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Cattaraugus Gives Success On Tuesday, we took part in Cattaraugus Gives and I’m excited to share that we raised funds to support the renovation of our lower level. This project will allow us to expand and improve our training space so we can better support the rural communities we serve. A big thank-you to the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation for hosting again this year, and to John J. Irving, CFP, for sponsoring the Homeward Bound Prize. We were thrilled to receive the $500 award for having the most donors between 4 and 5 p.m. Most importantly, thank you to everyone who donated. Your support truly makes a difference in the work we do every day. Addiction Subcommittee Update Yesterday morning, I participated in the Addiction Subcommittee meeting. As part of the discussion, we reviewed next steps for staying connected with the Best Response Intensive Crisis Center team. I reached out, and we agreed to set up a meeting to get an update since our last meeting on the BestSelf Intensive Crisis Center, including the expected opening timeline and whether telemedicine services will be included. I’ve sent a Doodle poll to schedule a meeting in early January so we can receive an update and ask questions. If you’re interested in being part of this meeting, please let me know.

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and had the chance to slow down, enjoy family, and recharge a bit. This time of year always reminds me how much we have to be thankful for here at STHCS. I’m grateful for the teamwork that keeps everything moving, the way our staff shows up for our communities, and the pride they take in the work we do every day. I’m thankful for our EMS partners across the region, our hospital collaborators, and all the agencies that trust us to support their mission. And most of all, I’m thankful for each of you — your commitment, your flexibility, and your heart for service truly make the difference. As we head into the final stretch of the year, I appreciate everything you do to make STHCS stronger. I hope the holiday season brings some calm moments and a little joy to each of you.

Pathways to Care Update As we continue moving our Pathways to Care program forward, I want to share a quick update. Our Julota build is underway, and we’re getting closer to the training phase. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be finalizing participant lists and setting up training sessions so we can begin rolling this work out across the region. This program is a key part of how we support our rural communities, expand access to services, and strengthen connections between agencies. I appreciate everyone who has been helping move this project along — your collaboration is what makes progress possible. National Rural Health Day Yesterday was National Rural Health Day, a time set aside each year to recognize the unique challenges and incredible strengths of rural communities across the country. It’s also a great reminder of the vital role our rural providers, EMS professionals, and community partners play in keeping people connected to care. For more than 30 years, STHCS has been committed to supporting the health and well-being of the rural communities we serve. Days like this reinforce why our work matters and highlight the impact we make together. I’m grateful for the dedication, collaboration, and resilience that continue to strengthen our healthcare system and support the people of Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua counties.

Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) This week I attended the COAD session at Jamestown Community College, hosted by the Cattaraugus Nonprofit Hub as they celebrated their one-year anniversary. It was a great event and an important step in bringing our region together around emergency preparedness. I also had the opportunity to meet Scott Golden, the Allegany County Director of Emergency Management, and hear his perspective. He emphasized how COADs strengthen preparedness and response by building strong partnerships across agencies—especially for our most vulnerable residents. His comments reinforce the work we continue to advance at STHCS. If any agency is interested in being part of this COAD effort, please let me know and I will share your information. I want to thank the sponsors for bringing people together to start the conversation about creating a COAD for the Southern Tier. Their leadership is helping move this work forward in a meaningful way. More to come as these efforts take shape. Lighting the Way to a Safer Community On November 18, STHCS will join Safe Kids Worldwide and partners across the country to recognize National Injury Prevention Day, raising awareness about preventing injuries—the leading cause of death for children. Our staff will be wearing green to show support, and we’ll light our building to “Shine a Green Light for Safety.” We’ll also share local safety messages and highlight the work of our Safe Kids Southern Tier New York coalition and community partners. If your team joins in, share photos with #BeInjuryFree or send them to safekids@sthcs.org so we can feature them on our website and social media. Thank you for helping make every day safer for kids and families.

