About 75 participate in Wayne Burlison Colon Cancer Awareness 5K

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Runners gather at the start line in front of a new inflatable resembling a colon this morning in the parking lot at the Albion Elementary School.

There were 56 finishers in the race, and several others who walked part of the 3.3-mile distance.

Photos by Marsha Rivers: Alex Zirkelbach of Olney, Maryland is out in front in today’s

Wayne Burlison Colon Cancer Awareness 5K in Albion. Alex won the race in a time of 19:45.

Jody Lynn Musolino of North Tonawanda was the first female, crossing the finish line in a time of 23:36.

The course was changed from the usual route along Route 31, from the elementary school to Mount Albion Cemetery and back after heavy snowfall last night.

The state Department of Transportation deemed the shoulders of 31 off limits after the snowfall.

Race organizer Bert Gallmon of Wolfpack Multisports considered cancelling the race, but Albion school officials agreed to be out early and have the parking lots and walkways plowed.

The course ended up being three loops of 1.1-mile each in the elementary and high schools.

The Cayea brothers of Medina take off fast at the start of the race. Arian Cayea, second from left, was second overall in 19:46 and his brother Aeddon, left, was sixth overall in 22:35.

The course was longer than a typical 5K by about 0.2 mile.

Photos by Tom Rivers: A runner heads to the finish line, the inflatable of a colon. Wolfpack Multisports recently acquired the inflatable for the Burlison 5K, which is in memory of an Albion elementary music teacher who passed away at age 36 from colon cancer on March 26, 2014.

Wayne’s wife Lisa and son Adam attended the event today.

Race organizer Bert Gallmon of Wolfpack Multisport encourages people to get checked for colon cancer, starting at 45.

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.

Colon cancer occurs when cells in the colon or rectum grow uncontrollably. Abnormal growths, known as polyps, can occasionally develop and certain polyps may eventually develop into cancer. Polyps can be found by screening tests and be removed before they become cancerous. Colon cancer is preventable, with the proper screening and education.

Some of the risk factors for colorectal cancer include:

• Inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps
• Lifestyle factors that include overweight and obesity; not being physically active; certain types of diets such as a diet low in fruit and vegetables, a low-fiber and high-fat diet, and a diet high in processed meats; tobacco use; and alcohol use

Colorectal cancer may not cause symptoms right away and some people have no symptoms. Some of the symptoms may include:

• A change in bowel habits
• Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement)
• Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty all the way
• Discomfort in the stomach area such as cramps, gas, or pain that do not go away
• Unintended weight loss
• Weakness and fatigue

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 90% of people whose colorectal cancers are found early, diagnosed and treated appropriately are still alive five years later.

Photos by Tom Rivers

BATAVIA – Medina firefighters Tiffany Petry and Dustin Pahura show students how to do CPR. The two firefighters were among many stations on Friday at Genesee Community College in Batavia, which hosted the second annual GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare.

There were 575 students from 31 school districts in the four rural GLOW counties, including the Orleans County school districts of Albion, Holley, Kendall, Lyndonville and Medina.

This group from Holley includes, from left: Mya Brown, Haidynn Mullins, Mia Thom and Isaiah Johnson.

The Holley  students said the day at GCC connecting with healthcare organizations was very helpful as they consider careers. Johnson wants to work in EMS, while the three girls are considering careers in psychology.

“There are many different options,” Mya Brown said about careers in healthcare.

They are at a table for the Livingston County Health Department, which showed candy and medicine, and also cleaning products. People were asked if they could tell the difference from cady and pills that could be potentially harmful to them. The exercise was intended to show the value of having a medicine lock box to make sure people, especially young children, didn’t accidentally confuse prescription pills with candy.

GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare started in 2023 and connected students to over 200 representatives from 57 companies, municipal agencies, non-profits, and educational institutions.

The healthcare event and GLOW With Your Hands: Manufacturing attract over 1,500 students annually with the goal of empowering youth in the four counties to seek success in careers.

“With GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare and GLOW With Your Hands: Manufacturing, we are seeing a generation of students that are engaging with careers with great opportunities in our region,” said Angela Grouse, GLOW With Your Hands Co-Chair and Education to Employment Director at the Livingston County Area Chamber of Commerce. “Meeting the healthcare needs of our communities is a challenge that we are proactively addressing through the support of our participating organizations, sponsors, and volunteers.”

