As we move through the second half of 2026, IHA continues to advance initiatives that strengthen healthcare delivery, workforce development, and collaboration across Upstate and rural New York. Following a busy legislative session marked by budget negotiations and advocacy on behalf of hospitals and health systems, we are now focused on bringing those conversations directly to our members' communities through district-level engagement with policymakers. At the same time, programs such as Caring Gene®, the Healthcare Education Consortium, and Community Paramedicine are expanding opportunities for current and future healthcare professionals while improving access to care in the communities that need it most.
This issue also highlights the continued commitment of our members and partners to workplace safety, emergency preparedness, supply chain excellence, and innovation. From workforce pipeline successes and collaborative care models to preparations for the 2026 IHA Invitational at Turning Stone, these updates reflect the dedication, resilience, and forward-thinking leadership that define our organization. Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to improving the health and well-being of the communities we serve.
IHA’s newsletter features highlights and updates on our advocacy efforts, programs & initiatives, United Iroquois Shared Services (UISS) group purchasing updates, upcoming events, and what’s happening inside IHA. We hope you enjoy this edition!
Advocacy Update
Lauren Ford, LMSW
Vice President, Government Relations and Strategy
Grace Rust, MPA
Associate Director, Government Relations and Member Engagement
The 2026 legislative session is now behind us, and it was a season heavy with budget negotiations, as well as sustained advocacy for Upstate and rural hospitals, and steady engagement with lawmakers.
This summer, we're planning to take our advocacy directly into your legislators' districts. Read more for a look back at the past few months and what's ahead.
This summer, more than 200 Caring Gene® Program participants graduated or are on track to graduate, with hundreds more entering the workforce over the next year. They’re part of a growing pipeline of well-trained professionals from all 30 counties in our service area who've enrolled in the CPT Program, which covers tuition and books for those new to or advancing their careers in an approved healthcare, behavioral health, or social care title.
Collaborative Models of Community Medicine and Paramedicine
Eileen Murphy
Senior Director, Special Projects
Through innovative partnerships and community-focused care, IHA and the Home Care Association of New York State continue to advance healthcare access across Upstate New York through the Community Paramedicine Program. Now entering its seventh year with continued support from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, the program expands the role of EMTs and paramedics in delivering preventative and primary care services to vulnerable populations in rural communities.
After years of dedicated service and commitment to IHA, Eileen Murphy is beginning a well-deserved retirement. We are grateful for the many contributions she has made to our organization and the positive impact she has had on colleagues, members, and partner organizations alike. While retiring from her full-time role, Eileen will continue to support IHA as a consultant for the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation’s Collaborative Models of Community Medicine and Paramedicine pilot programs, helping to ensure the continued success of this important initiative. Please join us in congratulating Eileen and wishing her happiness, health, and fulfillment in this exciting new chapter. Thank you, Eileen, for all you have done for IHA!
Healthcare Education Consortium
Arianna Stone, MPH
Senior Director, Data Analytics
& Program Development
Summer Spotlight: Early Exposure to the Full Hospital Environment Builds Healthcare Career Pathways
This summer, IHA’s Healthcare Education Consortium is highlighting the power of early career exposure in building the future healthcare workforce. Through hands-on learning experiences at Cayuga Medical Center, Health Sciences students from Groton High School explored a wide range of clinical and non-clinical hospital careers, gaining firsthand insight into how healthcare teams work together to deliver patient care.
Healthcare leaders from across New York recently convened for IHA’s second Workplace Violence Prevention Forum of 2026 to share best practices, discuss legislative and policy developments, and explore strategies to address workplace violence in healthcare settings.
In addition, HEPC members completed a review of the Hospital Mutual Aid Agreement (MOU), reaffirming its existing terms while working to refresh signatories and raise awareness among hospital leaders; an updated executed version is expected to be distributed later this year.
UISS is entering an exciting new chapter with leadership transitions, the addition of new team members, recognition of our 2026 Supply Chain Scholarship recipients, and upcoming opportunities to connect and learn at the Supply Chain Symposium and Premier Breakthroughs Conference.
Together, these updates reflect our ongoing commitment to delivering value, fostering innovation, and supporting the success of our members.
We will be hosting the Annual IHA Invitational on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, NY. In addition to our golf tournament, we're excited to offer a new pickleball option this year for participants who would like to join the fun off the course!
For more detailed information about the IHA Invitational, click here.
Interested in sponsoring? Contact Kathy Kirvin at kkirvin@iroquois.org for more information regarding our sponsorship opportunities for this event.
Thank You: 2026 IHA May Annual Meeting
Thank you to all who joined us for a productive and engaging Annual Meeting at the Otesaga in May. A special thanks to the sponsors who helped make IHA’s 2026 Annual Meeting such a success.
IHA Business Associate Membership gives your company access to rural and 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 Members:
