Speaking in Holley, senator says telehealth has improved healthcare access in rural areas

Photos by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer was at the Eastern Orleans Community center today in Holley to highlight his push to keep telehealth services fully reimbursable by Medicare.

Schumer is shown at the eastern Orleans Community center with Dr. Danielle Renodin-Mead, Chief Medical Officer of Oak Orchard Health (left), and Renee Hungerford, executive director of Community Action of Orleans & Genesee, which runs the community enter in Holley.

“This helped thousands of seniors in rural areas across Upstate NY when the closest doctor is hours away access critical health care services,” Schumer said about telehealth services. “Telehealth is one of the biggest tools for supporting rural Upstate communities that face shortages of doctors. Especially for seniors who can have difficulty going to a doctor’s office due to mobility challenges, telehealth lets people get routine care without having to worry about how to get to the doctor’s office.”

Hungerford said it is “paramount” that telehealth continued to be covered by medicare and health insurers. She said telehealth has increased access to healthcare professionals for many Orleans County residents, who would often face transportation challenges to get to doctor’s appointments in person.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer wants telehealth services to become a permanent and accessible option for all on Medicare.

“As a key provider of health- related social needs, including facilitation of telehealth, we understand how critical telehealth is for vulnerable populations who live in rural areas with very limited transportation,” Hungerford said. “Losing the availability of payer-covered telehealth would result in people not receiving much needed care and would deteriorate positive health outcomes.”

Medicare started covering telehealth during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and has continued to cover it since. However, that authorization is due to expire Dec. 31, 2024, Schumer said. He said there is bipartisan support to keep telehealth services as fully reimbursable through Medicare.

“Telehealth services are essential in places like Orleans County; it is a lifeline for our rural areas and seniors who can’t easily travel to the doctor to get the healthcare they need and we can’t let it expire,” Schumer said.

There are 9,770 senior citizens in Orleans County covered by Medicare, Schumer said. There are 14,219 in Genesee County, and 169,605 in Monroe, he said.

“We saw telehealth surge in use during the pandemic, and we should make sure that access to your doctor is as easy as picking up your phone,” Schumer said. “I was proud to help Medicare expand telehealth services during the pandemic, but we need to act quickly to preserve this program and ensure this lifeline isn’t cut off for our seniors come 2025.”

Dr. Danielle Renodin-Mead, Chief Medical Officer of Oak Orchard Health, said telehealth has been used at Oak Orchard, including by mental health counselors as well as other healthcare professionals.

“Telehealth breaks down barriers,” she said during a news conference with Schumer.

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer was joined at today’s news conference by Dr. Danielle Renodin-Mead, Chief Medical Officer of Oak Orchard Health (left); Renee Hungerford, executive director of Community Action of Orleans & Genesee, which runs the community enter in Holley; and Marc Shurtz, CEO of Orleans Community Health and Medina Memorial Hospital.

Marc Shurtz, CEO of Orleans Community Health and Medina Memorial Hospital, said telehealth is a lower-cost option for care, and often much easier to access for residents in a rural community.

“Healthcare access in rural areas is often fraught with obstacles,” Shurtz said. “Long travel distances, a shortage of specialists, limited medical resources, and transportation challenges make it difficult for our patients to receive timely, consistent care. For seniors, these challenges can be even more daunting.”

Telehealth keeps patients engaged in their health management, particularly those with chronic conditions, Shurtz said.

“As we face the Medicare cliff we know that the financial strain it could place on healthcare providers could result in fewer services for our seniors,” he said. “Telehealth allows us to continue delivering quality care in a more cost-effective way, reducing the need for emergency room visits or hospitalizations.”

MEDINA – In recognition of November as National Lung Cancer Month, Orleans Community Health and Medina Memorial Hospital are emphasizing the importance of early lung cancer detection throughout the month.

As part of the observance, the hospital is raising awareness about the critical role of low-dose CT scans in detecting lung cancer early when treatment is most effective.

