Advocacy
A Prescription for Rural Healthcare: Bolstering Residency Programs in New York
by Elana Sitnik Across New York State, rural communities face a critical shortage of primary care physicians, hindering access to essential healthcare. Although New York State trains more medical residents than any other state, there are very few residency programs located in rural communities. A 2019 report by the Primary Care Development Corporation highlights the dwindling number of primary care physicians in rural communities, leaving rural New Yorkers with longer wait times for medical appointments and limited access to life-prolonging and cost-saving preventative care. (1,2) The solution lies not only in attracting doctors to these areas but also in developing a sustainable source of future physicians who understand the unique needs of these underserved rural communities. Smaller res...
Transformative Philanthropy: Prioritizing Nonprofit Staff Well-being
The Healing Trust has been reshaping the narrative in philanthropy since 2003 by prioritizing the well-being of nonprofit staff. This blog post explores their principles and practices, showcasing the profound impact of prioritizing staff well-being on the nonprofit sector. The Healing Trust recognizes that supporting the healing of nonprofit staff is crucial for sustainable change. While funding mechanisms may evolve, the core motivation remains constant – to build a foundation for transformative and compassionate change. The organization emphasizes that small investments in rest and well-being are as vital as large financial grants. Beyond funding programs, they support initiatives like paternal leave, paid time off (PTO), restorative conflict resolution, and sabbaticals. The ripple effec...
Prevent Addiction and Support Recovery in Employment
In a groundbreaking move three years ago, New York introduced the first-in-the-nation “recovery-friendly workplace tax credit” to encourage employers to support individuals in recovery from substance use disorders. However, recent data reveals a stark reality: out of the $6 million allocated for this initiative, only $6,000 has been utilized by qualified for-profit employers since its inception in 2019. The tax credit, offering up to $2,000 per year for each qualified new hire in recovery, aims to combat the stigma surrounding addiction and foster a culture where employers actively hire and support individuals overcoming substance use disorders. Despite its potential to make “recovery-ready” or “recovery-friendly” workplaces more prevalent, the initiativ...
Vice President Alison Coates with NCP Radio on Rural Improvement
Our Vice-President Alison Coates, has been at the forefront of advocating for improvements in rural healthcare. In a recent conversation with David Sommerstein at North Country Public Radio , she shed light on the specific challenges faced by rural communities in accessing quality healthcare. Urban-Centric Healthcare According to Coates, the healthcare system in our country was primarily built with urban areas in mind, leading to a mismatch when applied to rural regions. This “one size fits all” approach doesn’t account for the distinct needs of rural communities. Scaling Down Isn’t the Solution The fundamental issue arises from the payment model, which is based on the volume of services provided. In rural areas, where patient numbers are lower, this model doesn...
Request for Applications (RFA) for the Making Care Primary Model Now Available
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has taken a significant step towards enhancing healthcare with the release of a Request for Applications (RFA) outlining model payment, care delivery, quality, and other policies for the eagerly awaited Making Care Primary (MCP) Model. This promising initiative aims to elevate the standards of primary care, enabling participants to offer patients comprehensive, high-quality, whole-person care. As the Application Portal prepares to open later this month, CMS invites interested applicants to explore the comprehensive details provided in the RFA. A dedicated announcement will be made once the Application Portal becomes accessible. Making Care Primary Model – A Glimpse into the Future CMS introduced the groundbreaking Making Care Pri...
Exploring the Link Between Housing Quality and Health: A Closer Look at Rural-Urban Disparities
Housing quality plays a vital role in our overall health and well-being, yet the relationship between the two is often overlooked. When we think about health, factors like diet, exercise, and medical care tend to take the spotlight. However, the conditions in which we live, particularly the quality of our housing, can significantly impact our health outcomes. In a new policy brief, we delve into the connections between housing quality and health, shedding light on an often-neglected aspect of well-being. This research goes beyond the general examination and hones in on rural-urban disparities, as well as the intersections of racial/ethnic identity and disability status. Key Focus Areas and Findings The policy brief focuses on two crucial indicators of housing quality: incomplete plumbing a...
