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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.

New York State EMS Council This week, Alicia and I, along with several REMSCO members, attended the New York State EMS Council meeting in Troy, New York. Our participation ensures that programs like STEMS continue to have a strong voice at the state level. It also allows us to hear important updates and stay informed on statewide initiatives that impact EMS across our region. Attending these meetings strengthens STHCS’s role as an advocate for EMS providers and the communities we serve. A special thank you to Dr. Eugene Heslin, MD, First Deputy Commissioner and Chief Medical Officer, for attending this and future meetings. His presence helps ensure we close the loop with the DOH Commissioner’s Office. Dr. Heslin has also been engaged with the Rural Health Council, and I believe he is a true advocate for rural health. 1115 Medicaid Waiver Convenings This week, I attended the Western Regional Convening while Jordan represented us at the Finger Lakes session. These meetings, hosted by United Hospital Fund and Capital Fund, focused on aligning statewide goals, reviewing progress, and prioritizing both health and social needs. Much of the discussion highlighted the 1115 waiver as an opportunity to strengthen services and drive innovation across New York State, especially in rural regions like ours. Our participation ensures that the unique challenges of our communities are included in the conversation and that STHCS continues to have a strong voice in shaping statewide health priorities. Thank you to Jordan for her commitment and for representing our region so well.

At STHCS, we are always looking for ways to connect with resources that strengthen our work. This week, I spoke with Cristian Romero, Assistant Director for the Office of Faith and Nonprofit Development Services. His office is dedicated to supporting nonprofit leaders across New York State, including guidance on navigating the Statewide Financial System (SFS). If your organization needs essential information, assistance accessing state grants, or support to strengthen its capacity, please reach out to  ofnds@dos.ny.gov or (646) 561-1003. They also offer a monthly newsletter with helpful resources for nonprofits . STHCS will continue to share opportunities like this to ensure nonprofits in our region have the tools and connections they need to succeed. Celebrating Family Milestones at STHCS This week was a very special one for our STHCS family—our team member Lindsey finalized the adoption of her son Kevin! Surrounded by friends, classmates, and family, the celebration was filled with joy. Kevin even received his adoption bear and got to celebrate his 9th birthday the same day. Moments like this remind us that supporting families—both in our community and among our staff—is at the heart of our mission. Please join us in celebrating Lindsey and her family on this unforgettable milestone.

Youth Learn Skills to Keep Kids Safe Congratulations to Lindsey on successfully leading her first babysitting course, and thank you to Sydney for serving as her mentor. This hands-on program, designed for youth ages 11–18, provides participants with a two-year CPR certification, along with training in basic first aid, choking relief, child care, safety awareness, and emergency response. Students also gain practical skills in finding babysitting jobs and planning safe games, meals, and activities for children. We are proud to see local youth gaining skills that not only make them more confident babysitters but also help keep children in our community safe. Safe Sleep Site Visit We were honored to welcome Warren Greatbatch, long-time funder and board member of the East Hill Foundation, for a site visit this week. East Hill has been a strong supporter of our Safe Sleep program, and it was Warren who suggested that every crib donation include sheets—a practice we continue today. Thanks to this support, our Safe Sleep program has had outstanding success, with no unsafe sleep incidents reported among participating families. We are grateful for East Hill’s continued partnership in keeping our community’s infants safe.

Highmark Blue Fund Summit On Thursday, I attended the Highmark Blue Fund Summit at Seneca One in Buffalo. The event featured valuable discussions on community engagement, funding priorities, and capacity building, along with breakout sessions on AI, fundraising, and communications. It was also a great opportunity to connect with regional leaders, and I thank Highmark for the invitation to participate. Pathways to Care I want to thank Kevin D. Watkins, MD, MPH , Public Health Director, Cattaraugus County Health Department, Brett Lawton, Chief Executive Officer, Universal Primary Care/Southern Tier Community Health Center Network, Mary O’Leary, Community Services Director, Cattaraugus County, and Melissa Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer, HomeCare & Hospice - Total Senior Care for taking the time this week to share their perspectives on how community paramedicine can enhance care rather than duplicate existing services. Their input is invaluable as we continue shaping Pathways to Care to better connect patients with resources, strengthen partnerships, and meet community needs.

Hepatitis C Rural Health Focus Group STHCS is proud to partner with the NYS Department of Health Charles D. Cook Office of Rural Health and the AIDS Institute’s Bureau of Hepatitis Health Care and Epidemiology (BHHCE) to host a regional focus group on September 16 at 8:30 am at our facility. This in-person focus group is part of a statewide effort to better understand the challenges and strengths rural communities face related to hepatitis C testing, treatment, and cure. The goal is to support New York State’s plan to eliminate hepatitis C as a public health issue by 2030. BHHCE will facilitate the session and provide light refreshments. This will be limited to approximately 10 people, and I ask anyone who would be interested in participating to reach out to me immediately to ensure we can make them part of the focus group. We are honored to help bring providers and community members together to inform future public health efforts. Thankful from the Lake This week, I’m spending some much-needed time with my family at Cuba Lake. It’s one of my favorite places to relax, reflect, and recharge. While I’m away, it brings me so much peace knowing that everything at STHCS is running smoothly — and that’s entirely because of the incredible team we have in place. Thank you all for the dedication, professionalism, and heart you bring to your work each and every day. I’m truly grateful to work alongside such a committed group of people.

Building the EMS Workforce: EMT-B Academy Milestone I’m excited to share that our EMT-B Academy achieved a 100% pass rate on the PSE (hands-on portion)! Based on their strong performance, I’m confident we’ll see the same success on the written exam. A special thank you to Ellie S. for her dedication to the program and for working toward her CLI certification throughout this process. Her commitment has been instrumental in supporting our students and their success! This accomplishment is a great example of how STHCS continues to strengthen the EMS workforce in our region, ensuring well-trained providers are ready to serve our communities. Improving Health Equity Through 1115 Waiver Engagement I’m pleased to share that Lacey recently conducted outreach at a local food pantry to help educate community members about the 1115 Medicaid Waiver. The 1115 Waiver is designed to transform how care is delivered in New York State by focusing on social drivers of health, improving access to services, and reducing health disparities. Connecting with residents in trusted community spaces like the food pantry is an important step in helping individuals understand the resources available to them. This outreach is another way STHCS is actively engaging with our community to improve health equity and ensure that those who need support most are informed and connected to care.