364


Approximately 60% of the student body hails from outside Herkimer County, including all areas

of New York State, other states and several foreign countries. The following graphs

demonstrate the origin of full-time students at HCCC in both 2008 and 2010. The student origin

for full-time students at HCCC is quite different from that of other community colleges across

the state, which have a higher percentage from the home county and contiguous counties.

As a result, HCCC offered on-campus housing to 620 students in the 2009–2010 academic year,

making HCCC one of the largest residential community colleges in the state. Another 350

students reside in off-campus housing in the area, and approximately 1,880 commute to the

campus daily.

Internet Academy

The College recently celebrated the tenth anniversary of its Internet Academy. Current

enrollment for the Fall 2009 semester stands at 702 (mostly part-time students). The College’s

Internet Academy currently offers 19 degrees and four certificate programs completely online.

College Now

The College’s concurrent enrollment program, College Now, has grown considerably with 13

school districts participating (including all the districts in Herkimer County) and 504 high school

students enrolled with the Fall 2009 semester. College Now allows high school seniors to take

college courses and receive college credit.

Professional Development

HCCC offers a variety of non-credit courses and professional development workshops, as well as

Source: NYSED Office of Higher Education Research and Information Systems

Graph 172 Graph 173

365

contract courses and programs for businesses. Additionally, the Hummel Corporate and

Professional Education Center provides a venue for businesses and organizations to hold events,

conferences and meetings. The Executive Breakfast Series continued this year, with innovative

community leaders sharing expertise with members of the local business community.

Transfer to Four Year Educational Institutions

Sixty percent of students transfer to baccalaureate-level programs following graduation. HCCC

has established transfer agreements with four-year colleges and universities to provide a

seamless transfer of credits. The State University of New York has established a transfer

policy which guarantees all holders of the A.A. and A.S. degree admission to a four-year unit of

the university. Entrance within a particular institution is not guaranteed.

Remediation

Incoming freshmen are evaluated for Math and English proficiency utilizing a tool entitled

ASSET. Freshmen scoring poorly on the evaluation receive remedial Math and English

instruction to correct deficits and improve their chances for success in the community college.

Forty-four percent of all freshmen require such remediation each year. This statistic holds

true for all incoming community college freshmen across the state.


366


# in Cohort 2 Years 3 Years Still Enrolled

2003 1,079 12.3% 22.2% 10.7%

2004 1,187 11.4% 23.5% 11.1%

2005 1,362 13.3% 24.4% 8.7%

2006 1,401 11.1% 21.3% 10.1%

2007 1,394 11.3% 21.0% —

2008 1,361 12.1% 21.8% 11.5%

2009 1,400 11.4% 21.3% —

2010 1,380 10.0% 21.7% —

# in Cohort 2 Years 3 Years Still Enrolled

2003 772 18.9% 31.9% 4.9%

2004 783 19.3% 31.9% 4.9%

2005 826 19.1% 30.5% 5.0%

2006 805 19.8% 32.0% 5.7%

2007 817 19.2% 30.2% 4.4%

2008 918 20.7% 32.0% 4.4%

2009 793 18.4% 27.9% —

2010 850 17.6% 29.9% —

Cohort Completion Percentages

Source Tables XXX & XXX: NYSED Office of Research and Information Systems

Tables 174 and 175 show

Graduation Rates for First-Time

Full-Time Students entering a

less than Baccalaureate level

program and earning a degree

from the same institution

through the spring of Year Two

or Year Three from date of

original enrollment. Students

not completing their program

within three years of admission

are not included in the cohort.

When comparing HCCC and

MVCC cohort completion

percentages, it should be noted

that Mohawk Valley Community

College, unlike Herkimer County

Community College, offers

practicum courses which extend

the time to graduation for some

degree programs and may skew

its two and three year

completion data.

Cohort Completion in Three Years or Less at

Mohawk Valley Community College

Cohort Completion in Three Years or Less at


Table 191

Table 190

367



http://www.herkimer.edu

NYS Department of Education: CTEDS-2 Report

*New York State Education Department, Office of Higher Education, Research and Information

System

http://www.highered.nysed.gov/oris/

DATA SOURCES

Lock 17 Erie Canal—Little Falls

368

http://www.herkimer.edu/

http://www.highered.nysed.gov/oris/

Education Key Findings & Commentary

K–12 Demographics & Environment

Overall enrollment in Herkimer County Schools has decreased steadily from the 2005–2006

to 2010–2011 academic years from 10,661 to 9,932.

Per pupil expenditure for the average of all school districts in Herkimer County has been less

than the NYS average for every academic year from 2004–2005 through 2009-2010.

This is true for both general education and special education.

According to the 2010-2011 Violent and Disruptive Incidents Reports (VADIR), none of the

schools within Herkimer County have been designated as persistently dangerous in any of the

years of reporting. Of the 22 categories of violent and disruptive behaviors, there were no

incidences reported across Herkimer County in the last audited year in 10 of those

categories. Many of these categories are serious crimes, such as homicide, forcible sex

offenses, and crimes committed with weapons.

Youths who experience negative family, school, or community integration in every case have a

higher prevalence of behavioral issues (smoking, marijuana use, self mutilation, depression,

suicide ideation and attempts, sexual promiscuity, bullied someone or felt bullied, violent

boyfriend/ girlfriend relationship) than youth not experiencing negative family, school and

community integration.

Attendance & Completion Rates

Herkimer County’s average attendance rate (and every individual school district rate) was

above New York State’s average attendance rate for each academic year during the period

2003-2004 to 2009-2010. The average Suspension rate for Herkimer County schools has

also been consistently below that of the New York State rate for the same period, although

some districts within the county have higher suspension rates in a given year when compared

to the NYS average rate.

The average drop out rate for Herkimer County school districts was below the NYS rate for

each academic year from 2005 to 2011, and has trended down, overall, since 2008; although

some districts within the county have a higher percentage of dropouts in a given year when

compared to the NYS percentage.

A higher percentage of students in Herkimer County entering high school in 2007 within in

four years when compared to the New State Percentage. However, some individual schools’

percentages were below the overall New York State level.

Academic Proficiency

Academic proficiency for English, Math and Science based on uniform state tests, from

2004 through 2011, indicate in Grade 4 that:

Herkimer County students, on average, performed better than the NYS rate in

English and Math in six of those eight years, and science in all eight years.

