Healthcare across New York faces massive staffing crisis
The healthcare system in New York is grappling with a workforce shortage after losing around 47,000 jobs during the peak of the pandemic, according to the USA TODAY Network. The staffing crisis initially impacted New ... more
State cites Auburn nursing home for nurse sleeping on the job
The New York State Department of Health has issued citations to Auburn Rehabilitation and Nursing Center following an incident involving a sleeping nurse, which garnered attention after a video of the event went viral. The ... more
Hospitals are going to get a funding boost thanks to NYS budget: How much will it help?
New York State's new 2024 budget provides some needed relief to hospitals. Along with a Medicaid rate increase, the budget includes $1.4 billion for distressed hospitals. But, provisions ensuring hospitals can afford to provide certain ... more
Central New York has zero COVID-19 ICU cases for first time since 2020
Central New York has reported zero COVID-19 intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalizations for the first time in 952 days, according to data from the New York State Department of Health. This milestone comes even as ... more
Money to fight mental health crisis coming: Will it help?
Provisions in New York state's 2024 budget will have resounding impacts across the state. Along with $60 million to improve youth mental health services, the budget includes $1 billion to grow the state's capacity for inpatient psychiatric ... more
New York tries to deal with youth mental health crisis
With the Covid-19 public health emergency over, New York and the U.S. are dealing with a youth mental health crisis. According to Mental Health America's 2023 State of Mental Health Report, the number of New ... more
On-site cardiac screenings for law enforcement in Ontario County
An advanced cardiac testing initiative has potentially saved the lives of several Ontario law enforcement personnel, as Northeast Medical Diagnostics of Long Island brought its medical bus into town last week. Over two days, approximately ... more
New York taking steps to improve women’s health during National Women’s Health Week
This week is National Women's Health Week, and New York is taking steps to improve women's health. The New York state Legislature has passed numerous bills to strengthen reproductive health and eliminate maternal health care inequities ... more
Should terminal patients have the ‘right’ to die? Lawmakers consider bill that would create path
New York State's Legislature is reviewing a bill to approve medical aid in dying, which would apply to people suffering from a terminal illness who only have six months to live. It comes with numerous safeguards ... more
State leaders urge people to watch out for Medicaid renewal scams
New Yorkers on public health insurance plans are being warned about a scam in which fraudsters are demanding payments to maintain their healthcare coverage. Attorney General Letitia James and Acting Department of Health Commissioner Dr ... more
Healthcare workers will still have to get COVID-19 booster shots despite pandemic emergency ending
The national COVID-19 public health emergency ended on Thursday, representing a symbolic conclusion to the health crisis that disrupted society and claimed millions of lives. In New York, where many COVID-19 restrictions have already been ... more
Boil water alert for town of Fleming in Cayuga County
A boil water notice has been issued for residents in the Consolidated Water District in the Town of Fleming due to a water main break on May 9, 2023, which caused a loss of pressure ... more
NYS encourages residents to wear bicycle helmets
In recognition of Bicycle Safety Month, the New York Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection is emphasizing the importance of wearing helmets while cycling, regardless of age. New York Secretary of State Robert J ... more
Dr. Syrett named Chief Medical Officer at Auburn Community Hospital
Auburn Community Hospital has announced the appointment of Dr. James Syrett as their new chief medical officer, effective May 1. Dr. Syrett joins Auburn from Oswego Hospital, where he served as an attending physician in ... more
Birth control will soon be available at pharmacies: How will it work?
New Yorkers will gain access to birth control at local pharmacies without a doctor's prescription following the signing of the Birth Control Access Act by Governor Kathy Hochul. However, it will take at least a ... more
Schumer proposes potential $1B boost for Upstate hospitals as Rochester Regional eliminates 60 jobs
Sen. Chuck Schumer announced Friday that Upstate New York hospitals may receive an annual boost of nearly one billion dollars under proposed changes to Medicare wage payments, potentially alleviating financial and staffing challenges faced by ... more
New training programs for first responders related to stress, PTSD, and other mental health challenges that come with the job
The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services has announced the initiation of new training programs for emergency personnel to address stress, PTSD, and related disorders. The decision comes in response to a surge in ... more
Families cannot afford groceries, other essentials: What’s happening?
A recent poll commissioned by No Kid Hungry New York has revealed that more than 70% of adults found it harder to afford groceries over the past year, with two in five adults experiencing food ... more
No major pay adjustment coming for mental health workers
The upcoming state budget in New York is set to address the struggling mental health sector, with Governor Kathy Hochul announcing a $1 billion investment into the industry. The plan includes additional psychiatric beds and ... more
