Rural Issues are Getting Some Attention

At a recent meeting, the staff leaders at Rural Health Network watched “Addressing Health Challenges and Opportunities in Rural New York,” a webinar originally hosted by the NYHealth Foundation on October 24, 2023. The panelists included Alison Coates, Vice President of the New York State Association for Rural Health and Claire Parde, Executive Director of The Healthcare Consortium, a Rural Health Network serving Columbia County, N.Y. Additionally, two staff from the Office of New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli spoke about the Comptrollers recent report Rural New York: Challenges and Opportunities which “examines demographic, economic and quality of life trends in 10 rural counties in New York State.” Two counties (Delaware & Chenango) in our service area are included in the report.

The Comptroller’s report, released in late September, created quite a buzz among Rural Health Networks, the New York State Association of Rural Health and other rural advocates and stakeholders. It is an ongoing challenge to have rural New York State’s unique needs, issues and challenges considered and acknowledged in a state with an overwhelming urban and suburban population. The Comptroller’s report provides important information and is also a much-appreciated acknowledgement of the unique challenges and opportunities in rural New York State. 

Read the full article for all of Jack's takeaway comments.

I wanted to share a few of my takeaways from listening to the webinar:

First, our efforts to provide community health-related services and healthcare in rural communities are at a disadvantage. The ability to compete for resources through grants, value-based payment and fee for service payment arrangements is most often based on volume (how many can you serve) and efficiency (how cost-effectively can you serve them). This requires service providers to operate at scale (big) which is essentially an urban model. 

Second, it is important to balance rural messaging. Consistently leading with descriptions of rural challenges and deficiencies feeds into a negative perception that can further diminish a rural place’s ability to develop and grow. Yes, there are challenges; there are also many assets and opportunities. 

Third, advocacy for rural health, rural people and rural places requires resources, sound strategy and commitment. It requires ongoing work to ensure that rural interests are represented and supported in a predominantly urban state and culture. 

-Jack Salo

Interim Executive Director

National Rural Health Day Honorees

2023 Rural Health Champion: Russell Farms

This award is presented to an individual or organization that exhibits concern for rural issues and takes steps to address those concerns in the region.

Russell Farms has been a long-standing partner of our Farm to School and Produce Rx programs. They are the epitome of a collaborative and dedicated supporter of getting local foods on the trays of thousands of students in our community and beyond. This was even more evident when they stepped up and provided their products at meal distribution sites at our local schools during the height of the pandemic. In 2023, Russell Farms began a pilot delivery program with the Produce Rx program for our homebound participants. This pilot program gives PRx participants the opportunity to choose their produce from the online store and have it delivered directly to their home. Having access to fresh produce, and the option to choose what they receive has been an important part of bringing health equity to our participants.

In accepting the award on behalf of a family business, Allison Russell said, “Our Rural Health Partnership with the Produce Prescription Program has allowed us to provide fresh local fruits and veggies to members of our community who may not have access to them without a program like this. We are so proud to be a part of this program making our community stronger and healthier!”

2023 Rural Health Leader: Sharon Chesna 

The Rural Health Leader Award is presented to an individual who has made significant contributions to rural health and well-being through advocacy, leadership, or volunteer/professional work.

Sharon Chesna recently retired as Executive Director of Mothers and Babies Perinatal Network and was a founding Board Member of Rural Health Network of South Central New York. Sharon has been an active collaborator working to bring critical programs and services to our rural region. Notably, upon implementation of the Affordable Care Act, Sharon worked with the Rural Health Network AmeriCorps Program on a three-year initiative that trained and deployed AmeriCorps Members to educate and help facilitate the enrollment of those without health insurance. More recently, Sharon invited Rural Health Network to participate in an innovative leadership program funded by Care Compass Network. The program provided valuable leadership training to both Mothers & Babies and Rural Health Network staff leaders. As a member of the Rural Health Network Board of Directors, Sharon provided valuable fiscal, policy and governance expertise over many years. Sharon’s leadership and contributions to the rural residents and communities in our region has made a positive difference in the lives of thousands of mothers, babies and families. 

Sharon said, “I am truly honored to be selected as one of the 2023 Rural Health award recipients. Twenty-six years ago, I was able to help establish the Rural Health Network of South Central New York. To see and experience its growth and to have been a part of it all has truly been rewarding. Rural living is a beautiful option, but does come with challenges which are sometimes forgotten by our 'systems,' and this is why it is so important to have an entity like Rural Health Network here to help bring some of the challenges to light and to strive for change. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this advocacy and work.”

2023 Rural Health Partner: Brian Frey Productions

This award is presented to an individual or organization who has partnered with Rural Health Network to advance our work in serving rural people and communities.

