MEDINA – Employee representatives at Orleans Community Health’s Medina Memorial Hospital have called for the intervention of a federal mediator in their ongoing labor negotiations with the facility’s management.
Negotiations for a new contract for 300 staff of OCH began in November. Open issues in the current talks include wages, benefits, and recognition at future locations of the Medina based organization, the union said.
To date, there have been 21 collective bargaining meetings, according to the employees’ union, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. The old contract expired Dec. 31, 2014 but its terms have been extended until the end of this month.
Frustrated with the pace of negotiations, employee members of the union’s negotiating committee have asked for the assistance of a Federal Mediator, union leaders said.
Involvement of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service is required under federal labor law when labor negotiations affect the operations of a hospital. Although a federal mediator has been assigned to this negotiation, OCH management has thus far refused to cooperate with his involvement, union leaders said.
In 2012, a strike was narrowly averted in the “11th hour” with the help of a federal mediator.
Employees covered by the union contract include registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and medical technicians, service maintenance and clerical employees.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 February 2015 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers – Angela Waldriff, owner of Ashlee’s Place in Medina, is pictured inside the store where Waldriff and customers have collected and sent 1,000 bras in the past two years to the Breast Oasis, which shares the bras with battered women’s shelters, teen shelters and rape crisis centers.
MEDINA – The owner of a women’s clothing and boutique store recently hit a milestone when the store and its customers sent the 1,000th donated bra to an organization that gives them to women in crisis situations.
Angela Waldriff, owner of Ashlee’s Place at 116 East Center St., has been collecting the gently worn and new bras for the past two years. Her customers donate many of them.
Waldriff then ships the clothing to the Breast Oasis, which is based in Akron, Ohio. That organizations has now collected over 135,000 bras for women who can’t afford them. Many are donated to women and teens escaping domestic violence.
Ashlee’s Place in Medina is the only site in Upstate New York that accepts the bras. Waldriff became a site for Breast Oasis about two years ago aftershe read a fashion magazine article about the organization and its mission. Waldriff puts inserts about the program in many of her customers’ shopping bags. They often return with donated bras, and many are new with the tags on.
“Our customers have done an exceptional job with the bra contributions,” Waldriff said. “I couldn’t believe it when we counted them up.”
Waldriff sees a trend with breast cancer survivors dropping off gently used mastectomy bras.
“It’s not a huge percent, but it’s enough that we’ve noticed, and we think it’s great,” Waldriff said.
Ashlee’s Place runs an annual Breast Cancer Promotion near Mother’s Day in honor of Waldriff’s mother who battled the disease and won over a decade ago.
“My mom’s cancer free and is in the clear,” Waldriff said.
Ashlee’s will continue accepting donated bras.
“Anyone can drop off gently used or new bras to the store during regular business hours,” Waldriff said. “As soon as our box is full we seal it up and send them off right away.”
For more information on Breast Oasis visit http://breastoasis.org/site/page.php?id=275.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 February 2015 at 12:00 am
File Photo by Tom Rivers – Dolores Horvath announced today to staff at Orleans Community Health/Medina Memorial Hospital that she is resigning, effective on Friday, to a family obligation that is out-of-state.
MEDINA – The leader of Medina Memorial Hospital/Orleans Community Health is resigning, effective Friday, so she can be available for an out-of-state family obligation.
Dolores Horvath has led the local healthcare organization since mid-2013. She is credited for aligning Orleans Community Health with the Catholic Health System, an agreement that gives local access to cardiologists, and other physicians who would be difficult to recruit to a rural county.
Horvath has also pushed for equipment upgrades and has the healthcare system on course for more upgrades and higher reimbursement rates, said Dawn Meland, vice chairman of the board of directors.
“We love Dolores,” Meland said. “Dolores has accomplished much in her short time with us. She has set us on a positive course to expand and maintain vital healthcare services for our patients and families throughout the area. We thank her for her service and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”
Horvath has technically been an employee with HealthTech Management Services, a firm hired to manage Orleans Community Health in June 2013. HealthTech offered to bring in another leader for OCH, but Meland said the board of directors wants to promote Wendy Jacobson as interim CEO. She has served as the organization’s chief operating officer/chief nursing officer since 2014.