Lunch cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, but when diagnosed early, it is more treatable and survival rates significantly improve, according information from the hospital.

With Lung Cancer Awareness Month in full swing, Medina Memorial Hospital is urging individuals who are at high risk of lung cancer to consider screening with low-dose CT, an advanced imaging tool that can detect potential issues before symptoms appear.

Those who should consider lung cancer screening are individuals between the ages of 50 and 80 who meet the following criteria:

• Age 50 to 80 years
• Asymptomatic (no current symptoms of lung cancer)
• Tobacco smoking history of at least 20 pack-years (one pack-year is equivalent to smoking one pack of cigarettes per day for one year).
• Current smoker or someone who has quit within the last 15 years

For those who meet these criteria, low-dose CT scans could be a life-saving tool in detecting lung cancer early. These scans are non-invasive, quick and highly effective at identifying lung cancers before symptoms appear, allowing for earlier intervention and better treatment outcomes.

Medina Memorial hospital is proud to offer low-dose CT screenings for eligible patients. Unlike traditional chest X-rays, LDCT uses lower levels of radiation and is more sensitive in detecting early-stage lung cancers. Since lung cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages, screening through LDCT provides an invaluable opportunity for earlier diagnosis, leading to more treatment options and better survival rates.

“Lung cancer is often diagnosed at later stages when it is more difficult to treat, but LDCT screening allows us to catch it early, before patients even notice symptoms,” said Erica Chutko, director of imaging services at Orleans Community Health. “This can make all the difference in a patient’s prognosis. As we observe Lung Cancer Awareness Month, we want our community to know that early detection through screening is key, and we’re here to help guide you through the process.”

For individuals who meet the screening criteria, Medina Memorial Hospital offers convenient, accessible lung cancer services with LDCT. To determine eligibility for screening, individuals should speak with their primary care provider, who can provide a referral and guide them through the screening process.

“We urge our community members to reach out, especially if they have a history of smoking,” said Scott Robinson, director of marketing at Orleans Community Health. “Taking proactive steps now can save lives later.”

Medina Memorial Hospital is committed to raising awareness about lung cancer and the importance of early detection throughout the entire month of November. Together, we can encourage at-risk individuals to take action, learn about available screening options and ultimately reduce the impact of lung cancer in our community, Robinson added.

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

In recognition of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are dedicated to increasing awareness about lung cancer and promoting early detection to save lives.

As the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, lung cancer affects thousands of families each year. The April 2023 New York State Health Equity Report found that Genesee County had a lung cancer rate of 71.5 cases per 100,000 people, while the rate in Orleans County was at 98 cases per 100,000 people.

Lung Cancer Awareness Month serves as a crucial opportunity to spotlight the importance of early detection and prevention. Lung cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms, making regular screenings vital for those at risk. We encourage individuals, particularly those with a history of smoking or exposure to environmental toxins, like radon, to consult with their healthcare providers about screening options.

Key Facts about Lung Cancer:

• Lung cancer is responsible for approximately 22% of all cancer deaths.
• Early detection can significantly improve survival rates, with a 5-year survival rate of 56% for those whose cancer is diagnosed at an early stage.
• Risk factors include smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke, radon gas, and other environmental pollutants.

Radon and Lung Cancer:

• Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, after tobacco smoke. It is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.
• Approximately 20,000 lung cancer deaths per year in the US are related to radon.

“Lung Cancer Awareness Month is not just about raising awareness; it’s about taking actionable steps to reduce risk factors associated with lung cancer,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “Avoiding tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke is a key step to lower your risk of lung cancer. Additionally, testing your home for radon and mitigating high radon levels are important actions everyone can take to further reduce their chances of developing lung cancer.”

The Genesee County Health Department’s Radon Program provides short-term radon test kits to residents of Genesee County. The program also offers educational materials and in-services programs on the danger of radon prevalence, and mitigation options for new or existing homes, all available at no charge.

In other counties, short-term test kits can be purchased at your local hardware store or through the New York State Department of Heath website (click here).