With WSKG and through his independent production company, Brian has created many professional media products that highlight the culture, needs, and strengths of rural communities (e.g. Chasing the Dream, Main Street Rising). Brian has also worked with Rural Health Network to produce a series on Value-Based Payment opportunities (Dispatches from the Road to Value) and video training modules (Rural Cultural Competence, Self-Advocacy, and Travel Training). Brian Frey is an Emmy Award winning filmmaker with WSKG Public Television and created Brian Frey Productions as an independent production company that works with nonprofits, government agencies, and small businesses to create meaningful storytelling videos to help further their mission.

Brian said, “I’m deeply honored to be recognized amongst the other wonderful individuals and organizations. Working in partnership with Rural Health Network has been truly inspiring. Witnessing first hand their commitment to connecting our rural communities with essential services has only fueled my passion for using the power of video and storytelling to help amplify their mission. Together, we are helping to bridge gaps, foster connections, and empower individuals in rural areas. Thank you for this honor, and I look forward to continuing our impactful collaboration.”

2023 Rural Health Practitioner: 

Grace Bartolillo, RD, CDN

This award is presented to a healthcare practitioner who works in rural communities and/or works to address rural health issues.

Grace Bartolillo has enrolled 75 patients living with diet-related chronic health conditions from UHS Delaware Valley Hospital into the Produce Rx program. For the past two years, she has been an important partner not only in enrollment but also in gathering the data necessary to demonstrate that the Produce Rx intervention works. She has the highest completion rate of our healthcare providers, ensuring that Delaware County residents have access to the produce necessary to close the gap between food insecurity and beneficial foods that directly correlate with better health outcomes. Grace has also been a champion of local produce, connecting her patients with the team from CCE-Delaware for healthy cooking and growing classes.

Grace said, ”I have been a registered dietitian for about 15 years and have worked at UHS Delaware Valley Hospital for about 2 years. I am thrilled that we are able to offer Rural Health Network's Produce Rx Program to patients here. I have seen first-hand the positive impact that the Program has on patients including improved health outcomes and increased food security. Participants cannot say enough how thankful they are to have this benefit available to them and how much it truly helps improve their quality of life. On behalf of all of the hard work by the members and staff of the Rural Health Network of South Central NY and on behalf of the community members of Delaware County and the surrounding area, I am extremely honored to accept this award.”   

Join us in celebrating the Power of Rural today. Visit our Facebook page and leave a message congratulating our National Rural Health Day award recipients. In addition, our Northern Broome CARES team will be thanking rural healthcare providers in the Whitney Point area.

The New York State Association for Rural Health is hosting two webinars today. The first, at 10 AM, will announce the state-wide rural health awards for Rural Health Practitioner of the Year, Senator Patricia M. McGee Award, and Outstanding Rural Health Program.

The second webinar: Ways We Can Improve Access to Healthcare for Those in Rural America is TODAY at 1 PM. Dr. Dara Kass, Regional Director at HHS will review recent updates from the federal government on expansion of Medicaid, advances to Medicare and updates on telehealth and other workforce issues. Learn More to register for either or both webinars.

At 3 PM TODAY, the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health will host The Power of Rural in Action: CDC and State Strategies for Rural Health. Learn More.

Christmas for Seniors

For the fourth year running, Northern Broome CARES will deliver holiday presents to some of our most vulnerable and isolated community members as part of our Christmas for Seniors program. Last year, we brought gifts to over 200 individuals. We are so grateful to this community for your support!

This year we are doing things a little differently. Visions Federal Credit Union will match community donations dollar-for-dollar up to $1,000. Double your impact, and help us reach our goal! Northern Broome CARES staff will use the combined funds to purchase gifts for our seniors. Donations can be made via:

1) The Rural Health Network Website: https://rhnscny.org/ Click on the green donate button. Near the bottom of the form next to “Please use my donation to support”, use the drop-down area and select NB CARES

2) Checks made out to Rural Health Network of SCNY, Inc. with NB CARES in the memo line, dropped off at the Northern Broome CARES office or mailed to 455 Court St, Binghamton, NY 13904

If you prefer to shop for a gift, we will continue accepting those as well. Please feel free to contact the NB CARES office at 607-352-4681 with any questions. Donated item(s) can either be dropped off at the NB CARES office or ordered to ship to the NB CARES office arriving by December 7th.

Read More for complete details and gift ideas.

Community Health Bids Farewell and Best Wishes

to AmeriCorps Member Alex Buncy!

