2025 is upon us. As we look back on 2024, we can be proud and appreciative of the strides we were able to achieve together in representing the needs of and expressing the challenges faced by hospitals in Upstate and rural New York. We must remain energized about the future and stand together to ensure our members get the resources needed to continue to serve their communities safely and effectively. There is much work to be done. As we take stock of where we are, we cannot forget the progress made with the increase in the Medicare Rural Wage Index, an additional $525 million in Medicaid payments allocated to hospitals, investment into the healthcare workforce through the 1115 Waiver, continuation of the Directed Payment Template (DPT) program, and more. All of which IHA strongly advocated. Although we cannot be sure of what 2025 has in store for us, I am confident that by maintaining our mission and remaining focused on our core values we will continue to make progress for the benefit our members.
Elite Business Associate Member Sponsors and Business Associate Membership Information
IHA’s newsletter features highlights and updates on our advocacy efforts, programs & initiatives, United Iroquois Shared Services (UISS) group purchasing updates, what’s happening inside IHA and a new series sharing insights from our CEOs. We hope you enjoy this edition!
Advocacy Update
Kevin Kerwin
Acting President & CEO
Grace Rust
Senior Associate for Advocacy
and Government Relations
This fall the IHA team has been hard at work continuing our advocacy related to bills like the LICH Act, a hospital closure notice bill and the third passage of wrongful death legislation. Likewise we are making preparations for the New Year, a new state legislative session, a new session of Congress and a new Presidential administration. As the New Year approaches, we will be working to meet new legislators and their staff to ensure they are well aware of the needs of hospitals in Upstate and Rural New York.
In very recent weeks, the IHA team met with the Director of the Division of Budget, the chairs of both health committees, the Ways and Means Secretary, Senate Finance Staff, and the Governor’s Office, and held a joint press conference with the Upstate Assembly Delegation.
IHA’s WIO ready to implement the Caring Gene Healthcare Career Pathways program in January
As we announced in our Fall 2024 newsletter, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) has selected IHA as the Region 2 Workforce Investment Organization (WIO) under the new 1115 NYHER Waiver and will operate as the Caring Gene Healthcare Career Pathways Training Program.
Caring Gene Career Pathways, Inc. will facilitate and organize the education of unemployed and/or underemployed individuals not currently working in healthcare, as well as provide career enhancement opportunities for existing employees of healthcare organizations. Eligible students will be recruited to complete training in more than a dozen healthcare career titles focused on nursing, professional technical and frontline public health workers.
Exciting Announcement: Upstate Works is Now Offering Physician and Provider Solutions, and Interim Leadership Services for all IHA Facilities!
We are thrilled to announce that Upstate Works is now providing Physician and Provider Solutions alongside Interim Leadership Services specifically designed to support IHA facilities in navigating transitions, leadership gaps, or urgent staffing needs. Our team of experienced professionals is ready to step in and deliver high-quality care and strategic leadership to ensure your operations continue smoothly.
The year 2024 has been exceptionally busy and productive for UISS, marked by significant developments and initiatives aimed at enhancing support for our members. From the launch of our Weekly Newsletter to streamline communications, to welcoming new board members and renewing key contracts, UISS has consistently focused on delivering value through various programs and partnerships.
Recently, we introduced important updates such as our collaboration with NYSID for janitorial services, all while emphasizing our commitment to corporate social responsibility. Furthermore, our fall activities culminated in a successful Supply Chain Symposium at Turning Stone Resort Casino, which brought together healthcare supply chain professionals for networking and knowledge sharing. With awards, insightful presentations, and sponsorships for events like the Premier Annual Breakthroughs Conference, UISS has been dedicated to fostering growth and innovation throughout the year.
We are highlighting CEOs from each of the five Regions that make up our membership (i.e., Capital District, North Country, Mohawk Valley, Southern Tier, and Central New York) in this newly created feature.
This quarter, we introduce you to CEOs from Central New York:
Felissa Koernig, CEO at Oneida Health
Michael C. Backus, President & CEO of Oswego Health
We'd like to introduce you to Caring Gene Healthcare Career Pathways, Inc.'s new Director of Educational Support Services, Aaron Smith, and Educational Partnership Manager, Craig Tynan! Welcome to the team.
Welcome NEW Business Associate Member
IHA Business Associate Membership gives your company access to Upstate NY healthcare leaders and can help you foster positive relationships with new and current customers, anticipate trends and changes in the healthcare environment, and identify new opportunities for reaching the Upstate NY healthcare sector.
We'd like to welcome our newest Business Associate Member:
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