2024 North Country
Leadership Summit

Leveraging Partnerships to Enhance the Regional Health and Social Care Landscape

October 9 and 10, 2024 at the Lake Placid Conference Center

We are excited to announce the 2024 North Country Leadership Summit, a collaboration between Adirondack Health Institute (AHI) and the North Country Telehealth Partnership, a joint effort between AHI and Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization (FDRHPO).

Type of SessionPresentersPresentation Details
KeynoteKaren Madden, MA
Center for Health Care Policy and Resource Development, New York State Department of Health
From Roots to Horizons: The Journey of Rural Health


Rural health policy development has evolved significantly. This workshop will examine how rural healthcare has developed over time, addressing the unique issues faced by rural communities, highlight current programming, and discuss opportunities for the future. This presentation offers a comprehensive view of where rural health has been, where it stands now, and where it's headed.

View Slides
Plenary SessionKaty Margison, M.S.
Adirondack Health Institute/ Adirondacks ACO

Lee Rivers
Community Connections of Franklin County

Deborah Beach, BSN, RN
UVMHN-Alice Hyde Medical Center

Jeremy Powers, MBA
Adirondack Health Institute/ Adirondacks ACO
Transforming Rural Health Care: Successful Community and Clinical Partnerships Addressing SDOH


An overview will be shared of the partnership between the Adirondacks Accountable Care Organization and two regional community-based organizations; NAMI Champlain Valley and Community Connections of Franklin County. Together, they collaborate to address the five key domains of social determinants of health for high-risk patients in our communities. These innovative initiatives are made possible with supports from the region’s largest Managed Care Organization and have shown great success in reducing ER utilization in the North Country.

View Slides
BreakoutDr. Akanksha Misra, Ph.D., Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies
SUNY Plattsburgh
State of Women's Menstrual Health in the North Country: Findings from a Clinton County Survey and Interviews


Data from a comprehensive Clinton County-wide survey on women’s menstrual health and wellness, along with qualitative interviews with North Country women, will be presented to examine correlations between social determinants of health (income, education, race), Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE), and common menstrual disorders. Based on this data and evidence-based literature, recommendations will be provided for preventative strategies and community partnerships to improve women’s health.

View Slides
BreakoutBrittany Silvestri, MBAH
Hudson Headwaters Health Network
The Power of Storytelling in Practice Transformation


Let's not shy away from the emotional side of healthcare and instead use it as a strength to drive positive change. Data is powerful but it's even more powerful when paired with a relatable story of someones healthcare journey. If we create an ideal healthcare experience in our minds, what does that look like and what role does virtual care play? How can we be most influential in our respective roles as ambassadors, leaders in our organizations, and partners in the community.

View Slides
BreakoutAnn Morgan, M.S.Ed in Community Health
Get Healthy North Country Community Integrated Care Network

Jerome James, B.S. Gerontology and Aging Services
St. Lawrence County Health Initiative

Shannon VanHouse, RN, CDCES
Claxton Hepburn Medical Center

Using Video Conferencing to Increase Access to Evidence-Based Chronic Disease Self-Management Education in Rural NY


An introduction to the Get Healthy North Country! Network will be provided, highlighting how the availability of virtual services has transformed healthcare delivery. The session will conclude with an overview of the diabetes management program offered at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center.

View Slides
BreakoutLindsay Morse, MSN/NED, RN, ACM
University of Vermont Health Network
WRAP-Working to Reduce Admissions Program Model for Readmission Reduction


When patients experience high hospital readmissions rates, it is often a result of unmet or inadequately addressed co-occuring medical, behavioral, and social needs. The WRAP (Working to Reduce Admissions Program) deployed through the UVMHN rural healthcare organization was designed to meet the complex needs of patients experiencing high utilization (defined as 4+ inpatient admissions in 365 days or three or more ED visits in 90 days) of the acute care setting to achieve more excellent health and stability and to help patients stay out of the hospital and in their home environments. The speaker will share insights on identifying how drivers of utilization impact the most vulnerable and complex patients as well as strategies for reducing admissions among these populations.

View Slides
BreakoutLara Press-Ellingham, OT, MPA
University of Rochester Medical Center
Telehealth Integration of Behaviroral Health and Psychiatry into Skilled Nursing Facilities


Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) across the country face ongoing challenges with staffing and resources, creating barriers for individuals with mental and/or behavioral health disorders seeking admission. This session will explore the development of a comprehensive behavioral health program in SNFs and how the University of Rochester Medical Center is addressing these gaps by providing a multi-level service approach to facilities throughout New York State. Since 2017, our programs have served approximately 150 facilities and over 3,800 patients, resulting in a total of 16,000+ visits.

View Slides
Type of SessionPresenter NamePresentation Details
KeynoteMeghan McDermott, Moderator
NYS ConnectAll Office

Dave Wolf
Development Authority of the North Country (DANC)

Beth Gilles
Lake Champlian-Lake George Regional Planning Board

Aileen Martin
Northern Regional Center for Independent Living (NRCIL)
Digital Inclusion Efforts and Access to Healthcare and Social Services in the North Country

This session will be led by the NYS ConnectALL Office, beginning with a brief overview of NYS efforts around digital inclusion, followed by a regional discussion with local leaders from Development Authority of the North Country, Lake Champlain-Lake George Regional Planning Board, and Northern Regional Center for Independent Living. This discussion will focus on rural health and social care, telehealth access, and digital inclusion in the North Country region.