Real Impact Through the 1115 Waiver This week, a local family shared how the Pantry Box and Epicured meal programs have truly changed their lives. Consistent access to healthy, prepared meals has helped them manage chronic conditions and the daily challenges of disability — a powerful example of the 1115 Waiver at work. Their story reminds us that when health and social supports connect, real change happens. I’m grateful to our staff who make these referrals possible every day and ensure families get the help they need when they need it most. Forensic Nurses Week This week, November 3–9, marks Forensic Nurses Week — a time to recognize the incredible work of those who care for survivors of violence and trauma with such compassion and skill. At Southern Tier Health Care System, we’re proud to support this important work through our Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) Program, which provides 24/7 response to victims across our region. These nurses bring professionalism, empathy, and strength to every call — ensuring survivors receive both care and justice. I’m deeply grateful for our forensic nurses and for the strong partnerships that make this program possible — Olean General Hospital, UPMC Chautauqua, Jones Memorial Hospital, and Connecting Communities in Action's Victim Services. Together, we’re building a safer, more compassionate region.

Quarterly Board of Directors Meeting This week, we held our quarterly Southern Tier Health Care System Board of Directors meeting. I am grateful to our Board members for their time, guidance, and ongoing support. Together, we reviewed recent accomplishments and talked about new opportunities to strengthen healthcare access and coordination across our region. The members’ input on our Pathways to Care program was especially helpful as we work to expand this initiative. Their leadership and commitment continue to move our mission forward as we improve the health and wellness of the rural communities we serve. Halloween Safety Tips Halloween is here, and Safe Kids Southern Tier New York (SKSTNY) is reminding families to keep safety first while enjoying the fun. Make sure kids can see and be seen by adding reflective tape or glow sticks to costumes and bags, use crosswalks and make eye contact with drivers before crossing, and always check treats before eating. SKSTNY is proud to share these reminders so children and families can enjoy a safe and fun Halloween together. More safety tips are available at safekids.org.

SIDS Awareness Month October is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month, a reminder of the importance of safe sleep practices that help keep babies safe and healthy. Through our Cribs for Kids program, we provide portable cribs, fitted sheets, and education to families in Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua counties who do not have a safe sleep space for their baby. We share the “ABCs of Safe Sleep”: babies should always sleep Alone, on their Back, and in a Crib for every sleep. A special thank you to all our funders who support this program and make it possible for us to provide these critical resources to families. To learn more or to refer a family, please visit www.sthcs.org/cribs-for-kids . Step Into Healthcare Career Academy On October 20, we launched our Step Into Healthcare Career Academy, which will continue through December 15, 2025. Coordinated by KC, this program gives students hands-on learning and direct exposure to healthcare careers in our region. Several students from Olean High School, Franklinville High School, and Hinsdale Central School are participating this session. This academy is part of our broader recruitment and retention programming, helping to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals. Thank you to KC for leading this important work and guiding students as they explore their future in healthcare. As always, thank you for supporting our work. Together, we are building healthier families today and strengthening our healthcare workforce for tomorrow.

Strengthening Access to Care Through Collaboration This week, I had the privilege, along with several STHCS Board members and other healthcare leaders, to meet with NYS Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado. I want to personally thank the Lieutenant Governor for reaching out to learn more about the great work happening here in our region. His genuine interest in how we are working together to make access to care a priority speaks volumes about his commitment to rural healthcare. I am grateful to our Board members and healthcare partners who joined the conversation and helped highlight how collaboration is allowing us to accomplish so much for the communities we serve. Expanding Training Opportunities with Our Birthing Simulator This week, we hosted a training with our new birthing simulator. Our goal is to make this high-tech tool available not only for our EMS providers, but also for the OB staff at our area hospitals by allowing them to borrow the simulator for in-house training. Olean General Hospital and Jones Memorial Hospital both sent OB staff to participate, along with EMS providers from the City of Olean and Alstar. This kind of hands-on training is critical for EMS, while childbirth is not a frequent call, but one we want to ensure providers are prepared for when it happens. By making the simulator accessible to OB staff when not in use for EMS, we can support skill development across the entire care team. A special thank you to Rob Pritchard, our newest staff member, for coordinating this training. Rob will also be taking the lead on our Pathways to Care program, which I look forward to sharing more about in the near future.

