In this issue of the Friends of Bassett newsletter, I’m excited to share several inspiring updates: the upcoming launch of our new Cooperstown Convenient Care, the successful completion of a major fundraising initiative, and new services now available to local farmers and farm workers through the New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH). Together, we are making a meaningful difference—and with important work still ahead, our impact will only continue to grow. Your generosity and belief in our mission inspires us every day.

On behalf of all of Bassett Healthcare Network, thank you. Your support doesn’t just help us move forward—it fuels our purpose.

Best regards,

Steven Kroll

Chair, Board of Directors Friends of Bassett Healthcare Network

Cobleskill Regional Hospital has been named among the top 7% of U.S. hospitals for

emergency care and the top 10% for shortest ER wait times by the Women’s Choice

Award® for 2025. As the county’s only emergency provider, they treated over 11,000 patients

in 2024, delivering fast, patient-focused care. This honor highlights exceptional clinical performance, high patient satisfaction, and efficient services. Hats off to the incredible ER team whose dedication makes timely, top-notch care a reality!

Pictured Above: More than 100 employees gather in Bassett Medical Center’s Clark Auditorium on April 23, 2025, to receive news of the hospital’s Magnet® designation and celebrate.

Friends of Bassett and O’Connor Hospital are proud to announce the successful completion of a fundraising campaign to bring a new, state-of-the-art CT scanner to O’Connor Hospital — a trusted provider of healthcare in Delaware County since 1921.

Thanks to the generous support of our donors and community members, we have met our goal to raise $750,000. The new CT scanner is now installed and operational, delivering faster, more precise diagnostic capabilities for a wide range of conditions, including trauma, stroke, cardiac events, and abdominal emergencies.

To commemorate this milestone, a ribbon-cutting event was held on June 19 at O’Connor Hospital, celebrating the installation of the new equipment. The event was attended by many supporters and staff members, reflecting the community’s strong commitment to advancing local healthcare services.

"This achievement reflects our community's deep commitment to quality healthcare. When every second counts, we'll be ready."

-Peter J. Hamilton, Chair of O'Connor Hospital's Board of Trustees

Thanks to your support, O’Connor Hospital continues to stand as a leader in care in Delaware County — stronger and better equipped than ever.

The New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH), a program of Bassett Healthcare Network, has initiated a pilot program delivering dental and vision

screenings directly to farms. This expansion of NYCAMH’s on-farm health assessment, which began in March, aims to address healthcare access barriers in rural communities.

Established in 1989 as part of the New York State Occupational Health Clinic Network, NYCAMH has consistently worked to enhance agricultural and rural health through prevention, treatment, and education. The “Health Screenings for Farmworkers in the South Central New York Region” pilot project is made possible by a grant from the Community

Foundation for South Central New York. The project brings essential dental and vision screenings to NYCAMH’s mobile health clinics. This brings these health services directly to farms.

Farmers and farmworkers often face challenges in accessing routine healthcare due to demanding work schedules and limited transportation options. In the initial farm visits, nearly 30 dental screenings were conducted, revealing significant unmet needs.

Recognizing the link between oral health and overall well-being, NYCAMH identified an urgent need for dental care among farmworkers. Volunteers like Dr. Leah Carpenter, DMD, and hygienist Maria Kaltenbach, RDH, have been instrumental in providing preventive care and facilitating access to treatment.

“While we can’t perform extractions or treat chronic infections on-site, identifying needs is the first step toward building comprehensive on-farm dental services,” said Dr. Carpenter. As the project progresses, NYCAMH aims to gather data, assess needs, and expand the program to offer more comprehensive services. These on-farm screenings are already making a tangible difference in the lives of New York’s agricultural workers by bringing essential healthcare directly to them.

For more information about NYCAMH and its services, visit their website here: www.nycamh.org

Plates of Hope

During the first week of June, the Oneonta community rallied to fight cancer in our region through our Plates of Hope event. In partnership with Friends of Bassett

Healthcare Network, seven area restaurants joined forces to raise over $5,320 to advance cancer care.

Plates of Hope encouraged diners to enjoy a meal or drink at participating establishments, with 10% of total purchases going directly to support Friends of Bassett’s $3.5 million Cancer Institute Expansion Initiative.

This includes the expansion of the Cancer Treatment Center at FoxCare

Center and the purchase of a new mobile cancer screening unit, which will bring lifesaving screenings to residents across Bassett’s eight-county service area.

Thanks to the generosity of local restaurant partners and the enthusiastic support of community members, Plates of Hope served as a powerful reminder that when we come together, we can make a lasting impact in the fight against cancer

To learn more about the Cancer Expansion Initiative at FoxCare in Oneonta, NY: Click Here

On May 19 and 20, Friends of Bassett held their annual golf invitational at The Otesaga Resort & Hotel’s renowned Leatherstocking Golf Course – a challenging par-72 course set against the stunning backdrop of Otsego Lake. This year’s event was a resounding success, raising over $109,000 to support Bassett Healthcare Network.

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.