Alexandria Buncy joined Rural Health Network in the summer of 2021, as one of our first Public Health AmeriCorps members focusing on COVID-19 education projects. She then continued on for 2 more full terms, working on Community Health Education initiatives while attending Binghamton University full time, completing her BA in Psychology and working concurrently toward her MPH. This fall, she started an internship at Delaware County Public Health...all while continuing to meet her goals as a Public Health AmeriCorps member. She will finish her final term with us on November 30th. 

While the following list only scratches the surface, some notable accomplishments during Alex's time at RHN include: 

• Designing COVID-19 educational presentations and materials for students at all levels, community members, and professional networks.
• Developing and delivering targeted health education training modules to diverse groups of community members.
• Completing certification requirements as an Adult Mental Health First Aid Instructor: In 2023 alone, Alex worked alongside RHN staff to train more than 70 people in Mental Health First Aid in Broome, Tioga, and Delaware Counties! 
• Creating data-driven reports and slide presentations which will be valuable to Rural Health Network and to the Community Health team for years to come.

Alex has never wavered in her curiosity, excitement and dedication to health education work, Rural Health Network's mission, and the goals of the Community Health team. Mary Maruscak, Director of Community Health says: "We have been so proud to call Alex a member of our team, and we're going to miss her! I've been honored to work alongside her, watching her grow and prepare for what is sure to be a very bright future." 

When asked about her time at Rural Health Network, Alex had this to say: "My experience at Rural Health Network has provided me with so much growth and fulfillment. When I started, I was an undergraduate student with a lot of uncertainty about what kind of career I wanted to pursue. I'm now one semester away from completing a master's degree in public health and I have invaluable real-world experience and connections because of my time here. I'm so grateful for the opportunities that I've had and the people who have supported me and taught me so much throughout this journey!"

After her term ends, Alex will continue her internship with Delaware County Public Health, where she will work on building capacity of the Suicide Prevention Network of Delaware County and conducting rural suicide prevention research. We wish her all the best! 

Public Health AmeriCorps Spotlight: Youth Education Specialist 

Our Public Health AmeriCorps partner, Mothers & Babies Perinatal Network, is seeking two talented and inspiring individuals to join their team as Youth Education Specialists. Under the direction of the Youth Services Director, the YE Specialists will be involved with all aspects of the Youth Services department and will work alongside the educators to facilitate programs, create and/or edit program content, promote program information, and analyze data. Youth Services primarily works with middle and high school students in classroom settings, parents and caregivers, and local school districts to promote comprehensive sexuality education and life skills with the goal of providing young people with the information they need to protect their health and future. A personal vehicle and driver's license are required for this position. 

Public Health AmeriCorps members at MBPN will serve 30-35 hours/week for 10-11 months and receive a living allowance of $15,000, an education award of $4,826.50, and college loan forbearance while serving.

For more information about this position and others within our program, please visit our website or contact Haley Desilet at hdesilet@rhnscny.org. 

Learning from other Produce Prescription Programs

RHN’s Food as Medicine Coordinator, Kate Miller-Corcoran, was able to attend an intimate convening of other Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program grantees who are running Produce Prescription programs from across the country. While each program is in different stages of their program design and implementation, the group was able to share successes, challenges and hopes for the future of PRx and other food as medicine interventions. 

The group had the chance to visit with two produce prescription projects in Chicago. The first, the Farm on Ogden, a project of the Chicago Botanic Garden and Lawndale Christian Health Center, has been running a Veggie Rx program since 2016. This program procures their produce from regional vendor, Midwest Foods. The produce boxes are created weekly and include some of the food grown on the farm. To hear more about this program check out this 5 minute mini-podcast called “Veggies Hallelujah!” 

The second project was Top Box Foods which collaborates with health and community based organizations to address hunger and improve health outcomes through food, including a delivery service. Their partner, Alivio Medical Center, also spoke to the group, showcasing a strong network of community health workers who administer the Produce Rx program. 

There are only 130 produce prescription programs throughout the United States, and most of them have been running for less than four years. Produce Rx of South Central NY, having run for seven seasons and being one of the more rural programs, was able to contribute and learn much from other programs who are also paving the way for future food as medicine interventions. A big thank you to the Nutrition Incentive Hub and the Fair Food Network for bringing everyone together.

Bringing Local Food to our Littlest Learners

Picture the excitement in the eyes of a child as they take their first bite of something new and delicious.

Early childhood is the best time to expose children to new foods as their taste preferences develop. Recently, our Farm to Early Care and Education Coordinator Kevin Davidson visited The Cullman Child Development Center in Sidney. Alongside Director Amy Williams and Sidney Farm to School Coordinator Maryssa Wilson, they held a taste test for UPK students. 

The 3-5 year old students tried apple slices with a yogurt dip made with sunflower seed butter and honey. Students noticed the crunchiness of the apples and the sweetness of the honey.

