By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 27 May 2025 at 8:32 am
LYNDONVILLE – Orleans Community Health’s 2025 “For Women Only” will return at a new date with exciting new features designed to inspire an evening of connection, awareness and tribute.
This year’s event is scheduled for June 12 at the White Birch to coincide with World Cancer Month, said Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communication and Outreach at Orleans Community Health. It’s theme, The Journey, reflects the powerful and deeply personal paths of those impacted by cancer – honoring the struggles, triumphs and support that define each experience.
“We chose The Journey as our theme this year to emphasize that cancer touches lives in many ways – and every path is unique, courageous and worth honoring,” Robinson said.
Doors open at 5 p.m. The event will feature two dynamic speaker panels – one comprised of individuals sharing personal journeys and the ways cancer has affected their lives; and another featuring professionals in the field who will offer valuable insights, resources and takeaways.
In addition to moving stories and important information, the evening will include raffles, time to connect and reflect and a heartfelt tribute slideshow honoring loved ones lost, survivors and those still fighting any form of cancer.
“The evening is about shared strength, support and community,” Robinson said.
Local vendors have also been invited to the event. There is no fee to participate as a vendor, but donation of a gift card or basket is kindly asked for to support the event’s fundraising raffles. Robinson added this is a great opportunity to showcase a business while supporting a meaningful cause.
To be included in the memorial and tribute slideshow, click here for more information.
Tickets are $30, and it is recommended purchasing them early, as the event regularly sells out. Tickets may be reserved by calling Lori Condo at (585) 798-8422 or by purchasing online (click here).
Sponsorships are also available. Information, along with vendor inquiries and how to donate a raffle item, is available by contacting Megan Johnson, executive director of the Orleans Community Health Foundation at www.majohnson@medinamemorial.org.
“We’ve all been touched by cancer in some way,” Johnson said. “For Women Only: the Journey is our opportunity to come together, honor those experiences and walk this road – together.”
Community welcome to attend retirement party June 14 in Pembroke
Press Release, Oak Orchard Health
Dr. Mary Obear
CORFU – After decades of exceptional service in family medicine, Mary Obear, MD, PhD is preparing to retire at the end of May, leaving behind a profound legacy of healing, leadership and community commitment.
Her patients will be seen by Shannon Bartlett, ANP, and Kevin Beuler, PA, at Oak Orchard Health’s Corfu office.
A retirement party will be held in her honor on June 14th from 2-5 PM at the Pembroke Community Center. Family, friends, current and past staff and patients, and people in the community are welcome.
Dr. Obear has been a family physician in private practice since 2002 at Pembroke Family Medicine, which grew to three locations (Batavia, Alexander, and Corfu).
On July 1, 2020, she combined her multi-location practice with Oak Orchard Health because of their common mission to provide high-quality primary care to everyone. At that time, we dedicated the health center to Dr. Obear.
“It is with mixed feelings that I announce my retirement from Oak Orchard Health on May 30th, 2025,” said Dr. Obear. “I have cared for patients in Genesee County and beyond for over two and a half decades (that’s a quarter of a century!). It’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and my time at Oak Orchard Health has been very important to me. I feel it’s time for me to begin my next chapter of my life, traveling and seeing my family who live all over the country. I leave my patients in the care of Shannon Bartlett, ANP and Kevin Beuler, PA. I have supreme confidence in them. They are both skilled practitioners and are compassionate and caring with patients.”
Dr. Obear is well known in the community and serves in many volunteer roles. She is on the Board of Health for Genesee County and the Board of Directors at Crossroads House and Gateway House.
Retirement party when and where: June 14 from 2-5 p.m. at Pembroke Community Center, 116 East Main Street, Corfu, NY
Oak Orchard Health
Founded in 1973, Oak Orchard has grown into an integrated health center with multiple locations providing health care services for everyone in our communities. Currently serving over 34,000 patients at nine locations in the towns of Albion, Alexander, Batavia, Brockport, Corfu, Hornell, Medina, and Warsaw.
Oak Orchard also has two mobile units for medical and dental services. Oak Orchard Health is a recognized NCQA patient-centered medical home, 501(c)3 nonprofit, Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), and has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval®. For more information, visit our website at www.OakOrchardHealth.org.
BROCKPORT – A Community Health Fair will be held at the Oak Orchard Health Center in Brockport on Saturday, May 31, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Everyone is welcome to the health fair at 300 West Ave. Oak Orchard and UR Medicine will offer free health screenings. And the Kiwanis Club of Brockport will be serving pancakes at the Fair!
Have questions about health insurance? Fidelis Care Health Insurance will answer them – and give away stress balls, pens, notepads, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. The Brockport Community Connection will also be at the fair to connect residents to services, including emergency assistance.