369


Academic proficiency for English, Math and Science based on uniform state tests, from

2004 through 2011, indicate in Grade 8 that:

For English, Herkimer County students, on average, only outperformed the NYS rate

from 2008 through 2010,

For Math, Herkimer County students, on average, only outperformed the NYS Rate in

2004 and again in 2009,

For Science, Herkimer County students, on average, outperformed the NYS rate for

every year.

Fewer students have been taking vocational education. In 2003-2004 there were 559

Herkimer County vocational education students and 530 in 2011-2012. Though their has been

an increase over the last two years.

Perceptions & Attitudes Towards School

The percent of Herkimer County High School Students that go on to college increased fairly

steadily from 1996 until 2004. Since then the rate has decreased from 84.5% to 81.9%.

This does not take into account preparedness for college or the percent that go on to

complete college.

High school students who enjoy going to school has increased from 1997 to 2009. In 2009,

61.6% of 7th, 9th, and 11th grade students reported strongly agreeing or agreeing they enjoy

going to school.

The 2009 TAP survey reveals that when comparing 2005 with 2009, the results for 2009

show more students feel the rules are the same for everyone in school than they did in 2005

in each grade, though there is still a 23.9% drop between 7th and 11th graders.

According to the 2009 TAP Survey, 76% of Herkimer County students feel safe in their

schools. This is an increase over 2001 and 2005 results, but not as high as 1997 when 78.4%

of students reported feeling safe in their schools.

About half of the teens in both 1997 and 2001 admitted they did one hour or less of

homework or studying per week. In 2009, even more (63%) reported they spent just one

hour or less on homework.

Continuing & Adult Education

Adults enrolled in continuing education programs for the period 2003–2004 through 2011–

2012 has decreased from 466 to 335. This figure is the total of adults in adult basic

education, general education, external diploma, and English as a second language.

The largest component of Herkimer BOCES adult literacy students by age cohort is the 25–

44 age group followed by the 19–24 age group, then the 45–59 age group, the 16–18 age

group and finally the 60 + age group. The 25-44 age group has been trending down since

2008-2009 and the 16-18 age group has been trending up since 2009-2010.

70% of the Herkimer County Community College student body hails from outside Herkimer

370

County, including all areas of NYS, other states & several foreign countries.

Forty-four percent of all incoming freshmen at HCCC require remediation each year in Math

and English. This statistic holds true for all incoming community college freshmen across the

state.

Sixty percent of HCCC students transfer to baccalaureate-level programs following

graduation.


Historic Fort Herkimer Church

371

Appendices

Tables Community

Table 1: Herkimer County Demographics: 2000 & 2010 Census Community

Survey………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………………. 5

Table 2: Herkimer County, NYS & US by Age: 2010 American Community

Survey……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..5

Table 3: Herkimer County, NYS and US by Race & Ancestry…………………………………………….6

Table 4: Herkimer County, NYS & US by Income………………………………………………………………...6

Table 5: Percent of Persons Living Below Poverty: Herkimer County, NYS, US…………….7

Table 6: Herkimer County Households & Families…………………………………………………………………7

Table 7: Number of Farms & Acreage Used in Farming, Herkimer County……………………..8

Table 8: Top Livestock & Value of Sales, Herkimer County……………………………………………….9

Table 9: Herkimer County Benchmarks: 2007 and 2010 Expenditures, Tax Rates &

Debt Per Capita..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………..10

Table 10: Median Age of Males & Females (1950—2010 …………………………………………….……13

Table 11: Herkimer County Births By Municipality 2002-2010………………………….…………...15

Table 12: Herkimer County Births By Village 2002-2010…………………………………….…………..16

Table 13: Live Births in Herkimer County by Mother’s Age 2000-2010………….…………….16

Table 14: Herkimer County Age & Municipality Data Census 2000 & 2010.…………….…..19

Table 15: Municipalities by Race, 2000 & 2010 Censuses….…………………………………………….20

Table 16: Herkimer County Population Changes (2000-2010)………………………………………...21

Table 17: Herkimer County Senior Citizen Population,,,,,,,,,,,,,………………………………………..24

Table 18: Herkimer County Population Changes by Age Group………...……..……………………..25

Table 19: Population Projections for Herkimer County 2010 to 2040….……………………….26

Table 20: Median Year of Construction for Year-Round Housing..………………………………...29

Table 21: Selected Monthly Owner Costs, Herkimer County…………………………………………..30

Table 22: Monthly Owner Costs as a Percentage of Household Income, Herkimer

County & US: 2006-2008……………………………………………………………..…………………………………………..30

Table 23: Gross Rent Paid, Herkimer County: 2008-2010.……………………………………………….31

Table 24: Gross Rent as a Percentage of Household Income,

Herkimer County and U.S.: 2008-2010………………………………...………………………………………………..31

Index of Tables & Graphs

374

Table 25: Sales of Existing Single-Family Homes 2008–2010………………………………………...32

Table 26: Median Sales Price of Existing Single-Family Homes 2008–2010….…..………..32

Table 27: Herkimer County Churches and Synagogues 1980-2010………………………………...34

Table 28: Religious Affiliation-Herkimer County, 1980-2010……………………….…………………35

Table 29: Herkimer County–Household Size & Vehicles Available (2000& 2010)…..…..36

Table 30: Means of Transportation to Work………………………………………………………………………37

Table 31: RSVP RIDE Program Statistics 2003-2012.……………………………………………………..40

Table 32: OFA Transportation 2005-2011…………………………………………………………………………..41

Table 33: Age of Clients Served with OFA Transportation 2011…………………………………...41

Table 34: Webb Community Transportation Service…………………………………………………………42

Table 35: Herkimer County Labor Statistics 1990—2011………………………………………………..43

Table 36: Unemployment Rates 1990-2011: Herkimer County, NYS & US…………………..44

Table 37: Types of Employment—Herkimer County Industries 2011…….………………………46

Table 38: Employment Projections Herkimer County 2006-2016 ………………………………...49

Table 39: Occupational Projections 2006-2016 Mohawk Valley Region……………………….50

Table 40: List of Tracks and Trails in Herkimer County……………………..…………………………..53

Table 41: Playgrounds………………………………………………………………………………..…………………………....54

Table 42: Public Beaches……………………………………………………………………………………………….…………..54

Table 43: Tennis Courts………………………………………………………………………………………………….………….55

Table 44: Work Investment Act (W.I.A) Funding Allocation to Herkimer Count……...67

