Rural Health Network
The mission of the Rural Health Network of South Central New York is to advance the health and well-being of rural people and communities. The agency was founded in 1998 with a primary geographic focus in Broome, Delaware, and Tioga counties. Our current service territory also includes Chenango, Chemung, Cortland, Otsego, and Tompkins counties. In addition to the Food & Health Network program, Rural Health Network works to address health and well-being through these program divisions:
Community Health Services
Community Health Services utilizes Community Health Workers (CHWs) who engage people on the phone or in person in safe settings (our offices, client rural homes, hospitals, other community sites) to identify personal successes and challenges in being their own health advocate and navigating systems of care. CHWs perform four primary functions: 1) health care access intake and referral, 2) health/well-being screenings, 3) chronic disease education classes and personal health coaching and 4) short term case management. Their focus is on social determinants of health including basic needs (transportation, healthy food, clothing, safe affordable housing, health insurance), financial assistance programs, and access to comprehensive preventative care including: primary care, dental, vision, and prescriptions.
Rural Health Service Corps (RHSC)
Rural Health Service Corps (RHSC) is an AmeriCorps National Service Program. RHSC provides meaningful service and learning opportunities for people committed to improving the health of those living in south central New York. AmeriCorps members serve at a variety of health and human services organizations and currently focus on the opioid epidemic.
Getthere
Getthere is a mobility management program of the Rural Health Network of South Central New York whose mission is to advance the health and well-being of rural people and communities. Getthere works collaboratively with partners and stakeholders in Broome, Tioga, Chenango, Otsego, and Delaware counties. Together, we seek to improve transportation access and coordination in South Central New York, with particular regard to the area’s rural communities.
Population Health, Technical Assistance & Planning: RHNSCNY
Population Health, Technical Assistance & Planning: Rural Health Network is a subcontracted entity (through HealthLinkNY) for the NYS Department of Health’s Population Health Improvement Program, participating in a five-county regional health assessment and analysis, and responsible for population health work in Delaware and Tioga Counties. Rural Broome Counts, an assets and needs assessment first published in 2015, also published a 2016 housing supplement. Training and technical assistance in rural cultural competency, and poverty simulations are available.