Oak Orchard Health (OOH) will offer free services and giveaways:
Blood pressure screenings
Blood glucose checks
Cancer information
Dental and vision screenings
Healthy Eating Information
Information on the Patient Portal and technology updates
Behavioral Health screenings and educational handouts
WIC Program enrollment and more
Kids’ Zone with games, prizes, face painting, and the Teddy Bear Clinic
UR Medicine will offer services and giveaways:
UR Dermatology: free skin cancer checks
UR Medicine: mammogram screenings (Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged. Call 1-844-870-0002 to schedule.)
UR MobilEyes (Flaum Eye Institute): free vision screenings
All services are first-come, first-served.
“We’re excited to work with so many community organizations and UR Medicine to provide health screenings. There is something for everyone here, including children. We’ll have a Kid Zone and Teddy Bear Clinic. This is a great opportunity to get information and health screenings for free,” said Dr. Danielle Renodin-Mead, chief medical officer and pediatrician, Oak Orchard Health.
There will be plenty of giveaways for you to pick up at the booths.
Easier Care with the Updated Patient Portal and Healow App
Managing your healthcare has never been easier thanks to Oak Orchard Health’s improved patient portal and the convenient Healow app. Whether you are refilling a prescription, checking test results, or messaging your provider, the portal offers everything you need at your fingertips.
What is the Patient Portal and Healow?
The Patient Portal (available in English and Spanish) is a secure online tool that helps you stay on top of your health. Healow is the mobile version of this portal, giving you access right from your smartphone or tablet.
Once you download and sign into the Healow app, you can access all the same health information as the Patient Portal, anywhere you take your mobile device. This means no more carrying around papers or trying to remember past visits. From lab results to visit summaries, it’s all in one easy-to-use place.
What Can You Do with the Patient Portal?
One of the most popular features is prescription refill requests. Instead of calling the health center, you can request refills anytime—at night or on weekends. Simply log in and send your request. It’s that easy. Please allow three business days for your prescription refill request to be processed.
Another favorite feature is secure messaging with your provider. If you have a non-urgent question, you can send a message directly through the portal. You don’t need to call us; getting answers is convenient and quick (allow up to 3 business days for a response).
You can also schedule appointments online. The Healow app and Patient Portal allow self-scheduling, so you can choose the best appointment time for your busy life. If your child is sick at night or you remember you need a physical, you can book right from your phone or computer without needing to call during office hours or your work hours!
Why Use Healow, the mobile app?
Healow is the online patient portal, making managing your care easier. You can view lab results, see visit summaries, and even access documents like sports physical forms. It’s like having your health records in your pocket. Whether at home, at work, or in line at the store, your health information is always with you.
Self-Check In: At the Office and Online
Another way we’re making visits easier is with self-check-in. You may have seen the kiosks in our health centers that allow you to do a simple check-in. What’s new is that we are adding more features to our in-office kiosks and launching a self-check-in feature online, which you can do on your smartphone before you arrive. This will allow us to get your information accurately and quickly, and allow patients to fill out forms and have them ready before their appointments.
Self-check-in saves time. You can answer these questions from anywhere instead of filling out paperwork at the health center, making your visit smoother and less stressful. It also helps the front desk team speed up the process and reduce wait times.
Kiosks are still available for those who prefer to check in at the office or do not have a smartphone. Both options help us make sure your information is accurate and up to date.
The Future of Easy Healthcare
With the patient portal, Healow app, and self-check-in options, managing your health has never been simpler. We are making it easier for you to contact a doctor and go to the front of the line when you need an appointment or a refill, with just a click of a button. Our goal is to make your experience stress-free, giving you more control and flexibility. We’re excited about these improvements and hope you take advantage of them at your next visit.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 15 May 2025 at 8:14 am
Pam Washak, nursing supervisor in the Progressive Care Unit, named Daisy Award winner
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Orleans Community Health concluded its observance of Nurses’ Week with a nurses’ brunch on Friday morning. Highlight of the event was naming this year’s Daisy Award winner, Pam Washak. From left are Mary Williams, retired vice president of Human Resources; Karen Irwin, registered nurse; Washak, nursing supervisor in PCU; Jennifer Morgan, nursing supervisor and co-chair of the Daisy Committee; Kim Gray, chief nursing officer; and Christine Kropf, corporate educator and co-chair of the Daisy committee.
MEDINA – An annual tradition and final celebration in observance of Nurses’ Week at Orleans Community Health is a Nurses’ Brunch, to show appreciation for dedicated health care workers, both retired and currently working.
Forty-five nurses attended the brunch on Friday morning in the hospital board room, where in addition to delicious food and camaraderie they witnessed the recognition of one of their own for exceptional compassion and care to patients.