Housing Quality by Disability, Race, Ethnicity, and Rural-Urban Location: Findings From the American Community Survey
Housing quality plays a crucial role in determining the health and well-being of individuals and communities. A recent policy brief sheds light on this issue by exploring the relationship between housing quality indicators and factors such as disability, race, ethnicity, and rural-urban location. The brief, based on data from the American Community Survey, reveals important insights into the disparities in housing conditions across different populations. One of the key findings of the study is the disparity between rural and urban housing conditions. It was discovered that a higher proportion of rural residents live in substandard housing, with incomplete plumbing and incomplete kitchen facilities, compared to their urban counterparts. Shockingly, this amounts to over 368,000 rural residen...
CMS Announces Multi-State Initiative to Strengthen Primary Care
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced a new primary care model called the Making Care Primary (MCP) Model. This model will be implemented and tested in eight states through the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation. The MCP Model aims to enhance the primary care infrastructure in the United States, particularly for safety net organizations and smaller or independent primary care providers. By expanding care management, care coordination, and community-based connections, the model seeks to improve patient care and outcomes. The MCP Model has three main goals. First, it aims to ensure that patients receive integrated, coordinated, person-centered, and accountable primary care. Second, it aims to provide a pathway for primary care organizations, especially...
Wider Access to Narcan Helps Rural Communities Fight Overdose Deaths
Source: PBS NewsHour (https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/wider-access-to-narcan-helps-rural-communities-fight-overdose-deaths In a compelling effort to combat the rising tide of overdose deaths, rural communities across the nation are making significant strides with wider access to Narcan. According to a recent report by PBS NewsHour, the expanded availability of this life-saving medication is proving instrumental in saving lives and providing critical support to those affected by the opioid crisis. The PBS NewsHour report highlights the growing success of Narcan distribution programs in rural areas, where access to emergency medical services may be limited. The easy-to-use nasal spray, which contains the drug naloxone, can swiftly reverse the effects of opioid overdose, offering a vital wi...
New York State Issues Telepractice Guidance for Healthcare Providers
The New York State Education Department’s Office of the Professions (OP) has released guidance for healthcare providers on the use of telepractice. The guidance is intended to help providers understand their legal and ethical responsibilities when using telepractice to deliver healthcare services. Telepractice, which involves the use of technology to deliver healthcare services remotely, has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially in rural areas where access to healthcare services can be limited. However, the use of telepractice raises unique legal and ethical issues that healthcare providers must consider. The OP’s guidance provides a comprehensive overview of the legal and ethical considerations for telepractice in New York State. It covers topics such as lice...
Study Shows Rural Areas Continue to Struggle
New York continues to see a decline in population, with rural counties being hit the hardest, according to a report commissioned by the Rural Housing Coalition. The State of Rural New York report highlights that the population loss is twice the rate of urban counties, with Chenango, Delaware, Franklin, Herkimer, Madison, and Schoharie County experiencing the biggest losses between 2010 and 2020. Schoharie County, in particular, suffered a 9.3% decline in population. The report also reveals that rural populations have a higher average age and lower education levels than their urban counterparts, and have lost more job opportunities than urban counties. This situation is further compounded by the aging housing stock and high cost of accessibility modifications for seniors, making it challeng...
Gillibrand Announces Over $130 Million In Federal Funding
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand secured over $130 million in federal funding to help assist and revitalize New York’s health care system. The announcement was made during a video press conference. $42.3 million in federal funding specifically for maternal health. This funding will be used to support maternal health care services and address the maternal mortality and postpartum depression crisis in the nation $50 million in federal funding to bolster the community health care workforce. This funding will be used to support public health jobs and infrastructure in New York and across the country. $9.2 million in federal funding for Academic Centers for Public Health Preparedness. This funding will support academic institutions that have Centers for Public Health Preparedness. $47 million ...
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