View Slides
Plenary SessionAli Foti, MPH, Moderator
New York Health Foundation

Kate Bliss
NYS Department of Health

Michelle Savuto
Manatt Health

Jeanne Kavanaugh
NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities

Jim Kaufman
NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities
New York State Telehealth Regulation and Reimbursement Policy Panel

This panel brings together key decision makers from New York State government agencies and partnering organizations including the Department of Health (DOH) and the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), as well as partners from NY Health Foundation and Manatt Health. Panelists from NYS will share an overview of telehealth policy and additional updates regarding key telehealth and virtual care focused initiatives, successes, and barriers. Manatt Health will share recent research focused on the NYS telehealth policy landscape and future considerations for equitable access to services. NY Health Foundation will moderate this panel.

View Slides
BreakoutKatie Pustolka, Moderator
Adirondack Health Institute

Miriam Dushane, PHR, SHRM-CP
Alaant Workforce Solutions

Renae Rokicki, M.Ed.
Upstate Medical University

Dr. Shari Weiss, PhD, MPA, Master CASAC
Cayuga Community Health Network

Dr. Selina LeMay-Klippel, D.C., R.N.
North Country Community College
Revolutionizing Talent and Supporting a Positive Organizational Culture to Construct Healthcare Sustainability in Rural Communities

In today's rapidly evolving work environment, effectively managing workforce dynamics is crucial for organizational success. This presentation delves into three key focuses: healthcare sustainability through education, organizational culture, and fostering employee engagement. Attendees will gain valuable insight on the juncture of health and education in rural communities, an understanding of the impact of organizational culture and a framework of innovative strategies to attract and retain talent.

View Slides
BreakoutCorey Scurlock, MD, MBA
Equum Medical

Steven L. Kelley, FACHE
Ellenville Regional Hospital

Jeff Sommer, MPP
Stroudwater
The Triology of Telehealth: Perspectives from a CEO, Physician Entrepreneur, and Policy Expert on Value-Based Care

With a growing emphasis on improving patient outcomes while reducing costs, telehealth has emerged as a critical tool in value-based care models. This session will offer a detailed analysis of telehealth's impact on healthcare delivery in rural hospitals, focusing on its alignment with access, quality of care, and strategies to ensure community sustainability through the implementation of a High Reliability HRO operational model. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how telehealth improves accessibility, quality, and patient experience in rural settings.

View Slides
BreakoutKathleen Smith, MSN, RNC-MNN, IBCLC
Northwell Health

Dawn Kempa, BSN, RN, IBCLC
Northwell Health

Julia Vinagolu-Baur, MS, MBA
SUNY Upstate Medical University

Dr. Daisy Goodman, DNP, MPH, CNM
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center

Allie Morgan, MD, MPH
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
Telehealth Initiatives to Support Select Maternal Populations
*2 presentations listed under this as one was a recording


Maternal health is a critical aspect of public health, encompassing various challenges that impact the well-being of mothers and their infants. This presentation will explore the evolving role of telehealth in addressing key maternal health issues, including prenatal care and postpartum support.

View Slides | View Video
BreakoutKendall Johnson
Hospice of Chenango County

Natalie Whitehurst, Board Member, Hospice & Pallative Care Association of NYS
Hospice of the North Country

Ruth Fishbeck
Hospice of the St. Lawrence Valley

Nick George
High Peaks Hospice

Kim Gleason, Certified Executive Coach and Compliance Officer
GOE IPA, Inc.
Better-Together - Growth Opportunity Evolution, GOE IPA Inc.

GOE IPA Inc, was created by eight rural hospice organizations in Central and Upstate New York, covering a twelve county coverage area. Changes in the healthcare industry are making it increasingly difficult for small independent providers to continue to serve their communities. The goal of the GOE IPA is to position these hospices to be able to leverage collaboration and increased scale to share operational services, achieve more favorable contracts, create administrative capacity and lower overhead costs for the individual hospices. This will be a panel-style discussion with four of the CEOs, facilitated by the GOE IPA Program Manager, to share this innovative approach to sustainability.

View Slides

Call for Presenters

The 2024 Call for Presenters period is now closed.

Sponsorships

Sponsorship opportunities for the 2024 North Country Leadership Summit are now closed.

Rural Health Champions

The Adirondack Rural Health Network Rural Health Champion award nomination period is now closed.

Awardees are individuals who have showed exemplary selflessness and leadership in their work and must be an individual delivering outstanding care in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Warren, or Washington County.

Telehealth Innovator

The North Country Telehealth Partnership Telehealth Innovators award nomination period is now closed.

Awardees are individuals who have created an innovative program or application of telehealth, which has led to improved health outcomes in the community, and/or improved quality of life. Awardees will be considered from Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lewis, Warren, Washington, Saratoga, or St. Lawrence County.

The AHI Informer

You have Successfully Subscribed!