Jacobson started with Medina in 2012 as quality manager. She has proven her work ethic and commitment to the organization, Meland said.
“We have every confidence in Wendy’s ability to lead Orleans Community Health at this time,” Meland said. “Wendy’s knowledge of hospital operations and clinical services will help us make a seamless transition as we continue to work to strengthen healthcare services for the residents of Orleans County, northern Genesee and eastern Niagara counties, our service area.”
Meland said Orleans Community Health is preparing for renovations to the lobby and emergency room, and also is awaiting final state Department of Health approval for Medina Memorial Hospital to be considered a “critical access hospital.” That designation will boost reimbursement rates for Medina.
Catholic Health leaders have offered to help Orleans Community Health during this leadership transition.
“They are willing to be a mentor (for Jacobson) and be a resource,” Meland said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 February 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
GAINES – Orleans Community Health is promoting healthier lifestyles at a series of events this year around the county.
The outreach effort began on Tuesday with a “Healthier U” open house at The Village Inn in Childs. Several local health providers and agencies had displays at the event, which started with a healthy breakfast with no fried foods.
The Albion Urgent Care health center was among the participants with a display at the event. Jennifer Herring, left, is office manager at the site run by Orleans Community Health and Randi Johnson, right, is a physician’s assistant.
About 40 people attended the event. Orleans Community Health is the parent organization for Medina Memorial Hospital. The organization is planning many events at the hospital and Medina this year, and will also be leading health events throughout the county in 2015, said Jim Moody, executive director of the Orleans Community Health Foundation.
“This is a community-wide effort to educate residents on different topics to make them healthier,” Moody said.
Dr. Ahmet Guler, a cardiologist, speaks with Ron Felstead, a member of the Orleans Community Health board of directors. Dr. Guler spoke at the Healthier U event on Tuesday, and highlighted programs for healthier hearts at the hospital and Orleans Community Health.
Orleans Community Health is planning at least a monthly outreach event where residents can connect with health professionals.
The next event, “Ask the Doctor,” will be Feb. 26 at Calvary Tabernacle Church (the old Medina High School).
Jen Maynard, the director of radiology and corporate compliance for Orleans Community Health, also spoke about the benefits of the new CT scan machine at Medina Memorial Hospital. The machine gives hospital staff much improved imaging when scans are taken of a brain, chest, abdomen and pelvis.
The CT scanner replaces one from 2001. The new one is a 64 slice CT scan compared to a 4 slice. Besides better imaging, the new machine exposes patients to 33 percent less radiation, Maynard said.
“It’s something that not every place has,” she said. “We’re fortunate to have it in our community.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 February 2015 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Albion Rotary Club wore red today for their regular weekly meeting at The Village Inn. The club wore red to promote heart health.
Tomorrow is National Wear Red Day and people are encouraged to wear red to draw attention to women’s heart health. This day also officially kicks off American Heart Month.
Rotary Club members pictured, include, front row, from left: Fred Nesbitt, Don Bishop, Bruce Landis, Marlee Diehl and Mary Anne Braunbach.
Back row: Richard Remley, Bonnie Malakie, Marsha Rivers, Tammy Yaskulski, President Bill Diehl, Ron LaGamba, Brad Shelp and Maynard Lowry from Lockport Rotary Club.
Federal funding that provides $600,000 annually to Orleans Community Health/Medina Memorial Hospital is in jeopardy of going away, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer said.
Schumer said Low Volume Hospital (LVH) and Medicare Dependent Hospital (MDH) Programs provide $16 million in aid to 24 rural hospitals in New York each year.
This funding is essential because the hospitals are often under serious financial pressure due to a lower volume of patients than their urban and suburban counterparts and they also receive a higher percentage of Medicare beneficiaries, Schumer said.
The annual funding for these hospitals is set to expire in April if it isn’t extended by Congress. Schumer said he is introducing bipartisan legislation with Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) that would extend these programs for an additional year.
