Rural Health Network of South Central New York

Hurricane Debby has devastated people in the area and across the United States. With the nationwide blood shortage, blood stocks mustn't be depleted with the rise of injuries. Donating blood is an easy way to help people affected by Hurricane Debby without costing you anything. Be a hero today and make an appointment: https://www.redcross.org/give-blood.html

We are happy to announce that we are still accepting nominations for our annual Rural Health Awards. The new deadline is now August 14, 2024! Since 2020, Rural Health Network of South Central New York has been recognizing individuals and organizations who have had an impact on rural health and well-being in our region. This year will mark our fifth year of presenting Rural Health Awards in the categories of Champion, Leader, Partner, and Practitioner.

We are opening award nominations to our partners and introducing a fifth category for Emerging Rural Health Leader. View our Prior Award Recipients here: https://buff.ly/3WiNrCa To nominate an individual or organization, please visit: https://buff.ly/3LCvf1t

Our Food and Health Network program has had a great economic impact on local farm sales throughout the 2023-24 season. Throughout this season, the Produce RX program had an economic impact of $229,750, with $114,701 from farm-direct sales.

Learn more about this impactful program and how you can get involved or become a vendor in their latest issue of Food for Thought!

Food as Medicine - Food and Health Network of South Central New York By Kate Miller-Corcoran, Food as Medicine Coordinator The Food as Medicine program of the Food and Health Network works with healthcare providers throughout the Southern Tier to create better health outcomes for patients diagnosed with diet-related chronic health conditions. “Poor diet, exacerbate...

With this heatwave we have been in, it is important to remember the importance of hydration, especially among seniors. Due to the heat, it is important to remember not only to drink when thirsty but to stay hydrated throughout the day to prevent dehydration or even a medical emergency. On hot days, it is best to not let yourself get to the point of being thirsty.

Everybody needs water for essential functions like regulating body temperature, blood pressure maintenance, transporting nutrients, helping rid the body of wastes, and lubricating joints. Insufficient fluids can lead to dehydration, which can cause constipation, electrolyte imbalances, urinary tract infections, renal stones, kidney problems, and loss of balance.

Eating more fruits and vegetables is an easy way to be more hydrated! On hot days, switch your chips at lunch for those with high water content such as cucumbers, lettuce, celery, tomatoes, oranges, strawberries, and watermelon.

Also, consider drinking an oral rehydration solution like a sports drink. Juices and teas are also a great option to keep you interested in drinking throughout the day. On sweltering days, consider setting a timer for every few hours to remind you to drink. This is especially useful if you are in the sun or are very active throughout the day.

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It's not too late to register for our upcoming Living Healthy workshop at Tioga Opportunities, Inc., beginning this Thursday! Contact Mary Maruscak (607-692-7669 x 209) or Rachel Cron (607-687-4120 x 335) to register today!

Our Living Healthy program (also known as the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program or "CDSMP") begins Thursday, August 8th at 1:00 at Tioga Opportunities in Owego and we need more participants! The workshop is free and open to individuals and/or their caregivers who would like support managing chronic health symptoms.

Registration is required, and as an added incentive, everyone who completes the program (attending at least 4 out of 6 sessions!) will earn a $20 gift card for their choice of gas or groceries.

Please share this post with your network. This workshop series always receives great reviews from participants.

It’s National Immunization Awareness Month! Thousands of Americans get sick each year from diseases that vaccines can prevent. If we take the right precautions to lessen the spread of infectious diseases, we can form safer and healthier communities.

Community immunity, or herd immunity, cannot happen without as many people getting vaccinated as possible - some people are not eligible to get vaccines due to religion, ethnicity, or other medical reasons such as allergic reactions and heart disease, so it is important that those who are eligible get the vaccine immediately.

During National Immunization Awareness Month, we encourage you to speak with your health care provider to ensure you are protected against serious infectious diseases by getting up to date on routine vaccinations.

This article from Healthline explains everything you need to know about vaccines, including the specific vaccines needed for children and adults, their benefits and safety precautions, and the ingredients they contain. It talks more about vaccine statistics, cost and effectiveness, new and emerging vaccines, and even explains why people are reluctant to get vaccinated.
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The second resource from the Alameda County Public Health Department focuses on the biology of vaccines and how they affect our immune system. It includes information and additional resources on the necessity of vaccines for all age groups, whether or not they will make you sick, where you can get vaccinated, and how you can locate your vaccination records.
https://buff.ly/3Sp3AEU.

We have completed our first round of the Ready for Weather training series, and we're so grateful to all of our participants! We hope that everyone feels more prepared to maintain the health and safety of themselves, their loved ones, and their community members during extreme weather.

We enjoyed sharing cool giveaways, including hand crank radios, multitools, and other valuable gadgets!