Table 45: Number of Youth ETA Summer Youth Programs in Herkimer County 2007 -

2012……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….68

Table 46: Number of Adults and Dislocated Workers in OJT/CRT Programs in

Herkimer County: 2009-2011……………………………………………………………………………………………………69

Table 47: 2013 Supply of Regulated Child Care in Herkimer County……………………………..71

Table 48:Child Care Rate by Modality in Herkimer County…………………….………………………..75

Citizenship

Table 49: Number & Percentage of Votes Cast– Herkimer County 1982 to 2012……...80

Table 50: Herkimer County Library Circulation– 2005 to 2011………………………...…………..85

Table 51: Library Programs and Attendence-2006 to 2011…………………………………………….87

Table 52: Public Computer Usage Statistics– 2009 to 2011…………………………………………….88

Table 53: Do you feel constantly teased, threatened or harassed by other youth……93

375

Table 54: In the past year, have you ever done something that you could have been

arrested for such as shoplifting, vandalism, assault, etc.?..................................................94

Table 55 Herkimer County Youth Arrests by Violation 2006-2008……………………………..101

Table 56 Herkimer County Youth Arrests by Violation 2009-2011……………………………..102

Table 57: Herkimer County Index Crime Summary– 2005-2011……………………………..…...105

Table 58: Adult Arrests by Category in Herkimer County 1994-2011……..………………….106

Table 59: Felony Arrests Disposed, Conviction and Incarceration Rates in Herkimer

County……………………………………………………………………………………………...………………………………………….108

Table 60: Misdemeanor Arrests Disposed, Conviction and Incarceration Rates

in Herkimer County - 2007 to 2011………………………………………………………………………..……………109

Table 61: Automobile Crash Fatalities in New York State– 2008 to 2010……….. ………114

Table 62: Probation Investigations Completed in Herkimer County 2009-2011…………115

Table 63 Total Number of Probationers Supervised– 2009 to 2011…………………………....117

Table 64: Pretrial Release and Jail Time Saved: 2004 to 2011 Herkimer County……..118

Table 65: Community Service and Jail Time Saved: 2004 to 2011 Herkimer County..119

Table 66: Electronic Monitoring Program– 2004 to 2012 Herkimer County……………….120

Table 67: Juvenile Electronic Monitoring Program– 2008 to 2012 Herkimer

County………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……...120

Table 68: JD Residential and Detention Care Days……………………….………………..….………….125

Table 69: Adults in the Herkimer County Jail: 1999 to 2012………………………………………...131

Table 70: Youths in Herkimer County Jail: 1999 to 2011………………………………………………..132

Physical & Emotional Health

Table 58: Summary Chart: Access to Quality Healthcare Indicators…………………………140

Table 59: Medicaid Health Insurance Coverage 2011..…………………………………………………….141

Table 60: Medicare Health Insurance Coverage 2010……………………………………………………..141

Table 61: Child Health Plus Insurance Coverage July 2012.……………………………………………141

Table 62: Uninsured Rates: Comparison……………………………………………………………………………..142

Table 63: Primary Care Physicians in Herkimer & Oneida Counties.………………..…………..142

Table 64: OFA Transportation 2005–2011……………………………………..…….……………………………144

Table 65: Age of Clients Served with OFA Transportation 2011………………………………….144

Table 66: Catholic Charities RIDE Program……………………………………………………………………….145

Table 67: Herkimer County Non-Emergency MA Transportation………………………………….145

376

Table 68: CTS Summary Date 2007-2012………………………………………………………...……………….146

Table 69: 2012 Destinations………………………………………………………………………………………………….146

Table 70: EISEP Clients Served by Gender 4/1/210-3/31/2011 ………………………………...147

Table 71: EISEP Clients by Age 4/1/210-3/31/2011……………………………………………………….147

Table 72: EISEP Compared to Meals– on-Wheels…………………………….…………………………..…147

Table 73: Other Long Term Programs………………………………………………………………………………..148

Table 74: Alternatives in LTC Program Caseload by Age Breakdown 12/31/12…….….149

Table 75: Alternatives in LTC Program Caseload by Martial Status Breakdown

12/31/12……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..149

Table 76:Alternatives in LTC Program Caseload by Living Arrangement Breakdown

12/31/12……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..149

Table 77: Chronic Disease Summary Chart………………………………...…………………………………….154

Table 78: Cardiovascular Disease………………………………………………………………………………………...155

Table 79: Disease of the Heart…….……………………………………………………………………………………..155

Table 80: Coronary Heart Disease………………...…………………………………………………………………….156

Table 81: Congestive Heart Failure……………………………………...…………………………………………….156

Table 82: Cerebrovascular Disease (Stroke)..…………………………………………………………………..157

Table 83 Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease (CLRD)………………………………………………………157

Table 84: Cancer Age-adjusted Incidence per 100,000………………………………………………….158

Table 85: Cancer Age– adjusted Mortality Rate per 100,00.…..…………………………………...158

Table 86: Obesity Statistics………………………………………………………………………...………………………159

Table 87: During the past seven days, on average, how many hours per day did you

watch television………………………………………………………………………......…………………………………………...161

Table 88: Reasons given for inactivity are broken down…..…………………………………………….161

Table 89: WIC Client Obesity & Breastfeeding Rates 2008-2010……………………………...165

Table 90: Student Weight Status Categories, Herkimer County Totals 2008-2010

School Years……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...168

Table 91: Student Weight Status Categories, Herkimer County by Grades 2008-2010

School Years…………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………… 168

Table 92: Herkimer County Meals– on– Wheels and Congregate Meal Consumers

2011…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...………………….…….169

Table 93: Herkimer County Meals on Wheels Consumers 2011..…………………………………...170

Table 94 : Herkimer County Congregate Meal Consumers 2011…………………………………...170

377

Table 95: Summary Table Tobacco Use...............................................................…………………171

Table 96: Have you smoked at least 100 cigarettes in your entire life?.......................175

Table 97: Current Cigarette Smoking Status Among Adult Residents– Herkimer

County………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….177

Table 98: In the Past twelve months did any doctor, nurse or healthcare professional

advise you to quit smoking? If yes, did he/she do any of the following?......................177

Table 99: During the past twelve months have you stopped smoking for one day or

longer because you were trying to quit smoking?.................................................................178