A highlight of the morning was awarding of the Daisy Award, a national program which recognizes nurses who are nominated for going above and beyond in care of their patients. Christine Kropf, corporate educator at Orleans Community Health, and nursing supervisor Jennifer Morgan are co-chairs of the Daisy committee, who chose Pam Washak, nursing supervisor in the Progressive Care Unit, as this year’s winner.
Presenting the award to Washak was Kim Gray, chief nurse manager, who said receiving this award was one of the greatest honors in their profession.
Gray began the recognition brunch by welcoming the 45 nurses who attended.
“It’s a privilege to stand before you during this special Nurses Week brunch, as we celebrate 100 years of nursing at our rural hospital,” Gray said. “This celebration is more than a look back at the decades we’ve served – it’s a tribute to the resilience that has carried us through. As many of you know being a small rural hospital hasn’t always been easy. And being a nurse in a rural hospital is a calling few truly understand.
“Our nurses have worn many hats – often at the same time. You’ve been caregivers, counselors, emergency responders, case managers and sometimes even janitors or tech support when needed. You’ve worked through snowstorms when roads were impassable, stepped up when resources were thin and provided world-class care, even when the odds were stacked against us.
“We’ve faced staffing shortages, funding challenges, outdated equipment and limited access to specialty care. And yet, through it all, you’ve never let any of it stand in the way of putting patients first. You found a way. You always find a way.
“To our retired nurses, you remember when we had even less – and still gave more. You built this place with grit and heart, and your legacy is alive in every hallway, every patient room and every act of kindness.
“To our current nurses, you are the glue that held this hospital – and this community – together. You met every challenge with creativity, empathy and unmatched dedication. A dedication that is rooted in service, sacrifice and a belief that even the smallest hospital can make the biggest difference.
“Despite our size, we have always delivered big care with a personal touch. That’s what sets us apart. That’s what makes our 100-year legacy so special.
“So today, we don’t just celebrate nurses – we celebrate survival, strength, commitment and love for our patients and for one another. Here’s to 100 years of nursing excellence – and to every nurse who made it possible.”
“Kim was a junior when she said she wanted to be a nurse,” said her mother, retired nurse Rosemary Pegelow. “She really wanted to help people. She wants to do everything she can to keep this hospital going. I’m so proud of her.”
(Left ) Rebecca Mannella, right, director of nurses in the North Wing, greets retired nurse Rosemary Pegelow at the nurses’ recognition brunch. (Center) Sharing a hug are former nurse Joanne Bracey and current chief nurse manager Kim Gray. (Right) Orleans Community Health CEO Marc Shurtz, right, greets former Medina mayor Mike Sidari, who attended with his wife Brenda, a retired nurse.
Another regular attendee of the brunch is Jeanne Crane, who worked for 35 years at the hospital. She was the first nurse manager of the North Wing when it was first built, then became a nursing educator, and worked in risk management. She retired from infection control in 2003.
Mary Lou Tuohey has also attended the brunch every year. She worked as an RN for seven or eight years on the first and second floors, then lead supervisor on the 3-11 shift. She switched careers and run Case-Nic Cookies for 29 years on Main Street.
“It’s nice to come back and see everybody,” Tuohey said. “I loved working here, but once I had the kids it was hard to work that shift.”
Dorothy Casey spent 42 years at the hospital as a licensed practical nurse. She started as a nurse’s aide, then went back to school to become an LPN.
“I’ve been to every brunch so far,” Casey said. “It’s an honor to be recognized with all the changes taking place.”
Christine Kropf, corporate educator, is co-chair of the Daisy Committee with Jen Morgan, nursing supervisor. Kropf said they had 13 nominations this year. This is the second year the program has been in Medina Memorial Hospital.
“It’s a privilege to celebrate the incredible dedication and compassion of our nurses,” Morgan said. “Nurses are the heart of healthcare.”
Of all the nurses nominated for the Daisy Award this year, Washak was the one who really stood out, the committee shared.
“I was very surprised and honored,” Washak said.
Her mom, Vicki Washak said Pam deserved it.
“Pam had been working as an ICU nurse in Geneva Hospital,.” Vicki said. “She came home from Waterloo to take care of the old folks in her home town.”
Orleans Community Health’s CEO Marc Shurtz added congratulatory remarks and greeted guests throughout the room.
Press Release, NYS Health Facilities Association/NYS Center for Assisted Living
ALBANY – Susan Luxon, a personal care aide at The Willows in Medina, has received the 2025 NYSCAL Noble Caregiver of the Year Award from the New York State Health Facilities Association/New York State Center for Assisted Living.
The award was presented on May 7th at the 2025 NYSCAL Awards Banquet during the Association’s annual conference in Bolton Landing.
Luxon has been a dedicated caregiver at The Willows for the past 26 years. She demonstrates a deep commitment to preserving the dignity and well-being of each individual under her care.