For more information about radon, contact the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580 x5555 or Health@geneseeny.gov.

Resources:

American Cancer Society (Click here)

United States Environmental Protection Agency (Click here)

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

As the temperatures drop, people in our community will spend more time indoors, increasing the chance of spreading respiratory illnesses like Influenza (flu), Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and Covid-19.

“During the fall and winter season, we typically have more people getting sick,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “For some people – like children, older adults, and those with underlying health conditions – these illnesses can be serious.”

There are simple ways to keep everyone healthy and small actions can make a big difference. When we work together, we protect ourselves and help protect family, friends, neighbors and coworkers.

Tips to stay healthy

Viruses spread easily and can change over time, so it’s important to practice good habits to limit the spread.

1. Stay away from people who are sick.
2. If you aren’t feeling well, stay home.
3. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
4. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitizer if you can’t use soap.
5. Try not to touch your eyes, mouth, or nose.
6. Talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated and staying up-to-date on vaccinations.
7. Practice other healthy habits:

• Clean surfaces you often touch at home, school, or work.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Eat healthy meals.
• Stay active.

What to do if you become sick

If you have symptoms of an illness, like coughing, a sore throat, trouble breathing, or a fever, it is important to act quickly to help yourself and protect others.

1. Stay home and avoid contact with others to avoid the spread of illness.
2. Watch your symptoms closely.
3. Seek medical advice if symptoms get worse or if you have underlying health conditions that make you more at risk.
4. Drink lots of water.

If you have a respiratory illness, like the flu or Covid-19, you can spread it to others. How long you are contagious can vary based on how sick you are and how long you stay sick, which may be different from person to person. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that once your symptoms are better and you haven’t had a fever for 24 hours (without using fever medicine), you are usually less contagious.

To be extra careful, wear a mask for 5 or more days after your symptoms improve. The CDC offers Respiratory Virus Guidance and continues to monitor health trends and update recommendations as needed. You can get information about the CDC Respiratory Virus Guidance Update here: Respiratory Virus Guidance Update Frequently Asked Questions.

Respiratory Disease Data

For the Genesee and Orleans Counties Respiratory Illness Dashboard that tracks confirmed cases of flu, RSV, and Covid-19, visit: GO Health Respiratory Dashboard. It is important to note the data on this page only includes reported cases. Residents can also access our GO Health Water Analysis Dashboard to see if there has been an increase in respiratory illness activity in their town/village.

For more information on Health Department programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or call your local health department at:

• Orleans County: (585) 589-3278
• Genesee County: (585) 344-2580 ext. 5555

Medina Healthcare Center to open at hospital with outpatient services

Provided photo: A crowd of nearly 200 supporters filled White Birch Golf Course on Saturday night for the 30th annual Treasure Island fundraiser. The event, which this year raised more than $45,000, also featured announcement of an innovative new Medina Healthcare Center, which is already in the works with opening of an Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic on Nov. 4.

MEDINA – The 30th annual Treasure Island fundraiser sponsored by Orleans Community Health Foundation was a resounding success, according to Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communications and Outreach.

The event Nov. 2 at White Birch Golf Course was attended by nearly 200 people and raised more than $45,000, making it one of the top years in Treasure Island’s history.

“This was a testament to the community’s dedication to supporting local healthcare,” Robinson said. “The live auction alone brought in nearly $10,000, making it the most successful auction in the history of the event.”

A major highlight of the evening was the announcement of the new Medina Healthcare Center, set to open within Medina Memorial Hospital. The Medina Healthcare Center will be a dedicated outpatient facility designed to address the critical healthcare needs of Orleans County residents, many of whom face challenges in accessing primary and specialized care locally, according to Robinson.

The facility will offer a wide range of services, including the Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic which opened this week, and primary care services scheduled to open within the next several months.

“Our community has consistently demonstrated a commitment to enhancing healthcare access,” said Marc Shurtz, CEO/CIO of Orleans Community Health. “The support shown at this year’s Treasure Island event allows us to take meaningful strides toward making the Medina Healthcare Center a reality, bringing critical outpatient services right here to our community.”

