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Certified Instructor Update On Wednesday, 45 EMS professionals participated in the Certified Instructor Update (CIU) Course, attending both in person and virtually from across New York State. The program brought together EMS instructor coordinators and lab instructors committed to strengthening the quality and consistency of EMS education throughout the state. The level of engagement and discussion demonstrated the dedication of these professionals to developing the next generation of EMS providers. Thank you to our presenters, Bryan Goyette, Suzanne Soltysik, and Mickey Forness, for sharing their expertise and helping make the program a success. We are also grateful to the EMS instructors who invested their time in this educational opportunity. Their commitment to professional development and high-quality instruction directly impacts EMS education and patient care across New York State. Working Together to Meet Community Needs On Thursday, Jordan, Alicia, and I attended the Cattaraugus County Nonprofit Hub’s Stronger Together event at Holiday Valley. The session focused on nonprofit collaboration and brought together leaders from organizations across the region to discuss how we can better work together to address community needs. The panelists shared their experiences with partnerships, shared services, and organizational collaborations, including both the successes and challenges they encountered along the way. The discussion reinforced the importance of building strong relationships, leveraging resources, and finding opportunities to collaborate in an environment where funding is increasingly competitive and community needs continue to grow. As we continue to grow and respond to the needs of our communities, these conversations help us identify opportunities to collaborate, leverage resources, and strengthen the services available throughout the region.

Time Is Brain: A Simple Tool Making a Difference Over the past several weeks, we have been encouraged to see EMS crews consistently using the Stroke Information Stickers. We want to thank our EMS providers for embracing this simple tool and recognizing the difference it can make in patient care. Last week at Olean General Hospital, staff reported a great example of the sticker's value. During a time-sensitive stroke response, CT services were unavailable and MRI was being used as a backup. The patient was unable to complete the MRI screening process, but because family contact information was documented on the stroke sticker, the care team was able to quickly reach the family, complete the necessary screening, and move the patient directly to MRI without unnecessary delays. When it comes to stroke care, time is brain. This simple process helps streamline communication, reduce delays, and support faster decision-making when every minute counts. For a quick overview of the Stroke Information Sticker initiative, check out the STEMS Monthly Minutes. Thank you to our EMS crews and healthcare partners for your continued commitment to improving patient outcomes across our region. We look forward to sharing more information as we prepare for our upcoming Tele-Stroke go-live. Recognizing Milestones This week marked a couple of personal milestones for me. I celebrated my 35th wedding anniversary with Dave (June 1) and my 25th year with Southern Tier Health Care System (June 4). As I reflected on both milestones, I was reminded that none of us achieve these accomplishments alone. The support, encouragement, and patience of my family over the years have been invaluable and have played a significant role in allowing me to serve as CEO of Southern Tier Health Care System. I am grateful not only for my family's support, but also for the opportunity to work alongside so many dedicated staff, board members, community partners, healthcare providers, EMS professionals, and community leaders over the past 25 years. The relationships built along the way have made this journey both meaningful and rewarding. Together, we have accomplished a great deal, and I am excited about the opportunities that still lie ahead for our organization and the communities we serve. And, as Rob was quick to remind me, turning 55 this year comes with a new milestone of its own: I am now officially eligible for Total Senior Care. Thankfully, I am not planning to take advantage of that eligibility just yet! Thank you all for being part of my journey.

Navigating Change Together Recent New York State insurance eligibility changes are resulting in many individuals losing their current Essential Plan coverage or being transitioned to different insurance options. Click here for the NYSDOH Advisory. As these changes take effect, many community members are being asked to update applications, review eligibility, and understand new coverage options, creating confusion and concern for families across our region. I would like to specifically thank Toni, Bethany, and Lacey for the tremendous work they have been doing to assist individuals and families through these transitions. Their patience, compassion, and commitment to helping community members navigate these changes has been incredibly important. Rural Collaboration in Action Yesterday I participated in two HRSA-supported planning calls with the University at Buffalo Family Medicine Residency Program and regional organizations focused on Behavioral Health integration and Street Medicine initiatives. The discussions focused on strengthening community partnerships, improving access to care, supporting individuals struggling with behavioral health and substance use challenges, and identifying better ways to connect rural residents to services closer to home. I am also excited to participate in the 2026 Street Medicine Didactic Series to share perspectives on “Rural Community-Based Care” and the importance of collaboration in rural communities.