Her empathy and genuine concern for the residents’ happiness and comfort are evident in every interaction. She listens intently to their needs and concerns, providing both emotional support and practical assistance whenever necessary. Luxon consistently goes above and beyond to support her colleagues, often picking up shifts and assisting in any way possible to ensure smooth operations in the facility.
“In a field that requires both skill and heart, Susan excels in every aspect of caregiving,” said Jacquie Morgante, administrator of The Willows. “We are proud that she has been honored with this prestigious award from NYSHFA | NYSCAL.”
The NYSCAL Nurse of the Year Award recognizes an adult care/assisted living nurse who demonstrates outstanding compassion, supervisory success, innovation, achievement, and capabilities in their provision of high quality resident-centered care in a service-oriented culture in an adult care/assisted living community.
Winners received an engraved obelisk and were invited to attend the NYSHFA | NYSCAL annual conference.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 6 May 2025 at 10:28 am
Provided photo: Nurses at Orleans Community Health were treated to cake in celebration of the first day of Nurses Week, which is observed from May 5-9.
MEDINA – Orleans Community Health is celebrating Nurses Week May 5-9 with a full schedule of special events and honors.
“Orleans Community Health is proud to honor the dedication, compassion and commitment of its nursing staff during National Nurses Week 2025,” said Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communication and Outreach. “This special week recognizes the vital role nurses play in patient care and community, and Orleans Community Health is marking the occasion with a series of celebrations, tributes and recognitions.”
Throughout the week, Orleans Community Health will be sharing spotlights of both current and past members of its nursing teams, highlighting the stories and impact of these exceptional professionals across decades of care, Robinson said.
Celebratory events will include a sweet start to the week on Monday with cake and cupcakes available for all nursing staff; a special gift to nurses on Wednesday in appreciation of their dedication and service; and the annual brunch on Friday, a cherished tradition which brings together current and former members of the nursing team for a time of connection, gratitude and celebration.
A highlight of Friday’s brunch will be the announcement of this DAISY Award recipient, a prestigious honor given to a nurse who exemplifies extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care.
“Nurses are the heart of everything we do,” said Kim Gray, chief nursing officer at Orleans Community Health. “They bring strength, compassion and skill to every patient interaction. Nurses Week is a time for us to pause, reflect and express our deep gratitude to these incredible individuals who make such a profound difference every day.”
Orleans Community Health invites the community to join in recognizing and thanking the nurses who serve with excellence, resilience and heart.
For more information about Orleans Community Health or to learn more about their nursing team, visit www.orleanscommunityhealth.org.
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Orleans County Legislature celebrated the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments for earning a national accreditation. County Legislator Don Allport, second from right, holds the plaque showing the accreditation. He is joined at Tuesday’s Legislature meeting by, from left: Carie Doty, senior account clerk; Kristine Voos, epidemiology coordinator for the two counties; and Paul Pettit, public health director.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 April 2025 at 9:06 am
ALBION – The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments have joined an exclusive group for earning national accreditation.
The local health departments, GO Health, are among 17 of the 58 in the state with national accreditation. The local department also is now among 400 in the country out of 3,000 with the distinction.
The Orleans County Legislature this week commended public health director Paul Pettit and the staff for pushing for the accreditation, a process that started in 2019. He highlighted the efforts of Carie Doty and Kristine Voos for serving as co-coordinators for the accreditation process.
Accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board is awarded to health departments that meet or exceed a comprehensive set of quality standards and measures, Pettit said. As accredited health departments, GO Health will continue to prioritize evidence-based practices, innovative solutions, and strong partnerships to ensure a healthier future for the residents of Genesee and Orleans counties, he said.
“We’ve been able to provide and efficient and quality service to the residents of Genesee and Orleans counties,” Pettit said.
GO Health earned the accreditation on Feb. 27. The two counties worked together as a health department for 13 years now, with a joint board of health and other shared staff.
The two counties combined employ about 50 employees in public health. Each county has its own health department, but they share seven department heads, including Paul Pettit as the public health director.
One county can also pull from another county if there is a staffing need, such as a vaccination clinic. Working as integrated departments has allowed the two departments to better balance surges during the Covid pandemic with Covid testing, vaccinations and providing communications in a cohesive manner, county officials said.
The Genesee and Orleans Health Departments also have received joint county grants for public health initiatives in the two counties. The partnership has allowed the two counties to fill workforce gaps, drive efficiencies and look for innovative ways to advance the two-county collaboration, according to county officials.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 16 April 2025 at 2:06 pm
Scott Robinson proud of great-great-grandfather’s role in helping start hospital a century ago
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communication and Outreach at Medina Memorial Hospital, poses next to the poster of his great-great-grandfather and hospital founder George Bowen in the hospital lobby. Robinson is one of many employees throughout the hospital’s 100 years who have had ancestors who worked there.