The evening honored the generosity of numerous sponsors who consistently step up to support community health needs, Shurtz continued. Among them was Bill Bixler from Seaway Insurance, who not only sponsored the Tiki Bar, but also contributed more than five Myrtle Beach trips to the live auction, expanding his previous offering of two trips.

This kind of dedication from community members was a key factor in the event’s success. The auction also set new records, raising more than $25,000 – a landmark amount for both the silent and live auctions.

The new Medina Healthcare Center is expected to serve as a beacon of care for Orleans County, addressing a gap in accessible outpatient services. The planned renovations, including more than 13 exam rooms, improved parking facilities and a dedicated entrance on the south end of the campus, are set to enhance the hospital’s capacity to provide efficient, comprehensive care in a single, accessible location.

As Orleans Community Health embarks on a capital campaign to fund this transformative project, the initial steps are already underway, Shurtz added.

“With the community’s ongoing support, we expect to begin offering primary care services in the next couple of months, ensuring Orleans County residents have timely access to essential healthcare,” he said.

“Orleans Community Health extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended, donated, volunteered or sponsored the 30th annual Treasure Island event,” said Megan Johnson, executive director of Orleans Community Health Foundation. “Your generosity makes a lasting impact, ensuring our mission to provide quality, accessible healthcare in Orleans County continues to be strong.”

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has announced the opening of a new Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic at Medina Memorial Hospital.

Jill Klotzbach

Leading this new initiative is Jill Klotzbach, family nurse practitioner, and a native of Western New York.

“Our team is extremely excited to welcome Jill and the ENT Clinic to Medina Memorial Hospital,” said Marc Shurtz, CEO/CIO of Orleans Community Health. “We’re continually trying to bring services to our area that are both lacking and needed in the community. Not only is this a valuable service, but the recent news of the clinic closing in Middleport makes it even more critical.”

Klotzbach brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role, according to Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communication and Outreach at the hospital.

“She is going to be a huge asset to our team,” Robinson said.

Klotzbach began her nursing career at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, and has since practiced in Ohio and Texas before returning to her roots. Her diverse clinical background encompasses medical-surgical, dialysis, intensive care, long-term care, operating room, allergy and ENT services.

A graduate of Daemen College and St. John Fisher, she holds multiple certifications, including those from the National Certifying Board of Otorhinolaryngology and Head-Neck Nurses, the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy and the Council of Occupational Hearing Conservation. She has also contributed her skills to the local community by providing hearing test screenings for various businesses and serving as an on-call nurse at Crossroads House in Batavia, where she provided compassionate end-of-life care.

“I am excited to return to Western New York and serve the communities that are close to my heart,” Klotzbach said. “My focus at the new ENT Clinic will be to offer high-quality care for all age groups, with an emphasis on ENT and allergy diagnosis.”

In her personal life, Klotzbach enjoys traveling, golf, swimming and pickleball. She also cherishes the time spent with family and friends, especially during trivia nights. She has one son who lives in Denver.

The new ENT Clinic at Orleans Community Health aims to address the growing needs of the community with specialized care and accessible services. Everyone is invited to experience the compassionate care Klotzbach and her dedicated team will provide.

For more information or to schedule an appointment at the ENT Clinic, click here or contact (585) 798-2550.

Grant available in GLOW counties to help remediate lead in apartments and homes

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

This year, National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) takes place from October 20-26.

NLPPW is a call to unite individuals, organizations, and government to reduce childhood lead exposure by raising awareness about lead poisoning prevention. This week emphasizes various ways parents, caregivers, and communities can reduce children’s exposure to lead and protect them from its harmful effects.

“Lead poses a significant danger to children because their developing bodies absorb more lead than adults, and their brains and nervous systems are more vulnerable to its harmful effects,” stated Darren Brodie, Environmental Health Director of the Genesee and Orleans County Health Department (GO Health).

