CEO Update: June 19, 2026

Community Partners Explore Planning Opportunity

I would like to thank Dr. Watkins for bringing community partners together this past Tuesday to discuss the Rural Community Health Integration (RCHI) Planning Grant opportunity recently released by New York State. The RCHI initiative provides up to $500,000 per rural county to support planning efforts focused on strengthening healthcare coordination, improving access to services, and addressing health and social needs.

The meeting provided an opportunity for partners to learn more about the funding opportunity, discuss potential approaches, and begin identifying priorities and partnerships that could support a successful application. Given the short application timeline, with proposals due July 9, 2026, several questions were submitted through the state's Q&A process before the June 18 deadline. Responses are expected on June 25 and will help guide next steps as partners continue evaluating this opportunity.

Organizations interested in participating in a Cattaraugus County planning effort are encouraged to reach out. We would also welcome hearing from organizations or counties that may be considering an RCHI application, as Southern Tier Health Care System may have an interest in participating as a partner and contributing to planning efforts that strengthen rural healthcare across the region. Thank you again to Dr. Watkins for his leadership in convening this discussion and to all those who participated.

Rural Health Council Meeting

I participated in the New York State Rural Health Council meeting on June 18, where Commissioner of Health Dr. James McDonald discussed efforts to improve healthcare access in rural communities.

The Council received updates on oral health initiatives from Bridget Walsh, from Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy and the Rural Health Transformation Program from Karen Madden, Director of the program, including discussion of the recently released Rural Community Health Integration (RCHI) planning grants.

The discussion reinforced the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing the healthcare needs of rural New Yorkers.

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