Hospital, celebrating 100^th anniversary, has many family connections among workforce

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Mary Williams, standing, and her daughter Kate Brauen are two of a long list of relatives who have worked at Medina Memorial Hospital since its founding 100 years ago. Williams was a nurse who retired as vice president of Human Resources. Brauen is director of Pharmacy.

MEDINA – As Medina Memorial Hospital continues celebration of its 100th anniversary, the spotlight is on another pair of relatives who have been employed there.

“Sometimes leadership runs in the family, and that’s certainly true for Mary Williams and her daughter Kate Brauen,” said Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communications and Outreach at Orleans Community Health.

Mary Williams, who retired as vice president of Human Resources, worked there a total of 50 years. Her daughter, Kate Brauen, worked there for 12 years as staff pharmacist until taking the job as director in 2015.

“Mary may be retired, but she continues to give back as a member of the OCH board of directors,” Robinson said. “Meanwhile, Kate not only leads her department with dedication, but also jumps in to support community events and wellness clinics at every opportunity.”

Williams started her career as a nursing student in 1971, during which time she worked weekends at the hospital. She became a licensed practical nurse and registered nurse, working in the medical/surgical departments. After receiving her bachelor’s degree, she pursued her masters, and then went into administration. Her career also included working in the ICU, until she retired in 2022.

Brauen and her mother were both born at Medina Memorial Hospital.

“I went to college to become a pharmacist,” Brauen said. “I worked during school for Steve Giroux at the drug store in Middleport. I came to Medina hospital as a student to volunteer for the experience.”

She graduated in 2002 from the University of Buffalo with a pharmacy degree.

“At the time, the hospital needed pharmacists real bad, so I came to work here,” Brauen said.

 During the time both mother and daughter were employed there, Williams said she never had to discipline Brauen.

“She was a very good employee,” she said.

Although Williams said their jobs really didn’t interact, they often ate lunch together.

“We are a close family,” Williams said.

She also shared another daughter, Suzanne, worked at the hospital per diem as an occupational therapist for a time.

“We’ve been thought lots of ups and downs and a lot of different administrations,” Brauen said.

Some of the more challenging changes were in the computer system, going to electronic medical records and implementing the smart infusion pump.

Brauen said she was also there when the hospital became a critical access hospital, went through renovation and then the pandemic.

“That was a challenging time for the pharmacy and me,” she said. “I managed all the early COVID vaccinations for the staff and North Wing, then the community. There was lots of paperwork for the Federal government and I wrote a lot of protocol.”

Brauen said the influence to go into healthcare came from her mother. She also has an aunt who is a physical therapist and another who was a pediatric nurse. However, Giroux was her mentor, she said. He was on the hospital board when Brauen was 16 and he gave her a job in his pharmacy. She continued to work there through college.

In her position as director of Pharmacy, Brauen manages two full-time pharmacists and four per-diem, who fill in when needed.

“I still work the bench to cover weekends and staff vacations,” Brauen said.

She is a really good pharmacist, her mother said.

Brauen said it is a privilege to take care of people in your community.

“We have to be ready for any critical emergency,” she said.

When all is said and done, “When you get to work alongside your mom, it doesn’t get any better than that,” Brauen said.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s

With science and health care under attack by the federal government, Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the release of New York State’s 2025–2026 COVID-19 vaccine guidance, ensuring residents continue to have access to vaccines and science-based information.

The guidance recommends Covid vaccination for children (6 months to 18 years old), all adults, and individuals at higher risk, including those who are pregnant, lactating or immunocompromised.

The guidelines are being released ahead of this week’s federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meeting, where national vaccine recommendations will be reviewed and voted on.

“Vaccines remain one of the strongest tools we have to safeguard our families and our communities,” Governor Hochul said. “As Washington continues to launch its misguided attacks on science, New York is making it clear that every resident will have access to the COVID vaccine, no exceptions. By standing with our partners across the Northeast, we are ensuring that New Yorkers have the protection and the information they need to stay safe and healthy.”

The State guidance also aligns with consensus COVID-19 recommendations agreed upon by the Northeast Public Health Collaborative, a group of several Northeastern states and municipalities including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Rhode Island and New York City.

These recommendations are consistent with the Fall 2025 COVID-19 vaccination guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Press Release, Independent Living of the Genesee Region

BATAVIA – The Independent Living of the Genesee Region, in partnership with the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments, is pleased to announce an upcoming focus group dedicated to the families and caregivers of Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN).