Thank you to our Public Health AmeriCorps member, Brianna Wynne, for taking the lead on this project! She and our Health Educator Julianne Lee did an incredible job creating and presenting the information and we look forward to the next round!

Stay tuned for future announcements and updates for the program!

Today is World Lung Cancer Day, a day to bring awareness to lung cancer and actions that can increase its likelihood. Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, affecting both smokers and non-smokers alike. It is crucial to understand that exposure to to***co smoke, environmental pollutants, and genetic factors can increase the risk of developing lung cancer.

One of the most alarming facts about lung cancer is its high mortality rate, with a five-year survival rate of only about 18%. This statistic highlights the urgent need for early detection through regular screenings and awareness campaigns.

On World Lung Cancer Day, let us come together to support those affected by this disease, advocate for better access to healthcare services, and work towards reducing the burden of lung cancer on individuals and society as a whole. Remember, early detection saves lives.

Our Living Healthy program (also known as the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program or "CDSMP") begins Thursday, August 8th at 1:00 at Tioga Opportunities in Owego and we need more participants! The workshop is free and open to individuals and/or their caregivers who would like support managing chronic health symptoms.

Registration is required, and as an added incentive, everyone who completes the program (attending at least 4 out of 6 sessions!) will earn a $20 gift card for their choice of gas or groceries.

Please share this post with your network. This workshop series always receives great reviews from participants.

Did you miss our July newsletter posting? If you didn't get a chance to read it yet, consider taking a few minutes to learn about some exciting things happening at Rural Health Network! In this July edition, we have opened nominations for our annual Rural Health awards.

Also help us welcome back an old team member, Stephanie Button, who has returned to work with Getthere Mobility Management this month! We are also excited to announce that Rural Health Network has a new Health Coach joining our Community Health team. Our Northern Broome CARES team also has an exciting announcement about a fundraising success they have had recently! https://buff.ly/46uG8ft

Rural Health Network was pleased to host Chenango Health Network at our Binghamton office on Monday, July 29th as they led their first Youth Mental Health First Aid course in Broome County. CHN is a 2022 recipient of SAMHSA's Mental Health Awareness Training grant, which supports an array of programming in Chenango, Delaware, and the surrounding counties.
Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed for anyone who spends a lot of time around young people between the ages of 12 and 18, and teaches skills for recognizing and responding to the signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use concerns. Trainees who complete the course receive a 3-year certification in Mental Health First Aid, along with access to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing's resource and information rich website.
To learn more about Mental Health First Aid training, contact Chenango Health Network's Tiffani Gager 607-337-4233, or Rural Health Network's Julianne Lee at 607-788-6896.

Chenango Health Network Hosts First Youth Mental Health First Aid Training in Broome County The youth mental health first aid training is a free event, welcoming anyone wanting to learn how to help a child or teen experiencing mental health issues.

We are happy to announce that we are now accepting nominations for our annual Rural Health Awards!

Since 2020, Rural Health Network of South Central New York has been recognizing individuals and organizations who have had an impact on rural health and well-being in our region. This year will mark our fifth year of presenting Rural Health Awards in the categories of Champion, Leader, Partner, and Practitioner. We are opening award nominations to our partners and introducing a fifth category for Emerging Rural Health Leader.

View our Prior Award Recipients here: https://buff.ly/3WiNrCa

Please note that nominations are due by August 9, 2024.

To nominate an individual or organization, please visit: https://buff.ly/3LCvf1t

Today is World Hepatitis Day.
There are almost 300 million people living with Hepatitis B worldwide, it is important to be aware of how to prevent, detect, and treat it.
Hepatitis B and C affect 325 million people throughout the world. They are root causes of liver cancer, leading to 1.34 million deaths per year.

In 1967, Nobel Prize Winner Dr. Baruch Blumberg, discovered the Hepatitis B virus while researching blood proteins. During that time, he also developed the blood test that is used to detect the virus. In 1969, he invented the Hepatitis B vaccine.

For his invention of the Hepatitis B vaccine, Dr. Blumberg won the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine in 1976.

To gain a more detailed understanding of Hepatitis B and Dr. Baruch Blumberg’s contributions, check out these sites from the Hepatitis B Foundation and the World Health Organization:
They also include information on how to treat and prevent Hepatitis B.
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Rural Health Network has hosted the fourth Ready for Weather training session!
We had another successful session with wonderful input from community members, and
we were joined this week by representatives from the Broome County Health Department, and NOAA!
Join us next week for the final session where we reflect on information covered
over the last four weeks. We'll go through the infographics and free survival giveaways, that have been available throughout the training series, and use them to navigate
climate scenarios together!
The final Ready for Weather session will be at 1 PM, next Tuesday, July 30th at Rural
Health Network, 455 Court St. Binghamton.
Please click on the link to sign up: https://buff.ly/3VKxUvD
If you have any questions or want to sign up over email, please contact
Brianna Wynne at [email protected].
See you there!