 These effects can include developmental delays, learning disabilities, weight loss, hearing loss, seizures, and more. Children can be exposed to lead from paint used in homes before 1978, contaminated water or soil, and products from other countries (spices, pottery, toys, etc.).

According to the 2023 American Community Survey, approximately 73.6% of housing units in Genesee County and 73.0% of housing units in Orleans County were built before 1978 and may have lead exposure hazards. Homes built before this year are at higher risk for having contaminated lead-based paint, which can deteriorate over time and release toxic lead dust or chips, posing significant health risks, especially to young children.

Lead poisoning is entirely preventable. We encourage parents and community members to learn about the dangers of lead exposure by exploring the three key messages of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week:

1. Get the Facts

• Any exposure to lead hazards can be dangerous, particularly for children.
• The only safe blood lead level is zero!
• The most common way children are exposed to lead is by ingesting tiny dust particles or paint chips, often too small to see.
• Other potential sources of lead include metal toys, wooden toys or furniture painted with lead-based paint, metal jewelry, lead-glazed pottery, certain candles, spices, and even makeup.

2. Get Your Child Tested

• A blood test is the way to determine if your child has lead poisoning.
• Most children with detectable levels of lead in their blood show no noticeable symptoms.
• If you think your child may have been exposed to lead, talk to their healthcare provider about getting a blood lead test.
• Blood lead tests are also recommended for pregnant women who believe they may have been exposed to lead.

3. Get Your Home Tested

• Many homes built before 1978 contain lead-based paint. If your home was built before that year it is important to have it tested for lead paint.
• If you rent, request that your landlord have the home or apartment tested.
• For more information on testing your home, contact GO Health.

The Genesee County Health Department has a Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes Grant, funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), that can address lead-based paint hazards and other health concerns in homes and apartments in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming counties.

“This funding is designated for lead-based paint remediation as well as other health-related home repairs,” said Gabrielle Lanich, Lead Program Coordinator for GO Health. “Eligible homeowners and property managers with qualifying tenants can apply for these funds.”

For more information or to determine eligibility for these programs, contact the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580 ext. 5555 or Health.GOlead@geneseeny.gov.

For more information about GO Health Programs and services and eligibility details for lead programs, visit GOHealthNY.org or contact your local health department:

• Orleans County: 585-589-3278
• Genesee County: 585-344-2580 ext. 5555

Press release, UConnectCare

This work from Peter Langen of Batavia is representative of the artistic expression that empowers people to be successful in their recovery journey. Richmond Memorial Library will be hosting the Grateful for Recovery art show throughout the month of November.

BATAVIA – Understanding that creative expression serves as a therapeutic means toward healing and self-esteem, the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Genesee County and UConnectCare are partnering to sponsor the Grateful for Recovery art show throughout November.

“The mission of this art show at Richmond Memorial Library is to let the community know that people do recover from substance use disorder, mental health and other issues while giving them the opportunity to share their experiences and break down the stigma surrounding recovery,” said Sue Gagne, Suicide Prevention Coalition coordinator.

This local initiative follows on the footsteps of the national Art of Recovery project started earlier this year by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Gagne said all submissions will be displayed in the Gallery Room at the library from Nov. 1-30. Artists are requested to drop off their work by Oct. 28 at The Recovery Station, 5256 Clinton St. Rd., Batavia. Participants may submit up to three pieces of art for this show.

“We’re accepting work in various genres – original drawings, paintings, photographs, mixed media, poetry and more,” Gagne noted, adding that family members of those in recovery are welcome to submit as well as those under 18 years old, with parental permission.

“Additionally, we’re asking that each artist submit a short bio or a paragraph about his or her journey in recovery,” she said.

Artists are able to sell their work through this show, Gagne added. Each piece does not have to be framed but all pieced need to have a proper hanging system or hardware to be placed in the Gallery Room.

For more information about the show and/or to receive entry and consent forms, contact Gagne at sgagne@uconnectcare.org or at 585-813-6448.