Taste tests aren't just about savoring new flavors; they are valuable learning opportunities. These experiences teach children to differentiate between tastes, textures, and temperatures. They also teach kids where food comes from. It's exciting to witness the children discover the connection between honey and hardworking bees on local farms!

If you operate a child care facility in Delaware, Broome, or Tioga Counties and wish to introduce your students to the joys of taste testing, don't hesitate to reach out to Kevin Davidson, Farm to Early Care and Education Coordinator, kdavidson@rhnscny.org. 

Our Recap for National Farm to School Month

Last month the Farm to School team had the opportunity to celebrate National Farm to School Month! October was a busy month for us between NY Thursdays, Taste Tests, and the opportunities we had to visit several of our past school garden grantees! During our visits, we not only got to see what schools have been up to during the first half of the school year, but we also coordinated and participated in some really fun activities including making pumpkin pie in a bag with students, planting garlic, as well as pressing apples to make apple cider. We couldn’t be more proud of the dedication we have seen from all of the wonderful schools we have the chance to work with. It is always an amazing experience to see what they can accomplish with our contribution and their hard work, imagination, and love for discovery! Thank you to the school districts for making this such a memorable National Farm to School Month!

Photos, clockwise from the top left:

Visiting Maine Endwell Middle School for NY Thursday

Making apple cider with George F. Johnson Elementary after school garden club

Making pumpkin pie in a bag with Chenango Forks Middle School students

Testing kale and romaine caesar salad at Richard T. Stank Middle School

Center: Touring Afton Middle/High School's garden and their beautiful cherry tomatoes.

Introducing Lani Kosick Ames

Lani is a Broome County native but spent the last 13 years on the Gulf Coast. During that time, she completed her bachelor of arts in philosophy and anthropology at the University of South Alabama and her master of arts in cultural heritage management and digital curation from Johns Hopkins University. Lani has returned to the Binghamton area as an Americorps/VISTA member while completing her doctorate in organizational leadership with Adler University. 

In her spare time, Lani enjoys water sports, the outdoors, doing yoga, and spending time with her two dogs. In recent years, she has begun competing in long-distance, open-water swimming and obstacle course races. Personal health, mobility, and longevity are important aspects of Lani’s life that she loves sharing with friends and family. 

Returning to the Southern Tier, Lani is excited to connect with and serve the community as the Food and Health Network AmeriCorps VISTA Program Assistant. For her doctorate, Lani is tasked with completing a social justice practicum, which she will also complete with the Rural Health Network, interning with Getthere to support equity in healthcare transportation and mobility management. She hopes her skills and education will be a positive addition to work in advancing the health and well-being of rural people and communities. 

This month we are sharing thoughts from Maggie McGoff, Mobility and Transportation Advocate/Admin at Getthere on what she enjoys about her role:

"One of things I enjoy about working at Getthere is that we get to help those in the community who are in need. I drive the Getthere van part of the week to places such as Windsor, Deposit and other parts of Broome County to deliver food boxes to clients. In this role, we also work with community partners such as Catholic Charities to provide food to people who need this assistance. It is gratifying to help others in this way."

From Left, Maggie McGoff, Julie Feheley, and Megan Blenis, part of the Getthere team.

Lourdes Community Health Needs Survey

Lourdes is partnering with Rural Health Network to conduct a community health needs survey. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete and your responses will be kept confidential. We are seeking rural respondents from Broome, Tioga, and Delaware counties.

News, Articles of Interest, and Resources

Webinar - Bridging a Care Gap: Policy Opportunities for Improving Access to Home-Based Primary Care for Rural Populations

Duke Margolis Center for Health Policy will host this webinar on December 5th from 11AM to 2PM. This webinar will explore practical opportunities to increase home-based primary care access in rural settings. Learn More.

Rural Disaster Preparedness: Partnering for Resilience and Resources

In August, Rural Disaster Preparedness: Partnering for Resilience & Resources, was attended by over 300 participants from around the nation and included a diverse range of speakers who shared stories and lessons learned from their direct experiences working in rural communities. You can watch the recording, read the speaker bios, and view the PowerPoint on the event webpage.

In Praise of Adventure: Changing the Narrative of Later Life

In this American Society on Aging Generations article, William L. Randall presents an alternative and more positive narrative of later life. Drawing on ideas from narrative gerontology, it outlines how aging can be “re-genre-ated” from tragedy to adventure in at least four main directions: Outward, Inward, Backward, and Forward.

If you were unable to attend our 25th Anniversary Celebration, consider making a gift to honor our 25 years of advancing the health and well-being of rural people and communities. Your gift will support our programs and services.