Table 100: Promote a Safe & Healthy Environment Summary Chart…………………………..184

Table 101: Asthma…………………...…………………………………………………………………………………………….186

Table 102: Childhood Asthma……………………………………………………………………………………………….186

Table 103: Lead Screening Rates………………………………………..……………………………………………….188

Table 104: Falls Hospitalization Rate Per 10,000…………………………………………………………….189

Table 105: Other Unintentional Injury……………………………………………...………………………………189

Table 106: Summary Chart: Healthy Mothers, Babies & Children………………………………..194

Table 107: Infant/ Neonatal Mortality Rates…………………………………………………………………..195

Table 108: Low Birthweight Live Births (<2500 grams) by Mothers Age 2010…………197

Table 109: Teen Pregnancies (19& Under) & Outcomes in Herkimer County 2003-

2010……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..199

Table 110: Method Used to Prevent Pregnancies in Herkimer County High School

Students…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….200

Table 111: Oral Health Survey of Third Grade Children……………………………………………….205

Table 112: Medicaid Oral Health Indicators Herkimer County v. New York State

2008-2010……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…..206

Table 113: Summary Chart: Promote Mental Health & Prevent Substance Abuse…..209

Table 114: Youth and Adults Served by Herkimer County Prevention Council………….210

Table 115: Youth DWI Arrests 2009-2011………….…………………………………………………………...213

Table 116: Percent of Students offered, sold, or given illegal drugs during the –2008

-2009 School year on school property breakdown by grade…………..……………………………...217

Table 117: PCS Results Herkimer County and New York State………………….………………..220

Table 118: Medicaid Expenditures Herkimer County & New York State………………..…222

Table 119: Managed Care………….………………………………………………………………….……………………….223

Table 120: Penetration……………………………………………………….………………………………………………….223

378

Table 121: Infectious Disease Summary Chart……………………………………………………………....228

Table 122: Transmitted Disease………………………………………………………………………………………...229

Table 123: Percentage of Children with 4:3:1:3:3:1:4 Immunization Series…………….230

Table 124: Reported Cases by Selected Disease Herkimer County v. NYS Excluding

New York City 2011…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..231

Family

Table 125: Herkimer County Households & Families 2000 & 2008-2010…………………..236

Table 126: Households: Herkimer County, NYS & US 2000 & 2008-2010………………..236

Table 127: Households by Type: HC, NYS, US 2008-2010……………………………………...…..237

Table 128: Herkimer County Two Parent and Female-Headed Families, 1960–

2010……………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………………………..238

Table 129: Who do you live with most of the time?...........................................................239

Table 130: Herkimer County Senior Population 60+ and 85+.………………………………………244

Table 131: Runaway & Homeless Youth Program Statistics, 2001–2011...…………………252

Table 132: Education of Primary Caregiver at Enrollment…….……………………………………...254

Table 133: Primary Caretaker Marital Status at Enrollment.………………………………..…….255

Table 134: Household Composition at Enrollment……………………………………………………..…….255

Table 135: Herkimer County Healthy Families Home Visiting Program: Primary

Caretaker Issues……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...256

Table 136: Domestic Violence Program Annual Statistics (2001– 2011)…………………….267

Table 137: I feel Safe in my home……………………………………………………………………………………..269

Table 138: Youth Risk Behaviors and Their Relationship to Family, School, and

Community Integration……………………………………………………………………………………….…………………..271

Economic Security

Table 139: Median Income: Herkimer County, New York State & United States……282

Table 140: Income…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..283

Table 141: New York State Counties Per Capita Personal Income (Dollars), 2000–2010

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…….284

Table 142: Median Income In Herkimer County by Household, Family and Per Capita

Income ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………....285

Table 143: Herkimer County Income Levels by Family Type…………………………………………287

379

Table 144: Average Annual Wages of Public & Private Industry Employees Covered By

NYS Unemployment Insurance New York State & Selected Counties 2000-2011…...290

Table 145: Types of Employment– Herkimer County Industries 2011………………………...291

Table 146: Herkimer County Industries Change from 2006-2011…………………………..…..291

Table 147: Federal Poverty Levels 1999-2012………………………………………………………………...293

Table 148: Percent of Herkimer County Persons Living Below Poverty 1990, 2000,

2008-10……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...294

Table 149: Poverty By Herkimer County Cities & Towns………………………………………………..298

Table 150: Herkimer County HEAP Caseload Date 2008-2011…..…………………………………300

Table 151: Households Served by Emergency Assistance Program Amount Budgeted &

Disbursed by Category 2004-2012……………………………………………………….……………………………..301

Table 152: Households Served by ARRA at Catholic Charities of Herkimer County

Site …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………….. ….……….302

Table 153: Emergency Food & Shelter Program Awards in Herkimer County 2009-

2012…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….303

Table 154: Nutrition Outreach & Education Cases……………………………………………..…………..306

Table 156: 2008 Food Pantry Use by Site………………………………………………………………………..307

Table 157: 2009 Food Pantry Use by Site…………………….………………………………………………….308

Table 158: 2010 Food Pantry Use by Site………………………………………..……….……………………308

Table 159: 2011 Food Pantry Use by Site………………………………………………………………………….309

Table 160: Herkimer County Food Pantry/ Soup Kitchen Usage, 2000-2008……..……310

Table 161: Percent of Herkimer County Students on Free/ Reduced Lunch

Program……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….313

Table 162: HIICAP Client Contacts 2006-2012…………..…………………………………………………..317

Table 163: EPIC Enrollees in Herkimer County, 2006-2010……….………………………………..318

Table 164: NYS Long– Term Care Partnership Policies…………………………………………………..321

Table 165: Herkimer County Discount Care………………………………………………………………………322

Table 166: Health Friends Assistance to Herkimer County Residents……………………..323

Table 167: Herkimer County Residents Seen by HealthFriends…………………………………324

Education

Table 168: Enrollment by Grade Level All Herkimer County School Districts………….328

Table 169: Enrollment by District– Herkimer County………………………………………..……….329

380

Table 170: Per Pupil Expenditure by District—Herkimer County…………….…….…………….331

Table 171: VADIR Summary 2010-2011 Herkimer County Schools……………………………..332

Table 172: Negative Family, School and Community Integration Crosswalk of

Behavioral Issues……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..336

Table 173: Attendance & Suspension Rates……………………………………………………...……………..338

Table 174: GED Classes & Youth Per Year At Herkimer BOCES…………………………….…...339

Table 175: Youth Enrolled in Project Connect by School Year……………………………………..339

Table 176: Youth Enrolled in Project ReConnect by School Year…………………………………340

Table 177: Percentage of High School Dropouts - Herkimer County & NYS…………….341

Table 178: Four Year Completion by District 2007-2011………………………………………..…….342

Table 179: Pre-K Students for Herkimer BOCES…………………………………………………………...343

Table 180: Children Receiving Preschool Education Programs 2003-2013………….……..344

Table 181: Percent Proficient in English Language Arts Grade 4………………………………..345

Table 182: Percent Proficient in Math Grade 4…..…………………………………………………………..346

Table 183: Percentage Proficient in Science Grade 4…………………………………………………….347

Table 184: Percent Proficient in English Language Arts Grade 8…….………………………….349

Table 185: Percent Proficient in Science Grade 8…………………………………………………………..350

Table 186: Percent Proficient in Science Grade 8…………………………………………………………..351

Table 187: Number of Herkimer County High School Students in Vocational Education