These students are in a vet tech workshop where they could simulate hearing the heartbeats for small dogs.

Every student participated in a pair of self-selected workshops with a variety of healthcare careers led by healthcare and emergency response professionals.

Sessions covered careers in EMS, pharmacy, healthcare administration, physical therapy, healthy living, physicians/residents, holistic medicine, radiology/sonography/ultrasound, mental health and social work, research science, nursing, respiratory therapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, physician’s assistant/nurse practitioner, surgery and vet technician.

Students put bandages on these stuffed dogs as part of the vet tech workshop.

Hospice of Orleans was among many organizations at the event. The agency was represented by Julia Alt, right, the director of advancement, and Kelli Birch, the volunteer coordinator.

Hospice is looking to fill positions for home health aide, social worker and registered nurse, and the agency welcomes more volunteers, Alt said.

Students were able to learn about Hospice, and also had a chance to fill out a greeting card for hospice patients.

Audra Fisher, a secretary with the Orleans County Emergency Management Office, and Justin McAdoo of the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company show students how to “stop the bleed” and put on tourniquets.

These students try a stethoscope on a baby mannequin “Luna” at a station for the nursing program at Genesee Community College. The students could listen to the heart beat, the sound of the lungs and the abdomen.

GCC has about 100 students complete an associate’s degree in nursing each year. The graduates go into careers with high demand, said Deborah Penoyer, director of the nursing program.

Jennifer Kula, back left in blue, is a current student in the program. She has done clinicals at local hospitals and a long-term care facility.

“The science and learning are awesome,” said Kula, a Batavia resident. “I love the opportunity to serve people in the community.”

ALBION – As part of their mission to encourage people to take better care of themselves, Community Action of Orleans County has partnered with several health organizations to bring preventative scanning to Orleans County.

In addition, Community Action is offering free food vouchers to those who sign up for health screenings.

As the result of research by Jeanette Worsley, lead case manager/health coach at Community Action, several programs are in the works or up and running to bring preventative medicine to Orleans County.

“We are really excited about bringing the Eddy Unit from Roswell to Orleans County,” Worsley said.

Eddy stands for “Early Detection Driven to You,” Worsley said. “This will be the first time the unit has been in Orleans County.”

She explained the state-of-the-art mobile unit is equipped with a low-dose CT scanner which screens for lung cancer in less than 10 minutes. An outreach specialist will be at the pop-up food distribution from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. April 15 at 155 S. Platt St. to screen individuals for eligibility and schedule appointments. Someone will also be available at the Eastern Orleans Community Center at a date to be determined.

The Eddy unit will be in Albion May 21, 22 and 23, and location will be announced. Reservations must be made by calling Worsley at (585) 866-5494 or via e-mail at JWorsley@caoginc.org.

To be eligible, an individual must have a history of cancer of the lung, esophagus, head or neck (excluding thyroid) or, one of the three following factors:

• Be between the ages of 50 and 79
• Have been a 20-pack/years of smoking history
• Smoked within the past 15 years.

The University of Rochester Mobile Mammogram Unit will be at the Albion Pop-Up food distribution at 11 S. Platt St. on April 15 and at the Main Street Corner Thrifts, Gifts and More at 131 S. Main St. from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 15 and at the Main Street Corner Thrifts, Gifts and More from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 22. on April 22. Registration for these screenings must also be made by called Worsley at (585) 866-5404.

As part of their preventative medicine program, Community Action is offering $200 fresh food Rx vouchers, while supplies last, which can be redeemed at farm markets across Orleans County to incentivize people to participate in preventative healthcare. The vouchers will be reserved at the time individuals sign up for the health scans.

To schedule a mammogram women must be 40 or older, have been at least 365 days since their last mammogram and have no new issues. The procedure is covered by most insurances, and grant funds are available so nobody pays for screening.

Another service will be provided by the Fidelis StreetSide RV, a mobile service which will also be present at the pop-up food distribution from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. April 15. Insurance specialists will be available to answer questions about insurance enrollment and renewal, and will also provide educational information regarding breast cancer, lung health, nutrition, Lunchology menus and children’s health.

Community Action also partnered with the University of Rochester in February to bring their mobile mammogram unit to Holley Gardens and provided up to $200 in food vouchers to each of the 19 women who got mammograms.