Join us at Tioga Opportunities, Inc. for the next round of Living Healthy workshops! Open to all adults (any age!) dealing with symptoms related to health conditions, and their caregivers. Mary and Rachel will provide valuable tips, skills, information and resources in a peer-led, casual, social program. Contact Rachel at 687-4120 x 335 or Mary 692-7669 x 209 to register!

This National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, take a moment to review these graphics! These graphics provide an interesting perspective on the challenges that BIPOC communities face, among younger and older people. While some experiences in regard to mental health that BIPOC people of all ages face are mutual, not all challenges are the same. There is wisdom that different generations of BIPOC people can share with each other to create a better, more understanding place to handle community mental health struggles.

Colon cancer is on the rise in the United States, especially among younger people, who previously were not thought to be at such a high risk. Colon cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer death in the US. You can prevent it. Call your doctor or healthcare provider today to get screened if you are experiencing any symptoms.

Some concerning symptoms include abdominal pain, bowel changes, a lump in your abdomen, weakness, and unexpected weight loss. It is better to be safe than sorry if you experience any of these symptoms.

And while people of all ages should be vigilant about watching out for symptoms, note that people born after 1990 have 2 times the risk of developing colon cancer and 4 times the risk of developing re**al cancer than those born in 1950.

Learn more:

Colon Cancer Facts | Colon Cancer Coalition Did you know colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States? Get the details and learn more with our colon cancer facts.

Happy grilling month! While having a barbeque can often lead to unhealthy food choices, you can still make healthier decisions! Opt for grilling fruits like watermelon or pineapple for a delicious and slightly smoky dessert instead of indulging in calorie-laden treats like cookies or ice cream. Seriously! Also, consider leaner meat on the grill like chicken or go meatless with some grilled veggies. Instead of using high-calorie marinades or sugar-filled BBQ sauces, try a sugar-free dry rub for a flavorful alternative with almost no added calories.

Store-bought BBQ sides can be very calorie-dense, so consider making your own more nutritious sides at home! Try this picnic coleslaw https://buff.ly/3y56ZSw or this much less fat-dense potato salad that uses Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise! https://buff.ly/46dk48F

Learn about more substitutes here: https://buff.ly/4cPakUW.

During UV Awareness Month, it’s crucial to know what ultraviolet rays are. UV rays are a form of invisible radiation that come naturally from the sun. Though UV rays do offer some benefits, like Vitamin D, they can be very dangerous. Overexposure to them can cause major injuries including sunburn, cataracts, and skin cancer. All of these problems can also lead to potential blindness in just a few hours of contracting the injury or disease.

Here are some ways to protect yourself from UV rays and avoid these complications from occurring.

The article attached provides information on the three different types of UV rays and how each of them affects your body.
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The New Beginnings Apostolic Church is hosting a free Health & Wellness Day on Saturday, August 3rd from 9 AM to 3 PM. The event is open to the public will be held at 1288 Vestal Ave., Binghamton. Please see the flyer for more information and share with your friends.

Our July newsletter is live! In this month's edition, read our Impact Report from 2023 to learn about all we've been up to and celebrate our 25+ years of service. Also help us welcome back an old team member, Stephanie Button, who has returned to work with Getthere Mobility Management this month! We are also excited to announce that Rural Health Network has a new Health Coach joining our Community Health team. Read about her and so much more in this month's newsletter!

Rural Matters July 2024 Your monthly update on news and events affecting rural NY and beyond   Advancing the health and well-being of rural people and communities   Rural Matters July 2024 A Message from our Executive Direct

Join us Tuesday, 7/23 at 1 pm at the RHN office for the fourth session of Ready for Weather! We will discuss the different resources, and risks, for Rural and Urban communities, along with navigating a climate scenario! Everyone who attends will also take home free items to help stay safe during extreme weather.

The Ready for Weather series will be at 1 PM every Tuesday in July at Rural Health Network, 455 Court St. Binghamton.

Please click on the link to sign up: https://buff.ly/3VKxUvD

If would like to sign up over email, or if you have any questions or concerns, please contact Brianna Wynne at [email protected].

See you there!

Do you have interests in data collection and creating strategies and tools to improve systems? Do you like interacting with members of the community to better understand their needs, priorities and goals when it comes to managing their health and communicating with their health care providers? This might be the VISTA position for you! The project involves working with a local healthcare system to better understand how rural people access healthcare and to develop training for healthcare professionals so they can better meet rural needs. This position will run August 2024-August 2025.
Learn more at https://ruralhealthservicecorps.org/positions/vista-positions/. Scroll down to Broome County, and then to "Healthcare Research and Evaluation VISTA".