At BOCES by School District……………………………………………………………………………………... ……...354

Table 188: Indicators of BOCES Performance Career & Technical Education (CTE)

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..355

Table 189: Adults Enrolled in Continuing Education Programs by Year……………………..362

Table 190: Cohort Completion in Three Years or Less at Herkimer County Community

College………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..367

Table 191: Cohort Completion in Three Years or Less at Mohawk Valley Community

College………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...367

Graphs

Community

Graph 1: Herkimer County Population 1950-2010…………………………………..…….…………………....12

Graph 2: Herkimer County Median Age 1950-2010………………………………………….…..…………….13

Graph 3: Herkimer County Population by Age……………………………………………………………………...14

381

Graph 4: Trends Among Selected Age Groups 1950-2010…………………………...…………………..14

Graph 5: Out of Wedlock Births v. Births to Wedded Mothers.…………………………………….17

Graph 6: The Decline of Herkimer County Post-College and Early Employment Cohorts:

A Comparison of Cohort Changes Between Censuses (1980–90, 1990–2000 and 2000–

10)……………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………….…………………….18

Graph 7: Place of Residence; Herkimer County 2010………………………………….………………………19

Graph 8: Percentage of Seniors(60+) 1960 to 2010…………………………………………………………..25

Graph 9: Population Projections Herkimer County 2010-2040…………………………………………27

Graph 10: Housing Units in Herkimer County 2010…………………….……………………………………..28

Graph 11: No Vehicle Available by Household Size…………………………………………………………...37

Graph 12: Travel Time to Work (minutes)…………………………………….……………………………………..38

Graph 13: Top 5 Counties Where Herkimer County Residents Work...………………………...45

Graph 14: Herkimer County Manufacturing Jobs 2003-2011.…………………………………………47

Graph 15: Wages– Herkimer County Manufacturing vs. Non-Manufacturing

Employment…………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………………...48

Graph 16: New York State Art Grants…………………………………………………………………………………56

Graph 17: What is the best thing about this area………………………….………………………………...57

Graph 18: What is the worst thing about the area……………………………...…………………………..58

Graph 19: The Percentage of Teens in Herkimer County That Agree That In Their

Communities…………………………………………………………………………………….....……………………………………….60

Graph 20: It is Important to Contribute to My Community………………………………...………....61

Graph 21: Herkimer County Summer Youth Employment Program 2003-2012…………….64

Graph 22: Herkimer County Summer Youth Employment Program by Age of the Youth

2003-2012………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………………….………65

Graph 23: Old Forge Transportation Program Transportation Numbers by Pick Up

Site………………………………………………………………………………………...…………………………………………………….66

Graph 24: Old Forge Area Transportation Program Age of Participants 2003-

2012……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………………………67

Graph 25: Child Care Slots By Age Group Herkimer County-2013………………….………………72

Graph 26: Need for Child Care in Herkimer County……………………………………..…………………...73

Graph 27: Need for Child Care Children 6 wks. To 5 yrs…..………………………………………..…..73

Graph 28: Child Care Program Utilization……………………………..……………………………………………..74

Graph 29: Child Care Center Utilization…………………………………………………………………....………...74

382

Citizenship

Graph 30: Number of Registered Herkimer County Voters & Votes Cast 1982-

2012………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………….81

Graph 31: Political Party Affiliation Herkimer County 11/2012…………………………….………..82

Graph 32: Downloadable E-Books and Audiobooks……………………………………………………………..86

Graph 33: Internet Connectivity Options………………………………..………….……………………………….89

Graph 34: Percent of Teens that Have………………………………………………..……………………………….90

Graph 35: Percent of Teens that Agree….…………………………………………………………….……………..93

Graph 36: Percent of Teens that Have Sent, Received, Shared Nude or Semi– Nude

Pictures via Cell Phone, Email. Etc……………………………………………………...…………………………………..95

Graph 37: Pistol Permits Issued in Herkimer County 1999-2012……………………………………97

Graph 38: Applications Handed Out 2010-2012………………...………………………………………………98

Graph 39: Youth Arrests in Herkimer County 2003-2011………………………………………………100

Graph 40 Index Crime Rate Across New York State……………………………………..……………….104

Graph 41 Herkimer County Index Crime 2005-2011…………………………...………………………….105

Graph 42 Adult Arrests in Herkimer County—1994 to 2011………………………………………….107

Graph 43: DWI Arrests in Herkimer County…………………………………………….……………………....111

Graph 44: Do You Believe There Is A Problem With Drinking & Driving in Herkimer

County…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..112

Graph 45: Herkimer County Youth DWI Arrest Rates per 10,000 population…………..113

Graph 46: Herkimer County Youth Drug Arrest Rates per 10,000 population…………...113

Graph 47: Total Number of Supervised Probationers Herkimer County……………………..116

Graph 48: Total Number of Adult Criminal Supervisors as of 12/31 to Each Year……116

Graph 49: Herkimer County Juvenile Delinquency Intakes 2002-2012……………..……….123

Graph 50: JD Youth Placed: Herkimer County 1998 to 2012…………………………..…………….124

Graph 51: Persons in Need of Supervision (PINS) by Age 2002-2012……….……………...126

Graph 52: Herkimer County PINS Placements 2000 to 2012………………………………………..127

Graph 53: Herkimer County PINS Residential & Detention Care Days 2002-2012….128

Graph 54: Herkimer County PINS Respite Use 2003-2012………..………………………………….129

Graph 55: Herkimer County Jail Inmates 1999– 2012……..……………………………………………..130

Graph 56: Yearly Average Daily Census of Jail Population 2002-2012…..…………………..133

383

Physical & Emotional Health

Graph 55: How Many Times a Week Do You Engage to Moderate Physical Activity for

at least 30 Minutes……………………………………………………….………………………………………………………...162

Graph 56: How Many Times a Week do You Engage in Vigorous Physical Activity for at