In March, Community Action provided $10 vouchers to people who received monthly blood pressure screenings at the Eastern Orleans Community Center.

The mobile mammogram unit will return several times in April, and one is nearly all booked up, Worsley said. They have the capability to do 20 mammograms per day.

GLOW With Your Hands will highlight opportunities in healthcare among local rural counties

BATAVIA – School districts in Orleans County will be sending students to Genesee Community College for the second annual GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare.

The event will show many of the career opportunities in local healthcare. There are 575 students from 31 school districts expected to meet with businesses and organizations from the healthcare industry in the four rural counties – Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming.

There will be about 200 representatives from workforce, education, first responders, and healthcare training providers across the GLOW region.

In addition to hands-on demonstrations and face-to-face interactions with healthcare organizations, students will each participate in two self-selected healthcare career workshops in fields including EMS, nursing, surgery, research science, pharmacy and several others.

The event is made possible by GLOW region workforce development leaders, educators, and community organizations and sponsors, led by Double Platinum sponsor ESL Federal Credit Union, and Platinum sponsors Wyoming County Community Health System and Rochester Regional Health United Memorial Medical Center.

Renee Hungerford of Community Action, Karen Kinter of Oak Orchard Health join intensive program lasting 18 months

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Renee Hungerford, left, and Karen Kinter have both been accepted into the prestigious Health Leadership Fellows program by the Health Foundation for WNY.

ALBION – Two women in leadership positions in Orleans County have been chosen for a very prestigious honor by the Health Foundation of WNY.

Karen Kinter, CEO of Oak Orchard Health, and Renee Hungerford, CEO of Community Action of Orleans & Genesee, recently learned they had been accepted into the Health Leadership Fellows program for Cohort 11.

Both women said applying for that honor had been on their minds for a long time, and without the other knowing about it, they each applied this year.

The application is followed by an extensive interview process, in which the accepted individuals are chosen. Kinter and Hungerford learned of each other’s selection when the list was published.

The Fellows program’s goal is to strengthen collaboration among hundreds of nonprofit professionals who serve young children and older adults in western and central New York.

Their belief is, “When leaders at local nonprofits collaborate and share a sense of purpose, they can work together to solve the region’s toughest health issues.”

Hungerford noted she and Kinter already have a working relationship.

“We have already partnered with each other through my Axis of Care, and I used to work at Oak Orchard Health,” Hungerford said. “Healthcare is a frustrating system, and I want to help fix it.”

Kinter was amazed that two people from Orleans County would be accepted into the program at the same time.

“Both Renee’s and my organization are quite large here in this area, but they don’t compare with the size of city organizations,” Kinter said.

Two others from Orleans County also completed the program recently: Paul Pettit from the Orleans and Genesee County Health Departments and Dean Bellack of Medina, the former United Way director in Orleans County.

Bellack earned the honor because of relationships he developed with outside foundations while director of United Way of Orleans County and weekly phone and Zoom calls with non-profit agencies.

“We are going to be with a bunch of people who want to do innovative projects,” Hungerford said. “We will be asked to come up with a project based on solving healthcare issues in our area.”

The program lasts 18 months, during which time participants will be asked to attend four sessions of two or three days each in a residential setting, away from their jobs.

“They want to be sure our full focus is on this,” Hungerford said.

“I’m very excited that Renee and I will go through this highly regarded program together,” Kinter said. “It will allow us to strengthen both our organizations and communities. Through our collaboration along with many other regional healthcare leaders, we’ll be able to improve the care and services we provide. The recent opening of the Warming Center in Albion was a great example of community collaboration. Oak Orchard Health was happy to be part of that effort.”

“The Health Leadership Fellows Program is important for our community and the people we serve,” Hungerford said. “I look forward to learning and collaborating with Karen and all the other regional health leaders. The issues we face in healthcare are complex and this program gives us the tools to develop initiatives to help.”

Topics addressed will include personal leadership, leading change, communicating as a leader and results-based leadership and collaboration. Each cohort of fellows is made up of about 40 professionals from health-related and safety net organizations throughout western and central New York.

Their graduation is scheduled for November 2025.

The Health Foundation of WNY has been funding community health since its inception in 2002. Since awarding its first grants in 2004, the Foundation has awarded more than $30 million to fund programs in 16 counties in western and central New York. Funding has been focused on programs that improve health outcomes for two of the most vulnerable and underserved populations in the region – older adults and children from birth to age 5 who are impacted by poverty.

