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The STEMS Monthly Minute is a short, focused video series developed by Southern Tier Emergency Medical System to support EMS providers across Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua counties. Each month, we highlight a practical topic designed to strengthen patient care, improve communication, and promote consistency across our regional EMS system. Episodes focus on clinical updates, protocol reminders, documentation best practices, quality improvement initiatives, and collaboration between EMS and hospital partners. These brief updates are designed to respect your time while delivering relevant, actionable information that can be applied immediately in the field. We encourage agencies to share each episode during trainings, staff meetings, or roll call as part of ongoing education and quality improvement efforts. If you have suggestions for future topics, please contact STEMS. We value your feedback and remain committed to supporting EMS providers throughout our region. February 2026 April 2026 March 2026 May 2026

IMPROVING THE HEALTH & WELLNESS OF OUR RURAL COMMUNITIES Our Key Services At Southern Tier Health Care System, we are dedicated to addressing the unique healthcare challenges faced by our rural communities. Our programs are designed to improve access, provide education, and deliver life-saving resources to underserved populations. Here’s how we make a difference: Community Support EMS Education & Training Step Into Healthcare Telehealth Safe Kids Pathways to Care About us For 30 years, Southern Tier Health Care System (STHCS), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Olean, NY, has served 250,000 residents in Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua counties—rural areas facing severe healthcare shortages and high poverty rates. STHCS partners with healthcare providers, educators, law enforcement, and other leaders to deliver holistic care, leveraging technology to improve access. Programs include EMS training, Narcan education, suicide prevention, and initiatives to eliminate barriers to healthcare. Collaborating with 12 partners, STHCS aligns with health department priorities to enhance healthcare capacity and support underserved communities. See Programs Our Mission Our Mission Our Mission It is the mission of Southern Tier Health Care System, Inc. to improve the health and wellness of the rural communities we serve. Belief Statement Agencies and organizations affiliated with STHCS believe that our collective knowledge and experience is an effective resource to address health care issues in our region. We further believe that STHCS is an appropriate mechanism to facilitate the project and programs which may be needed to accomplish this. Vision Statement The vision of STHCS is that comprehensive health needs of all people will be met through its facilitation of an accessible, seamless, quality system of providers and services. This will be accomplished by maximizing resources and cost-effective approaches to improve the quality of life. SEE UPDATES VIEW DONNA'S WEEKLY PROGRAM UPDATES! Donna Kahm has served as President and CEO at Southern Tier Health Care System since January 2007. To view her weekly updates, click below! View Updates Our Programs

Healthcare Careers Athletic Trainer Learn More Counseling Learn More Dentist Learn More Emergency Medicine Physician Learn More Home Health Aide Learn More Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technician Learn More Nurse Practitioner Learn More Obstetrician/ Gynecologist (OBGYN) Learn More Optometrist Learn More Pediatric Anesthesiologist Learn More Pharmacy Technician Learn More Physical Therapy Assistant Learn More Psychiatric Technician Learn More Public Health Educator Learn More Registered Nurse Learn More Sonography Technologist Learn More Surgical Technologist Learn More Biostatistician Learn More Dental Assistant Learn More Dietary Aide Learn More Environmental Service Aide Learn More Human Services Worker Learn More Medical Assistant (MA) Learn More Nurse's Aide (NA) Learn More Occupational Therapist Learn More Paramedic Learn More Pediatrician Learn More Phlebotomist Learn More Physician Learn More Psychologist Learn More Public Safety Telecommunicator Learn More Respiratory Therapist Learn More Speech Language Pathology and Audiology Learn More Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Learn More Dental Hygienist Learn More Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Learn More Epidemiologist Learn More Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Learn More Nuclear Medicine Technologist Learn More Nutritionist Learn More Occupational Therapy Assistant Learn More Patient Access Representative Learn More Pharmacist Learn More Physical Therapist Learn More Physician Assistant Learn More Public Health Director Learn More Radiologic Technologist Learn More Social Work Learn More Surgeon Learn More

