‘Rabies continues to be a serious public health concern in Genesee and Orleans counties and is a preventable viral disease most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal.’

Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

The Genesee County Health Department will be hosting their first rabies immunization clinic of the year at no charge to participants on Thursday, February 8, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Batavia Town Highway Garage (3833 West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY).

Vaccinations are free for dogs, cats and ferrets, but voluntary donations are accepted. Animals must be at least 3 months old. Each animal must be leashed or crated and accompanied by an adult who can control the animal. Limit 4 pets per person maximum.

“We encourage all residents to take advantage of our first rabies immunization clinic of 2024 and ensure their pets are protected against rabies,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “Rabies continues to be a serious public health concern in Genesee and Orleans counties and is a preventable viral disease most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. Please leave wildlife alone and do not feed, touch, or adopt wild animals, stray dogs or cats.”

The next rabies immunization clinics are as follows:

Orleans County 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, Aug. 10, from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 19, from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

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

• Thursday, May 16, from 4 to 7 p.m.
• Thursday, Aug. 8, from 4 to 7 p.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 10, from 4 to 6 p.m.

For more information contact the health department at:

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

Provided photo: Orleans Community Health is enjoying the conclusion of a very successful year in several areas, including the establishment of a nurses’ recognition program through the Daisy Foundation. Pictured are those on the committee heading the awards program. From left are Cassie Maynard, Leighann VanAuker (in front), Christine Kropf, Jennifer Morgan, Rebecca Mannella and Kim Gray.

MEDINA – After completing a very successful year, Orleans Community Health is looking forward to more improvements in the new year ahead, according to Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communications and Outreach.

Robinson recapped OCH’s statistics for 2023, citing nurse Rhonda Woody’s recognition as a Healthcare Hero, the Wound Care Center named one of the top 10 in the country, Nicole Chapman winning a “Caring Heart” award, Emergency Room visits the highest since 2016, addition of three new surgeons to the hospital, an increase in patient days by 34 percent over 2022 and Primary Care cases at Albion Healthcare Center up 50 percent, the highest in its history.

Most exciting, according to Robinson, is a planned expansion at Albion Healthcare Center, adding two more primary care providers to keep up with the increased demand.

Robinson credits the addition of healthcare provider and Albion native Cheryl Kast for the uptick at the Albion facility, where announcement of the new providers will be made in less than a month.

“Overall, this shows more members of the community are choosing to receive care at Medina Memorial Hospital and the Albion Healthcare Center,” Robinson said. “We remain a steady hand for the community, and we’re here when we are needed – whether it’s routine or an emergency.”

He said the Transitional Care Unit at Medina Memorial Hospital doubled its numbers from the year before. While ER visits were the highest since 2016, the outpatient services were up 20 percent.

“With our full service radiology and award-winning Wound Care Center, people are hearing about Medina Memorial Hospital and choosing to come here,” Robinson said.

About two weeks into the new year, Robinson said they are already seeing increases continue at Albion Primary Care and Subacute Rehab.

In terms of the year ahead, Robinson said the hospital is approaching 99 years and plans are already underway for a 100th anniversary celebration in 2025.

Workers seek higher wages and more staffing

Press Release, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East

MEDINA – More than 200 hospital workers in rural Upstate New York could hit the picket line soon this winter.

Union members at Orleans Community Health’s Medina Memorial Hospital, Lake Plains Batavia Dialysis Clinic, and Albion Healthcare Center voted to authorize an informational picket if no agreement can be reached soon. Rural hospital workers are represented by 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, the largest healthcare workers union in the country.

Caregivers at three Orleans Community Health sites in Medina, Albion and Batavia have been fighting for living wages and quality comprehensive benefits to help retain and recruit more workers to care for patients.

Services at Orleans Community Health’s Medina Memorial Hospital have expanded and the increase in patients leaves workers without enough staff to provide the quality care patients in the rural community rely upon. Downsizing and service line closures in nearby counties have contributed to staffing issues at the hospital and clinics.

