Welcome

The Chautauqua County Health Network (CCHN) is dedicated to strengthening the local health and wellness delivery system in Chautauqua County, and advancing the interests of hospitals and patients by:

  • strengthening the economic viability of hospitals; 
  • promoting access to quality health care related services;
  • facilitating partnerships in addressing community health needs; 
  • planning for the efficient delivery of care;
  • developing appropriate health resources.

From its early beginnings in 1995 to the present , the CCHN story is one of successful collaborations, multiple initiatives and projects, diverse funding sources and a focus on creating policies, systems and environmental changes that help create a healthier community.

CCHN is comprised of the three hospital organizations, their governing boards and medical staff and is known for its proactive approach and participation in cutting edge projects as described throughout this site. CCHN also has two sister-organizations, the Integrated Delivery System and Chautauqua Region Associated Medical Partners (AMP)

The IDS, comprised of 140 physician members, was established in 1997 as an Independent Practice Association (IPA) and was one of the first community oriented physician/hospital IPAs to address the lack of adequate Medicare Managed Care services in Chautauqua County. In partnership with Univera Healthcare, the IDS has addressed that need.

More recently, in January 2012 CCHN and the IDS established the AMP, an Accountable Care Organization (ACO), to participate in the CMS Shared Savings Program targeting fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries. AMP includes eight primary care physician groups (35 physicians), all three hospital organizations, two skilled nursing facilities, as well as beneficiary and community based agency representation. 

Together, CCHN, IDS, and AMP are attempting to create a model system of health care that provides access to quality services and meets the needs of consumers as well as providers. We are redesigning processes to embrace care coordination and realign services to achieve cost savings.

  

What's New

Sunflowers for Lillian Dickson Park

 
Creating Healthy Places to Live, Work, and Play

Creating Healthy Places (CHP) to Live, Work and Play in Chautauqua County is part of a state-wide initiative funded by the New York State Department of Health to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent obesity and type 2 diabetes.  The project focuses on increasing the availability and accessibility of places to be physically active, as well as increasing the availability and accessibility of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Visit the CHP webpage for an in-depth look at this exciting project, or better yet join us in creating a healthier community by contacting Janet Forbes, Project Coordinator at 716-338-0010 or forbes@cchn.net.

 

Latest News

2013 National Rural Health Association (NRHA) Policy Institute

In February, CCHN staff attended the NRHA meeting in Washington, DC as part of the New York delegation of the New York State Association for Rural Health (NYSARH). As co-chair of the NYSARH Legislative Committee, Ann Morse Abdella met with staff from Senators Schumer and Gillebrand's offices as well as Representatives Gibson, Maffei, Owens and Reed. Topics discussed included the potential impacts of sequestration on NYS Rural Hospitals, preservation of designations for Critical Access, Medicare Dependent, and Low Volume Hospitals, as well as Health Professional Shortage Areas, wage index reform, and the National Health Service Corps.  During the meeting, NRHA celebrated both Senator Schumer and his staff, as well as Congressman Tom Reed for their efforts to sponsor theRural Hospital Access Act of 2012 to protect rural hospitals.

Pictured left to right are Ann Morse Abdella, Executive Director of Chautauqua County Health Network with her Congressman Tom Reed, representing the 23rd District of New York, along with Marya Vande-Doyle of the Wayne County Rural Health Network and Green Angels.

Medical Students Stay Connected In Chautauqua County

Medical students met with local physicians over cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at the White Inn in Fredonia on December 19th to explore career opportunities in Chautauqua County. Physicians attending included: Dr.  Ellen Fitzgerald-Farkus, Ophthalmologist; Dr. Bill Ehrman, Anesthesiologist; Dr.  Jim Fitzgerald, Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Jim Scarpino, Dentist; Dr. Tim Brown, Surgeon, Dr. Jay Bishop, Primary Care, Dr. Patrick Collins, Primary Care.; and Dr. Bert Rappole, WCA Medical Education Director and retired Surgeon. 

The next mixer is slated for June. Date and location will be announced this spring. 

200 Harrison Street · 2nd Floor · Jamestown, NY 14701 · Phone (716) 338-0010 · Fax (716) 338-9740