2026 Friends of Bassett Quarterly News | | |
Friends of Bassett Healthcare Network is dedicated to supporting exceptional healthcare services right here in our communities. Our mission is to ensure that you and your loved ones have access to top-notch medical care without having to travel far from home. We are so grateful to our many generous supporters. | | |
Dear Friends,
I have the pleasure of opening this newsletter with much positivity. Projects supported by the Friends of Bassett have come to fruition with the opening of our new Convenient Care clinic and hospital CT scan upgrades. Our annual Golf Tournament and President's Breakfast brought our community together and exceeded our fundraising expectations.
Planning is underway for the September 18 Fall Reception to benefit our School-based-health centers. Discussions are underway to add Bassett's 23rd school-based health center to bring new health care access to even more children in our communities.
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The most recent meeting of the Friends of Bassett Board of Directors was held at Bassett's New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCMH). We saw how Friends of Bassett's support of the center helped our nationally known partners make a tremendous impact on the well-being of rural and agricultural workers and their communities by proactively addressing and preventing occupational injuries and illnesses.
Your support of the Friends of Basset makes a difference in so many ways. I send best wishes from everyone on the Friends of Bassett team to you for a fulfilling and healthy summer season.
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With Gratitude,
Steven Kroll
Chair, Friends of Bassett Healthcare Network Board of Directors
| | Cooperstown Convenient Care, Now Open | | From left to right, Dr. Matthew Kleinmaier, Chief of Emergency and Trauma Services for Bassett Healthcare Network; Robert Hanft, Chair of the Board of Directors for Bassett Healthcare Network; Mickee Pomeisl-Spencer, Service Line Director for Bassett Healthcare Network; Staci Thompson, MHA, FACMPE, President and CEO of Bassett Healthcare Network; Deanna Charles, MHA Chief Ambulatory Officer for Bassett Healthcare Network, and Alan Leist III, CEO of Strategic Financial Services, participate in a formal ribbon cutting at the new Convenient Care clinic's nurses' station. | |
Bassett Healthcare Network has officially opened a new Convenient Care location to serve patients in the Cooperstown area who are seeking same-day, walk-in care for non-emergency needs. A grand opening and ribbon-cutting celebration was held on May 29, and the clinic officially opened to patients on June 1. The facility has already exceeded daily patient expectations each day since its opening.
Clinic First Month Impact:
- 642 Visits to the clinic
- 163 X-ray scans completed on-site
- Age of patients seen: 10 months-104
This important milestone would not have been possible without your support. Contributions made through Friends of Bassett Healthcare Network and significant funding awarded through New York’s Statewide Health Care Facility Transformation Program IV, helped turn this vision of expanded access into a reality.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the following donors, as well as all who attended last summer's An Evening Lakeside Reception at the Fenimore Art Museum.
Strategic Financial Services
EPIC Landscapes, Inc.
Terry & Keith Fulmer
Leatherstocking Credit Union
Nixon Peabody LLP
In total, your generosity raised over $140,000 towards opening the new location.
| The new Convenient Care is located at 4580 State Highway 28 in Milford, inside the existing Bassett Hartwick Seminary Specialty Services facility. Convenient Care Cooperstown is open seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Monday-Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Learn more about all three of Basett's Convenient Care centers by visiting: bassett.org/ConvenientCare. | | Bassett Medical Center Purchases Advanced CT Scanners and Renovates Medical Imaging Suites | | |
Bassett Medical Center recently installed two state-of-the-art Computed Tomography (CT) machines, installed in re-outfitted CT suites.
These upgrades and renovations are the latest completed in a Bassett Healthcare Network Medical Imaging Department initiative to replace CT scanners at four of the network’s affiliated hospitals.
Accurate medical imaging is critically important at any hospital. It allows practitioners to see the body’s internal structures noninvasively to diagnosis illnesses or injuries, develop treatment plans, and monitor diseases like cancer or conditions like cardiovascular irregularities. A better CT scan can lead to a more accurate diagnosis and potentially eliminate the need for additional scans to be taken.
| | "Upgraded CT technology ensures our network remains at the cutting edge. Patients can feel confident when they receive a scan at Bassett that the equipment their caregivers are using is technologically advanced. Our technologists and nurses take pride in their work and are passionate about their roles," said Lynn Johnson, Director of Medical Imaging at Bassett Healthcare Network. | | Cobleskill Regional Hospital Named a Top 20 Critical Access Hospital by the National Rural Health Association | | |
Cobleskill Regional Hospital has been named one of the Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) in the United States by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA). This is the second time in the past three years the hospital has earned this honor.