Press Release, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer

WASHINGTON, D.C. – After helping successfully deliver the long-desired visa waiver program for physicians last year, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer on Monday announced the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) will expand its new J-1 Visa Waiver Program to include physicians practicing specialty medicine, helping bring doctors in critically needed medical fields to Upstate New York.

Schumer said the new and expanded program can help address the healthcare worker in critically needed specialty fields for Upstate NY communities like anesthesiologists, cardiologists and cancer specialists by easing the visa requirements for these doctors, who are trained in the U.S. and agree to practice in underserved areas of the Northern Border region like Upstate NY.

“The new and expanded visa-waiver program for specialty physicians, like anesthesiologists and cancer specialists, is a major shot in the arm for recruiting doctors to address the national healthcare worker shortage in rural communities across Upstate NY,” Schumer said. “I am proud we secured these vital visas to help tackle the healthcare worker shortage in Upstate NY head on, and to ensure New York rural communities have access to the quality medical care they need.”

Schumer explained that currently NBRC’s waiver program is only open to physicians offered primary care positions in the Northern Border region. However, as of April 1, 2024, with this new expansion waiver requests for physicians practicing specialty medicine will also be begin being accepted. The program is modeled, in part, after the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) successful J-1 Visa waiver program.

Schumer is currently leading the charge in the Senate to renew the Northern Border Regional Commission’s economic development programs. Established in 2008, the NBRC is a federal-state partnership focused on the economic revitalization of communities across the Northern Border region, which includes New York, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

The Commission is composed of the governors of the four Northern Border states and a federal co-chair, and provides financial and technical assistance to communities in the region to support entrepreneurs, improve water, broadband, and transportation infrastructure, and promote other initiatives to improve the region’s economy.

The northern border region of New York State includes 28 counties: Cayuga, Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Genesee, Greene, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Madison, Montgomery, Niagara, Oneida, Orleans, Oswego, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Seneca, St. Lawrence, Sullivan, Washington, Warren, Wayne and Yates.

Dr. Joseph Misiti (left), Orleans Community Health medical director and General Surgeon, will be the inaugural recipient of the Bowen Award named for George Bowen (right), who was influential in establishing Medina Memorial Hospital.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health Foundation is extremely excited about its second annual gala, which this year will celebrate multiple events.

Megan Johnson, director of the foundation, has announced this year’s gala, Eclipse, will not only take place on the weekend of the rare eclipse, but will honor Dr. Joseph Misiti, a longtime surgeon in the Medina community.

The gala is scheduled at 6 p.m. April 6 at Bent’s Opera House.

“The night promises to be a captivating experience for attendees, featuring a live performance by Something Else Rock Band from Rochester,” according to Johnson. “Their energetic beats are sure to get everyone on their feet.”

The opulent affair will be complemented by appetizers, an open bar and an exclusive silent auction.

A highlight of the event will be the inaugural presentation of the Bowen Award, named for George Bowen who worked tirelessly for 15 years to raise funds and led the effort to bring a fully functioning modern hospital to Medina.

Spearheaded by Bowen, dozens of clubs and organizations held fundraisers to finance the hospital, which was built from 1924 to 1925. Bowen served as president of the board of directors of the hospital until his death in 1945, and was such a familiar figure visiting patients, doctors and even the operating room, so much so that he was fondly referred to as “doctor.”

This new award is a prestigious recognition established to honor outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to Orleans Community Health, Johnson said.

This year, the Bowen Award will be bestowed upon Dr. Joseph Misiti, a home-grown Medina native, who has dedicated his entire career to serving his community as a general surgeon at Orleans Community Health since 1982.

Dr. Misiti received his doctorate at the University of Buffalo and completed his residency at Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo. He is also serving as medical director at Orleans Community Health. His exceptional commitment to the hospital and his generous donation of his surgical practice in January 2021 exemplify the spirit of the Bowen Award, Johnson said.

“We are thrilled to host the second annual Orleans Community Health Gala – Eclipse, bringing together our community for an unforgettable evening of celebration and appreciation,” Johnson said. “This year’s event holds particular significance as we introduce the prestigious Bowen Award and proudly present it to Dr. Joseph Misiti, a pillar of our healthcare community.”