Press Release, UConnectCare

The “scene” is set for UConnectCare’s Prevention Department to “direct” local school and community projects during this month’s Red Ribbon Week, which is draping itself in the theme, “Life is a Movie, Film Drug Free.”

Red Ribbon Week, the nation’s largest and longest-running drug-use prevention campaign, will take place from Oct. 23-31. The observance has touched the lives of millions of people around the world since its inception nearly 40 years ago.

This year’s theme, “Life is a Movie, Film Drug Free,” encourages everyone to contribute to creating safe, healthy, and drug-free communities,” said Sheila Harding, UConnectCare assistant director of Prevention. “It highlights the significant impact that healthcare professionals, educators, parents, and others can have through their dedication and commitment.”

The campaign was started as a response to the 1985 murder of Drug Enforcement Agency Agent Enrique Camarena in Mexico by members of the Guadalajara drug cartel.

Angered by this terrible act, parents and youths in communities across the United States began wearing red ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raise awareness of the killing and destruction caused by drugs.

Today, Red Ribbon Week, which is sponsored by the National Family Partnership, serves to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities.

UConnectCare Prevention educators reported that numerous schools in Genesee and Orleans counties have scheduled Red Ribbon Week activities. Furthermore, red ribbons are being placed in the City of Batavia and the cupola at the Old Courthouse will be lit up in red during that week.

“We invite you to celebrate not just this week, but to embrace healthy choices throughout the year and inspire those around you to do the same,” Harding said.

For more information about Red Ribbon Week and the substance use prevention efforts at UConnectCare, contact Harding at sharding@uconnectcare.org.

Provided photo: Albion resident Cheryl Kast, a physician assistant with the Albion Healthcare Center, examines a young patient at the facility.

ALBION – A physician assistant with the Albion Healthcare Center has been awarded the prestigious United Hero Award from United Healthcare.

Cheryl Kast is recipient of the award which recognizes healthcare professionals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to developing outstanding patient experiences, according to Scott Robinson, director of Marketing at Orleans Community Health.

“Cheryl has consistently exceeded performance targets in three critical areas of patient experience surveys,” Robinson said.

She achieved 92% in getting needed care; 88% in care coordination; and 95% in provider-patient conversations.

These impressive achievements highlight Kast’s dedication to ensuring that her patients receive the highest quality of care and support, Robinson said. Her ability to connect with patients and effectively coordinate their care exemplifies what the primary care team at the Albion Healthcare Center strive to achieve.

“We are incredibly proud of Cheryl for this well-deserved recognition,” Robinson said. “Her commitment to patient care not only reflects her professionalism, but also sets a standard for excellence within our team.”

More information about Kast and the rest of the primary care team at the Albion Healthcare Center is available by calling (585) 589-CARE.

Press Release, United Way of Orleans County

KNOWLESVILLE – United Way of Orleans County and Cornell Cooperative Extension announce the launch of their new project, Orleans Connected Healthy Educated Food Systems (CHEFS).

Inspired by the success of the Stone Soup program, the United Way and CCE worked together to secure a $200,000 grant from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York’s Blue Fund.

The new CHEFS program will offer three classes to accommodate both new and returning participants.

The first class is similar to Stone Soup. Participants will learn how to prepare cost effective meals using the Kitchen Kits that are provided. Once they have completed the course, participants will have the skills and confidence they need to prepare nutritious meals at home. They will also be prepared for the two new CHEFS classes.

The second class covers Food as Medicine. Participants in this program will receive a health tracker and learn about the role of food in managing blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol.

In the third class, which covers practical cooking, participants will receive a lunch kit. Building on the kitchen skills developed in the first class, participants will learn more sophisticated kitchen skills to allow them to do meal prep and cook more complex dishes.

The Orleans CHEFS program will also continue the Fresh Food Rx. This allows Orleans County families to receive prescriptions, along with prepaid vouchers, from their primary care provider for fresh, local produce.

The United Way plans to begin convening a food systems working group after the start of the year to produce a food systems policy.

