Photos courtesy of Oak Orchard Health: The Behavior Health Team, shown with OOH CEO Karen Kinter (right), gave away stress balls and shared about the services at Oak Orchard.
Press Release, Oak Orchard Community Health
Dr. James Goetz and Oak Orchard Health CEO Karen Kinter meet two kids at the health fair. The Brockport health center is named in honor of Dr. Goetz, a long-time pediatrician.
BROCKPORT – Despite the rain, the Community Health Fair at Oak Orchard Health on May 31 in Brockport was fun for all, especially for kids and their families.
The fair was a convenient way for people to get valuable information, free screenings, and giveaways. One of the most popular was the dental screenings with Dr. Rachel Nozzi and the OOH hygienists.
Though we moved the tables and Kid Zone indoors, the Kiwanis Club of Brockport weathered the storm and served pancakes outdoors throughout the morning. Oak Orchard Health was available for blood pressure screenings, blood glucose checks, vision screenings, and provided information on healthy eating, WIC, and behavioral health. If you had questions about the OOH Patient Portal, we were there to answer them.
Thank you to UR Medicine, UR Dermatology, and URMobilEyes. They provided health screenings, including mammograms, skin cancer checks, and eye exams. The Wilmot Cancer Center table got plenty of interest on this important topic.
Fidelis Care Health Insurance was there to provide valuable information – and give away stress balls, pens, and so much more. The Brockport Community Connection was also on hand to connect residents with services, including emergency assistance.
Thank you to the Greater Rochester Health Foundation that sponsored the fair and to everyone who participated in the event.
Oak Orchard volunteers were eager participants, assisting people at the health fair.
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are alerting the public to a noticeable increase in bat encounters. As the weather gets warmer, bats become more active and may occasionally find their way into homes, particularly in older homes that are not properly sealed.
“If you find a bat in your home, safely capture it and immediately contact the health department,” advised Darren Brodie, Environmental Health Director for GO Health. “We can assess whether there was potential exposure and if the bat needs to be tested. If you are unable to safely capture the bat, call the health department for guidance on the next steps to take.”
In certain situations, a bat bite may go unnoticed. For example, if you wake up and find a bat in your room, discover a bat in a child’s bedroom, or see one near someone who is under the influence or otherwise impaired, it’s important to seek medical advice and have the bat tested for rabies.
To safely capture a bat:
Turn on all the lights and close all the windows.
Close the room and closet doors.
Wait for the bat to land.
While wearing thick leather-like gloves, place a coffee can, pail or similar container over the bat (Never handle a bat with your bare hands).
Carefully slide a piece of cardboard under the container to trap the bat.
Hold the cardboard firmly against the container, turn it right side up and tape the cardboard tightly to the container.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 3 June 2025 at 12:13 pm
Photo courtesy of Scott Robinson: Patients will check in at this window for the new primary care services announced this week at Medina Memorial Hospital.
MEDINA – Continued growth and addition of services continues at Orleans Community Health with announcement of the official launch of primary care services at the Medina Healthcare Center, effective as of June 2.
With a focus on comprehensive, patient-centered care, the new practice will offer services ranging from pediatrics to adult medicine – all in one convenient location, according to Scott Robinson, director of marketing for Orleans Community Health.
“We are pleased to introduce two experienced providers, who will lead this new chapter in community healthcare,” Robinson said.
They are Leah Brenner, CPNP, a certified pediatric nurse practitioner with more than 20 years if experience, who brings a well-rounded background in pediatric emergency medicine and general pediatric care, offering a compassionate and thorough approach to children’s health; and Pamela Eaton, A-NP, a board-certified nurse practitioner with more than two decades of experience in geriatric and adult internal medicine. She is well known locally and someone who care deeply about the overall health of the community.
“We’re thrilled to expand access to high-quality care services right here at Medina Memorial Hospital,” Robinson said. “This is a major step forward in continuing our commitment to the health and wellness of our community. Orleans County is in dire need of more primary care providers, and we’re excited to share that we’ll be adding more members to our team in the coming weeks.”
The Medina Healthcare Center is located on the first floor of Medina Memorial Hospital. In addition to primary care services, the area includes a surgery clinic (previously on the ground floor), ear, nose and throat clinic, wound care and podiatry. More specialty services are being recruited for this area, as well as a fundraising campaign to expand and enhance the center.
Appointments are now being scheduled at (585) 798-2550.
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.
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are alerting the public to a noticeable increase in bat encounters. As the weather gets warmer, bats become more active and may occasionally find their way into homes, particularly in older homes that are not properly sealed.
Easier Care with the Updated Patient Portal and Healow App