Tickets for the gala are now available for purchase and all proceeds will support the continued growth and enhancement of Orleans Community Health services.

For ticket information, sponsorship opportunities and event details, click here.

Orleans Community Health Foundation’s mission is to raise funds to support the quality healthcare services provided by Orleans Community Health to the communities it serves. They strive to engage the community in a unified commitment to Orleans Community Health and facilitate financial support to ensure friends and family have quality healthcare close to home, now and long into the future.

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

With traveling increasing for Spring Break, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are encouraging residents to check their measles vaccination status.

If you are not up-to-date on the measles vaccine, contact your healthcare provider and get vaccinated. Cases of measles are increasing worldwide and in the United States.

Measles is typically brought to the United States by unvaccinated people who contract the virus by traveling to other countries. However, measles outbreaks are occurring more regularly in the United States. In 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported measles cases in 16 states including Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York City, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington.

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases and is easily spread through the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes. The virus can stay in the air and on surfaces for many hours, even after the infected person has left the area. Infected people can spread measles to others from four days before through four days after the rash appears.

Measles symptoms typically include:

• High fever (may spike to more than 104°)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• Rash (3-5 days after symptoms begin)

“Getting the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine series is the best way to prevent measles,” stated Brenden Bedard, Director of Community Health Services for GO Health. “As many families are planning to travel in the upcoming weeks, it is important to know your vaccination status. The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect you and your family from measles.”

GO Health advises residents to check their vaccination status with their healthcare provider. Children, adolescents and adults should have two doses of the MMR vaccine, at least 28 days apart. Unvaccinated individuals should contact their healthcare provider to see if the measles vaccine is right for them.

If you haven’t completed the MMR vaccine series and are traveling soon, there is still time to receive a vaccination to protect yourself and your loved ones against the virus. One dose of the MMR vaccine is about 93% effective and two doses are about 97% effective at preventing measles.

GO Health offers the vaccine to individuals that are underinsured and uninsured and you can call your respective health department to schedule an appointment. For more information on measles, visit the CDC.

Nicole Tuohey denied because she needs help answering questions from medical personnel

Nicole Tuohey

MEDINA – Nicole Tuohey is hoping a petition to the FDA will convince them to allow her to give blood. Because she cannot sit alone with medical personnel and answer questions about her health, she has been denied her the right to give blood.

From the day she was born, Nicole has had to fight to be like other people.

Born with Triple X Syndrome, the daughter of David and Mary Lou Tuohey, doctors told her parents she would never walk, talk, go to school, ride a bike or do any of the things other kids do.

She has proven them wrong, and now she is out to win another fight – the right to save lives.

Nicole, 33, helps her mother in the store with fundraising for the Alzheimer’s Association and National Disabilities Month She makes links out of construction paper and then joins them together as they are sold.

She makes bracelets to sell as a fundraiser, and now she wants to give blood, but has been turned down. Every week, she points to her arm and looks at her mother, who repeatedly has to tell her, “Not yet.”

“It doesn’t make sense when so many people need blood and here you have a healthy young lady who is begging to give and they won’t let her,” her mother said.

Mary Lou has written a petition to the FDA requesting they allow her to sign for Nicole, so she can give blood. Mary Lou has legal authority to sign for Nicole in all facets of her life.

“It is heartbreaking,” Mary Lou said. “I’ve signed for her heart surgery and her brain surgery, but they won’t let me sign for something as simple as this.”

Mary Lou is asking the public to stop in at Case-Nic Cookies at 439 Main St and sign her petition.

“It will mean the world to Nicole,” Mary Lou said.

 The petition will be available there until the end of March.

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer, is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.

Colon cancer occurs when cells in the colon or rectum grow uncontrollably. Abnormal growths, known as polyps, can occasionally develop and certain polyps may eventually develop into cancer. Polyps can be found by screening tests and be removed before they become cancerous. Colon cancer is preventable, with the proper screening and education.

Some of the risk factors for colorectal cancer include:

• Inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps
• Lifestyle factors that include overweight and obesity; not being physically active; certain types of diets such as a diet low in fruit and vegetables, a low-fiber and high-fat diet, and a diet high in processed meats; tobacco use; and alcohol use

Colorectal cancer may not cause symptoms right away and some people have no symptoms. Some of the symptoms may include:

• A change in bowel habits
• Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement)
• Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty all the way
• Discomfort in the stomach area such as cramps, gas, or pain that do not go away
• Unintended weight loss
• Weakness and fatigue

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 90% of people whose colorectal cancers are found early, diagnosed and treated appropriately are still alive five years later.