MEDINA – Through its 100 years in existence, Medina Memorial Hospital has had a history of employees follow in their relative’s footsteps and come to work there.
Most appropriately, this relationship began with the hospital’s founder, George Bowen, and continues today with his great-great-grandson Scott Robinson, who is director of Marketing, Communication and Outreach at Medina Memorial Hospital.
Robinson said he should have always known about his “Grandpa Bowen’s” impact on the community, but he didn’t.
“Grandpa Bowen was often referenced, and I knew of a connection to the hospital, but not its magnitude,” Robinson said. “My first memory of Medina Memorial Hospital was actually when my grandmother Joanna Zimmerman (George Bowen’s granddaughter) retired from there in 1989.
“I’ll always remember that hot sunny August afternoon and my grandfather having to walk in to get her, because she kept offering to help with things instead of starting her retirement,” Robinson said. “To me, Medina Memorial Hospital was part of our family because my grandmother worked there and my grandfather, Joanna’s husband John “Jack” Zimmerman, previously served as its chairman.”
In 2016, family cousin Roland Howell asked Robinson’s grandmother and mother for a piece on George Bowen for an Orleans Community Health Foundation newsletter.
“I believe it was my mother telling me about the interview and our cousin Roland that George’s relationship to the hospital came to light,” Robinson said. “My grandmother worked at the hospital, having started in 1974 working nights on the patient care floor, then moving to the OR in 1976. I grew up with such pride knowing about her grandfather. I imagine this is the same pride that I developed knowing about my grandmother. It meant a lot to me that before passing away in February 2024, she resided in North Wing. As many know, the team in our skilled nursing home is incredible. I’ll always be grateful to them.”
Robinson continued to say his grandparents were always very active in the community.
“If anything, I grew up knowing about their involvement in things and that motivated me to do the same,” he said. “Certainly, when we moved home to Medina in 2016, it’s one of the reasons I had such a desire to get involved. Alix (Kozody) Gilman and I moved home and purchased her childhood home where we would get married the following year.”
Robinson and Gilman had moved to the Northern Virginia/Washington, DC area after college, where he worked in politics and then public affairs.
“We moved back home, in part, to buy her childhood farm and be involved in the community,” Robinson said. “My grandparents were always very active in the community. If anything, I grew up knowing about their involvement in things and that motivated me to do the same.”
Robinson said Gilman was one of the brains behind the idea of turning the Shirt Factory into a cocktail bar and was certainly one of the individuals who pushed him to get more involved with other activities.
“Alix always says, ‘If you think you can make a difference, you should do it,’” Robinson said. “Alix also sits on several boards and while we try not to spread ourselves thin, we both support what the other one is doing. I say this in part as a rallying cry to others to volunteer and get involved. I still remember in 2021 when I told her one afternoon that if the marketing job at Orleans Community Health ever opened up, that I would want to go for it. I remember, because from the time I said it upstairs and walked down to the living room, I had received a text message alerting me to the opening.”
Robinson said his upbringing instilled in him the importance of getting involved, volunteering and making a difference whenever possible.
“George Bowen was a strong figure in politics, a successful businessman and active in various community organizations – he truly cared about improving the area,” Robinson said. “Once Alix and I moved back, we found ways to get involved in the community, through business and other causes. Recently, I learned that George Bowen served on the school board, a role I currently hold. As I spend more time with Orleans Community Health and walk the halls of Medina Memorial Hospital, I find myself reflecting more on his impact on the very community I cherish.
“Does knowing my great-great grandfather and grandmother had a hand in the hospital make it more important to me?” Robinson asked. “Absolutely, it does – with a little added pressure too. Especially when it comes to our area, I think a lot about making sure I’m doing right by those who came before me.”
Robinson continued to say, “George Bowen believed our community needed health care services close to home. He knew firsthand the difficulty with traveling outside the area to receive quality care. That mindset is something the team throughout Orleans Community Health feels today. Services are continuing to expand to benefit the community. Over the last couple of months, we’ve announced plans for the future Medina Healthcare Center, located within Medina Memorial Hospital. The goal of expanding needed services plays right to the original goal of my great-great grandfather, and frankly it’s exciting.”
Robinson added there are many team and family stories to share, former team members to spotlight, organizations (like the TWIGs) to remember, and many more who deserve credit for their dedication to our community hospital – many of which will be highlighted in future articles on Orleans Hub throughout Medina Memorial Hospital’s centennial year.