This important event will take place on two separate dates at accessible community venues to help shape future programs and services.

The meeting on Sept. 22 will be in Batavia at the Independent Living’s office at 319 West Main St., while the Sept. 24 session will be at the Hoag Library in Albion, 134 South Main St.

The focus group offers a welcoming space for parents, guardians, and advocates from Genesee and Orleans counties to share their experiences, challenges and suggestions regarding services for children with special health care needs. Input from participants will directly inform initiatives and resources designed to improve care and support for CYSHCN and their families.

All attendees will have an opportunity to have their voices heard in a supportive environment. Feedback collected will help guide future planning and advocacy efforts at the local and state level. A $50 Visa gift card will be provided as a stipend to the first 15 participants at each location.

For more information or to register, please contact April Fearby at (585) 815-8501, Ext. 401 or visit: http://forms.office.com/r/ai0daB9xfZ.

About Independent Living of the Genesee Region:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region, part of the WNY Independent Living Inc., Family of Agencies, is a catalyst for systems and individual change, enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities, while respecting diversity and promoting choices and alternatives for independent living.

Jean Wetherbee is long-time volunteer while her daughter Nancy Callara is director of Patient Financial Services

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Jean Wetherbee, right, a longtime volunteer at Medina Memorial Hospital, visits with her daughter Nancy Callara, director of Patient Financial Services, who first started working there in 1987. The mother/daughter are among a long list of relatives who have been employed at the hospital during its 100 years.

MEDINA – As Medina Memorial Hospital celebrates 100 years, they are reminded of the countless stories which make the place so special, said Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communication and Outreach.

He weighs in on two people – a mother and daughter – one a volunteer and the other an employee, whose combined years of service span nearly 70 years.

“Jean Wetherbee and Nancy Callara are two who stand out,” Robinson said. “Jean gave her time as a Twig, volunteered in many other ways and kept out community informed through her updates. Nancy, as a valued team member, is always finding ways to make the hospital run more efficiently – strengthening our stability and the care we provide. Together, they reflect the true spirit of service and teamwork that defines Medina Memorial. We’re fortunate to have them both as part of our story.”

Callara, who is director of Patient Financial Services, first came to Medina Memorial Hospital when she moved back to Medina in 1987. With a 6-week-old baby, she accepted a part-time position in medical records. That was followed with many positions – secretary for the medical staff payroll coordinator, payroll for nursing and IT revenue cycle coordinator for 10 years, after which she left to take a job at Unity Hospital in Rochester.

Callara returned to Medina in 2015 as director of patient financial services. She plans to retire next December, she said.

Her mother had retired from HSBC when they offered early retirement in 1994.

“At the end of that year, the hospital needed someone to do filing in HR,” Wetherbee said. “Nancy told me they were looking for someone to volunteer. I came in December. Then, they needed someone at the registration desk. There was also a greeter’s desk and a coffee cart in the waiting room. I would get it from the kitchen and keep it full. I volunteered half days in the mornings.”

When Liz Wagner started a new Twig group – the Lilac Twig – at the hospital, Wetherbee joined and continued supporting the hospital through her membership in Twigs, until they disbanded in 2018.

“We did a lot for the hospital,” she said. “The biggest thing was renovation of the chapel. We raised $9,800 for it. Then we bought pictures and a fountain for the North Wing, and a lot of other things. We were constantly having fundraisers in the lobby, like a popcorn machine, selling candy bars, jewelry and flowers, having bake sales and sponsored a circus.”

Callara’s son Nicholas also worked in dietary while he was in high school. After entering St. John Fisher College to become a pharmacist, he did his internship at the hospital and is now manager of a pharmacy in Denver.

When the Covid pandemic hit in march 2020, Wetherbee said she couldn’t be at the hospital until 2022, when she returned. She still does filing in HR one day a week.

“I like just being able to be out with other people,” Wetherbee said. “I’ve been doing this here for 31 years.”

Callara just wanted to remind everyone, “We are fortunate to have this hospital here and not be under a big umbrella.”

MEDINA – Medina Memorial Hospital has announced its participation in National Lung Cancer Screening Day on Nov. 8.