Building Healthier Communities Together I am proud to share the great work our team is doing to support the New York State 1115 Waiver. This important initiative is designed to transform health care delivery by addressing not only medical needs but also the social determinants of health—things like housing, transportation, nutrition, and access to community resources that play such a vital role in overall well-being. Through the Waiver, we are building stronger connections across our region and ensuring that the people we serve have the support they need to live healthier lives. I am proud to say that our team continues to meet key metrics while also creating meaningful partnerships that will have a lasting impact. This work is being led by Jordan and supported by Lindsey, Mark, KC, Lacey, and Bethany. Their leadership and teamwork are helping position Southern Tier Health Care System as a strong partner in advancing the Waiver’s goals and improving health outcomes in our rural communities. Together, we are making real progress, and I look forward to continuing this important work with all of you. Office Closure Notice Southern Tier Health Care System office will be closed on Monday, October 13, in observance of Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day. While many of us will take this time to pause and recharge, we recognize that many of our partners in health care, EMS, and community services will continue working throughout the holiday to keep our communities safe and supported. We are grateful for their dedication and commitment. To our own staff, I hope you enjoy the long weekend and return refreshed as we continue our important work together on Tuesday.

Building Capacity Through Training and Collaboration Catholic Health and Kaleida Health partnered to present BEFAST stroke training this week, teaching providers how to quickly recognize the signs of stroke (Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, Time) and act fast. This training highlights the collaboration across systems—Catholic Health, Kaleida Health, Olean General, and EMS—that is improving consistency and outcomes across Western NY. Also this week, our training center hosted the Paramedic class, ITLS training, a CLI course, the SWREMSCO meeting, and a community blood drive. It’s exciting to see the building used so actively for education, collaboration, and community service. This also underscores why building out the lower level is so important—to ensure we have the space needed to keep pace with the growing demand for trainings and events that strengthen our region. We are grateful to Catholic Health, Kaleida Health, and all our community partners for bringing these important trainings and events to our region and for their commitment to improving stroke outcomes through collaboration. Investing in Rural Communities The USDA Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program is a great opportunity for municipalities, nonprofits, and Tribes to access affordable funding for essential projects like health clinics, fire stations, childcare centers, and libraries. Applications are accepted year-round, with priority for small, low-income communities. I encourage our partners to look into this program and see how it might support your own projects. Click here to learn more.

Representing Our Region in Rural Health This week I attended the New York State Rural Health Council meeting. The agenda included updates from the Office of Rural Health, review and adoption of the dental memo, and a presentation on the state’s Rural Health Transformation Plan. I want to thank Karen Madden and her team for the work they are doing to move rural health forward. Workforce challenges, hospital financial concerns, and the need for continued advocacy were all raised as emerging issues, and I was glad to represent our region in that discussion. Many of the priorities outlined align closely with our work at STHCS, particularly our Pathways to Care program and our ongoing efforts to support EMS agencies and strengthen the rural health workforce. These connections reaffirm the importance of the work we are leading locally. Opening Doors to All I’m thrilled to share that Southern Tier Health Care System, Inc. has received a grant from The Children’s Guild Foundation to support our Opening Doors to All project. This funding will allow us to expand training rooms, upgrade technology, and install an elevator to ensure accessibility for all. We are so grateful to The Children’s Guild Foundation for their generosity and commitment to helping every child and young adult thrive. This support moves us closer to our vision of creating an inclusive space where no one is left out.

RAM Event This past weekend, Southern Tier Health Care System participated in the Remote Area Medical (RAM) event, where hundreds of people received free medical, dental, and vision care. Our team was on-site sharing information about the 1115 Waiver / Pathways to Care, EMS programs, and other services we provide. It was a great opportunity to raise awareness of the resources available through STHCS and connect directly with community members. A special thank you to Toni, Lindsey, Lacey, KC, and Bethany for representing STHCS. Their efforts made sure our programs reached the people who need them most. Rural Health Symposium This week I attended the Rural Health Symposium in Geneva, NY, sponsored by the New York State Association for Rural Health (NYSARH). The event focused on the biggest issues facing rural communities—access, workforce, behavioral health, aging, and sustainable funding. Discussions emphasized the need for stronger mental health supports, creative workforce pipelines, and better systems to serve aging populations. These themes directly connect with our work at STHCS through Pathways to Care, EMS partnerships, and training programs. The symposium was a great chance to share ideas, strengthen partnerships, and bring back insights that will guide our advocacy and program development.