“I truly believe the future Medina Healthcare Center could be the most impactful thing that happens to Medina Memorial Hospital in decades if not the last 100 years,” he said. “All I can say to the community is that I hope you’ll join us and help make it a reality. This is our turn and our time. The team through Orleans Community Health is devoted to providing the best care possible to the community. I’m proud to be part of a team with such incredible individuals, many of whom are also second or third generation members of the hospital family.”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 13 April 2025 at 6:55 pm
Program offers physical, occupational and speech therapies
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Gary Wakefield of Lyndonville is surrounded by personnel in Medina Memorial Hospital, where he is a patient in the sub-acute rehab wing. From left are Josh Hotz, physical therapy assistant; Amanda Luckman, admissions coordinator; Randi Ingersoll, director of care management; Wakefield; and Mackenna Fagan, certified occupational therapy assistant.
MEDINA – Not only is Medina Memorial Hospital celebrating its 100th anniversary during 2025, but it is also basking in the successful growth of its subacute rehab program.
According to Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communication and Outreach at Orleans Community Health, during 2024, Medina Memorial Hospital’s transitional care unit/subacute rehab doubled the number of patients served. In addition, the hospital has developed a very successful partnership with Orchard Manor which is providing dialysis patients with transportation, allowing them to get care close to home.
Amanda Luckman, admissions coordinator, said they had been able to double admissions and maintain that high census throughout the past two years. She explained a subacute rehab is able to offer three different therapies – physical therapy, occupational therapy (for daily living) and speech therapy.
“Our goal for subacute therapy is to get the patient back to their physical baseline,” said Randi Ingersoll, director of care management. “It is important for the community to know when they have an injury or illness and can’t do the things they did before, they can come here for subacute rehab.”
Luckman added the hospital now accepts most insurance plans. If a patient needs a longer stay than initially approved, they can work around that. She also explained a newly developed relationship with Orchard Manor means if a patient needs a long-term stay, the hospital will send them there.
Gary Wakefield of Lyndonville was recently admitted to Medina Hospital for rehab and praised the care he was getting.
“It is really great that I can get the rehab I need close to home,” Wakefield said. “The crew here are wonderful. I’d recommend this to anyone.”
Another important advance in care for the hospital and their relationship with Orchard Manor is offering medical transportation, which enables the hospital to transport Orchard Manor patients to Lake Plains dialysis.
“We have been able to continue enhancing our relationship with Orchard Manor by being able to send them more patients who are already on dialysis at our Lake Plains Center,” Ingersoll said. “It has made the discharge planning process smoother, as patients now do not have to worry about how they will get their treatments. It has been a relief to all of us involved in the patient’s care, as well as their families.”
Robinson said Orleans Community Health has two handicap accessible vans in service. Since last September one has been dedicated to dialysis patients.
Luckman said the hospital has been working closely with Rochester Regional Health to welcome even more dialysis patients.
“From an admissions standpoint, having a referral requiring dialysis can be more rigorous because of the issue of transportation,” she said. “Through our partnership with Lake Plains Dialysis, we are able to help more community members receive exceptional therapy and dialysis. We have even had cases from our Batavia dialysis site who were able to come to Medina while having rehab. It is comforting to know we are able to provide our own reliable transportation to and from dialysis.”
Ingersoll added it is important for people to know they can choose where they want to go for rehab.
“We have pre-registry, so if a patient knows they are having surgery and going to need rehab, they can call me and let me know they are going to need a bed,” Luckman said. “I like to tell people there are benefits to coming here for rehab. We have private rooms, intense but kind therapists and, being in a hospital setting, there is a doctor available 24/7. Another benefit is if a patient needs an IV or antibiotic, we can administer that.”
The staff is very proud of their growth during the past several years. When Ingersoll started working at the hospital in 2021, she said the average daily census in rehab was six. It has been 16 for the past two years. For the year, 122 patients were served, and that number for the past two years has doubled to 244.
“We are looking to grow even more,” Ingersoll said.
The rehab unit has the capacity to hold 22 patients.
The hospital has also developed a relationship with Hospice, which has temporarily closed or paused the Martin-Linsin residence in Albion.
“Since Hospice closed the Martin-Linsin residence, we have a contract with them and have designated two rooms for hospice patients,” Luckman said.
She said most insurance companies will cover their stay.
Photos by Mike Pettinella/UConnectCare publicist: Public Health Director Paul Pettit, addresses the audience, as Orleans County Mental Health Director Danielle Figura looks on. Pettit and Figura serves as the GOW CARES Alliance steering committee co-chairs.
Posted 2 April 2025 at 11:47 am
By Mike Pettinella, UConnectCare publicist
BATAVIA – The first quarterly meeting of the GOW CARES Alliance, formerly known as the GOW Opioid Task Force, on Tuesday afternoon illustrated the value of community partnerships in improving people’s health and well-being.
About 90 people, representing several human services’ agencies in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties, attended the two-hour event hosted by Grace Baptist Church in Batavia. It was the first large public gathering of the coalition since the COVID pandemic hit in early 2020.
Sue Gagne, left, coordinator of the GOW CARES Alliance, with members of her team – Melissa Vinyard, Sherri Bensley and Cheryl Netter – at Tuesday’s quarterly meeting at Grace Baptist Church in Batavia.