To find out more or sign up for one of the three classes, call 585-798-4265 or email asc355@cornell.edu.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has announced free 3D mammography screenings throughout the months of October and November.

The service celebrates October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, according to Scott Robinson, director of Marketing at Community Partners.

Prevention saves lives, and the free screenings are being offered to women age 40 and older to promote early detection and education to help combat this disease.

3D mammography is a revolutionary screening tool that enhances the accuracy of breast cancer detection. Unlike traditional mammograms, this advanced technology captures multiple images of the breast, allowing radiologists to examine the breast tissue layer by layer. This results in improved detection rates, particularly for women with dense breast tissue.

Anyone with a previously scheduled mammogram or who books an appointment for October or November is eligible for this free screening offer.

“We encourage all women, especially those aged 40 and older, to take advantage of this opportunity for a potentially life-saving test,” Robinson said.

In addition to 3-D mammography, onsite ultrasounds are also available for women who require additional diagnostic screenings. Robinson said their team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing compassionate care in a comfortable environment.

Appointments may be scheduled by calling (585) 798-8055. Community members are encouraged to share this information with friends and family to help spread the word about the importance of breast cancer screening.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Keynote speaker at For Women Only, Darlene Rich, is surrounded by old friends and former co-workers at Medina Memorial Hospital. With her, clockwise from left, are Rebecca Mannella, who headed cardiac rehab when Rich worked there; Lori Condo, assistant controller; and Cindy Perry, retired head of Community Partners, whose job included planning the For Women Only event.

LYNDONVILLE – For Women Only, the annual event sponsored by Orleans Community Health which raises funds for cancer services, took place Thursday night at White Birch Golf Course.

First on the program was recognition of cancer survivors by Lori Condo, assistant controller at Orleans Community Health and chair of For Women Only. She asked those who had been survivors of cancer to stand up as she called out the number of years – one year, five years, 10 years, 20 years and more than 20 years. Each woman standing received a carnation.

Next, was keynote speaker Darlene Rich, a cancer survivor of 18 years and clerk for the Town of Shelby, now in her 17th year. She not only shared her battle with breast cancer, but the sorrow of having her son diagnosed with brain cancer and the age of 3 and dying at age 23.

Rich has been a regular attendee of For Women Only over the years, and called it “the nicest event.”

She described how she had her mammograms regularly and wasn’t worried when it came time to schedule one in 2006. She was working in heart rehab at Medina Memorial Hospital under Rebecca Mannella when she learned her breast surgeon saw something on her X-ray and wanted a biopsy. She underwent a lumpectomy, and then was given six weeks of radiation and the choice of chemotherapy every three weeks for six treatments or a powerful dose for five days.

“I wanted to get it over with and move on, so I chose the five-day treatment,” Rich said. “That mammogram saved my life.”

On Oct. 20. 2006, she returned to work and was greeted by a mini For Women Only arranged by Mannella and Cindy Perry. Perry was head of Community Partners at the time and in charge of organizing the annual For Women Only for the community.

“They were here, along with my family, to support me all the way,” Rich said.

Her advice to the women in the room was to “Stay positive, stay focused and fight. And remember to get your mammogram.”

Condo announced the evening had grossed $6,300 to provide essential cancer services.

(Left) Cindy Perry, who worked at Community Partners for many years and planned the first For Women Only 25 years ago at the former Village Inn, was introduced and presented flowers by Lori Condo, on behalf of the hospital. (Right) Lori Condo, assistant controller at Orleans Community Health and chair of For Women Only, introduces keynote speaker Darlene Rich to guests Thursday night.

Representatives from several Orleans County agencies were on hand with tables of information and free gifts to guests.

From the Orleans County Health Department, Nola Goodrich and Laiken Ricker, a New York State Public Health Fellow with Orleans and Genesee Health departments, handed out information on rabies, lead and healthy homes.

At the Orleans County Mental Health table, director Danielle Figura and staff member Linda Karp made sure everyone knew about the suicide and crisis hotline, 988.

