CEO Update: March 20, 2026

A Proud Moment for Rural Healthcare in Our Region

I want to take a moment to recognize a significant accomplishment within our region. Jones Memorial Hospital was recently named one of the Top 20 Rural and Community Hospitals in the nation by the National Rural Health Association. They are also the only hospital in New York State to receive this recognition, which speaks volumes about the level of care and commitment happening right here in our region.

This recognition builds on their recent Top 100 designation by The Chartis Center for Rural Health and reinforces the importance of strong rural healthcare systems.

I also want to recognize Sandra Watkins, Chief Nursing Officer at Jones Memorial Hospital and a member of the STHCS Board. Sandra’s leadership and perspective are an important part of the work we do, and it’s great to see that same level of excellence reflected in her organization.

Congratulations to Jim Helms and the entire Jones Memorial team. This is a meaningful achievement for your organization and for all of us working to strengthen healthcare across rural New York.

Progress Across Key Priorities

I want to provide a brief update on several areas of work that continue to move forward across STHCS.

We are making steady progress on our facility improvements, with a focus on creating functional, high-quality space that supports both workforce development and community-based services. These updates are not just about the physical space, but about positioning STHCS to better serve our region long-term.

In addition, our Pathways to Care work continues to gain traction. We are strengthening coordination with EMS, healthcare providers, and community partners to improve access to services and better support individuals navigating the system.

This work takes time, but we are seeing meaningful progress. I appreciate the continued commitment from our team and partners as we move these efforts forward.

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