Paul Pettit, public health director of Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments and co-chair of the alliance’s steering committee, emphasized the significance of the name change – noting that the focus has broaden from just opioid overdose deaths to include strategies to address all types of substance use, mental health issues, trauma and suicide.
“What were trying to do now with the GOW Cares Alliance is trying bring these issues together and trying to attack them as a collective,” Pettit said. “The dashboard (on the GO Health website) has links and resources for people who use drugs or are in crisis or have a family member that’s in crisis that helps lead them to services and access to care.”
Pettit said the alliance has identified three key strategies to reduce the substantial rates of overdose and suicide in the three rural counties:
• Community Centered Approach. Recognize and respond to the overall health challenges and strengths of rural communities by gauging the pulse of current trends and involving people with lived experience.
• Addressing Barriers to Access. Promoting community awareness and understanding through navigating the system, health literacy and connection to community resources; addressing stigma and equitable access, and offering safer choices and harm reduction options.
• Promotion of Holistic Care. Addressing physical, mental, social and spiritual needs.
The eight “Recovery Fashion Show” participants acknowledge applause at the conclusion of the meeting.
The directors of Community Services in the three counties spoke about the role of mental health agencies in a grassroots organization such as the GOW CARES (Community Action for Recovery Education & Support) Alliance.
“It’s a team effort,” said Lynda Battaglia (Genesee County), noting that more than half of Americans are diagnosed with some type of anxiety disorder and that someone dies by suicide every 11 minutes.
She said it is incumbent upon local mental health and community services departments to “fill the gap” in services to their residents. She said that the goal is to identify the needs of the community and find out what services are needed.
Battaglia urged those in the audience to reach out to governmental leaders.
“We need to hear your voice. You are the boots on the ground,” she said. “If you have an idea for a service, I encourage you to email us.”
Meeting attendees express their appreciation for the fashion show entrants.
Danielle Figura (Orleans County), who also serves as the steering committee co-chair, spoke about the partnership between Genesee and Orleans counties in the mental health field.
She mentioned some of the Orleans’ initiatives such as a helpline (that reaches all three counties), fatality review board, leave behind kits for first responders and a Critical Incident Stress Management team to help those involved in traumatic events.
Kelly Dryja (Wyoming County) shared three initiatives in her county – CredibleMind, a free and confidential online platform that gathers expert-rated and vetted videos, podcasts, apps and other resources; a harm reduction vending machine in the Village of Warsaw, and a “community conversation” on combatting stigma in conjunction with the University of Rochester.
Co-chairs of the alliance’s four workgroups – Community Education, Community Trends, Resource Hub and Safer Choices – spoke briefly about their objectives, which, respectively, include meeting planning and publicity, data analysis in cooperation with law enforcement, updating a resource guide, social media platforms and website, and providing resources and products that act as a “go-between” prevention and total abstinence.
The meeting concluded with a spirited “Recovery Fashion Show,” with Melissa Vinyard, director of The Recovery Station on Clinton Street Road as the M.C. Participants wore items of clothing from the City Church Clothing Collection, which supplies clothes for all ages, plus other household items to those in need at no charge.
Four women and four men, representing 77 years of recovery, took part in the fashion show as the audience cheered in appreciation of their successful journeys.
“We at The Recovery Station do recovery loudly,” Vinyard said, “so people don’t have to die quietly, alone.”
Lunch was provided by Spectrum Human Services. Other agencies who set up tables were Independent Living of the Genesee Region, Fidelis Care, Genesee County Office for the Aging, Veterans Services and Veterans Crisis Line, Horizon, GO Health, Best Self Behavioral Health and UConnectCare.
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
ALBION – In partnership with the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) and Orleans County Office of Emergency Management, SCOPE of Orleans County is excited to offer a free Stop the Bleed course on Saturday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Hoag Library, 134 South Main St., Albion.
Uncontrolled bleeding is the number one cause of preventable death after an injury. With just three quick actions, you can be trained and empowered to save a life.
Registration is required as only 20 spots are available due to equipment limitations. To secure your spot, email scopeorleans@outlook.com with your name, number of seats requested, and phone number. A confirmation email will be sent for all approved registrations.
There is no minimum age requirement, though we encourage parents/guardians to be aware that the course includes graphic images and content. Instructors have successfully taught children of all ages.
The partnership with GO Health and Orleans County Office of Emergency Management makes this training possible, supplying both instructors and equipment. This is our first time offering this training. If demand exceeds available seats, we will schedule additional sessions.
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
GO Health is pleased to announce that it has been awarded national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB).
Established in 2007, PHAB is the nonprofit organization that administers the national accreditation program, which aims to advance and transform public health practice by championing performance improvement, strong infrastructure, and innovation.