“I have been a Certified Nurse Assistant for 23 years and I’ve worked at Medina Memorial Hospital for 7 years,” said Jessica Skowneski.  “It’s a struggle and with inflation, it’s getting worse. Fighting for a living wage means that I can afford to eat by the end of the week.”

In 2021, during the COVID pandemic, some top leaders at Orleans Community Health earned large salary increases ranging from 15-75 percent.

The three-year union contract covering workers at Orleans Community Health’s three sites expired December 31, 2023.  The union and management have been negotiating since mid-December last year.

A federal mediator from Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services is present during contract talks. Both sides are set to return to the bargaining table on Friday, January 19th.

If the worker led bargaining committee is unable to reach a fair agreement with their employer for everyone, the union can issue 10-day notice to hold an informational picket outside the hospital and/or clinics. Workers are allowed to participate in informational picketing either before/after work or during their lunch or break. An informational picket is a protected job action under the National Labor Relations Board and workers can not be retaliated against for participating.

1199SEIU represents professional, technical and service jobs at all three sites including:  Registered Nurses, Dietetic Technicians, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Physical Therapy Assistants, Radiology Technologists, Nuclear Medicine Technologists, Respiratory Therapists, MRI Techs, Surgical Techs, Certified Nurse Assistants, Unit Secretaries, Ambulatory Unit Aides, Activities Aides, Pharmacy Technicians, Aide Porters, Cooks, Cafeteria Aides, Maintenance Workers, Environmental Service Workers, Couriers, Patient Care Technicians, Processor Phlebotomist, and Clinical Technicians.

Press Release, Independent Living of the Genesee Region

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR), working in cooperation with the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments, has opened a Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Family Resource Library.

Relatives of young people with disabilities from Genesee and Orleans counties can make appointments to investigate adaptive devices and other equipment before investing in them, and perhaps arrange a short-term loan of an item.

The Resource Library is for children and their families to be able to test and identify tools and supports that will help their child/ youth in areas such as development, emotional regulation, support with health conditions or disabilities, sensory processing, communication, learning disabilities, advocacy, and more. This is a great way to try items for free, to see what works or doesn’t work before buying.

Supportive Equipment and Assistive Technology: Equipment is expensive, so this is a great way to try different items to see what works, or what does not, with no out-of-pocket expense. Some equipment available includes: sensory toys, busy books, balance seats, tools that can support occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech goals, communication tools, and much more.

Books: We have a variety of books and workbooks that support parents, children and youth of all ages.

For more information, contact April Fearby, CYSHCN Program Specialist at ILGR, at afearby@wnyil.org, or by calling 585-815-8501, extension 401.

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) will be holding their Local Early Intervention Coordinating Council (LEICC) Quarterly Meeting.

The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 17, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Orleans County Health Department (14016 Route 31 West Albion, NY 14411) or by Zoom video conference. Refreshments will be provided.

The LEICC is a supportive group made up of county officials, early intervention providers, child care providers, parents of children with disabilities and other community members. The goal of the LEICC is to afford the opportunity for parents and other members to voice their thoughts and concerns on the strengths and weaknesses of the Genesee and Orleans County Early Intervention Program and to work together to improve the program.

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments are encouraging parents to attend and to offer input as to how we can best meet the needs of all infants and toddlers in our local communities.

For Zoom connection information or for more information on the meeting, please contact Deborah Krenzer-Lewter, Director of Children with Special Needs, at 585-344-2580 ext. 5572 or 585-589-2777.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has announced its partnership with the DAISY foundation to honor and recognize the excellent work of its nurses.

The DAISY Foundation is renowned for its commitment to celebrating the compassion, skill and dedication of nurses worldwide, said Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communications and Outreach at OCH and Medina Memorial Hospital.

Through this collaboration, Orleans Community Health seeks to elevate the recognition of its nursing staff who consistently go above and beyond in providing compassionate and patient-centered care.