Least 30 Minutes?............................................................................………………………………………...162

Graph 57: Percent of People Making Better Food Choices Based on New

Information………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..164

Graph 58: How Would You Describe Your Weight……………………………………………………………166

Graph 59: During the Past 30 Days the One Method Used Most to Control Your

Weight……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..….166

Graph 60: Student Weight Status Categories, NYS 2008-2009 School Years.……….167

Graph 61: Student Weight Status Categories, NYS 200-2010 School Year…….……….167

Graph 62: Percent Tobacco Use: Herkimer County.………………………………………………………...176

Graph 63: In the past 30 Days, have you noticed adverting or information about the

dangers of tobacco or quitting smoking on the radio……………………………………………………….176

Graph 64: Percent of Individuals Noticing Tobacco Promotion…...……………………………….177

Graph 65: Youth Who Smoke in the Last 30 Days…………………………………………………………...178

Graph 66: Youth Who Used Chewing Tobacco or Snuff in the Last 30 Days……….……179

Graph 67: NYS Quitline Calls Herkimer County Residents…………………………………………….179

Graph 68: Average Number of Days per Year That Ozone Levels Were Unhealthy for

Asthmatics, NYS, 2005-2007……………………………………………………………………………………………... 185

Graph 69: Incidence Rates for Blood Lead Levels of 10/dl or Higher………………………...187

Graph 70: Infant Death Rate 2005-2010 Per 1,000 Live Births…………………………………..196

Graph 71: Neonatal Death Rate 2005-2010 Per 1,000 Live Births Under 28 Days..196

Graph 72: Live Births & Months Prenatal Care Began…………………….……………………………….197

Graph 73: Total Births by Mothers’ Age Herkimer County……………….…………………………..198

Graph 74: Pregnancies to Herkimer County School Age Females V. All Other Age

Groups………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….199

Graph 75: 11th Grade Female Students Who Have Had Sexual Intercourse…….……..200

Graph 76: Out of Wedlock Births v. Births to Wedded Mothers……………………………..….201

Graph 77: Out of Wedlock Births by Mother’s Age………………………………………………………...201

Graph 78: Herkimer County Live Births by Payment Type 2010………………………..…………202

Graph 79: Length of Time Since Last Dental Visit………………………….……………………………….206

384

Graph 80: Youth & Adults Receiving Educational Services from the Prevention Council

2009-2012………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….210

Graph 81: Youth & Adults Served by Herkimer County Prevention Council……………….210

Graph 82: Adults Engaging in Binge Drinking..…………………………………………………………………..214

Graph 83: Teenage Alcohol Use……………………………………………….…………………………………………..215

Graph 84: Alcohol Sourced for Herkimer County Teens……….……………………………………….215

Graph 85: During 2008-2009 School Year, Has Anyone Offered, Sold, or Given You an

Illegal Drug on School Property………………………………………………….…………………………………………216

Graph 86: Drug Related Hospitalizations, Herkimer County 2008-2010……………….……216

Graph 87: 11th Grade Students Who Used Different Drugs During Their Life………..217

Graph 88: Total Clinic Appointments & Jail Visits 2007-2012…………...………………………...218

Graph 89: Public Mental Health Services by Type Adults (18+)……………………………………218

Graph 90: Public Mental Health Services by Type Children (0-17)……………………………..219

Graph 91: Average Inpatient Census Herkimer County & New York State per

10,000………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...219

Graph 92: Inpatient Census by Type Herkimer County & New York State per

10,000……………………………………………………………………………...…………………………………………………………220

Graph 93: Percentage Medicaid Expenditures Adults 18+ New York State………………222

Graph 94: Percentage Medicaid Expenditures Children 0-17 New York State...........222

Graph 95 Suicide Death Rate Per 100,000 Population……………………...………………………..224

Graph 96: Youth Attitudes on Suicide……………………………………………………………………..………..225

Graph 97: During the Past 12 Months, Number of Times Herkimer County Youth

Attempted Suicide…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..226

Graph 98:Persons 65 Years or Older Who Had a Flu Shot in the Past 12 Month, New

York State………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...230

Family

Graph 100: Households in Herkimer County 2008-2010………………………………………………..235

Graph 101: Herkimer County Family Structure: Percent of Families with Children

Under 18 Present at Home…………………………………………………………………………………………….……….238

Graph 102: Out of Wedlock Births v. Births to Wedded Mother..……………………………..240

Graph 103: Herkimer County Divorces…………………………………...………………………………………….241

Graph 104: Children Having All Parents in the Labor Force..……………………………….……….242

385

Graph 105: Households With Persons Age 65 and Over………………………………………………..243

Graph 106: % of Grandparents Living with Grandchildren……..…………………………….…….242

Graph 107: % of grandparents co-residing with grandchildren and responsible for

their care…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..245

Graph 108: Herkimer County: Number of Foster Care Admissions by Source: 1998-

2011……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..247

Graph 109: Herkimer County Foster Care Admissions Compared to Rest of

State……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...…………………..248

Graph 110: Primary Placement Type All Ages County & ROS………………………….…………….249

Graph 111: Youth In Foster Care Placement Herkimer County 1991-2011………………..250

Graph 112: Children Re-Entering Foster Care Within One Year Herkimer County &

Rest of State…………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………….………….250

Graph 113: Herkimer County Department of Social Services Preventative and SIP

Services Caseload (2006-2011)………………………………………………………………………………..……………251

Graph 114: Adult Protective Services Workload (2001-2011)……………………………………..257

Graph 115: Protective Services for Adults by Impairment…………………………………………..258

Graph 116: Protective Services for Adults by Type of Risk of Harm/Unmet

Need…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….258

Graph 117: Total Number of Monthly Homeless Referred to Adult Protective

Services (2008-2012)……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..259

Graph 118: Total Number of Homeless Referred to Preventive Services (2008-2012)

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..260

Graph 119: Herkimer County Department of Social Services Child Protective Services