“Getting screened plays a big role in savings lives by preventing cancer and slowing its progression when it is found,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health).

“In recent decades, screening rates among older adults has significantly increased which is great news,” stated Laura Paolucci, Public Health Administrator for the Wyoming County Health Department. “However, current data indicates that individuals lacking health insurance or a primary care provider are undergoing screening procedures less frequently.”

For eligible men and women, the Cancer Services Program offers free screenings for breast, cervical, and colon cancer. To learn more, call 716-278-4898. If you live in New York State and need health insurance, you can contact the New York State of Health Official Health Plan Marketplace by phone at 1-855-355-5777 or online.

The most effective way to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer is to get screened for colorectal cancer routinely, beginning at age 45. Residents are also encouraged to increase their physical activity, keep a healthy weight, limit alcohol consumption, and avoid tobacco.

Although more research is needed to understand why, the incidence of colorectal cancer is growing among people younger than 50. If you have concerns about this, speak with your healthcare provider.

By Shaw-Ree Chen, Ph.D., Chief Quality and Patient Experience Officer, Oak Orchard Health

To keep you healthy and make sure we’re addressing any barriers to good health, your providers need information. We ask parents about what their kids are doing or not doing at different ages, we ask if you’ve been feeling depressed or unhappy. We ask for insurance information so that your bills don’t go to you and cause stress, we need to know if you have trouble getting transportation to the health center so we can arrange it for you We even ask all our patients to provide us with their approximate annual income so we can receive federal dollars to support our patients in need.

Information is vital to providing care – but paper isn’t! When we use paper forms, we create paper waste, and then we use our staff’s valuable time to enter your information into our medical records. Time that could be spent answering your calls or taking care of patients in the waiting room. Our goal is to maximize the time we spend doing things that are directly beneficial to our patients. And of course, technology is helping us along the way.

Self-check-in

Tired of writing down your address every year in your health record even though you’ve lived in the same place since you were born? Self-check-in gives you the ability to review and approve existing demographic information. If you have a cell phone, you will receive a check-in link a few days before your appointment. With this link, you can confirm your appointment, and review your address, phone number, and insurance, even your medical history. When you arrive at the health center you can walk up to the receptionist when called and simply tell them that you filled out the self-check-in information. There still may be a few documents that need to be signed and payment may need to be received, but all the basic information about you and your loved ones will have already been done.

Keep in mind that self-check-in will come from a phone number that your phone may not recognize. We all have to be careful about clicking links from unknown numbers. The way you’ll know this is a legitimate text is that it will include your name and an accurate appointment date. Then you can safely click on the link to review your information.

In the future, self-check-in will become more complete allowing you to confirm other medical and personal information in the comfort of your home.

Kiosks at our health centers

Do not have a cell phone or forgot to do self-check-in? No problem. The Alexander, Pembroke, and Batavia offices now have kiosks in the waiting area. Soon all our health centers will have them.

What is a kiosk? It’s a free-standing machine (think ATM) and it’s super easy to use. Start by signing in with your name and birth date then begin to confirm or add information. Make sure your address and phone are correct. The kiosk also allows you to identify the person(s) you want to share your health information with should you need to do so. You can also review your medical history, just like in self-check-in.

You will still need to step up to the registration desk when it is your turn to let them know you are here to sign a few documents and review payment, but kiosks help us to reduce wait times by giving people different options to check-in.

Why is Oak Orchard Health getting rid of paper?

We always have our eye on patient experience, safe and high-quality care, and cost of care. In addition to the benefits to staff time mentioned before, the cost of printing and safely destroying documents is high and there’s always a risk that a piece of paper with your information on it is given to the wrong person or dropped where it shouldn’t be. The less paper we use, the more cost-effective we can be and the less risk there is of having your information in the wrong hands.

Provided photos: Some of the services offered at the Holley Center include nutrition education with a food demonstration and tasting.

Press Release, Center for Community Health & Prevention at the University of Rochester Medical Center

HOLLEY – Have you heard of the Holley Center? A staple for many of the residents of Eastern Orleans County, the Center provides a vast array of free health and human services.