On National Lung Cancer Screening Day, Medina Memorial Hospital will open its doors for eligible patients to receive low-dose CT screenings. These screenings are quick, painless and proven to detect lung cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages, according to hospital personnel.

This annual initiative is a collaboration between the American Cancer Society National Lung Cancer Roundtable, the American College of Radiology, the Radiology Health Equity Coalition and Go2 for Lung Cancer. The goal is to expand access to potentially life-saving lung cancer screenings – particularly for those unable to take time off during the week.

Lung cancer remains one of the deadliest forms of cancer, with more than 125,000 Americans projected to lose their lives to the disease this year alone, according to Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communication and Outreach at the hospital. Early detection through screening can dramatically improve survival rates, yet only a small percentage of eligible individuals receive screenings, he said.

“By joining this nationwide effort, Medina Memorial Hospital is helping to break down barriers to care,” said a representative of Orleans Community Health. “We are committed to ensuring our community members have access to preventive screenings that can truly save lives.”

Community members are encouraged to contact the hospital for eligibility information and to schedule their screening appointment.

For more information, or to schedule a screening, call (585) 798-8054.

Photos courtesy of Medina Memorial Hospital: This picture shows one of the construction projects Medina Memorial Hospital has undertaken during its 100 years.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has spent much of 2025 celebrating the 100th anniversary of Medina Memorial Hospital. While the year is winding down, there are still a few celebrations coming up.

First, Medina Memorial Hospital continues to recognize the many employees and volunteers who have or have had relatives follow their footsteps.

This is Medina Memorial Hospital today, as it celebrates its 100th birthday.

Medina Memorial Hospital opened its doors to the public on Sept. 30, 1925, according to Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communication and Outreach, and great-great-grandson of the hospital’s founder, George Bowen.

“As we know, the challenges to rural healthcare in our area have been apparent in recent years,” Robinson said. “It’s why this event is even more momentous for our community and our team.”

On Sept. 20, the community is being invited to a family fun event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the hospital. Location and parking will be on the green space south of the hospital. This will be a family-friendly event, with several activities for children. In addition, there will be food, drinks, health and wellness resources, games and kid-friendly activities. There is no need to register, Robinson said. Just come and enjoy.

Then, from 11 a.m. to noon Sept. 30, the birthday celebration for invited guests only will begin with a short event in front of Medina Memorial Hospital, followed by tours for anyone interested.

The birthday celebration will feature a rededication ceremony, hospital update, proclamations and birthday cake.

When Medina Memorial Hospital opened its doors in 1925, it had a goal of serving the community, Robinson said. One hundred years later, they continue to strive to fulfill that original mission, he said.

Invited guests should RSVP to Robinson at Srobinson@medinamemorial.org by Sept. 26.

By Leah Brenner, pediatric nurse practitioner at Orleans Community Health

As the summer days grow shorter and the crisp scent of autumn fills the air, families everywhere are preparing for another exciting school year. Whether you’re a student stepping back into the classroom, a teacher setting up for the months ahead, or a parent adjusting to a new routine, the start of the academic year brings both challenges and opportunities.

By adopting healthy habits early, you can set yourself on a path toward physical wellness, mental resilience, and overall success.

Prioritize Sleep

Rest is essential. Children, teens, and adults should aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night. A consistent bedtime routine helps the body recharge, improves concentration, and boosts overall energy levels for the busy days ahead.

Fuel with Nutrition and Hydration

Begin each morning with a balanced breakfast, try to avoid or limit sugar-filled snacks, and make water your go-to beverage throughout the day. Proper nutrition powers both the body and mind, giving students the focus needed to learn and thrive.

Stay Active

Exercise isn’t just for athletes. Make time for at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily. Fall is the perfect season for family walks, bike rides, or even backyard games—simple ways to stay healthy while spending time together.

Manage Stress Wisely

The start of a school year often brings packed schedules and new responsibilities. Incorporating stress-management techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or relaxing hobbies can help keep anxiety in check and create a sense of balance.

Stay Organized and Connected

Maintaining a calendar is a practical way to balance work, school, and personal activities, reducing stress and improving productivity. Equally important are social connections. Spend time with friends, family, or join clubs and organizations to build meaningful relationships that support emotional well-being.

Practice Hygiene and Self-Care

As classrooms and activities bring people together, germs are inevitable. Good hygiene—like handwashing, sanitizing, and covering coughs—helps prevent illness and keeps everyone healthier throughout the season.