Reports (2001-2011)………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..262


Report Types……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..263


(2001-2011)………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..263

Graph 122: Recurrence of Maltreatment……………………………………………………..…………………264

Graph 123: Family Re-Reporting Rate (January 2009-June 2009)…………………………...265

Graph 124: Domestic Violence Arrests in Herkimer County –2009 to 2011…………….266

Graph 125: Percent of Teens That Said They Worry a Fair Amount to a Lot

About…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..268

386

Graph 126: Percent of Teens That Said They Have Been Physically Hurt by an Adult

at Home in the Past Year……………………………………………………………………………………………………....269

Graph 127: Teens that Said Their Parents Either Often or Always………………………….273

Graph 128:Percent of Teens That Said That Their Parents at Least Sometimes Talk

to Them About………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….274

Graph 129: Percent of Teens That Said They Worry A Fair Amount or Lot

About…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..275

Economic Security

Graph 129: Real Income Growth by Herkimer County Families 1960—2000…….……….286

Graph 130: Unemployment Rates 1990-2012…………………………………………………………………….289

Graph 131: Percent of Each Family Type in Poverty Herkimer County 2000 v. 2006-

2008…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….294

Graph 132: Percent of Herkimer County Families in Poverty With Children in the

Home…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...295

Graph 133: Herkimer County Female Headed Households in Poverty with Children

Present in the Home 1970-2010…………………………………………………………………………………………...295

Graph 134: Cannot Pay for Necessities Because of Lack of Money…………………………….296

Graph 135: Gone Without Food for 24 Hours in the Past Month due to Lack of

Food……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…….297

Graph 136: TANF/ Safety Net Monthly Average Eligible Individuals 1997-2011……304

Graph 137: Food Stamp Cases by Type……………………………………………………………………………...305

Graph 138: Food Sense Unit Totals…………………………………………………………………………………….310

Graph 139: Food Pantry Use by Age– 2011………………………………………………………………………...311

Graph 140: HEAP Applications Processed by OFA Clients Age 60+ & SSI………………..312

Graph 141: Medicaid Only Monthly Average Eligible Individuals by Category 2000-

2011……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...315

Graph 142: Percent Receiving Government Assisted Healthcare coverage……………....316

Graph 143: EPIC Enrollment Trends– Herkimer County………………………………………………...319

Graph 144: EPIC Program Total Herkimer County Enrollment………………………………….…..319

Graph 145: Herkimer County Healthy NY Enrollees, 2002-2011………………………………….320

Graph 146: Herkimer County Child Health Plus Enrollees……………………………………………..321

387

Education

Graph 147: Per-Pupil Expenditure……………………………………………………………………………………….330

Graph 148: VADIR Summary 2007-2011………………………………………..………………………………….333

Graph 149: Minor Altercations Totals 2007-2011…………………………………………………………..334

Graph 150: VADIR Bullying Totals 2007-2011…………………………...…………………………………….335

Graph 151: Percentage of Annual High School Dropouts……………………………………………….340

Graph 152: Percent Proficient in English Language Arts Grade 4……………………………….345

Graph 153: Percent Proficient in Math Grade 4………………………….….……………………………….346

Graph 154: Percent Proficient in Science Grade 4……………………...………………………………….347

Graph 155: Percent Proficient in English Language Arts Grade 8……………………………….349

Graph 156: Percent Proficient in Math Grade 8……………………………………………………………...350

Graph 157: Percent Proficient in Science Grade 8………………………………………………………….351

Graph 158: Regents Participation……………………………………………………...………………..……………..352

Graph 159: Regents and Local Diplomas…………………………………………………………………...……….353

Graph 160: CTE Student Performance on Perkins Indicators Who Left School in

2010…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….355

Graph 161: Herkimer BOCES Survey of Career & Technical Education Graduates

Status Six Months Post-Program Completion (2008)………………………………………………………356

Graph 162: Percent Attending 2 or 4 Year College Past Graduation…………………………..357

Graph 163: Students Who Enjoy Going to School…………………………………………………………...358

Graph 164 Herkimer County Students Who Enjoy Going to School by Grade-

2009…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….358

Graph 165: Herkimer County Students Who Agree Rules in Their School Are The

Same For Everyone By Grade………………………………………………………………………………………………..359

Graph 166: Teachers Generally Have High Expectations of Me, Care About Me, and

How Well I Do……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………359

Graph 167: Students Who Feel Safe in Their School…………………………………………………….360

Graph 168: Students Who Missed School Because They Felt Unsafe at School or

Unsafe Traveling To and From School………………………………………………………………………………...360

Graph 169: How Much Time Do You Spend Doing Homework Or Studying After

School or On Weekends………………………………………………………………………………………………………….361

Graph 170: Herkimer BOCES Adult Literacy Students by Age Cohort……………………..363

Graph 171: Herkimer County Community College Enrollment……….……………………………….364

388

Graph 172: HCCC Full– Time Enrollment by Student Origin, 2008……………………………...365

Graph 173: HCCC Full– Time Enrollment by Student Origin, 2010……………………………..365

389

390

Human Resource Planning Team

(Integrated County Planning Steering Committee)

Name

Organization

Tim Seymour

Commissioner, Co-Chair


Gina Giacovelli

Executive Director, Co-Chair

Herkimer County Youth Bureau

James Wallace Jr.

County Administrator

Herkimer County

Ed Scudder

Director

Herkimer County Department of Mental Health

Christina Cain

Acting Director


Josephine Sohnn

Director


Kathy Fox

Director


Karin Zipko

Director

Herkimer County Employment & Training Administration

Joanne Favat

Director of Services


Mark Vivacqua

Superintendent

Herkimer BOCES

Adam Hutchinson

Executive Director


Chip Bassett

Principal Planner

Herkimer-Oneida Counties Comprehensive

Planning Program Darlene Haman

Strategic Planning Coordinator


Community Focus Group Attendees

March 28, 2013

Name

Organization

Kaylyne Edick Cornell Cooperative Extension Herkimer County

Community Health Intern

Elyse Enea Herkimer County HealthNet, Inc.

Mark Feane Herkimer County Industrial Development Agency

Kathy Fox Herkimer County Office for the Aging

Gina Giacovelli Herkimer County Youth Bureau

Dale Miller Herkimer-Oneida Counties Comprehensive Planning Program

Sally Miller Herkimer County Employment & Training

Ellen Olson Child Care Council of Cornell Cooperative Extension

Linda Robbins Cornell Cooperative Extension Herkimer County

Josephine Sohn Herkimer County Probation Department

Alison Swartz Herkimer County HealthNet, Inc.