Schumer said that these hospitals play a major role in keeping quality of care high across New York State and are a critical source of jobs.
“Rural hospitals are both essential to the quality of Upstate healthcare and are the lifeblood of rural communities throughout New York State,” Schumer said in a statement. “These hospitals serve a vital public need, employ several thousand New Yorkers across the state, and they deserve our support in their continuous efforts to provide the highest level of care to residents.”
Besides the $600,000 for Medina Memorial, other rural hospitals in WNY that receive the funding include: Bertrand Chaffee Hospital in Springville, $246,000; Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville, $715,000; Nicholas H. Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville, $488,000; Westfield Memorial Hospital in Chautauqua County, $57,000; and Wyoming County Community Health System in Warsaw, $800,000.
“If this funding were to go away, it would put our hospitals, patients, and employees in the lurch, and could effectively pull the plug on a lifeline for rural hospitals all over the country,” Schumer said. “The clock is ticking, and that is why I am pushing Congress to pass this bipartisan bill before it is too late. I am going to fight for the survival of this program the same way our upstate hospitals fight for their patients.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 December 2014 at 12:00 am
Provided Photo – The Greater Rochester Health Foundation approved a $17,000 grant to the Albion Running Club for three programs. The following are pictured, from left: Brian Krieger, Running Club executive director; Thom Jennings, Running Club communications director; and John Urban, president and CEO of the Greater Rochester Health Foundation.
ALBION – An organization committed to improving fitness in the community has been given a boost from the Greater Rochester Health Foundation.
The Foundation announced the Albion Running Club has been awarded a $17,000 grant for three initiatives.
The Running Club, a 501c3 non-profit organization, in January will launch “The Shoe Fits” and “Fit in 50” programs. It March it will continue the “Run For God,” a 12-week training program that culminates with a 5K at the Strawberry Festival on June 13.
With The Shoe Fits, residents can receive a new pair of running shoes for $20. That includes a professional shoe fitting. The grant from the Foundation will cover the difference in the cost of the shoes for up to 100 pairs.
The first shoe fitting is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday on Jan. 18 at the Hoag Library in Albion. Shoes will be available to Orleans County residents who pay $20 and commit to one of the Albion Running Club training programs. Personnel from the Fleet Feet Sports will come to Albion to fit residents into a new pair of Brooks sneakers.
The Running Club will also launch a “Fit in 50″ weekly running program. People have better success at achieving their fitness goals when they are part of a supportive group, said Brian Krieger, Running club executive director.”Fit in 50” is a year-long program designed to support participants, whether they are a novice runner, jogger or even a fast walker.
Each week the Running Club will gather for a group run, with participants choosing the distance best suits them, whether it be 1.5 miles or longer. Each run or walk will have a theme or a unique name that ties in with the time of year, Krieger said.
A nurse from the Orleans County Health Department will check participants for blood pressure, weight and BMI (body mass index) at the beginning, middle and end of the 50 weeks, if participants want that data.
There will also be post run gatherings and opportunities for mini workshops. “Fit in 50” will go year-round with two holiday weeks off.
Participants will receive awards for reaching mileage milestones. When participants cover 26.2 miles (the length of a marathon) through the cumulative total of their runs or walks, they will receive a Philippides coin to commemorate the distance covered.
The I-90 Buffalo to Rochester Medal will be given at the 73.7 mile mark and participants covering 200 kilometers (124 miles) in the program will receive a medal and T-shirt.
Members will also be eligible for local race discounts and other area promotions. The Foundation grant covers the cost of the program, making membership free to participants.
“Fit In 50” starts on Jan. 10 at a location to be determined. For more information on the program, visit http://albionrunningclub.com/fit-in-50.html.
The Run For God program includes a spiritual element with Biblical devotions. That 12-week program starts on March 8 at the Albion Free Methodist Church. The Health Foundation grant will pay for some shirts and books for the program.