The top 20 CAHs achieved success in overall performance based on a composite rating from eight indices of strength: inpatient market share, outpatient market share, quality, outcomes, patient perspective, cost, charge, and finance. The top 20 were curated from the Chartis Center for Rural Health’s 2026 top 100 CAH list, released earlier this year. Cobleskill Regional Hospital is the only hospital in New York State to earn the distinction this year.
Critical Access Hospitals are designated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid to provide emergency medical care and essential healthcare services in remote, rural areas where otherwise residents would have to travel a long distance to receive the care they need.
| “The services provided by Critical Access Hospitals are crucial and in many cases lifesaving. At Cobleskill Regional Hospital and each of Bassett Healthcare Network’s Critical Access Hospitals, we are focused on providing excellent care close to home,” said Susan Oakes Ferrucci, DNP, MSN, RN, CNS, President of Cobleskill Regional Hospital and Chief Hospital Executive of Bassett Healthcare Network’s Critical Access Hospitals Division. | Cobleskill Regional Hospital is Schoharie County’s only provider of acute inpatient medical care, emergency care, short-stay inpatient rehabilitation, and many other diagnostic and therapeutic services. Click here for more information. | | A.O. Fox Hospital Earns an "A" Hospital Safety Grade | | |
A.O. Fox Hospital has earned a prestigious “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety. Leapfrog assigns an “A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, or “F” grade to hospitals across the country using evidence-based measures of patient safety focused exclusively on errors, accidents, injuries, and infections.
“For over 120 years, A.O. Fox Hospital has served Oneonta residents, visitors, and those living in surrounding communities with medical care and health services that are exemplary. We appreciate the Leapfrog Group’s recognition of the high standards hospital leaders and caregivers follow, all benefiting the patient,” said Staci Thompson, MHA, FACMPE, President and CEO of Bassett Healthcare Network and President of A.O. Fox Hospital.
“An ‘A’ Grade is a strong sign that A.O. Fox Hospital is deeply committed to protecting patients from harm,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “We commend the leadership, Board, clinicians, staff, and volunteers for the role each played in earning this distinction.”
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O'Connor Hospital & Cobleskill Regional Hospital
Receive 2026 Women's Choice Awards
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O’Connor Hospital has been named one of America’s top-performing hospitals in Emergency Care and Emergency Room (ER) Timeliness, and ER Efficiency. It received two 2026 Women’s Choice Awards® in these areas and placed in the top 17 percent of hospitals for Emergency Care and in the top four percent of U.S. hospitals for ER Wait Time and Efficiency when ranked with more than 4,600 U.S. hospitals.
The ER at O’Connor Hospital welcomes patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The hospital, located at 460 Andes Road in Delhi, is certified as a Critical Access Hospital (CAH).
| “This recognition reflects our team’s relentless focus on both the speed and quality of care we deliver every day. In the emergency setting, we know that minutes matter, and our commitment is to provide rapid, efficient care without ever compromising clinical excellence or patient safety,” said Aaron Wilson, DNP, FNP-C, Director of O’Connor Hospital’s Emergency Department. | |  | |
Cobleskill Regional Hospital has been named one of the best hospitals in America for ER Timeliness, Wait Times, and Efficiency for the year 2026 by Women’s Choice Awards®. The hospital placed in the top eight percent of U.S. hospitals when ranked with more than 4,600 U.S. hospitals.
The ER at Cobleskill Regional Hospital welcomes patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The hospital, located at 178 Grandview Drive in Cobleskill, is certified as a Critical Access Hospital (CAH). Cobleskill Regional Hospital is the only hospital and only provider of emergency care in Schoharie County.
| “The professionalism and expertise of the caregivers at Cobleskill Regional Hospital are second to none. We appreciate this recognition of all of the effective problem-solving, and quick decision-making that make our Emergency Department one of the best,” said Erin Vollmer, MS, RN, NC-BC, NE-BC, CHOP-B, Director of Nursing and Operations at Cobleskill Regional Hospital. | | | 2026 Friends of Bassett Updates | | Annual Golf Invitational Tournament Raises over $121,000 | | |
The annual Bassett Healthcare Network Invitational Golf Tournament, hosted by Friends of Bassett Healthcare Network, was held on May 28 at The Otesaga Hotel’s Leatherstocking Golf Course.
