​According to the National Fire Protection Association, more than 66 percent of home fire deaths occurred in homes without a working smoke alarm. A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a deadly home fire. 

Thanks to the F.T. and Anna C. Manley Trust, Safe Kids Southern Tier has teamed up with four fire departments in Cattaraugus and Allegany counties: Olean Fire Department, Salamanca Fire Department, A. E. Crandall Hook and Ladder, and Wellsville Fire Department, to provide and install two-in-one smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for families who are unable to purchase or install alarms on their own. This project will help prevent home fires and keep families safe. If you or a family you know needs a smoke detector, apply online at https://www.sthcs.org/safe-kids-events.html. 

​We have been collaborating with Cattaraugus County Health Department and Olean General Hospital on their Community Health Improvement Plan. One of the plan's priority areas is to "Promote Well-Being and Prevent Mental and Substance Use Disorders." As a result, STHCS has provided data regarding the numerous Narcan and mental health trainings we have hosted over the past three years. 

Additionally, our work with The Addictions Subcommittee of the Cattaraugus County Community Services Board has continued. I am happy to report that Dr. Henri Lamothe, Chief Medical Officer of Upper Allegany Health System, has requested to join this subcommittee. We look forward to his expertise moving forward. 

​This past Tuesday, we hosted Jill Owens, MD, President, Laurie Dunn, MS, RN, Chief Nursing Officer, and P. Henri Lamothe, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Upper Allegheny Health System (UAHS), for a round table discussion with EMS. Dr. Owens presented on the current state of UAHS. In addition, the new administration discussed with EMS providers the plans for the system's future success. I want to thank each presenter and those who attended for making this a great event!  

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week (FPW), October 9-15, 2022. This year's FPW campaign, "Fire won't wait. Plan your escape.", works to educate everyone about simple but necessary actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe from home fires. Our Safe Kids Southern Tier New York Coalition has a media campaign dedicated to FPW and ensuring families in our catchment plan their fire escape. Check out the campaign on our Facebook page and share messages with those in your community.