CEO Update, March 3, 2023

USDA Rural Development Visit  

STHCS Board Chair Todd Riesner and I hosted Brian S. Murray, NY State Director of USDA Rural Development (RD), Christopher Stewart, Special Projects Coordinator, and Thomas Becker, Area Specialist. In addition, we invited representatives from the City of Olean, Intandem, and HomeCare & Hospice to discuss Rural Development programs that the USDA has to offer. Director Murray was able to share information about the various programs through RD that could benefit our area. Following the meeting, we were able to visit Olean Fire Department's Central Station to see the improvements that could be made. Director Murray was especially excited about the potential projects with OFD as he is a volunteer fireman himself. I hope this kick-off meeting is the first of many and a step toward many USDA projects in our area.

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Collaborative Planning

​Earlier this week, I was invited to participate in The Healthy Cattaraugus Leadership Team meeting. I want to thank Dr. Watkins, Public Health Director for Cattaraugus County, and Tina Zerbian, CEO of Connecting Communities in Action, for leading this project. The project aims to accelerate action to address improved chronic disease outcomes for persons experiencing health disparities & inequities. This will be accomplished by collaborative planning among public health, government, business, CBOs, health care partners, and community partners. 

I look forward to working on this accelerator plan and the significant impact it can have on Cattaraugus County.

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