“We are honored to receive recognition from PHAB for achieving national standards that enhance effectiveness and promote continuous improvement,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “This accreditation is our commitment to residents, partners, stakeholders, the legislature, and Board of Health that we will uphold the highest standards of services to keep our community safe and healthy.”
PHAB accreditation is awarded to health departments that meet or exceed a comprehensive set of quality standards and measures. This achievement signifies that GO Health operates with efficiency, accountability, and a dedication to continuous improvement.
“Earning accreditation is a testament to the dedication and hard work of GO Health in delivering robust high-quality public health services,” said Rochelle Stein, chairwoman of the Genesee County Legislature. “This achievement reflects a strong commitment to the well-being of our residents. On behalf of the Genesee County Legislature, I am proud to recognize the team’s dedication and well-earned honor. I commend their steadfast commitment to the health and well-being of our community.”
“GO Health is so integral to our community, providing vast services that our residents depend on, from early intervention to lead poisoning, to rabies clinics, and much, much more,” said Lynne Johnson, chairwoman of the Orleans County Legislature. “Their accreditation again shows the high quality of their work and is a great example of how intermunicipal cooperation between Orleans and Genesee counties created a first-class public health operation to meet the public’s needs.”
Accreditation is a mark of distinction that strengthens public health departments, enhances performance, and builds trust with the communities they serve. As accredited health departments, GO Health will continue to prioritize evidence-based practices, innovative solutions, and strong partnerships to ensure a healthier future for the residents of Genesee and Orleans counties.
“The resilient GO Health staff, partners, and Board of Health played a vital role in making this a reality,” said Paul Grout, President of the Board of Health. “I want to especially thank Kristine Voos and Carie Doty, for taking on a leadership role in this process. Additionally, I extend my gratitude to Paul Pettit, the Accreditation Team and the entire staff for their hard work and dedication.”
For more information about GO Health programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 24 March 2025 at 4:40 pm
MEDINA – The 2025 Spring Wellness Fair at Medina Memorial Hospital is an excellent opportunity for the community to prioritize their health and well-being, according to Scott Robinson, director of Marketing at Orleans Community Health.
“I believe we have a lot working in our favor this time around,” Robinson said. “First and foremost, a sponsorship from the Greater Rochester Health Foundation is allowing us to offer free preventative screenings to community members. The addition of the clinics has also drawn a lot of attention.”
Robinson continued to say there is a significant shortage of pediatric care in the area, and for six hours during the fair, families will have the opportunity to meet Leah Brenner, recently hired certified pediatric nurse practitioner, and ask her anything. She will also distribute free bicycle helmets while supplies last.
He added they are also fortunate to have Jill Klotzbach, with whom the community is familiar from her years with Dr. Boulos. She will be running a hearing clinic during the event, providing hearing evaluations and education on hearing health. The clinic will be open throughout the event.
“These two clinics are fantastic additions to Lumps & Bumps, which surgeon Dr. Devon Huff ran in the surgery clinic last year,” Robinson said. “When you combine all of this with the excitement surrounding the 100th anniversary of Medina Memorial Hospital, we’re looking at a truly exciting Wellness Fair ahead.”
The Spring Wellness Fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 5. As a reminder, Lumps & Bumps from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. will feature Dr. Huff offering consultations for individuals with concerns about lumps, bumps or growths on their body. The clinic will provide a thorough examination and guidance on the next steps.
All clinics are free of charge and no registration is required. Registration is still required for preventative screenings in radiology and the laboratory. Click here for information on registration.
Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments
Did you know that the only way to know if a child has been poisoned is to get them tested? There are often no clear signs or symptoms of lead poisoning. This is why testing children for lead is so important.
Lead is a metal that is harmful to our bodies and can cause serious health issues. “Children under 6 are most at risk for lead poisoning because their bodies are rapidly developing,” stated Gabrielle Lanich, Lead Program Coordinator of Genesee and Orleans County. “The health effects of lead poisoning are permanent and can affect a child into adulthood.”
Childhood lead poisoning can harm the brain and nervous system leading to learning difficulties, lower IQ, organ damage, and at very high levels can be fatal.
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) will be offering free finger-prick lead testing at the following immunization clinics this year.
Orleans County, 14016 Route 31 West, Suite 101, Albion, NY 14411
Tuesday, April 15
Tuesday, June 17
Genesee County Health Department at 3837 West Main Street Rd., Batavia, NY 14020
Wednesday, June 11
Wednesday, July 9
All clinics are between the hours of 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Testing is available for children ages 1-6. Children must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian. Please make an appointment by calling your local health department:
Orleans County: (585) 589-3278
Genesee County: (585) 344-2580 ext. 5555
For more information about GO Health Programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org.
Easier Care with the Updated Patient Portal and Healow App
