Southern Tier EMT-B Academy This week, the fourth group of students began their training at the Southern Tier EMT-B Academy. We are very excited to have 13 outstanding individuals participating in the program, and we want to express our gratitude to the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation for their funding and support. Additionally, thanks to the NYS Bureau of EMS' Pilot Educational Programs, our program is eligible for a higher reimbursement rate for those who successfully complete the course and obtain NYS EMT certification. Over the next four weeks, we will be providing comprehensive training to these 13 participants, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to become valuable certified EMTs in our healthcare system. I am eagerly looking forward to the upcoming weeks of the academy and witnessing the growth of these individuals as they prepare to contribute to our community's well-being. Beach Time!During the past week, I had the wonderful chance to spend quality time with my family at the beach! It was an absolutely delightful week, made even more special because I got to introduce my granddaughter, Kallahan, to the beach for the first time. Witnessing her excitement and happiness matched my own deep affection for the beach. It was a truly unforgettable experience that I will cherish.
Meeting with Congressman Langworthy I had the opportunity to meet Congressman Nick Langworthy on Wednesday afternoon, along with local law enforcement and addiction treatment officials from the Southern Tier. Our main objective was to educate him about the significant impact of fentanyl in our local area. Fentanyl is a highly dangerous substance that has resulted in numerous deaths in the Southern Tier. This dangerous substance is now being mixed with other drugs like heroin, cocaine, and even marijuana. Additionally, fentanyl is being disguised as pills resembling popular drugs such as ecstasy, Xanax, and Adderall. During our meeting, Congressman Langworthy took the time to discuss the Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act, also known as the HALT Act, which was successfully passed by the House of Representatives in May. I would like to express my gratitude to Congressman Langworthy for listening to our concerns and recognizing the impact this crisis has on our local community. Healthy Cattaraugus NY Partnership The Healthy Cattaraugus NY Partnership Leadership Team came together to support the Accelerator Plan, which is funded by the CDC. The goal of this project is to speed up efforts to improve the health outcomes of individuals who face health disparities and inequities due to chronic diseases. To achieve this, it is important for different groups to work together, including public health, government, businesses, community-based organizations (CBOs), healthcare partners, and community partners. I am happy to share that community paramedicine and telehealth are being considered as potential solutions to be included in the accelerator plan. I believe that these two areas have great potential to address health disparities, promote fairness, and improve access to healthcare in Cattaraugus County. I am excited for our upcoming meeting later this month and the chance to keep collaborating with the members of this leadership team.
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ABOUTDonna Kahm has served as President and CEO at STHCS since January 2007. |