Thanks to the generosity of event sponsors, golfers, and guests, Friends of Bassett Healthcare Network raised more than $121,000, the highest one-day total in the event’s history. Net proceeds will support the Friends of Bassett annual fund, which is used to strengthen Bassett Healthcare Network’s regional initiatives across its eight-county service area.
| “Each year, this day out on the greens reminds us of the power of community that truly drives Bassett Healthcare Network forward. The sustained support of so many people, businesses, and organizations is vital to the network’s ability to provide excellent health care services so close to home. We couldn’t be more grateful to each of the individuals who make this day of golf a success, both within Friends of Bassett, among our caregivers, and from the local community,” said Steve Kroll, Chair of the Friends of Bassett Healthcare Network Board of Directors. | |
The Otesaga Hotel’s par-72, 11-acre Leatherstocking Golf Course is scenic, historic, and award-winning. In 2025, it was named the Best Public Course in New York State by Golfpass, the second-Best Public Course in New York State by Golfweek Magazine, and the second-Best Public Course in the United States by USA Today.
Friends of Bassett extend their gratitude to each of the tournament’s sponsors. Corporate sponsors this year were The Otesaga Resort and Hotel, Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 112, EPIC Landscapes, Inc., Monaco Cooper Lamme & Carr PLLC, O’Connor First Attorneys-at-Law, AOW Construction, Mirabito Energy Products, Matco Electric Company, Eastern Heating & Cooling, Special Care Systems, NYCM Insurance, Country Club Auto Group of Oneonta, and Laborer’s Local 17 LECET. Hole sponsors this year were BPAS Actuarial & Pension Services, LLC, CDPHP, CINTAS, Davis-Ulmer Sprinkler Company, Dr. Kai Mebust - Physician-in-Chief, Dr. Luis Oceguera - Surgeon-in-Chief, Hammes Healthcare, Health Direct Pharmacy Services, Hill & Markes, Inc., Kinship Properties, Inc., Midstate Industries, NBT Bank, NFP, Pepsi Beverages Company of Utica, PJ Green, Preferred Mutual Insurance Company, Pulver Roofing Company, Inc., REPAY, The Garland Company, and Upstate Medical Physics. Friends of Bassett extends special thanks to Bank of Richmondville, Chobani, J. Gorman Fine Jewelry, Preferred Mutual Insurance Company, Pepsi Beverages Company of Utica, Ommegang Brewery, Saratoga Eagle, and the staff at the Leatherstocking Golf Course.
| | Dr. Mebust, Richter Yeske, Henry Knoop, and Dr. Bermejo | Friends Staff: Michael Spellman & Lynn Bass. President & CEO Staci Thompson, MHA, FACMPE. Senior Vice President Mary Ann Dougherty. Student Volunteer: Arya Patel. | | Prize winner pictured with Jess Gorman of J. Gorman Fine Jewelry | J. Gorman Fine Jewelry Cufflinks and brooch. | | O'Connor First Attorneys at Law Team: Molly Casey, Mike Morrow, Eric Bell, Lauren Bell | Highest Score Winners: AOW Construction Team: Lou Betrus, Dick Oliver, Ashley Zappone, Jim Urner | | |
Pictured: Friends of Bassett Team: Kate Dwyer, Lynn Bass, Kim Gustafson, and Michael Spellman. (Second from the left, Robin Martin of Preferred Mutual) Sponsors of the 2026 Bassett Healthcare Network Golf Invitational, Preferred Mutual generously donated gifts to enhance the friendly competition.
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If you are interested in learning more about getting involved or attending special events, please contact Friends of Bassett Healthcare Network by phone at 607-547-3928 or by email at friends.office@bassett.org.
| | Bassett Healthcare Network Hosts 2026 President's Breakfast | | Staci Thompson, MHA, FACMPE, President and CEO of Bassett Healthcare Network | | |
Bassett Healthcare Network welcomed more than 160 community supporters and stakeholders to its annual President’s Breakfast on June 18 at The Otesaga Resort & Hotel in Cooperstown, where President and CEO Staci Thompson, MHA, FACMPE, highlighted the organization’s progress and future direction.
Her remarks focused on Bassett’s 2026–2028 strategic plan, designed to support continued growth and high-quality care across its rural service areas, building on a 2025 year marked by operational stabilization, increased patient access, strong leadership, and regional and national recognition for quality.