From free lunch Monday through Friday, to a medical loan closet complete with wheelchairs and walkers, to furniture and appliances and a free clothing boutique, the small space houses it all. Most of all, the primarily volunteer-run organization overflows with heart.

Katie Bauer, regional program coordinator for Promote HEALTH, brought the free eight-week healthy lifestyle program to the Holley Center in the spring of 2023. She knew from the first class that it was going to be a long-lasting relationship.

Promote HEALTH participants, village residents and volunteers got to know Katie and a bond was formed instantly.

“Class participants continue to share their small healthy lifestyle changes with one another, and with me,” Bauer said. “Whether they’ve added a new food to their eating pattern that they never tried before, or if they saw a new recipe, they’re open to making changes and continue to be excited about it all. The people are so special. They want the best for their community and it shows. The Holley Center is my favorite place to be.”

After 40 years of smoking, program participant Rachael has been smoke-free since June 2023. With Katie’s encouragement and support from Wilmot Cancer Institute’s Text to Quit program, Rachael was able to quit smoking before having hip surgery in the winter of last year.

“The program and Katie have really saved my life,” shared Rachael, who has also worked at the Center for 14 years. “The support you get while participating in Promote HEALTH, and beyond, keeps you going.”

Promote HEALTH is provided in partnership between the Center for Community Health & Prevention and Wilmot Cancer Institute’s Community Outreach and Engagement program.

Katie returns monthly to provide nutrition education with a food demonstration and tasting, like apple nachos, and has helped connect Deb, Center coordinator, and Rachael with area resources, like smoking cessation, for their clients.

The UR Medicine Mobile Mammography Van was in Holley on Monday and will be back on Friday.

One of the latest connections is with the UR Medicine Mobile Mammography Van. The Mobile Mammo will be making a stop a few blocks from the Holley Center (at 1 Wright St.)  Friday, March 1 to provide breast cancer screenings to women 40 and older. Are you due for a mammogram? Call 844-870-0002 or email mammovan@urmc.rochester.edu to schedule an appointment. Spaces are limited.

The Center for Community Health & Prevention looks forward to continuing our partnership with the Holley Center and appreciate all they, and Katie, do for their community! If you would like more information on the Promote HEALTH program, smoking cessation programs or other services mentioned in this story, please contact Katie at katie_bauer@urmc.rochester.edu.

Randi Ingersoll

By Randi Ingersoll, social worker at Orleans Community Health

Subacute rehabilitation plays a crucial role in the continuum of care for individuals recovering from surgery or injury. This specialized form of rehabilitation serves as a vital bridge between acute care and a return to normal daily activities. We’re often asked to define sub-acute rehab and explain its importance.

What is Subacute Rehab?

Subacute rehab is a level of care that falls between acute hospital care and traditional outpatient rehabilitation. It is designed for patients who no longer require intensive medical monitoring but still need comprehensive rehabilitation services to regain optimal functioning. These rehab units may occasionally have specific names, such as Medina Memorial Hospital’s Transitional Care Unit (TCU) is where subacute rehab patients can take this step toward getting back on their feet.

Here is some additional information that is helpful to know about subacute rehab:

• It consists of inpatient care that lasts for 1-3 weeks and can include several therapies throughout the day (occupational, physical and/or speech therapy).

• Skilled nursing services such as long term IV antibiotic administration is considered subacute rehab.

• Some subacute rehab locations offer benefits to patients like private rooms and 24-hour RN coverage for nursing care

• Subacute rehab can occur in hospital settings (such as Medina Memorial Hospital) or locations outside of a

hospital setting.

• Overall, the goal is to get the patient back to the physical function they were at prior to the injury, illness or surgery that led them to needing subacute rehab.

Finding the Location that Best Fits You

“I knew I needed a knee replacement, actually both knees needed to be done.” – Phyllis MacKay of Middleport NY

Finding the location that best fits you is a critical piece of your recovery. Spending 1-3 weeks away from home may be burdensome, so finding a place that makes you comfortable is a priority. While you can wait until you receive recommendations from a discharge planner, you can also do personal research on subacute rehab facilities/units that you believe are good fits. Medina Memorial Hospital’s TCU and other locations offer tours that help make this decision.