“The partnership with the DAISY Foundation underscores our commitment to acknowledge the exceptional work of our nurses who make a meaningful impact on the lives of our patients and their families every day,” said Kimberly Gray, chief nursing officer at Orleans Community Health. “Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system, and we are excited to join hands with the DAISY Foundation to shine a spotlight on their extraordinary efforts.”

Established in 1999, the DAISY Foundation was created by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at the age of 33 due to complications of the autoimmune disease idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura, or ITP. DAISY stands for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.

A nurse who receives a DAISY award joins a worldwide community of extraordinary nurses, nursing faculty and students. The benefits associated with being a DAISY honoree last a lifetime, according to the Foundation.

Benefits include reduced tuition at selected universities, $2,000 toward costs of attending a continuing conference of the nurse’s choice, eligibility to receive the award-winning StressPal training program at a dramatically reduced fee, a lifetime discount on an annual subscription to SE HealthCare’s Nurse Burnout Program and grants to attend medical missions helping to care for the world’s most under-served and vulnerable people.

Orleans Community Health’s partnership with the DAISY Foundation aligns with both organizations’ shared values of promoting a culture of appreciation and recognizing the vital role nurses play in healthcare delivery, Robinson added. Orleans Community Health looks forward to presenting the first DAISY Award to an outstanding nurse and continuing to foster a supportive environment for nursing excellence, he said.

Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated January as National Radon Action Month.

According to the EPA, an estimated 1 in 15 homes in the United States have high radon levels.

“Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that seeps into your home through cracks in the foundation, walls and joints,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “It can also be found in well water and in dirt floors. Whether your home has a basement, sits on a slab, is old or brand-new, radon can build-up and go undetected.”

Living in a home with high radon levels can be dangerous for your health. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and is estimated to cause 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States.  According to the EPA, because radon and tobacco smoke damage the lungs, high radon levels are especially dangerous for people who smoke. The risk of lung cancer is 10 times higher than for non-smokers.

Here are a few things you can do to protect your home and family from radon during National Radon Action Month:

• Test your home for radon. A limited number of test kits are available for Genesee County residents at no charge to them. Call the Health Department at 585-344-2580 ext. 5555. For residents outside of Genesee County, you can purchase a short-term test kit at your local hardware store.
• Contact your local schools to encourage radon education in school.
• Consider quitting smoking. Call the New York State Smoker’s Quitline at 1-866-697-8487 and talk to a Specialized Quit Coach today.

For more information about National Radon Action Month, click here.

For more information about how to test your home or where to find a test kit, call the National Radon Hotline at 1-800-SOS-RADON (1-800-767-7236).

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

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

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

A necessary stop for all drivers, gas stations provide consumers with more than just fuel. With an increased number of gas stations providing food, clothing, children’s toys and everyday household items, the need for customer awareness rises.

Below are tips for your next fuel stop:

• Do not smoke near fuel pumps
• Always remove fuel cans from vehicle before filling
• Be aware of your surroundings
• Drive with caution and slow down in parking lots
• Make sure the fuel nozzle is correctly returned before driving off
• Do not overfill your tank
• Do not wedge objects into the nozzle trigger to provide continuous flow
• Take advantage of store reward/loyalty programs

Click here to see local saving opportunities.

“We often see unsafe practices while inspecting gas stations. These potentially dangerous acts of negligence put everyone in the area at risk,” stated Ronald P. Mannella, director of the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) Weights and Measures Program. “Our goal of consumer protection reaches beyond your wallet. We seek financial as well as overall health and safety for all customers.”

If an incident occurs, notify a store employee as soon as possible. A swift response in an emergency may be the difference between a minor incident and major disaster.

For more information about the GO Health Weights and Measures Program, click here.

Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

Have you ever wondered how an item that is not good for our health becomes popular? One way is vendors that produce them use clever marketing tactics to make people think they are safe, popular, good for you, and a status symbol.