391

392

Citizenship Focus Group Attendees

March 27, 2013

Name

Organization

Daniel Adamek Intern, Regional Program for Excellence Student

Lisa Burdick Herkimer County Department of Social Services

Brandi Candido Kids Herkimer

Kim Conley Herkimer BOCES

Megan Dack Catholic Charities Herkimer County —Domestic Violence Program

Steve Dietz Herkimer County Family Support PINS Diversion Program

Kaylyne Edick

Cornell Cooperative Extension Herkimer County



Joanne Gueverra YWCA of the Mohawk Valley

Matt Hawes Herkimer County Community College

Jan Harris Herkimer County Family Support PINS Diversion Program

Stuart Joseph Center for Family Life & Recovery

Tim Rogers Herkimer County Community College—Public Safety

Mike Scalise Herkimer County Probation Department

Jenna Shibley Kids Herkimer—Intern

Josephine Sohn Herkimer County Probation Department

Jackie Ward Catholic Charities Herkimer County—Domestic Violence Program

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Physical & Emotional Health Focus Group Attendees

March 28, 2013

Name

Organization

Christina Cain Herkimer County Public Health Department

Brenda Chapman Herkimer County WIC Program

Kim DeBuono CNY Diabetes Program—Faxton-St. Luke’s Health Center

Kaylyne Edick



Phyllis Ellis St. Elizabeth Medical Center

Elyse Enea Herkimer County HealthNet, Inc.



Diana Haldenwang Mohawk Valley Perinatal Network

Jan Harris Herkimer County Family Support PINS Diversion Program

Meenakshi Malhotra Faxton—St. Luke’s Hospital

Caitlin McCann Faxton—St. Luke’s Hospital

Liz Pritchard Upstate Cerebral Palsy

Kate Reese Little Falls Hospital

Linda Robbins Cornell Cooperative Extension Herkimer County

Angelina Roche Faxton—St. Luke’s Hospital

Jean Schifano Bassett Healthcare—Herkimer Health Center

Ed Scudder Herkimer County Mental Health Department

Sandra Soroka Neighborhood Center

Alison Swartz Herkimer County HealthNet, Inc.

Carolyn Trimbach CAP-21, Town of Webb

Julie Wells Faxton—St. Luke’s Hospital

Family Focus Group Attendees

March 27, 2013

Name

Organization

Daniel Adamek Intern, Regional Program for Excellence Student

Rachel Case Catholic Charities Herkimer Coutny—Runaway & Homeless Youth

Program

Anne Dickquist Herkimer County Department of Social Services

Kaylyne Edick




Marie Grose Herkimer ARC

Members Herkimer County Human Development Committee

Wendy Iamele Healthy Families—Herkimer County

Dorothy Massinger Herkimer County Department of Social Services

Kathryn Moss Center for Family Life and Recovery

Robin Robinson United Way of the Valley & Greater Utica Area

Carolyn Trimbach CAP-21, Town of Webb

Jackie Ward Catholic Charities Herkimer County—Domestic Violence Program

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Economic Security Focus Group Attendees

March 27, 2013

Name

Organization

Mark Barbano NYS Department of Labor

Beth Bunce Herkimer County Employment & Training

Kaylyne Edick




Diana Haldenwang Mohawk Valley Perinatal Network

Patricia Lawson Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency

Lisa Monahan Herkimer County Department of Social Services

Lydia Sexton Catholic Charities Herkimer County

Debbie Smith Herkimer County Department of Social Services

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Education Focus Group Attendees

March 19, 2013

Name

Organization

Dawn Bernholz Herkimer County Department of Social Services

Chris Farber Herkimer County Sheriff


Barbara Henderson The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties

Mary Kline Herkimer BOCES

Patricia Lawson Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency

Lara Sepanski-Pimentel Literacy Coalition of Herkimer-Oneida Counties

Timothy Seymour Herkimer County Department of Social Services

Christine Spano Upstate Cerebral Palsy

Michael Werenczak Herkimer County Employment & Training

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Understanding the ACS

In the past, every ten years the Census Bureau conducted our decennial census to provide

information to Congress and policymakers about the country. This was done through two

forms – the short form (with only 7 or 8 basic questions) and the long form (which had

lots of questions on everything from in-come to education).

Beginning in 2010, the decennial census was ONLY done with what amounted to the short

form. In place of the long form, a new tool called the American Communities Survey was

fully implemented in 2005. The American Community Survey (ACS) is a nationwide survey

designed to provide communities a fresh look at how they are changing.

With the ACS, the Census Bureau now collects and produces population and housing

information every year, instead of every ten years. About three million housing unit

addresses are sampled each year throughout the United States and Puerto Rico to

produce this data.

Beginning with the 2005 ACS (and continuing every year thereafter), a variety of

demographic, social, economic and housing data for each year was made available for

geographic areas with a population of 65,000 or more. These are called the “1-year

estimates” – they are based on a single year’s sampling of our local population. Because

these “1-year estimates” were only released for communities with populations of 65,000

or more, in our region this only covered Oneida County as a whole.

In 2008, however, the ACS began releasing its first multi-year estimates based on ACS

data collected from 2005 through 2007. These are called the “3-year estimates”. The “3-

year estimates” of demo-graphic, social, economic and housing characteristics are

available for geographic areas with a population of 20,000 or more. For our region, this

now means 3-year estimates of data are available for Oneida County, Herkimer County,

Utica, Rome and the Town of New Hartford.

In 2011, data was also made available for less populated areas (areas under 20,000

population) when the “5-year estimates” were finally released in 2010. These are the last

version of the ACS to come out. The 5-year estimates are similar to the other forms of

the ACS data being released, but will be based on ACS data collected from five year

periods, for example from 2005 to 2009.

These multi-year estimates require slightly different thinking about the data they

contain. These estimates are called “period estimates”. So when discussing child poverty

data, for example, the best way to characterize this information would be along the

following lines: “The child poverty rate for Oneida County over the period 2005 to 2007

was X percent.”

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If comparing across geographic areas (like between two towns or two counties), make

sure you are comparing apples to apples. That is, compare 1-year estimates to 1-year

estimates, or 3-year estimates to 3-year estimates, and 5-year estimates to 5-year

estimates. DO NOT compare one-year estimates with multi-year estimates across

geographies.

If comparing data for a single area (like just one town or one county to itself) over

time, this can be done but it must be done with caution. Comparing the 2000 Census

for Herkimer County to the 2005-2007 three year estimate for Herkimer County is

acceptable, but keep in mind there can be problems with differences in residency rules,

reference period differences, and question wording changes.

If you are more interested in current data, 1-year estimates are the better source

to use; if precision is more important, then use the 3 or 5 year estimates. The multi

-year estimates represent a larger sample size over a longer period of time so they have

more reliability, especially for smaller areas.

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