Today is Nelson Mandela International Day, a day dedicated to honoring the legacy of the great leader Nelson Mandela. This day serves as a reminder of his tireless efforts towards promoting peace, reconciliation, and social justice. Nelson Mandela International Day is not only a celebration of his life but also an opportunity for individuals around the world to reflect on the principles he stood for.

Nelson Mandela International Day serves as a global call to action, inspiring people to emulate Mandela's principles of compassion, equality, and unity. It encourages individuals to engage in acts of service and kindness, mirroring Mandela's selfless deeds. Through volunteering, community projects, and charitable initiatives, people can embody Mandela's vision of a more equitable and harmonious society.

Consider registering to volunteer at a nearby food pantry, helping out at an animal rescue center, or lending a hand to a neighbor sometime this week. Supporting your community is important not just for yourself but for the well-being of all. When we choose to work together, the burden on everyone lessons.

Check out this chronology of Mandela's life: https://buff.ly/4cnZ69D

Rural Health Network has hosted the third Ready for Weather training session!
Join us next week to discuss the differences in resources across rural and urban
communities, and navigate a climate scenario with other participants!
Everyone who attends will take home free items to help stay safe during extreme
weather. In each session, all of the prior handouts and free giveaways will be
available - so don’t miss out!
The Ready for Weather series will continue at 1 PM every Tuesday in July at Rural
Health Network, 455 Court St. Binghamton.
Please click on the link to sign up: https://buff.ly/3VKxUvD
If you have any questions or want to sign up over email, please contact
Brianna Wynne at [email protected].
See you there!

Our Farm to School and Farm to Early Care & Education Coordinators attended Agriculture Day in Sidney on Sunday. The event was sponsored by the Cullman Center, a partner non-profit childcare center. We presented one of 32 activity stations for participants to enjoy. WBNG News covered the event.

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NY Health Foundation is hosting a webinar, Expanding Equitable Access to Telehealth Across New York State: Policy Recommendations and Practice Innovations on Thursday, July 25th at 1 PM. The webinar will feature the release of new policy recommendations from Manatt Health on enhancing equitable access to telehealth for all New Yorkers. The event will include a panel discussion on the policies under consideration, explain the effects of these shifting policies on patient care and workforce retention, and share innovative practices using telehealth for the benefit of patients, providers, and staff. For more information or to register, visit:

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Expanding Equitable Access to Telehealth Across New York State: Policy Recommendations and Practice Innovations. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar. Telehealth use spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic, facilitated by state and federal policy changes. Before and throughout the pandemic, New York State enacted several temporary measures to expand telehealth access. New York removed restrictions on telehealth delivery and broadened its telehealth po...

Join us Tuesday, 7/16 at 1pm at the RHN office for the third session of Ready for
Weather! We will go over programs and locations across Broome, Tioga, and
Delaware counties designed to protect you and your loved ones before, during, and
after a weather emergency. Everyone who attends will also take home free items
to help stay safe during extreme weather.
The Ready for Weather series will be at 1 PM every Tuesday in July at Rural Health
Network, 455 Court St. Binghamton.
Please click on the link to sign up: https://buff.ly/3VKxUvD
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Brianna Wynne at
[email protected].
See you there!

Our friends from Chenango Health Network will join us Monday, July 29th for a Youth Mental Health First Aid course! Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed for anyone who is regularly in contact with anyone ages 12-18 years old, and training topics include: how to recognize and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health or substance use concerns, anxiety and depression in children, first aid for panic attacks, and much more.
Pre-registration is required! Contact Tiffani Gager on her cell at (607)-244-3211, or email her at [email protected]

Chenango Health Network Hosting Youth Mental Health First Aid Training in Binghamton A free-to-attend youth mental health first aid training is coming to Broome County through a collaboration with the Rural Health Network of SCNY and the Chenango Health Network.

July is National Minority Mental Health Month. About half of all people in the United States will be diagnosed with a mental disorder at some point in their lifetime. And estimates suggest that only half of all people with mental disorders get the treatment they need. Mental disorders affect people of all ages and backgrounds, but racial and ethnic minority populations experience numerous mental health disparities including lower treatment rates for mental disorders like depression and higher rates of attempted su***de. http://buff.ly/3XRCN7Q

Your mental health is a priority. Wellness among Black communities is not a one-size-fits-all approach. If you are in need of support, you can call, text, or chat with 988. They are available 24/7. 988 works to ensure that all people have access to the support and resources reflective of their own needs and is available to anyone. https://buff.ly/3frnNt6