During the last several weeks, health care has received an unprecedented amount of media coverage. Despite allegations that pending health reform legislation would create panels to decide which patients were worthy of living, the facts are clear—and they clearly disprove these misrepresentations.

Speakers from across the state will be in Chautauqua County on Wednesday discussing the “age wave” and its affect on rural communities. Chautauqua County Executive Gregory J. Edwards, the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA), Chautauqua County Office for the Aging (OFA), and Chautauqua County Health Network (CCHN) are pleased to present a one-day conference, “Preparing for the Age Wave – Is Your Organization Ready”?

The Chautauqua County Health Network (CCHN) recently received notice from the New York State Department of Health that the local organization will receive a grant of $233,180 under the Rural Health Network Development Program and an additional award of $120,000 under the Health Care Efficiency and Affordability Law for New Yorkers (HEAL NY). Funding for the Rural Health Network Development Program supports rural providers in improving access to care, enhancing coordination of services, increasing efficiency of service delivery and introducing needed community services. HEAL NY funding will support local and regional planning activities aimed at improving efficiency and effectiveness of community health care systems.  

Office for the Aging (OFA) is dedicated to improving the health and wellness of seniors and their families in Chautauqua County. I would like to feature some of our community partners that collaborate with OFA on various programs and let you know what these agencies do beyond assisting OFA. CCHN has partnered with OFA on many occasions over the years because of our parallel missions of improving the health of people in our community. Over the last two years, I have had the pleasure of working with Executive Director, Ann Abdella, and the CCHN staff on many projects that are making a difference in our county like "Built Environments" a "STEPS to a Healthier NY" initiative to encourage improvements to the environment that promote healthy activities. 

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The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce (CCCC) and Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier (MAST) have partnered with the Chautuauqua County Health Network (CCHN) to develop a plan to expand insurance coverage in the small group and individual market of Chautauqua County.

The Chautauqua County Cancer Services Program, known locally as Partners for Prevention, honored key coalition members and health care providers during their recently held Annual Appreciation Reception. This event recognizes volunteers, physician offices, and community based organizations that assist the Partners for Prevention program with providing breast, cervical and colorectal screening to the uninsured residents of Chautauqua County.

Chautauqua Cares Coalition, the local Advance Care Planning initiative, held its annual meeting in August at Webb’s Captains Table in Mayville.

Health insurance is a key factor in determining whether children receive the medical care they need.  Uninsured children are much more likely than insured children to go without necessary medical care due to costs and often have unmet medical needs.  The Chautauqua County Health Network (CCHN) seeks to raise awareness of the need for affordable health insurance for children throughout the year, but especially during back-to-school time. 

You may be eligible for help with the costs of medical services you received in the hospital or hospital clinic..