Denise Johnston-Burris, director of nursing at Hospice, provided information on why they temporarily closed the Martin-Linsin Residence.

“Referrals just stopped coming in,” she said.

She added they are doing everything possible to turn the situation around. She said many people have misinformation about Hospice, including the length a resident may stay there. She said they have had one individual who was there for 2 1/2 years.

A moment of recognition was given to Cindy Perry for her years at Community Partners and planning the annual For Women Only. She recalls the first event at the Village Inn at Childs, when about 30 to 40 women attended. The event has since grown steadily, usually attracting more than 100, and often a sellout.

Kim Gray, Medina Memorial Hospital’s chief nursing officer and director of surgical services, welcomes guests to the annual For Women Only.

Kim Gray, the hospital’s chief nursing officer and director of surgical services, has worked at the hospital more than 20 years.

“Our community hospital is an invaluable asset that provides accessible, personalized, cost-effective and community-focused healthcare,” Gray said. “We offer a wide range of services that are essential for the vitality of our community.”

Some of those services are a 24/7 Emergency Department, two dialysis centers (one in Medina and one in Batavia),  a podiatry clinic, a wound care center dedicated to healing chronic wounds, a cardiology clinic, a cardiac services department which offers a full array of diagnostic testing and treatment options for patients with cardiac conditions and heart disease and a radiology department which plays a crucial role in early cancer screening by using techniques to detect abnormalities that could indicate cancer at an early stage.

These include general X-rays, ultrasound, CT-scans, nuclear medicine, 3-D mammography, bone density testing and MRIs. Full-service laboratories with blood drawing stations are located at the Medina hospital, at the Albion Healthcare Center and the Middleport site.

A new pediatric nurse practitioner, Leah Brenner, has recently joined the family medicine team at the Albion Healthcare Center.

The hospital’s surgery clinic is staffed by the team of doctors Misiti, Schratz, Hodge and Huff, offering comprehensive surgical services in several specialized areas.

During the past year, the hospital began offering the primary doctors the opportunity to order pulmonary function testing by the Respiratory Department, determining how well the lungs are working.

Inpatient services included the Medical/Surgical Department and Transitional Care Unit.

A highlight being announced today is that in October and November the hospital will be offering not only free 3-D mammogram screening, but if a patient needs to receive diagnostic testing through an ultrasound, the hospital will cover the co-pay.

“This is largely thanks to our past For Women Only funding,” Gray said.

The evening concluded with drawing of winners for the basket raffle and 50/50 drawing.

ALBION – Albion Healthcare Center has announced that Leah Brenner, a certified pediatric nurse practitioner with more than 20 years’ experience, will be joining their team on Nov. 4.

“Leah’s extensive expertise in pediatric emergency medicine and general pediatric practice comes at a crucial time, as our community faces a significant shortage of pediatric care providers,” said Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communications and Outreach at Orleans Community Health.

Brenner earned her bachelor of science in nursing from Brockport State College and her master of science in nursing from the University of Rochester. Her background includes pivotal roles in both Rochester and Washington, D.C. area, making her a valuable asset to our team, Robinson added.

“We are thrilled to welcome Leah,” said Alana Palone, clinic administrator for Orleans Community Health. “Her arrival comes at a vital moment for our community, as we strive to meet the demand for pediatric services. Leah’s dedication and skills will make a real difference in the lives of children and families in Orleans County.”

Brenner is passionate about providing comprehensive, high-quality care that addresses the development, physical and mental health needs of children. Outside of work, she enjoys camping cooking and spending quality time with her husband, three stepdaughters and their pets.

“We are excited to have Leah join our team at Albion Healthcare Center,” said Marc Shurtz, CEO/CIO for Orleans Community Health. “We continue to try to increase access to excellent healthcare. Our community shouldn’t have to travel to neighboring counties for these services.”

Appointments can now be scheduled by contacting the Albion Healthcare Center at (585) 589-CARE.

For more information about pediatric care at the Albion Healthcare Center, click here.