Set Realistic Goals and Be Present

Success doesn’t happen overnight. Create realistic goals, avoid overwhelming yourself, and remember it’s okay to ask for help when needed. Limiting unnecessary screen time also helps you stay present in daily activities, making both work and relaxation more fulfilling.

As we move into fall, let’s commit to healthier routines that bring out the best in ourselves and one another. Here’s to a happy, healthy, and successful 2025–2026 school year!

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION –  Orleans County Legislator Don Allport, R-Gaines, last week presented a proclamation on behalf of the Legislature to representatives from Oak Orchard Health proclaiming Aug. 3-9 as National Health Center Week. Receiving the proclamation from Oak Orchard include Dr. Danielle Renodin-Mead, pediatrician and chief medical officer; Christian Borgal, clinical operations manager for Oak Orchard in Albion and Medina; and Ella Knaak, grant writer and advocacy specialist.

Oak Orchard Health started 52 years ago in Albion and has expanded to several sites in WNY. Oak Orchard now serves 34,000 patients at 11 locations.

Community health centers started 60 years ago. There are now 1,500 community health centers in the country.

“For nearly 60 years, community health centers have provided high-quality, affordable, comprehensive primary and preventive health care in our nation’s medically underserved communities, delivering value to, and having a significant impact on America’s health care system,” Orleans County legislators stated in the proclamation.

The Oak Orchard community health center started as a migrant health project in 1973, but legislators said it has grown to include comprehensive primary care, pediatric care, dental, optical, hehavioral health and patient engagement services.

Press Release, UConnectCare

BATAVIA – “One big family, driven by hope” is the theme for this year’s International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) campaign – the annual observance that includes a local event from 4 to 7 p.m. August 26th at St. Anthony’s in Batavia, hosted by the Genesee-Orleans-Wyoming CARES Alliance.

The world’s largest annual movement to end overdose, IOAD is dedicated to remembering without stigma those who have died and acknowledging the grief of family and friends left behind.

More than 200 community events have been scheduled across the United States and around the world during the month of August to raise awareness of one of society’s worst public health crises.

Initiated in 2001 by Sally J. Finn at The Salvation Army in St. Kilda, Melbourne, Australia, IOAD spreads the message about the tragedy of drug overdose death and that drug overdose is preventable.

Goals of the campaign include:

• Providing an opportunity for people to publicly mourn loved ones in a safe environment, some for the first time without feeling guilt or shame.
• Providing information about the issue of fatal and non-fatal overdose.
• Sending a strong message to current and former people who use drugs that they are valued.

The GOW CARES Alliance ceremony will feature several speakers including Lynda Battaglia, director of Genesee County Mental Health & Community Services; Paul Pettit, public health director for Genesee & Orleans Health Departments; Erin Martin, Pastor at City Church; and Chris Budzinack, Supportive Living counselor at UConnectCare.

The event will feature live music by Groove and a Kid’s Zone. The Kid’s Zone will offer sensory bins to search for prizes, DIY canvas bags, crafts, chalk art, temporary tattoos, and games.  They will have snacks, drinks, and ice pops available. The Kid’s Zone will also include a Back to School Bash, providing school supplies for kids in all grades – items like water bottles, book bags, scientific calculators, and other basic school supplies.  Funding for school supplies is from Mother Cabrini Health Foundation and JM McDonald Foundation.

Representatives of over 30 nonprofit agencies have been invited to set up booths at the park.

For more information about the event, contact Sue at sgagne@uconnectcare.org.

‘These capital improvements will go a long way in solidifying the future of what Orleans Community Health and Medina Memorial Hospital can bring to the community.’ – Marc Shurtz, CEO/CIO of Orleans Community Health

Press Release, Medina Memorial Hospital/Orleans Community Health

Photo courtesy of Orleans Community Health: A state grant will help fund several improvements to Medina Memorial Hospital.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health is excited to announce that it has been awarded $1,881,203 through Round IV of the Statewide Healthcare Transformation Grant Initiative to support the Medina Healthcare Center.

Opened in late 2024, the outpatient clinic was established to address the growing needs of our community. This funding will significantly advance essential renovations, ensuring the project becomes a reality.

