CEO Update: September 4, 2026

Reaching Individuals Where They Are

This week, community partners completed the first outreach visit to local homeless encampments. The purpose of this effort is to build relationships with individuals who may not be accessing traditional services and create opportunities to connect them with healthcare, behavioral health, substance use supports, housing, and other community resources.

The first visit reinforced that trust will take time and that consistent outreach will be important. The group plans to continue meeting individuals where they are, building those relationships, and improving coordination among the agencies involved.

Rural Roots Workforce Initiative

New York State is launching Rural Roots, a new initiative funded through the Rural Health Transformation Initiative (RHTI) focused on strengthening the rural healthcare workforce.

The program will support healthcare career pathways for students, expanded clinical rotations and placements, specialty training opportunities, housing assistance, and efforts to recruit and retain healthcare professionals in rural communities.

According to information shared by R-AHEC, the anticipated funding is $5 million annually for five years, with more than 60% of the funding going to the five rural AHECs. R-AHEC will be working with partners across its 11-county region, including Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua Counties, as the program is developed.

This is another great opportunity through RHTI to bring resources into our region, build on work already happening, and strengthen our local healthcare workforce pipeline.

Update Link