The Running Club also is planning three races in Albion in 2015: The Run For Wayne on March 28 (a 3.17-mile event in memory of Running Club co-founder Wayne Burlison); the 5K and 8K Strawberry Festival races on June 13; and The Metro 10, a 10-mile race pitting runners from Rochester and Buffalo on Aug. 22.
By Nola Goodrich-Kresse, Public Health Educator for Orleans County Health Department
It is holiday time and if you look at TV schedules, you will see a lot of classic holiday shows “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” might come to mind when thinking about how to celebrate the holidays.
If you are not familiar with the story, a mean-hearted Grinch tries to steal Christmas from the sweet, generous residents of Whoville. So what does a Grinch have to do with health? Let’s take a look.
The Grinch did not like that the Whoville community sang and enjoyed one another’s company because he was all alone on top of a mountain. If you are having trouble with being alone, consider inviting family or friends over for a visit. It does not have to be anything fancymaybe a dish to pass and some board games, taking time to enjoy each other’s company.
When the Grinch and his trusty dog Max made plans to stop Christmas, they decided to take everything they thought made the holiday fun. For many, the best part about holiday time is not getting, but giving and seeing the joy of the recipient.
When shopping for gifts, think about the age, likes and needs for those you are gifting. Gifts that are homemade can be cherished for years and be gentle on your budget. Always make sure you check the age guidance for children’s toys for safety sake.
If buying bikes, scooter, roller blades, make sure you remember safety equipment such as helmets and pads. The best way not to be a Grinch after the holiday season is to not over spendset a budget and stick to it. Consider sponsoring a family or child and provide food and gifts to someone who may not have as much as you do.
As the Grinch slithered through the homes, he took all the food including the Who-hash. When hosting meals at your home during the holidays, consider simple meals and/or ask your guests to share their favorite holiday foods.
If you are trying to maintain your weight, have plenty of fresh veggies and drink water throughout the day to have a full feeling. It is OK to sample treats, just remember to limit how much you have.
The last thing the Grinch stole from the Who’s were their decorations. When decorating, remember to follow the lighting directions so you do not overload outlets. Consider putting your lights on timers and never leave them on when you are not at home or while sleeping.
If you have a real tree, make sure it is well watered and if the needles start falling, do not turn the tree lights on as the tree will become a fire hazard. Make sure your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Also remember your pets. Decorations and chocolate treats can make them sick if they eat them.
Later in the morning after the Grinch and Max made their way back to the mountain with all of Whoville’s gifts, food and decorations, he hears the Whos singing joyfully celebrating the day. Realizing he did not stop Christmas, the Grinch returns everything to Whoville and receives a gift in returnthe gift of forgiveness and friendship.
Forgiving someone actually makes you feel better as it takes away the burden of bitterness and unforgivenesseven if you feel you were right, reaching out the hand of forgiveness will give you peace.
Spending time with friends and family does not have to be stressful. Set time limits if you feel you need to be around someone you would rather not be around. Choose wisely who you want to spend time with, some feel the need to add extra stress wherever they go.
Only you can decide whom you want to share your holidays with. When traveling to visit others, plan for the weather, drive wise, put the cell phone away so you are not distracted and never drive after drinking alcohol or when you are too drowsy.
May the hearts of all the Grinch’s you know grow three times the size this holiday season! From all of us to all of you Merry Christmas!
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 December 2014 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
MEDINA Two sisters have been collecting bottles since the summer, with a big push on Dec. 6 at a local redemption center. The effort resulted in a $278.50 donation to Community Partners for its wellness effort through Medina Memorial Hospital.
Paige Smith, 12, and her sister Gabby, 10, handed over a bag of change and dollar bills on Tuesday to Cindy Perry, director of health education, wellness and outreach for Orleans Community Health/Medina Memorial. In the top photo, Paige, left, is pictured with Perry and Gabby.
The sisters teamed with Shawn and Anna Callard, owner of Route 104 Redemption, for the “Cans 4 Cancer” drive on Dec. 6. The girls wanted to help battle cancer after their grandmother and grandfather both fought the disease.
Perry said the donation will go towards paying for mammograms and other health screenings.