The Medina Healthcare Center, located on the first floor of Medina Memorial Hospital in the former Behavior Health and Comprehensive Medical Rehab Units, is a specialty outpatient clinic that strives to meet the growing health and wellness needs of the greater community. Currently, it includes primary care services (all ages from pediatric to geriatric care), Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic, Surgery Clinic, Wound Care, and Podiatry. There are a growing number of services that are being explored as future additions.

“With roughly $1.9 million coming from the latest Transformation Grant Initiative, we’ve reached approximately $2.5 million in total funds for the project,” said Megan Johnson, executive director of the Orleans Community Health Foundation. “From grants to individual donations, this innovative project is quickly becoming a reality.”

Funds currently raised will go toward:

• Patient parking lot renovations to the South
• A new fully accessible entrance on the South end of the hospital
• Elevator and staircase
• Redesigned waiting room and registration
• Hallway and room renovations
• State-of-the-art equipment
• Signage

 “As we celebrate the 100th year of Medina Memorial Hospital, there’s growing excitement for what the future holds,” said Marc Shurtz, CEO/CIO of Orleans Community Health. “These capital improvements will go a long way in solidifying the future of what Orleans Community Health and Medina Memorial Hospital can bring to the community.”

Orleans County ranks among the lowest in New York State for health outcomes, with a patient-to-primary care provider ratio of 13,400:1 – more than ten times the state average. Residents often face long waits for appointments or must travel up to an hour for essential services, a challenge made even harder by limited transportation options. The Medina Healthcare Center will remove these barriers by doubling local outpatient capacity and centralizing services under one roof.

Orleans Community Health has now raised approximately 75% of its entire goal for the Medina Healthcare Center.

New residence will serve women and children

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – UConnectCare welcomed the community on Wednesday for tours of a new residence on Butts Road that will serve women in treatment for substance use disorder. The site will also offer behavioral health care.

The top photo shows director of residential services Stephanie Nadolinski, left, and Allison Parry-Gurak, UConnectCare’s chief residential officer.

Nadolinski will be the on-site leader. She has worked 25 years for UConnectCare, which was previously known as GCASA. Nadolinski brings experience of running the Atwater House in Batavia, which provides residential treatment for men with substance use disorder.

The building will be home for 25 women including 5 bedrooms for women with children. The building contains a variety of spaces to support and continue the recovery process including counseling, group sessions and career and personal development spaces.

Kathy Hodgins, UConnectCare chief executive officer, said there are very few options in the region for residential treatment for women that also can accommodate their children. UConnectCare has five rooms where mothers can have up to two children who are 5 or younger.

Allison Parry-Gurak leads a tour of the new women’s residence for UConnectCare. The site isn’t officially open yet.

It needs a final approval  It needs a final approval for an operating certificate from the state Office of Addiction Services and Supports.

UConnectCare needs to hire nurses and LPNs to be on site 24-7. Once they are hired, Parry-Gurak said she expects the final approval will be granted by OASAS.

UConnectCare expects the site to open next month.

The state Department of Health provided a $4.6 million grant for construction of the residence. That grant doesn’t include the operation of the site, which will be staffed 24-7, including two employees at night.

UConnectCare picked Albion for the project because many of the agency’s other residential and treatment programs are based in Batavia.

Hodgins said the site will give priority to women in Genesee and Orleans counties, but will be available to women outside those counties if there are rooms available.

Parry-Gurak, the chief residential officer for UConnectCare, leads a tour of the new residence, with this photo of the kitchen.

Most of the women at the site are expected to stay several months as they work on their rehab and re-entry. The maximum tends to be a six-month stay, but Parry-Gurak said people could stay longer as long as they are working on their treatment.

Here are some other photos from the open house on Wednesday:

Organization seeks Multi-Generational Wellness Campus in Albion

Photos courtesy of Oak Orchard Health: Karen Kinter, CEO of Oak Orchard Health, gave tours of the community health center last week in Albion to JW Cook, left, and Assemblyman Steve Hawley in Batavia.

Press Release, Oak Orchard Health

ALBION – Oak Orchard Health last week celebrated National Health Center Week with the theme “America’s Health Centers Celebrating 60 Years of Improving our Nation’s Health.”

With 1 in 10 Americans using community health centers to get primary care, this statistic emphasizes the importance we play in the community. Oak Orchard Health cared for 34,184 patients in 2024 across all our health centers.

