2025 NYSARH Awards

2025 Rural Health Awards Ceremony

Sue Ackerman, RN, has dedicated 36 years at Bassett Healthcare Network improving rural and agricultural health across New York.
Sue leads health education for youth and adults at farm safety events and agribusiness programs.
Sue brings screenings, flu, and COVID vaccines directly to rural fire departments and farms.
Sue is known for her kindness and lifelong commitment to supporting farm families and rural communities.

Jefferson-Lewis BOCES created an expedited 6-month Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program tailored for Army medics, recognizing and building on their existing medical training.
The program reduces redundancy, saves time and money, and credits medics for skills already mastered—accelerating their entry into civilian healthcare roles.
By providing a clear career path, the program helps retain veterans locally, fills nursing shortages, and boosts the regional healthcare workforce and economy.
Statewide & National Impact: Approved by NYSED, this model can be replicated across New York and beyond—demonstrating how collaboration between BOCES, Fort Drum, and healthcare partners can transform workforce development.

As Genesee County’s Director of Mental Health, Lynda drives system improvements across the “GLOW” region.
Expanded GLOW OUT! to support rural LGBTQIA2S+ youth, promote mental health access.
Courageously led disaster and crisis responses for emergencies such as Flight 3407, Pembroke bus crash, and regional flood disasters.
“I don’t where she gets the time in the day”
“When she comes asking for something, we almost never say no.”

Dr. John Sarnicola has delivered mobile dental care in Tioga County for over 20 years, serving children and underserved residents.
The only local provider accepting Medicaid, he ensures access in a rural shortage area.
Tioga Smiles brings essential dental services to those who would otherwise go without.
His compassion and dedication make him a cornerstone of rural oral health.