It has been a busy late summer - early fall at the Rural Health Network. Here is a summary of a few of the more noteworthy activities and accomplishments of our team:

NYS Association for Rural Health Conference, September 27 - 28 at Greek Peak: Both Bill Wagner, Director of Getthere and Erin Summerlee, Director of The Food & Health Network were workshop presenters at the annual conference.

Rural Health Network's Prescription Fruit and Vegetable Program received recognition from the NYS Department of Health in the Social Determinants of Health 'Call for Innovations' Initiative. On September 25, Erin Summerlee and Jack Salo, Executive Director presented along with the eight other finalists at The New York Academy of Medicine. The format was a short presentation followed by questions from a panel. It was a great opportunity to share information on the Prescription Fruit and Vegetable Program, the economic impact of our programs that source local food to improve nutrition as well as recognition of Care Compass Network, the NYS Office of Rural Health and Rural Health Networks throughout New York State. Care Compass Network has provided a majority of the funding for the program.

Community Health Education Services: Mary Maruscak, current Population Health Coordinator for Tioga County will become the Network's first Director of Community Health Education in November. In this capacity Mary will work closely with health education trainers both within Rural Health Network and throughout the region to expand regional training capacity and secure value based payment agreements. Programs include Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP); Whole Health Action Management (mental & behavioral health) and; Stepping On (falls prevention). Mary will also continue development of Rural Cultural Competency training and support for our Poverty Simulation (with a rural focus) offerings. Much thanks to Pam Guth, Director of Community Health Services for her leadership in developing CDSMP capacity and excellence across the region over the past several years. Pam will continue to be actively involved in CDSMP and other health education initiatives as time allows while leading a growing Community Health Worker initiative. Thank you also to Excellus BlueCross BlueShield for funding our CDSMP initiative for many years and Care Compass Network which is currently funding CDSMP regional implementation and coordination.

View more detailed descriptions, desired qualifications, and appplication deadlines on our employment page. 

Apply on-line at: https://form.jotform.com/RHNSCNY/rural-health-network-application-