As part of our recent celebration, Oak Orchard Health had the honor of hosting two distinguished government officials for tours of our health centers, providing an opportunity to showcase our services, discuss current challenges, and share future plans.

August 6 – Visit from JW Cook, Regional Representative for Governor Hochul

JW Cook visited our Albion Health Center, where he presented a proclamation recognizing our contributions to the community. During the visit, we discussed the challenges we face regarding grant funding and potential budget reductions.

We also shared our application for a grant to support the development of a 28,000-square-foot Multi-Generational Wellness Campus at the Albion Health Center Campus in Orleans County. This initiative, in collaboration with community partners, aims to centralize care and improve access to essential services for rural populations.

Planned services include walk-in healthcare, behavioral health support for aging adults, preschool special education, a centralized Head Start program, daycare, recreational activities, and more.

Following the tour, we highlighted the critical role of our Patient Engagement Services team, which provides transportation, translation, and advocacy for individuals facing barriers to accessing care—particularly specialist services. We also emphasized the importance and planned expansion of our behavioral health offerings.

August 7 – Visit from Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Hawley toured our Batavia office, where we provide primary care, pediatric services, and behavioral health support. We discussed the ongoing challenge of recruiting qualified medical and dental professionals to serve our communities.

Additionally, we shared the success of our warming centers, which have served over 170 individuals at the Brockport Community Warming Center and more than 300 at the Orleans County Warming Center.

We extend our sincere thanks to JW Cook and Assemblyman Steve Hawley for taking the time to visit our facilities and engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of healthcare in our region.

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. We also have 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 and has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval.

ONRAB “Ultralite” bait will be distributed by airplane and helicopter in parts of Genesee and Orleans counties this month.

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

Genesee and Orleans counties, along with other regions in New York State, are once again participating in a nationally coordinated effort to stop the spread of raccoon rabies across 13 states.

As part of this initiative, ongoing field assessments of the oral rabies vaccine (ORV) known as ONRAB will take place in the following counties: Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Clinton, Erie, Essex, Genesee, Jefferson, Lewis, Niagara, Oneida, Orleans, Oswego, St. Lawrence, and Wyoming.

Weather permitting, ONRAB baits will be distributed by airplane and helicopter in Genesee and Orleans counties between Aug. 13 and Aug. 24. These areas were selected due to existing collaborations with Quebec and Ontario, Canada, as part of the continued effort to combat rabies. The goal is to protect both human and animal health while reducing the significant costs associated with managing rabies across wide geographic regions.

“Rabies is a serious public health concern, as it is almost always fatal if left untreated,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health).

This map from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows the areas where oral rabies vaccines will be delivered in WNY.

In the United States, the costs associated with rabies detection, prevention, and control exceed $500 million annually. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 90% of reported rabies cases occur in wildlife. Efforts are primarily focused on controlling raccoon rabies, which continues to account for the majority of wildlife rabies cases nationwide.

Raccoon rabies is present in all states east of the established Oral Rabies Vaccination (ORV) zone, which stretches from Maine to northeastern Ohio to central Alabama. Continued access to effective oral vaccines and bait options for all target wildlife species is critical to the long-term success of rabies control efforts.

The ONRAB bait consists of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) blister pack, containing the vaccine.

To attract wildlife, the blister pack is coated with a sweet-smelling mixture made from vegetable-based fats, wax, icing sugar, vegetable oil, artificial marshmallow flavoring, and a dark green food-grade dye.

The bait is not harmful to humans or pets, and rabies cannot be contracted from contact with it. However, if you come across a bait packet, leave it undisturbed. Most baits are consumed by wildlife within four days, and nearly all will be gone within a week. If you come into direct contact with a bait, wash the affected area thoroughly with warm water and soap.

Do not attempt to remove a bait from your dog’s mouth. The bait is not harmful, and trying to take it away may result in being bitten and exposed to the vaccine.

If you have additional questions related to the field evaluation in New York, please contact the Wildlife Services office in Rensselaer, NY at (518) 268-2289.

This shows the proposed plan for ONRAB Bait Distribution in three regions of New York during the summer 2025.

Oak Orchard Health started in 1973 and has expanded to several sites in WNY

By Karen Kinter, CEO of Oak Orchard Health

Provided photos: The Oak Orchard Community Health Center is shown under construction in 1991 in Albion.

ALBION – The National Association of Community Health Centers is celebrating 60 years of community health centers.