Key Features to know about Subacute Rehab Care

Comprehensive Care Tailored to Individual Needs

One of the key features of subacute rehab is its individualized approach to care. Each patient receives a personalized treatment plan that addresses their specific medical condition, functional abilities, and rehabilitation goals. This tailored approach ensures that patients receive the right level of support to regain independence in activities of daily living.

Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration

Subacute rehab involves a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals working collaboratively to meet the diverse needs of patients. This team may include physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, nurses, and other specialists. The coordinated efforts of these professionals help address the physical, cognitive, and emotional aspects of recovery.

Intensive Rehabilitation Services

Patients in subacute rehab participate in intensive rehabilitation services that focus on improving mobility, strength, coordination, and overall function. Therapists employ techniques and exercises to enhance a patient’s ability to perform daily tasks independently. This may include mobility training, balance exercises, adaptive equipment training, and other interventions tailored to the patient’s condition.

Transitioning to Independence

The primary goal of subacute rehab is to prepare individuals for a successful return to their homes and communities. Through targeted therapy and support, patients gain the skills and confidence needed to manage their health independently. This transition to independence not only improves the quality of life for patients but also reduces the likelihood of re-hospitalization.

Monitoring and Managing Medical Conditions

While the acute phase of an illness or injury may have passed, individuals in subacute rehab may still have ongoing medical needs. The healthcare team in this setting is equipped to monitor and manage these conditions, ensuring a smooth recovery process. This comprehensive approach to care addresses not only rehabilitation but also the overall well-being of the patient.

Getting You Back on Your Feet

In conclusion, subacute rehab serves as a crucial step in the healing journey for individuals recovering from illness, surgery, or injury. Its individualized approach, intensive rehabilitation services, and focus on transitioning to independence contribute to improved outcomes and reduced healthcare costs. By understanding the importance of subacute rehab, we can appreciate its role in enhancing the overall quality of care and supporting individuals on their path to recovery.

Warm winter results in more encounters with wildlife, stray animals

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are warning residents to stay away from wild life and stray animals.

“Due to the mild winter and warmer temperatures, there has been a rise in the instances of people encountering wild animals and strays throughout Genesee and Orleans counties,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “In the past month, several residents have required rabies treatment following an animal encounter.”

Rabies is most often found in wildlife such as raccoons, bats, and skunks, but pets can be at risk of the virus too.

“If you see an animal in need, even if it is a baby animal, avoid touching it and contact animal control,” stated Darren Brodie, Environmental Health Director for GO Health. “It is also important to keep your pets up to date on their rabies vaccination.”

Rabies can be fatal if left untreated. It can be transmitted through direct contact with saliva through broken skin or mucous membranes in the eyes, nose or mouth. If you are bitten by an animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and water and seek medical attention. All bites should be reported to the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

To prevent the spread of rabies, the health department reminds residents to take the following precautions:

• Keep your pets up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations
• Obey leash laws. Keep your pets under direct supervision and on a leash so they do not come in contact with wild or stray animals. If an animal bites your pet, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact the health department.
• Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not handle, feed, touch, or attract wildlife (raccoons, skunks, bats, bunnies, rabbits, and foxes) or stray dogs and cats.
• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.
• Prevent bats from entering living quarters. If you find a bat in your home, safely capture it and call the health department. DO NOT release it! For a video on how to safety capture a bat, click here.
• Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood or if you see an animal showing signs of rabies. Signs of rabies in animals may include aggression, excessive drool or saliva, confusion, hair loss, and loss of movement or function.

Residents are encouraged to take note of our upcoming drive-thru rabies vaccination clinics for dogs, cats, and ferrets in Genesee and Orleans Counties that are offered at no charge.

Genesee County Rabies Clinics at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020)

• Thursday, May 16, from 4 to 7 p.m.
• Thursday, August 8, from 4 to 7 p.m.
• Thursday, October 10, from 4 to 6 p.m.

Orleans County Rabies Clinics at the Orleans County Fairgrounds (12690 State Route 31, Albion, NY 14411)

• Saturday, April 13, from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
• Wednesday, June 5, from 4 to 6:30 p.m.
• Saturday, August 10, from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
• Saturday, October 19, from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

For more information on GO Health’s programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org. You can also contact your respective health department:

• Genesee County- 585-344-2580 x5555 or Health@co.genesee.ny.us.
• Orleans County- 585-589-3278 or OCPublicHealth@orleanscountyny.gov.