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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.

A Proud Moment for Rural Healthcare in Our Region I want to take a moment to recognize a significant accomplishment within our region. Jones Memorial Hospital was recently named one of the Top 20 Rural and Community Hospitals in the nation by the National Rural Health Association. They are also the only hospital in New York State to receive this recognition, which speaks volumes about the level of care and commitment happening right here in our region. This recognition builds on their recent Top 100 designation by The Chartis Center for Rural Health and reinforces the importance of strong rural healthcare systems. I also want to recognize Sandra Watkins, Chief Nursing Officer at Jones Memorial Hospital and a member of the STHCS Board. Sandra’s leadership and perspective are an important part of the work we do, and it’s great to see that same level of excellence reflected in her organization. Congratulations to Jim Helms and the entire Jones Memorial team. This is a meaningful achievement for your organization and for all of us working to strengthen healthcare across rural New York. Progress Across Key Priorities I want to provide a brief update on several areas of work that continue to move forward across STHCS. We are making steady progress on our facility improvements, with a focus on creating functional, high-quality space that supports both workforce development and community-based services. These updates are not just about the physical space, but about positioning STHCS to better serve our region long-term. In addition, our Pathways to Care work continues to gain traction. We are strengthening coordination with EMS, healthcare providers, and community partners to improve access to services and better support individuals navigating the system. This work takes time, but we are seeing meaningful progress. I appreciate the continued commitment from our team and partners as we move these efforts forward.

Bringing State Training to Our Region We were pleased to host the Fire Officer I course through the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services at our training facility over the past two weeks. This course is designed for fire officers with first line supervisory responsibilities and focuses on strengthening leadership, safety, and operational decision making within the fire service. The training also highlights the importance of having a dedicated regional training space where fire, EMS, and public safety professionals can come together for high quality instruction close to home. Participants from the City of Olean and the Seneca Nation attended the course, along with an additional participant from the Utica region. Bringing participants together from different areas of New York created an opportunity to share experience, strengthen professional connections, and build skills that benefit the communities they serve. The instructors shared that they were extremely pleased with the training space and overall environment at the center and noted that they look forward to returning to bring additional state trainings to our region in the future. We appreciate the commitment of all participants and partners who continue to support professional development and strengthen emergency response across our communities. Supporting Rural Older Adults and Caregivers We continue to see increasing demand for programs that support older adults and caregivers across Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua counties. Many of the individuals we encounter through community outreach and EMS partnerships are navigating complex health and social needs while trying to remain safely in their homes. Over the coming months, we will continue strengthening partnerships with local healthcare providers, community organizations, and emergency services to improve connections to services and resources. These efforts are intended to help ensure that older adults and families in our rural communities have access to the support they need to maintain health, safety, and independence.

STEMS Monthly Minute STHCS recently launched the first installment of the STEMS Monthly Minute video series, a short educational resource developed to support EMS providers across our region. The first video focuses on strengthening patient handoffs using the MIST format and highlights the importance of clear, structured communication during the EMS handoff time-out process. The series is designed to provide brief, practical refreshers that reinforce best practices and support consistent, high-quality patient care in the field. Additional episodes will be released in the coming months, and provider feedback will help guide future topics. Step Into Healthcare Career Academy – Cohort 7 Our workforce development efforts continue with the launch of the seventh cohort of the Step Into Healthcare Career Academy, coordinated by KC. The program introduces high school students to careers in healthcare and emergency medical services through hands-on learning and early exposure to the field. Students from several local schools are participating in this cohort. Programs like this help build awareness of healthcare career pathways and support the long-term development of the regional healthcare workforce.

Continuing the Work While I’m Away As I take a scheduled week of vacation, I want to recognize the strength and stability of STHCS. The ability to step away with confidence reflects the depth of our leadership structure, the professionalism of our staff, and the strength of our organizational systems. Thank you to Rob, Todd, and Mickey for attending the State EMS Council meeting in Saratoga during this time. I am confident they represented STHCS and our community well and look forward to sharing any meaningful updates they bring back. I appreciate the continued engagement and support from our Board of Directors and community partners as we continue representing and advancing the interests of our region at both the local and state levels.