Preparing Tomorrow’s Healthcare Workforce Today This week, we welcomed leadership and educators from Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES Career & Technical Education for a collaborative visit focused on healthcare workforce development, education, and future partnerships. The group spent time learning more about our programs, EMS and community initiatives, and the growing healthcare needs across our rural region. Discussions focused on career pathways, workforce expectations, student opportunities, and ways we can continue building stronger connections between education and healthcare. I want to thank KC Cone and Jordan Yaros for coordinating the visit, and thank Amanda Miller and the CABOCES team for spending the afternoon with us. The conversations were extremely positive, and we look forward to continuing the partnership moving forward. Partnerships like these are important as we continue working together to strengthen the future healthcare workforce in the Southern Tier. EMS Week has been a great reminder of the strength of our EMS community Over the past week, we have had the opportunity to connect with providers, agencies, hospitals, and community partners through several EMS Week cookouts and events recognizing the work happening every day across our region. It has been great seeing so many providers take a few moments to step away, connect with one another, and be recognized for the important work they do. I want to sincerely thank all of the EMS agencies, hospital partners, and community supporters who helped make these events possible. Your continued support of EMS providers and the healthcare system as a whole does not go unnoticed. Most importantly, thank you to the EMS professionals serving our communities every day and night. Rural EMS continues to face challenges, but the dedication, teamwork, and commitment shown across this region continues to make a difference for the patients and communities we serve. Thank you all for everything you do.

Mental Health Awareness Month and the 988 Lifeline May is Mental Health Awareness Month, an important reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health. Across our communities, many individuals and families continue to face challenges related to stress, anxiety, depression, substance use, and emotional wellbeing. No one should feel they have to face those challenges alone. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing free and confidential support for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis, emotional distress, or concerns related to substance use. By simply calling or texting 988, individuals can connect directly with trained counselors who are there to listen, support, and help guide them to resources. Sometimes the most important thing we can do is help spread awareness and remind people that support is available. Please take a moment to share this important resource within your organizations, workplaces, families, and communities. EMS Week 2026: Improving Outcomes, Together This week, Alicia and I had the opportunity to attend the New York State EMS Council meeting in Saratoga Springs, where EMS leaders from across New York State came together to discuss emerging issues, statewide initiatives, and the future of emergency medical services. As we return home, we also look forward to celebrating National EMS Week, May 17–23, with this year’s theme, “Improving Outcomes, Together.” EMS Week is an opportunity to recognize and thank the EMS professionals who serve our communities every day with dedication, compassion, and professionalism. Whether responding to emergencies, supporting patients during difficult moments, or working behind the scenes to strengthen systems of care, EMS providers continue to make a tremendous impact across our region. Several appreciation events are planned throughout the Southern Tier this week: Allegany County: Daily free treats beginning Monday, May 18, along with a picnic lunch on Friday, May 22, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the ambulance bay area at Jones Memorial Hospital Cattaraugus County: EMS Appreciation Cookouts at Olean General Hospital on Tuesday, May 19, and Thursday, May 21, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Chautauqua County: BBQ lunch on Monday, May 18, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Sherman Parking Lot at UPMC Chautauqua Chautauqua County: EMS Awards Ceremony on Thursday, May 21, at 6:00 p.m. in the UPMC Chautauqua Auditorium, with snacks provided. To all EMS providers across our region, thank you for the care you provide, the sacrifices you make, and the commitment you continue to show each and every day. Your work truly matters, and our communities are stronger because of you.

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.

Bringing Screening to Where People Are On May 18 and 19, we’re pleased to welcome Eddy, Roswell Park’s mobile lung cancer screening unit, to the City of Olean Fire Department. This is a great example of what it looks like to meet people where they are. In our rural communities, access continues to be one of the biggest barriers to care. Something as simple as distance can delay screening—and with lung cancer, early detection matters. Eddy helps remove that barrier by bringing low-dose CT screening directly into the community. It’s quick, painless, and for those who are eligible, it can make a real difference. This opportunity is especially important for individuals age 50 and older with a history of smoking—many of whom may not otherwise pursue screening. We appreciate Roswell Park for their partnership and the City of Olean Fire Department for hosting. These kinds of collaborations are how we continue to strengthen access and improve outcomes across our region. If you or someone you know may be eligible, I encourage you to take a look at the attached flyer and register using the QR code. Building Healthy Habits Early Last week, we had the opportunity to see something simple—but powerful—in action through our Kids in the Kitchen program in partnership with FeedMore WNY. Sitting around the table, learning together, and getting hands-on with food choices—these are the moments where healthy habits begin. Programs like this go beyond nutrition education. They build confidence, awareness, and skills that kids carry with them into their homes and everyday lives. In our region, where access, affordability, and education around healthy food can all be challenges, this kind of partnership matters. It’s not just about what’s on the plate—it’s about creating opportunities for kids and families to make informed choices and feel supported in doing so. We’re grateful to FeedMore WNY for their continued partnership and shared commitment to improving health outcomes across our communities.

