Who Will Answer Their Call?![]() This summer, I was interviewed about Rural EMS by Emily Hazen, an intern with the New York State Association for Rural Health. The Upstate Institute Policy Paper details the need to preserve and increase EMS access in rural communities. Her paper concludes the need for action and proposes several ideas to help support the rural EMS system. I was happy to be asked my input on EMS and am glad to see the paper that Emily completed. Patient Safety Priority for OGH![]() Earlier this week, interim president and CEO of Upper Allegany Health System, Mary LaRowe, had a guest comment article in the Olean Times Herald. The article focuses on the dedicated and compassionate healthcare providers serving our community. I can see from this article that Mary is dedicated to ensuring patient safety, and this article was a great reminder to all that read it about the hard work that healthcare workers put in every day. Labor Day![]() I hope everyone has a Happy Labor Day weekend! In observance of the date, the STHCS office will be closed on Monday. St. Bonaventure University’s Nursing COI Meeting![]() Yesterday, I was able to attend St. Bonaventure University’s Nursing COI Meeting. At this meeting, we received several updates on the nursing programs offered at SBU, including their receipt of funding through the New York State Department of Labor grant to help create a talent pipeline for registered nurses in the region. Dr. Connie Perkins of SBU also shared their partnership with STHCS on receiving the Narcan boxes, which have all been placed around campus with the AEDs. It is great to see the nursing programs at SBU develop over the years. Stroke Management for the EMS Provider![]() On Monday, we hosted an online Continuing Medical Education event for EMS providers within our region. Dr. Vaijayantee Belle, MD, Neurologist from Olean General Hospital, presented to over 40 providers, including the paramedic program students. Dr. Belle discussed the role of primary stroke centers and how necessary early intervention is for patients experiencing a stroke. In addition, information was shared with all participants on the stroke center locations and type of stroke center that each hospital is in Western New York following the presentation. Thank you to Dr. Belle and Gail Bagazzoli of Olean General Hospital for coordinating this training with us! |
ABOUTDonna Kahm has served as President and CEO at STHCS since January 2007. |