In 1989, they were designated as Federally Qualified Health Centers. They offer affordable primary healthcare across America. As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we honor their extraordinary journey from humble beginnings to becoming the backbone of our nation’s largest primary care network.

Today, FQHCs operate over 16,000 locations nationwide, serving 32.5 million patients. In New York State, health centers serve over 2.4 million patients, including 685,532 children and 283,425 older adults.

Oak Orchard Health, a Federally Qualified Health Center, was founded in 1973 and has grown into an integrated health system serving 34,000 patients across eleven locations. We understand what makes our communities special. We’re culturally aware and work hard to meet the unique needs of everyone who lives and works in our community, including agricultural workers and individuals from diverse backgrounds, including all races and genders.

The History and Value of Community Health Centers

Community Health Centers (CHCs) originated in the 1960s as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s “War on Poverty” and the civil rights movement, with the goal of providing healthcare to underserved communities. Key milestones include the establishment of the first two centers in 1965, the formalization of the “Federally Qualified Health Center” (FQHC) designation in 1989, and the inclusion of FQHCs in the Affordable Care Act in 2010. Today, FQHCs are a cornerstone of the US healthcare system, providing comprehensive primary and preventative care to millions, regardless of their ability to pay.

FQHCs serve approximately 10% of the U.S. population but account for roughly 1% of total annual healthcare spending in the United States. By keeping people healthy, primary care doesn’t just save lives – it saves money.

The History of Oak Orchard Health

This group celebrates the opening of the community health center in Albion.

The vision for Oak Orchard Health (OOH) came from Dr. James Perrin, a pediatrician at the University of Rochester. He wanted to create a community-controlled health center that could address all the unmet healthcare needs of the area.

The first Oak Orchard Community Health Center was located at the former McNall Furniture store, 52 N. Main St., in downtown Albion. The name Oak Orchard originated here, as Route 98 passed through Albion, which was part of the old Oak Orchard Trail that ran from Batavia to Point Breeze on the lake.

OOH soon outgrew its first facility, and since there was no large space available to rent in Albion, the Board’s Building committee looked for a site in Brockport. OOH relocated to the Booth Building at 80 West Avenue. The board felt that this location gave OOH a good quality image. Since there was still a demand for quality medical care in Albion, a satellite office remained there. Soon, an office would be built at the Arnold Gregory Hospital, which opened in the spring of 1976. OOH would lease this space until the hospital closed.

Within three years, this group of dedicated community members opened two health centers employing seven full-time doctors and their supporting staff. Its mission was and continues to be to deliver high-quality healthcare at an affordable cost to anyone in the community who needs it.

Funding of Health Centers Today

It is essential to the health of Oak Orchard Health and the nation that federal funding continue for health centers, ensuring people have access to affordable primary care.  Today, Federally Qualified Health Centers, like Oak Orchard, serve 1 in 5 rural Americans.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health continues to expand and add services with the announcement of the opening of a gastrointestinal clinic at Medina Memorial Hospital in August.

The clinic will be led by Dr. Saman Chubineh, a board-certified gastroenterologist with more than a decade of experience in diagnosing and treating a broad range of gastrointestinal conditions.

“We continue to grow and expand specialty services to better serve our rural community,” said Marc Shurtz, CEO of Orleans Community Health. “The addition of Dr. Chubineh and the Medina GI Clinic is another step toward making high-quality, local care more accessible to the people who rely on us.”

Dr. Chubineh received his medical degree from SUNY Downstate College of Medicine after graduating magna cum laude with departmental honors from New York University. He is also board certified in internal medicine, having trained at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset.

After a year directing the hospitalist program at Eastern Niagara University, he completed his fellowship in gastroenterology at the University of Connecticut and has been practicing as a board-certified gastroenterologist since 2013. His work has been published in several peer-reviewed journals, and he is dedicated to providing thorough, evidence-based care, according to a news released from Orleans Community Health.

Patients visiting the Medina GI Clinic will see Dr. Chubineh personally for both office visits and procedures, ensuring continuity and a high level of personalized care, said Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communication and Outreach.

The clinic will initially operate on the first Thursday of each month, with plans to expand as needed.

“Patients deserve access to high-quality specialty care without having to travel far, and we’re proud to offer that here in Medina,” Dr. Chubineh said.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (716) 240-2296.