By Nola Goodrich-Kresse, Public Health Educator for the Orleans County Health Department
Although it is snowing and it will soon officially be winter, it is still a good time to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors. The best way is to do it with friends to help you stay motivated and for safety.
The Albion Running Club, Inc., is a new non-for-profit organization to help all residents get moving and active throughout the year. Started by Wayne Burlison, Jack Burris, Mark Moore and Brian Krieger to keep the Strawberry Festival 5K running several years ago, the group realized the need to expand on what they could offer our county in the area of physical activity.
As they looked at the statistics for Orleans County, which has ranked low in the annual County Health Rankings with high incidents of overweight and tobacco use and low access to exercise, they started a Run for God 12-week beginner training running/walking program at their local church. The first year was a success with many of their graduates running their first 5K ever. Since then they have increased participants every year.
This growth was encouraging so the Running Club moved forward to incorporate. The board of directors for Albion Running club will be working together to initiate two new races and continue the Strawberry Festival race in 2015.
The first race will be in March 2015 with the Run for Wayne Scholarship race. This fun run/walk is in memory of Wayne Burlison, Albion School music teacher and the original idea man for the Running Club. He died from colon cancer in March 2014. The scholarship will be for an Albion High School senior.
In June, the Strawberry Festival 5K/8K will put the strawberry to test once again and in August an exciting new race, the Metro 10 will be initiated to draw a competition between Buffalo and Rochester which will highlight the historic and scenic area of Orleans County. The race will be open to everyone, but participants will choose if they will represent Buffalo or Rochester. All races will be sanctioned under the USA Track and Field and be in insurance and safety compliance.
Besides organizing the races, ARC has received a grant from The Greater Rochester Health Foundation to continue the Run for God program, and initiate a Fit in Fifty weekly groups to encourage consistent exercise.
Fit in Fifty includes accumulating mileage to different prize levels to help participants see progress and keep motivated. And last, but not least, the Shoe Fits program is designed to assist program participants (for a minimal fee of $20) to be fitted by trained personnel and given a pair of sneakers, participate in a training or weekly run groups as well as receive an entry in one of the Albion Running Club hosted events.
All of these activities fit the mission, which is “the Albion Running Club is committed to nurturing the mental, physical and spiritual health of its community by promoting civic engagement through fun, family friendly events and programs.”
Having such an organization as the Albion Running Club is encouraging for Orleans County residents who want to make healthy changes in their lives. The Orleans County Health Department looks forward to working with them as we strive to become a Healthier Orleans County together.
To learn more about the Albion Running Club and how you can participate in their events or partner with them through donations or volunteering opportunities, visit their web site by clicking here or contact Brian Krieger, executive director, at 585-590-0955.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 December 2014 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers – Officials at Medina Memorial Hospital and Orleans Community Health celebrated a new CT scan machine that will give better imagining reads and also expose patients to 40 percent less radiation. The following are pictured during an open house on Thursday, from left: Board of Directors members Les Morse and Ron Felstead; Janelle Cordle, lead CT technician; Board Vice President Dawn Meland (in back); Jen Maynard, director of radiology and corporate compliance; Board President Bruce Krenning; and Dolores Horvath, hospital CEO.
MEDINA – A new CT scan machine was welcomed into Medina Memorial Hospital on Thursday. The machine will give hospital staff much improved imaging when scans are taken of a brain, chest, abdomen and pelvis.
The CT scanner replaces one from 2001. The new one is a 64 slice CT scan compared to a 4 slice. Besides better imaging, the new machine will expose patients to 40 percent less radiation, said Jen Maynard, director of radiology and corporate compliance for the hospital and Orleans Community Health.
“We’re taking the concerns of our patients to the next level,” said Dolores Horvath, CEO of the hospital and Orleans Community Health.
Hospital officials gathered for a ribbon-cutting celebration on Thursday. Horvath said it will be part of a wave of improvements at the hospital and the Orleans Community Health.
She expects the state Board of Health will soon give the final OK for renovations in the front lobby and emergency room at the hospital. The community can also expect new medical and surgical services, as well as additional outpatient services in 2015.