E-cigarettes or vapes are these types of items. Although there are some regulations in the sale of e-cigarette/vape items, they are currently limited. In the United States, the legal age to purchase any nicotine-containing product, including e-cigarettes is 21. New York State has also banned flavored nicotine vape products to address the use of e-cigarettes among youth.

“According to the Food and Drug Administration, e-cigarettes/vapes are not approved as an aid to quit smoking,” stated Paul Pettit, director of Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “There is limited evidence that using a vaping device will help smokers quit, mostly because the individuals continue to smoke or use nicotine replacement while vaping, which increases the nicotine levels. Other FDA-approved prescription and over-the-counter medications are safe and effective to help people quit nicotine use. The best way to reduce the risk of nicotine-related illnesses and cancer is to never start using nicotine products of any kind.”

Companies that market e-cigarettes and vaping devices use marketing tools such as:

• “fun” flavors
• deep discounts
• marketing materials that are “youth-oriented” and located where young people go
• brightly colored ads or bright storefronts
• using celebrities who use e-cigarettes

The companies use popular packaging that are attractive to youth such as: flash/USB drives, favorite characters, hidden in hoodie strings, highlighters, backpacks, phone cases, pens, or smart watches.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to have honest conversations with youth about the issues and risks around vaping. Being aware of what is out there will take the glamor out of the product when talking with youth.

Tips on Quitting

• Pick a day on a calendar when you plan on quitting, let friends or family know.
• Download an app that helps you track your sober days, build new healthier habits, and provides motivation. Visit SmokeFree.gov for free apps to download.
• Get rid of all vaping devices.
• Understand what the withdrawal symptoms are such as headaches, hunger, trouble sleeping, and concentrating are just a few.

If feeling the urge to vape? Try these instead: Chewing gum or drinking water, exercise, yoga or meditation, and keeping your hands busy.

The sooner one quits, the quicker the body rebounds and repairs itself. For more help or information, contact your healthcare provider. You can also text, chat or call the New York State Smokers’ Quitline at 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487).

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

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

Modest changes can add up to big results for your body and mind.

By Lyndzea Corsetti, FNP, Oak Orchard Health, Brockport

As we kick off 2024, many of us are thinking about making a fresh start with our eating and exercise habits. Still, we’ve all seen family and friends who make New Year’s resolutions to change their habits but struggle to stick with them. That’s often because people bite off more than they can chew when it comes to making healthy changes. Making small, gradual changes can help you get big results over time, and they’re easier to stay with. Here are some things you can do in the new year to start making small changes that will pay off with major benefits.

Preventative medicine can help your overall health

Coming to the health center when you’re sick is important, but even more important is coming when you’re not. Be sure to have a physical each year and talk to your provider about what’s on your mind both physically and mentally. Are you planning to start or add to your family? Or maybe you’re not. Are you worried about weight loss or gain? It’s also the right time to discuss vaccinations, STD testing, and so much more. At Oak Orchard Health, we’re here for you. 

Drink more water (and less sugar and caffeine)

It’s no surprise that drinking fresh water is going to be healthier for you than drinking sugary drinks. It’s a good idea to shift some of those drinks to ice water instead. Even so, you may be underestimating how much water you need every day. Nutritionists generally recommend drinking about half your body weight in ounces (and don’t worry—not all at once, just one eight-ounce glass at a time). It’s easy to calculate: For instance, if you weigh 140 pounds, you need 70 oz of water a day. 

And if you drink caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea, and energy drinks, add 12 to 16 oz of water for each of those, because caffeine can dehydrate you. And while those energy drinks may give you a temporary boost, they’re not the healthiest choice. Want to scale back? Do so gradually and avoid the headaches that come from stopping caffeinated drinks too quickly. Just reduce the number of daily servings and drink water instead.

