Community Health Needs and Opportunities in WNY's Southern Tier![]() The Health Foundation for Western and Central New York has issued a new report examining the state of community health in Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua counties. The report, Community Health Needs and Opportunities in Western New York’s Southern Tier, finds that overarching systemic needs rooted in the social determinants of health exist throughout these counties and are major contributors to health outcomes in the region. Transportation access, health care workforce shortages, under-funded community services, and the impact of poverty are among the factors named as contributing to health disparities in the region. I was honored to be interviewed for the report. Please take the time to read the report here where Southern Tier Health Care System, Inc. was one of the featured Rural Health Networks. Kids in the Kitchen![]() Southern Tier Health Care System and our Safe Kids Southern Tier New York coalition is currently partnering with FeedMore WNY to host a free five-week Kids in the Kitchen Program. The Kids in the Kitchen course is designed to teach children about healthy eating in a fun and interactive way. The course offers a hands-on approach by allowing children to prepare their own food while learning about the nutritional benefits of each food group. The first session of Kids in the Kitchen took place this past Tuesday and was a great success! I want to thank Perry Schmidt of FeedMore WNY for working with Sydney to bring this great program to the Southern Tier. 2022 Joint Legislative Budget Hearings![]() On Tuesday, I watched the 2022 Joint Legislative Budget Hearing for the Department of Health through their live stream. During the hearing, the legislature members discussed many aspects of the proposed changes to Public Health Law. Jeffrey Call, Chairman of the United New York Ambulance Network (UNYAN), gave testimony about the proposed Article 30 changes. Mr. Call and UNYAN offered support and shared that as essential frontline workers who have put their lives at risk to save others, EMS providers must receive the critical resources needed to continue doing their jobs safely and effectively. It was great to attend these hearings remotely to hear the perspectives of many individuals from around the state. Reaching the 5%![]() Southern Tier Health Care System has partnered with the Community Service Society of New York (CSS) through their “Reaching the 5%” uninsured outreach program over the past year. Yesterday, Alicia and I met with CSS to discuss moving forward with the second year of funding. I am pleased that CSS and its grant funder, the Health Foundation of Western and Central NY, will be providing funding for this program for an additional year. Continuation will allow us to outreach to individuals to reach the remaining eligible but uninsured New Yorkers in Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua counties. We look forward to continuing work on this program! |
ABOUTDonna Kahm has served as President and CEO at STHCS since January 2007. |