The event, which also provided an opportunity for networking, raised $40,250 through Friends of Bassett to support key initiatives, with backing from a range of corporate and individual sponsors.
| | Mary Ann Dougherty, Senior Vice President, Strategic Marketing & Corporate Communications, Staci Thompson, MHA, FACMPE, President and CEO of Bassett Healthcare Network, Robert Hanft, Chair of Bassett Healthcare Network’s Board of Directors, and Angela Belmont, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive at Bassett Healthcare Network | | A special thanks to our sponsors of the President's Breakfast: Fenimore Asset Management, Postler & Jaeckle Corp. Mechanical Contractors, Eastman Associates, Inc., FustCharles, Pike Construction Services, Optum, Patricia & Robert Hanft, Ginny Joslin-Hastings & Douglas Hastings, Francesca Zambello & Faith Gay, Brown Weinraub Advisors, LLC, Consignli Construction, J. Gorman Fine Jewelry, Siemens, Tricia Asaro & Steven Kroll, Ellen Tillapaugh & Gary Kuch, and Lauren Yu-Ferrara & Anthony Ferrara, MD. | | Subaru Shares the Love for Cancer Institute | |
Five Star Subaru of Oneonta generously selected the Bassett Cancer Institute Initiative as a benefiting Hometown Charity during the 2025 Subaru Share the Love® Event. From November 20 through January 2, every new Subaru purchased or leased generated a $250 donation to the initiative, along with an additional $500 matching gift from Five Star Subaru.
Together, these contributions raised nearly $30,000 to help expand access to life-saving cancer care for patients throughout our region, ensuring more people can receive high-quality treatment and support close to home.
| In It Together: Matching Gift from Leatherstocking Credit Union | | |
Leatherstocking Credit Union generously contributed $10,000 to help launch a new network-wide Employee Assistance Fund as part of the annual employee giving campaign, In It Together. This fund was created to support Bassett employees who may experience financial hardship during difficult times.
This meaningful investment helps ensure that employees facing personal challenges can receive the support they need—allowing them to continue their essential work caring for patients and serving their communities.
To date, employees have successfully unlocked the full $10,000 matching gift, raising a total of $16,646.45 to support a variety of programs across the network.
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Mirabito Convenience Stores and their customers came together during the month of March to make a meaningful impact through the Mirabito Cares Round Up campaign. Roundups at the register took place across 112 locations in New York State, Pennsylvania, and Vermont. Donations from customers combined with a significant contribution form Mirabito helped raise $30,000 for Bassett Healthcare Network's School-Based Health Program.
This gift will benefit more than 7,000 children and families who depend on school-based health for medical, dental, and mental health care.
| | Click to read coverage from WIVT | | Join the Pillars of Health: Make a Lasting Impact | | |
At Bassett Healthcare Network, every gift—big or small—helps strengthen the foundation of care that our communities rely on. But when you choose to give monthly, your generosity creates an even greater, more lasting impact.
By joining our Pillars of Health monthly donor program, you will become part of a dedicated group committed to sustaining high-quality, compassionate healthcare for generations to come. Your recurring gift provides a steady, reliable source of funding that enables innovation, enhances patient care, and ensures that lifesaving services remain accessible to families, friends, and neighbors.
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As a special thank you, all new monthly donor sign-ups of $30 or more will receive a complimentary Pillars of Health tote bag.
We also want to recognize our dedicated employee donors: If you sign up for a new or increased payroll deduction of $15 bi-weekly or $30 monthly, you'll receive a tote as well! Sign up or increase your payroll deduction HERE.
We hope you'll proudly carry your tote bag to show your commitment to keeping our communities healthy!
| Be the foundation of healthcare excellence. Become a Pillar of Health today! | |
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Friends of Bassett Healthcare Network Fall Reception
Friday, September 18
Fenimore Farm & Country Village
The annual Fall Reception brings the community together for an evening of celebration and philanthropy. This year, proceeds from the event will benefit Bassett’s School-Based Health Program, helping to expand access to care for students across our region at one of our 22 sites. Stay tuned for more information about how to contribute to the success of this event.
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Mohawk Valley Gives
September 14- 18
Happening Online, Save the Date!
This region-wide annual week of giving is a time for our communities to come together and make an extraordinary impact for our participating hospitals in Otsego & Herkimer County. Last year more than $131,000 was raised in support of Valley Health Services, Valley Residential Services, Little Falls Hospital, Bassett Medical Center, and A.O. Fox Hospital.
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