Prevention in Action This week, we’re continuing to see the impact of meeting people where they are—especially when it comes to prevention. May is Bicycle Safety Month, our team is working through Safe Kids Southern Tier New York to get helmets into the hands of local children and families. With support from a recent grant, we’ve secured 40 helmets that will be distributed along with hands-on education to ensure proper fit and use. It’s a simple step, but one that can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury. This work reflects what we strive to do every day—combine education, access, and community partnership to create safer environments across our region. In rural communities like ours, prevention isn’t just important—it’s essential. I want to thank Lindsey and our partners who help make this work possible and to the families who continue to engage with us. Small actions, done consistently, make a real difference. Building the Workforce Pipeline One of the most important investments we can make in rural healthcare is in the people who deliver it. This week, we’re continuing to strengthen our EMS and healthcare workforce pipeline—supporting both new and existing providers across the Southern Tier. Through our training programs, partnerships, and ongoing education, we’re not just filling gaps—we’re building long-term capacity for our communities. In a region where access can be limited by distance, workforce matters. EMS providers are often the first point of care, and having well-trained, supported professionals in place directly impacts outcomes. From entry-level training to advanced certification, we are focused on creating opportunities that keep talent local and prepared. This work doesn’t happen in isolation. It takes coordination, strong partnerships, and a shared commitment to doing things the right way. I am thankful to Alicia for the support she gives our program agency, instructors, and providers who continue to step up and invest in the future of care in our region.

Strong Financial Stewardship – Thank You I’d like to recognize and thank Ed Bysiek of BYSIEK CPA, PLLC in Olean, NY for presenting our 2025 audit. We are pleased to share that we received a clean, unmodified audit opinion, confirming that our financial statements are presented fairly and in accordance with accepted accounting standards. In addition, the audit found no material weaknesses, no significant deficiencies in internal controls, and no compliance issues—an important reflection of the strength and consistency of our financial operations. I also want to recognize Colleen for her ongoing commitment to ensuring we meet all requirements and maintain strong accounting practices. Her attention to detail and consistency play a critical role in keeping us on track and audit-ready at all times. This work may not always be visible, but it is essential to maintaining transparency, accountability, and trust in everything we do. Building Our Workforce – EMT-B Academy Progress We continue to make strong progress with our EMT-B Academy. Ellie Strade, Program Assistant, has been leading coordination efforts, including applicant outreach, scheduling and conducting interviews, organizing applicant data, and working with partners to finalize our initial class roster and next steps. In addition, Ellie recently completed the NAEMSE Instructor Level 1 course and passed the exam with a perfect score. This is a great accomplishment and continues to build our training strength as we grow and refine the Academy. She will also be completing her New York State Certified Instructor Coordinator (CIC) internship during this year’s Academy, which will further support our instruction while helping to develop the next generation of EMS providers. This is exactly what it looks like to invest in our workforce the right way—developing both the program and the people who help lead it. Thank you to Ellie and everyone involved in supporting this work and moving the Academy forward.

OB Simulation Training Pilot Complete – Ready for Regional Rollout We’ve now completed our fourth OB simulation training, with more than 40 providers trained through this pilot program. Along the way, we’ve made several adjustments based on feedback and real-world application, and we’re at a point where we feel confident expanding this training to all providers. A sincere thank you to the City of Olean Fire Department for being a key partner in this pilot. Your engagement and support helped shape this into a strong, practical program. We’re now ready to begin scheduling additional trainings. If your agency or team would benefit from this training, please reach out so we can coordinate a session. We look forward to continuing to strengthen OB readiness across the Southern Tier. Community CPR Training – Help Us Spread the Word We’re excited to offer our upcoming Community CPR Training on May 13th at our training center in Olean. This is a great opportunity for community members, families, and anyone interested to learn lifesaving skills in a hands-on, supportive environment. We’re offering three levels of training—from basic awareness to full AHA Heartsaver certification—so there’s an option for everyone, regardless of experience. If you know individuals, groups, or organizations who may benefit from this training, we would appreciate your help in sharing this opportunity. Whether it’s staff, community partners, families, or local groups—getting this information out helps us reach more people and build a safer, more prepared community. Thank you for helping us expand access to these important skills.