Orleans Community Health invested about $400,000 for the CT scan machine and $130,000 for a digital reader and backup system in the X-Ray Department. The hospital worked with General Electric for both equipment purchases.
“It’s very complicated, highly technical and very expensive,” Horvath told officials during the ribbon-cutting. “It brings us into state-of-the-art imaging.”
Jen Maynard, the director of radiology and corporate compliance for Orleans Community Health (Medina Memorial Hospital), holds up a digital reader that also backs up files. The hospital spent about $130,000 for the equipment. Dolores Horvath, left, is CEO for the hospital and health system
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 November 2014 at 12:00 am
Aleka Schmidt appointed pastor at First Baptist in Albion
Photos by Tom Rivers – Aleka Schmidt has been serving as a guest preacher at the First Baptist Curch in Albion. She starts a one-year, part-time appointment leading the church in January.
ALBION – Aleka Schmidt was 28, married with a 2-year-old daughter when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in the fall of 2006.
It was a fight for survival, with surgery, chemo and radiation. After 18 months, Schmidt completed her treatments and made it through the fight.
“It was hard facing mortality,” she said. “There were body issues and the side effects. But it many ways it stripped away the distractions of life. I listened to the spirit and the God nudges.”
Schmidt said the battle with cancer brought her closer to God. She grew up in Kendall, and attended the Concordia Lutheran Church. When she married Scott Schmidt and moved to Albion, they attended the Barre Center Presbyterian Church. Scott played the organ and Aleka directed the church choir and hand bell choir for a decade.
After cancer, she shared her story at church, about her deepening of faith. She served as guest preacher a few times. Then other churches asked her to preach, including the First Baptist Church in Albion.
Aleka Schmidt when she was fighting cancer.
“I felt like God was preparing me to say something and to do something,” she said. “I want people to know there is hope in this lifetime and in the next.”
Schmidt, now 36, felt a calling to the ministry, and on Jan. 1 she will begin her first pastoral appointment at the First Baptist Church. Schmidt will serve in a part-time role while working on a seminary degree at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School in Rochester. She also works as a music therapist for The Arc of Orleans County and the Orleans-Niagara BOCES.
She officially starts on Jan. 1, but Schmidt already is preaching and maintaining some office hours at the church. She also is joined by new church organist, Gary Simboli.
Schmidt is a classically trained musician herself. She said music will be a big part of the church’s worship experience.
Her husband is continuing as the organist at the Barre Center church. Mr. Schmidt will be a guest organist at times for the Baptists.
The congregation at the corner of Liberty and West Park streets meets in a building that was constructed in 1860. The building includes a clock tower, numerous stained glass windows and a large pipe organ. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Aleka Schmidt is pictured by the church, which is made of brick and Medina sandstone.
There are only about 15 to 20 regular attendees, but Schmidt said she is impressed by their faith and optimism that the church can make a big difference for the community.
While at the church on Wednesday, she noted that sanctuary was decorated for the holidays.
“They just did it,” she said about the members.
The church-goers also committed to appointing her for the year, while also hiring Simboli, a high school music and drama teacher, to play the organ.
“That is a sign for a hope for the future,” Schmidt said about the church appointments.
Besides preaching on Sundays, Schmidt will do home and hospital visits, program development and represent the church in community events.
She is thankful to be serving the Baptist Church, with a congregation of so many mature and welcoming Christians. Many of them, like her, have seen their faith tested and come out stronger.
“Breast cancer didn’t change me,” she said. “It just made me more of what was already inside.”
By Nola Goodrich-Kresse, Public Health Educator for the Orleans County Health Department
The Orleans County Health Department today is asking residents to give special thanks to their state and local “public health heroes” who protect the nation’s health throughout the year.
The Health Department is joining Research!America and its partners, which include the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the Society for Public Health Education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, American Cancer Society and others for “Public Health Thank You Day 2014.”