Reach for more unprocessed foods

Foods that come in boxes and cans often have a lot of extra salt, sugar, and fat. Whatever your daily routine—three big, traditional meals, six smaller meals—try to incorporate more fresh fruits and vegetables as much as you can. Coming off the holidays, this can be especially helpful after all the treats like cookies and candy and party foods.

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

Have you been feeling sluggish lately? Have you been told you are overweight? Has a healthcare provider told you that you have prediabetes or are at risk of prediabetes?

Do you have a parent, brother, or sister with type 2 diabetes? Have you had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or given birth to a baby who weighed over 9 pounds? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be at risk of type 2 diabetes (Type 2).

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are seeking feedback from residents to help plan upcoming Lifestyle Change education programs in both counties. We are asking anyone who is at risk of prediabetes or type 2 diabetes to take a few minutes and answer some questions so we can schedule training sessions in Genesee and Orleans counties.

Type 2 diabetes is when your cells do not respond normally to insulin (insulin resistance). Type 2 is a chronic disease that affects the way the body processes sugar (glucose) for fuel (energy).  When a person has type 2 diabetes their pancreas makes insulin, but their body does not respond well to make the cells let the glucose in, giving the cells the energy they need. The blood sugar is not used and it builds up in the body.

“It is important to note that prediabetes (diagnosed with high blood sugar levels but not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes) and type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed,” stated Brenden Bedard, Director of Community Health Services for GO Health.  “Attending an evidence-based lifestyle change program can help people learn how to make healthier food choices, encourage them to be more physically active, and learn more about their overall health.”

We encourage residents to consider taking charge of their life and lowering their risk of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Getting feedback from residents will help us design a program that meets their needs. The survey is quick and can be accessed by clicking here:

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

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

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

While the holidays can be a time for joy and celebration for many, it can be a time that is lonely, sad and stressful for others. This can be particularly true for people living with mental health and substance use conditions.

“It is important for folks to focus on self-care and seek support,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “We encourage individuals to prioritize their mental well-being and connect with the resources available in our communities.”

Here are some strategies to support your mental health:

• Connect with others for support. Meaningful connections are critical to our mental health. Make time for the important relationships in your life. Connect with yourself through self-care. When you are ready for help, reach out and ask for help. Help is available.
• Take care of your body. Eat healthy. Be physically active. Get enough sleep. Avoid alcohol and drugs. Spend time outside. These things may help to keep your mental health on track.
• Take care of your mind. Write down your feelings. Take deep breaths to calm your mind and slow your heart rate. Celebrate your small accomplishments, which can lead to larger goals.

“It is okay to not be okay,” stated Lynda Battaglia, director of Mental Health and Community Services for Genesee County. “Help is always available if you or someone you know is having a hard time around the holiday, or those struggling with mental health, substance use or feeling overwhelmed.”

“There are people in the community that are available to help,” stated Danielle Figura, director of the Orleans County Mental Health Department. “If you or someone you know is feeling lonely or missing someone, reach out to your local mental health department or someone you trust.”

The following are some mental health and substance use resources available:

• Genesee County Mental Health: (585) 344-1421
• Orleans County Mental Health: (585) 589-7066
• Genesee and Orleans County Care & Crisis Line: (585) 283-5200
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988 or visit 988Lifeline.org.
• Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 (press 1)
• SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) – A confidential, free 24-hour that can provide referrals to local treatment facilities and support groups.

To find a local treatment facility, visit FindTreatment.gov

To find support for issues with mental health, drugs, or alcohol, visit Samhsa.gov/find-support

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

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

Follow GO Health on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at GOHealthNY.

Press Release, UConnectCare

BATAVIA – During her 4 ½ years as an employee at UConnectCare (formerly Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse), Amy Kabel has worn several hats, and she has worn them well.

Amy Kabel

Hired as a peer recovery advocate in April 2019 to assist those in recovery from substance use disorder, the Batavia resident has been promoted to the director of Grant Management position – a job that is vital to the nonprofit agency’s mission to provide a wide variety of services to those in need.