Pathways to Care: Focused Pilot, Positioned for Growth Our Pathways to Care program continues to build strong momentum as we transition from planning into active service delivery. As part of our pilot phase, services are currently concentrated within a 20-mile radius of Olean, allowing us to refine workflows, strengthen partnerships, and ensure we are delivering high-quality, coordinated care. Within this focused area, we are actively connecting individuals—particularly older adults, those with chronic conditions, and families navigating complex needs—to the services and supports they need. By working closely with EMS, healthcare providers, and community partners, we are improving how referrals are received, communicated, and acted upon. This intentional approach is helping us identify what works, where gaps exist, and how we can build a more responsive system. As we continue to learn and strengthen our model, we are planning for future expansion beyond the initial service area to reach more communities across the region. This work reflects a shared commitment to meeting people where they are, reducing barriers to care, and building a more connected system across Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua counties. I am grateful for the continued efforts of our staff and the partners who are helping move this work forward every day. Babysitting Training: Real Skills for Real Situations This past week, we hosted a Babysitting Course for youth in our region, focused on building real skills and confidence when caring for children. Participants completed hands-on training in infant, child, and adult CPR, along with basic first aid and safety. These are practical skills—what to do in the moment when something isn’t right—and it was clear how quickly confidence grew as they worked through real-life scenarios. In a rural community like ours, this matters. Families rely on safe, capable caregivers, and programs like this help make that possible. It also gives young people an early introduction to responsibility and skills that can carry forward into future opportunities, including healthcare and emergency services. Thank you to Lindsey and Rob for leading the training and to Toni for the behind-the-scenes support that made this opportunity possible.

Recognizing Sexual Assault Awareness Month April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a national effort led by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center to raise awareness, support survivors, and strengthen prevention. This year marks the 25th anniversary of SAAM, recognizing the progress made through advocacy, education, and community collaboration, while also reminding us there is more work ahead. At Southern Tier Health Care System, this work aligns closely with our mission to strengthen access, support individuals, and build coordinated systems of care. We are especially grateful for our SAFE providers, whose compassion, expertise, and commitment ensure survivors receive the care and support they need during some of their most difficult moments. We remain committed to working alongside our partners to promote prevention, support survivors, and help foster safer, healthier communities across our region. Supporting Our Monthly Blood Drives We’re proud to continue hosting our monthly blood drives, and I’m grateful to share that we consistently fill each schedule with community members willing to step up and give. This effort reflects the core of our mission at Southern Tier Health Care System—bringing people together to strengthen access, support community health, and ensure critical resources are available when and where they’re needed. A single donation can support multiple patients, and the reliability of having a full schedule each month speaks to the strength and compassion of our region. I want to sincerely thank those who continue to show up and donate—it takes time, commitment, and a willingness to help someone you may never meet. Your impact matters. We also always welcome new donors. If you’ve ever considered giving, we encourage you to join us at an upcoming drive. It’s a simple act that has a lasting effect and helps sustain the health of our entire community.

Investing in Learning, Strengthening Our Community This week, I had the opportunity to attend the Link & Learn Seminar on nonprofit fundraising hosted by the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation at The Hub. The session, led by Pamela H. Say, focused on practical ways to strengthen how we communicate our work and connect that to real community impact—something that directly applies to what we’re doing every day. On a personal note, this one meant a lot. Pamela and I first crossed paths more than 25 years ago—she was with HomeCare & Hospice, and I was transitioning from Cuba Memorial Hospital to STHCS. We hadn’t connected in over two decades, so it was really great to reconnect and see how far we’ve both come. It was a good reminder of how important relationships are and the value of continuing to learn and grow in this work. I’m grateful to be part of a community that values this, and I appreciate the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to bringing opportunities like this forward. Advancing 1115 Waiver Services Across Our Region Our work surrounding the 1115 Waiver continues to gain momentum, with earlier planning now transitioning into real service delivery across our region. We are working closely with our partners at FLIPA and WNYICC, and I’m proud of how our team has put these services into practice while staying focused on doing this work the right way. It takes coordination, communication, and consistency—and our staff continues to deliver. We are consistently meeting our weekly goals, and at times exceeding them. That reflects the level of engagement and accountability across this team, and it’s showing up in the results we’re seeing. Thank you to everyone contributing to this effort. Your work is making a difference and positioning STHCS for long-term success under the Waiver.