OMNES IPA and Northwinds IPA Unite to Expand Behavioral Health Network Across New York
Two leading independent provider associations (IPAs) – OMNES IPA (Syracuse) and Northwinds IPA (Plattsburgh) – have officially joined forces to create one of the most geographically expansive healthcare networks in New York State.
The integration, finalized on August 1, 2025, combines the reach and resources of 36 behavioral health providers serving 80,000 patients across 34 counties, from the Canadian border to Pennsylvania. Operating under the OMNES IPA name, the organization now represents more than $800 million in annual revenues and is strategically positioned to advance value-based care delivery for behavioral health and mental wellness at a critical time for Medicaid programs.
A Stronger Network for Value-Based Care
- Leadership: Enrico Cullen, former Executive Director of Northwinds, now serves as CEO of the combined organization.
- Strengths Combined: Northwinds brings advanced value-based care contracting and data analytics expertise, while OMNES contributes significant technological infrastructure to enhance care delivery.
- Strategic Vision: Leaders emphasize that the partnership provides a scalable model for innovation, financial sustainability, and improved patient outcomes.
Areas of Focus
The expanded entity strengthens services across:
- Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs)
- Opioid treatment programs
- Mental wellness services
- Whole-person care approaches
- Social determinants of health initiatives
Why It Matters
With Medicaid programs facing funding pressures, this partnership creates a powerful hub to ensure community-based, coordinated, and comprehensive care for New Yorkers. As James Button, CEO of Citizen Advocates, noted, “Our combined resources and geographic reach will enable us to deliver more comprehensive, coordinated care while maintaining the community-focused approach that defines both organizations.”
To learn more, visit omnesipa.health or northwindsipa.org.
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ACO Reporting Updates
The Gaps in Care Report will be refreshed during the week of September 22. Please note – The previous refresh did not include a complete list of Excellus patients with gaps; the refreshed report will include a complete listing.
The Pre-Visit Planning Report (PVPR) has added several new features this year!
- LACE Index for Readmission (added September 2025) - This index was developed at the University of Ottawa as a predictor of 30-day hospital readmission or death and is now available for ACO members’ inpatient and emergency department discharges via Hixny. The higher the score, the higher the risk of readmission.
- Details on members’ forever and psychiatric diagnoses (added May 2025) – This drill through function provides specific information about members’ forever and/or psychiatric diagnoses.
- Member-level Risk and Cost – Shows a standardized, payor-calculated risk score compared against members’ per member per month (PMPM) costs.
The Daily Report has added the following feature:
- LACE Index for Readmission (added September 2025) - This is the same index that was added to the PVPR Report but linked to members’ inpatient and emergency department discharges.
Any questions? Please reach out to Laura Morris, Director of Data Analytics & Information Technology, lmorris@ahihealth.org.
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The Cultivating Community Fundraiser Dinner will be at Seasoned by SUNY Adirondack on Thursday, October 30th at 5:30PM. This dinner is to support the Wellness Garden and its programming at ASCEND Mental Wellness.
Tickets are $80.00 with a four-course meal and all proceeds from the event will benefit the garden.
Enjoy a four-course pre-fixe meal crafted by the talented Culinary students at Seasoned by SUNY Adirondack, featuring fresh produce harvested directly from our Wellness Garden. Celebrate the flavors of the garden like butternut squashes, endless carrots, and cold-hardy greens like kale and cabbage, all while supporting the healing power of therapeutic gardening and its impact on mental health.
Tickets on Eventbrite can be purchased here. Reserve your spot today! Tickets are on sale until October 23rd or until sold out.
Please note that upon buying a ticket, attendees will be directed to OpenTable to make a reservation. The link to do so is here. Please select 10/30/2025 for the date.
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The Tri County United Way invites you to join them on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 6:00 PM at The Queensbury Hotel for a heartfelt evening celebrating the power of community.
This special evening will shine a light on the progress to build a stronger, more resilient Tri-County service area through our shared focus on health, education, and financial stability. Tickets are $125 per person and sponsorships are available for those who’d like to support their mission in an even greater way.
PLEASE NOTE: Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are going quickly & only available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserve yours now using the link below.
PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS
ANNOUCING THE GALA SPEAKERS
- Therese Daly, President and CEO of the United Way of New York State
- Robert Nemer, Nemer Motor Group
- Jennifer Frame, Director of Corporate Philanthropy at Stewart's Shops
These distinguished leaders bring a wealth of experience, insight and community dedication.
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A new edition of the Family Service Association of Glens Falls, Inc. newsletter is available.
Click here to read!
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A new edition of the Moreau Community Center newsletter is available.
Click here to read!
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Job Postings
Are you passionate about community health and making a real impact? Adirondack Health Institute is looking for dedicated professionals to join our team:
- Regional Care Coordination Specialist (Clinton County) - Children
Visit ahihealth.org/careers to apply!
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Addiction and Mental Healthcare Access Assistance
AHI’s CHAMP (Community Health Access to Addiction and Mental Healthcare Project) program assists individuals and their families with accessing substance use disorder and mental health treatment services. We can help by breaking down barriers to care, including provider network and other health insurance related issues. We serve nine counties: Clinton, Essex, Franklin, St. Lawrence, Fulton, Hamilton, Saratoga, Warren, and Washington.
CHAMP is a FREE and CONFIDENTIAL service available to everyone, regardless of insurance coverage, including the uninsured.
Call us at 1.866.872.3740 or visit our website for more information.
Information sessions can be scheduled, and materials made available upon request – contact us for more details!
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Keep New York Covered
Important Changes to New York Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and the Essential Plan
Do you or a family member currently have health insurance through New York State Medicaid, Child Health Plus, or the Essential Plan? New York State has resumed eligibility reviews and renewals for people enrolled in these programs. This means you may need to take action to renew your health insurance or the insurance of your family members.
Other big Marketplace changes for 2025 include the elimination of out-of-pocket expenses for pregnancy or diabetes-related services and continuous coverage for children under 6 who are enrolled in Child Health Plus or Medicaid!
Call AHI’s EASE enrollment team at 1.866.872.3740 or visit our site at ahihealth.org/knyc for more information.
Information sessions can be scheduled, and materials made available upon request – contact us for more details!
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AHI partners in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Saratoga, St. Lawrence, Warren, and Washington counties are encouraged to send news items to communications@ahihealth.org to be considered for inclusion in the AHInformer.
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