The day honors all those unsung heroes whose duties although vastly spread in focus, have the same overarching goal of protecting the health of the public. Public health is all around us. Take the time to appreciate some examples including the clean water you drink, the street signs, signals and lights, access to health care, emergency response, and recycling and trash removal services.
These unsung heroes who protect the nation’s health throughout the year include our health inspectors, environmental health scientists, public health researchers, sanitation workers, medical investigators, outreach workers, doctors, nurses, emergency responders, public health administration and support staff and many, many more.
File photo by Tom Rivers – Sanitation workers are unsung heroes who help protect the community’s health.
Recent outbreaks have shown us that in spite of the challenges and risks, public health professionals continue to dedicate their time and energy to combat disease and maintain a healthy environment for Americans.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and various institutions within our public health infrastructure have come together to address recent outbreaks, and public health professionals are tackling these threats head-on as they do with other health challenges on a daily basis.
We also want to take the time to wish you and your families a very healthy and Happy Thanksgiving season. We appreciate all the good things you do for our community.
The Orleans County Health Department will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and on Friday, Nov. 28. We will re-open on Monday, Dec. 1, 2014, at 8 am. Have a great holiday!
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 November 2014 at 12:00 am
Group plans 3 races for 2015, including 10-mile “Metro” race pitting Rochester vs. Buffalo
Photo by Tom Rivers – Thom Jennings, left, and Brian Krieger, leaders of the Albion Running Club, are planning several races and programs to improve the fitness in the community. They are pictured at last month’s 5-kilometer race at Brown’s Berry Patch in Waterport.
ALBION – They have seen the statistics and cringed. Brian Krieger and Thom Jennings want to unleash a force to raise the county’s dismal health stats, among the worst of all 62 counties in the state.
The annual County Health Rankings ranks Orleans as the 52nd healthiest county out of 62. Orleans ranked 52nd in health outcomes, 57th in health factors, and 58th in health behaviors. In Orleans, 66 percent of adults are overweight, 41 percent in that group are obese, and 55 percent say they don’t engage in daily exercise.
Krieger and Jennings are both leaders of the Albion Running Club. They believe the non-profit organization can make an impact in the county by offering fitness programs and three races that provide goals to motivate walkers and runners.
“We want to use the sport of running to build a healthier community,” said Krieger, executive director for the Running Club.
Krieger has seen the community respond to a running program.
He teamed with Wayne Burlison and Jack Burris to spearhead a 5K “Run for God” program that took people from the couch to a 5K race in about three months. The Run for God drew nearly 100 participants in its first three years, with the runners and walkers completing the 5K Strawberry Festival course.
“There have been some unbelievable changes in people,” Krieger said.
File photo – Sheila Lemcke of Albion lost more than 100 pounds through exercise and better nutrition. She was the honorary “Strawberry” in last June’s Strawberry Festival race. She has participated in the Run for God programs.
The Albion Running Club is a 501c3 tax-exempt organization. It has organized the Strawberry Festival race recently, including the record crowd of nearly 300 runners last June.
It wants to add another race this March 28 as a memorial for Wayne Burlison, one of the founders of the Running Club. He was 36 when he died from colon cancer on March 26. Burlison was a music teacher at the Ronald L. Sodoma Elementary School.
A 5K is 3.1 miles, but the “Run for Wayne” race will be different. That run/walk will be 3.17 miles. Burlison battled cancer for 3 months and 17 days. Proceeds from the race will be used for a scholarship in Burlison’s name.
The Running Club will continue to organize the Strawberry Festival 5K/8K on the second Saturday in June. With nearly 300 runners, it’s one of the most successful small town races around. About $2,000 in profits from the race are distributed to local charities and agencies.
Krieger and Jennings, the Orleans County YMCA executive director, believe the race could grow to 500 participants. That would mean more money to share with local causes and more people working on their fitness goals. Jennings has experience promoting concerts and events. He is the communications director for the Running Club.
Krieger and Jennings connected in May after Krieger read an article on the Orleans Hub about Jennings running a marathon with his son. Jennings took up running about three years ago and lost more than 100 pounds.