“We’re excited to announce that Amy has accepted the position of director of Grant Management,” said UConnectCare Chief Executive Officer John Bennett. “Amy has excelled at every level, and the skills she has gained will make her a great addition to the management team.”

Kabel served as the lead peer at The Recovery Station on Clinton Street Road, a supervisory role, before accepting coordinator positions for The Recovery Station, which is under the auspices of the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports and for the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Rural Communities Opioid Response Program.

In 2021, she was promoted to assistant director of Grants & Projects, working closely with Rosalie Mangino-Crandall, the former director of Project Innovations and Expansion.

As director of Grant Management, she will oversee a team of about 10 grant-funded employees while searching for and writing grants to fund key programs.

“Fortunately, I was able to learn from Rosalie, who was a fantastic mentor,” Kabel said. “She set a high bar, and I will do my best to keep these programs going.”

Before joining UConnectCare, Kabel was employed as an aide on the surgical floor at United Memorial Medical Center and at Hope Haven, the hospital’s inpatient agency for those struggling with substance use.

She earned an associate’s degree from Genesee Community College and went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Community & Health Services from SUNY Empire State College. Kabel has a daughter, Madison, a social worker in the Buffalo area.

MEDINA – A nurse at Medina Memorial Hospital has been recognized for her 15 years of service and dedication to residents of the North Wing.

Nicole Chapman

Orleans Community Health has announced that Nicole Chapman, a licensed practical nurse, is recipient of the Caring Heart Award presented by the New York State Health Facilities Association and New York State Center for Assisted Living (Western Region Buffalo).

Chapman is often recognized for her dedicated work ethic and commitment to the residents of the North Wing, according to Scott Robinson, director of Communication, Marketing and Outreach.

“As a supervisor in the facility, when I see her on my schedule it immediately brings a smile to my face,” said Shelley Jakubec, registered nurse and nursing supervisor at Orleans Community Health. “I know I have a strong dedicated worker with a heart of gold.”

Chapman is regularly highlighted by her team members for her 15 years of service and dedication to the residents of the North Wing. She is very compassionate and kind, always willing to lend a hand and help out. She is described as having a very bright and warm personality, bringing smiles to many residents’ faces. Residents and staff look forward to the nights Chapman works.

“The reputation of the skilled nursing facility at Medina Memorial Hospital is because of the amazing team, which includes Nicole Chapman,” Robinson added. “If you’ve ever visited a resident at North Wing, you know the family dynamic that has been built by all of these individuals.”

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

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer on Tuesday announced the launch of the Northern Border Regional Commission’s (NBRC) new J-1 Visa Waiver Program, an initiative the senator has long pushed for which can help recruit and bring more highly needed physicians to rural Upstate New York.

Schumer said the new program will help address the healthcare provider shortage in New York and beyond by easing the visa requirements for physicians who are trained in the U.S. and agree to practice in underserved areas of the Northern Border Region.

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.

Schumer said NBRC will recommend the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) waive their “two-year home-country physical presence requirement” for eligible physicians seeking to work at healthcare institutions and practices in New York and other states within the NBRC territory.

“This is just what the doctor ordered to help recruit more highly qualified physicians and a major step to helping address the national healthcare worker shortage we are seeing in rural communities across America and in Upstate NY,” Schumer said in a statement. “Rural communities from Penn Yan to Plattsburgh, know the struggles of healthcare worker shortages all too well. This long awaited initiative will help provide rural and underserved areas across Upstate New York with quality, affordable healthcare by working to address ongoing physician staffing shortages.”

The NBRC will consider recommending a waiver on behalf of eligible J-1 physicians who will work in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) and Medically Underserved Areas (MUAs). Eligible physicians will work in primary or mental health care for at least three years and 40 hours per week within a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services designated HPSA or MUA of the Northern Border Region. The program is modeled, in part, after the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) successful J-1 Visa waiver program.