Krieger and Burlison were running partners. They trained for a marathon together. Burlison lost more than 150 pounds through exercise and nutrition. Krieger saw similarities between Burlison and Jennings.
Provided photo – Wayne Burlison started running in 2008 and completed a marathon and several half marathons. He was one of the founders of the Albion Running Club.
Krieger was also intrigued by a comment that Jennings made in the Orleans Hub article. Jennings saw Albion as an ideal host for a mega-race, a long distance run that would draw Buffalo and Rochester runners.
The two had coffee and together they brainstormed the “Metro 10,” a 10-mile race planned for Aug. 22. They expect at least 1,000 runners. Each runner will pick a side: either Rochester or Buffalo. Finishers will score points for either metro area and overall winner will be named with Buffalo or Rochester taking home a trophy.
The Running Club has a promotional video (click here) for the race and is working on more video vignettes to promote the event. (There will be one featuring chicken wings vs. Garbage Plates.)
Many races typically present medals to the top finisher or the top three in each age group. That leaves a lot of people unrecognized. With the Metro 10, every runner will have an impact on their community’s overall score.
“Even if you’re not an elite runner, you can feel part of the competition,” Jennings said. “Albion makes sense as the host for the race. We’re centrally located.”
The Metro 10 course is tentatively laid out to showcase the historic Courthouse Square, the downtown, some of the fruit orchards, the canal towpath and the rural landscapes. The race will end at Bullard Park in a festival-like atmosphere with bands.
Jennings believes the Metro 10 will show off Albion’s assets to the running community. Some of them may like what they see and move to the Albion area, Jennings said.
File photo – Runners take off at the start of the Strawberry Festival Race last June, when about 300 people completed the course.
“These marathons and events can turn a community around,” Jennings said. “They will see our great real estate that is low-priced. They will see people in a friendly environment. It’s an opportunity in my mind for Albion to be a host community. We can be ambassadors of the county.”
Krieger and Jennings know a 10-mile race can be a big draw, and be the foundation to build other fitness programs. Krieger has met the leader of the Crim Fitness Foundation, which organizes a festival of races every August in Flint, Mich. The races started in 1977 to promote fitness in the community. (Click here for more on the Crim Foundation.)
The event draws 50,000 people to Flint, and has led to several year-round programs. Krieger sees the Crim Fitness Foundation as the ultimate model for Albion and Orleans County.
The Running Club plans to offer a “Fit in 50” program throughout the year. The Running Club has applied for grants to help pay for some of the fitness initiatives. It already has secured some sponsors for the Metro 10.
Krieger works in regional sales for the hydraulic fluid industry. He wants to engage more community partners to promote health and wellness in the community.
“if you want to change the community, which is in desperate need, then people must step up and do something,” he said.
For more information about sponsoring, volunteering or teaming with the Albion Running Club, contact Krieger at585-590-0955 or email bkrieger@albionrunningclub.com.
A partnership between Orleans and Genesee counties, where they share a Public Health director and other staff, has been recognized with the “Outstanding Rural Health Program Award” by the NY State Association for Rural Health.
Paul Pettit of Albion serves as public health director for the two counties. He is pictured at left with Donald Rowe (center), director of the Office of Public Health Practice at the University of Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions; and Kenneth Oakley, CEO of the Lake Plains Community Care Network.
The NY State Association for Rural Health recognizes individuals and organizations that have made a significant contribution to rural health. Recognized state-wide for the high quality of service that they represent in rural health, the NYSARH annual awards are selected by NYSARH’s Board of Directors, who are composed of representatives of all facets of the rural health care industry.
The Orleans and Genesee departments have been sharing a director and other staff since Jan. 1, 2013. The initiative is a collaborative effort of the Lake Plains Community Care Network, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments, and the University of Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions.
The agencies have been studying and assessing the merits of sharing public health services over a two-year period. Coinciding with this pilot project, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, in partnership with the Kansas Health Institute, began a cross jurisdictional services study on shared public health services nation-wide. The Genesee and Orleans Counties Cross Jurisdictional Sharing Program is one of 16 sites selected by RWJF to be a part of this study.
