CHENANGO COUNTY – The Chenango Health Network adapted to the challenges of the pandemic, providing a variety of services for Chenango County and people in need of health and wellness information.
According to Chenango Health Network Director Kimberly A. Lorraine, Chenango Health Network is a rural health network whose objectives are to increase access to health and wellness information and to health care services.
Lorraine said the network serves individuals and works to effect change at the community level.
“Chenango Health Network operates collaboratively,” said Lorraine. “With our partners, we identify needs and look for ways to address those needs, all in keeping with our goals and objectives.”
“The Board of Directors is committed to maintaining a health network, which provides meaningful service to the community, and staff members are dedicated to carrying out these services with integrity and respect.”
She said starting her role as director for Chenango Health Network at the beginning of the pandemic led to a number of challenges, but overall the organization has done an excellent job adapting to the situation.
“I started the day before the New York State shutdown, and I didn’t meet anyone else on staff until June,” she added. “It was bizarre, thank god Chris and Tina were here, because I can’t imagine what it would have been like without having two senior leadership people to help.”
“Overall the transition was great, and everyone here is very open and wants to help Chenango County be strong.”
Lorraine said rural health networks are charged with providing for the needs of their area, and the needs of Chenango County were amplified due to the pandemic. She said food security, mental health, and addiction concerns were some of the main focuses for the health network during 2020.
“We’ve got several programs that address those needs with dedicated staff who really care for the community,” she added. “We were able to retain our staff thanks in part to the PPP loan, but we won’t be able to get the second round of it because it requires 25 percent loss from 2019 to 2020.”
“Chenango Health Network plans to continue to provide our client services, CHA NAV, RX and FAP in 2021. We are working closely with community partners to bring state and federal dollars to Chenango County to support Food as Nutrition, Mental Health Initiatives, and Harm Reduction programs and supports for those living with SUD.”
Chenango Health Network Deputy Director Christine Paul also spoke on 2020, and said regrouping and revisioning health and wellness education during a pandemic changed the way the network will educate people moving forward.
“Chenango Health Network is all grant funded, and some of our grants have deliverables that need to be completed like our educational seminars,” said Paul. “We had to reorganize our lessons in a way that allowed people to receive the education and training while maintaining social distancing and health guidelines.”
“Now we offer everything virtually, and we’re going to run with this model until we’re told to do otherwise.”
Paul said people will likely encounter a friend or family member who is struggling with emotional or mental crisis within their lifetime, and the mental health first aid course helps teach participants an action plan to help recognize an emotional crisis and move the individual who is struggling towards proper care.
“It’s great doing in-
person training because of the bonds that you can have with the individuals, so that was probably one of the largest barriers to overcome with doing things virtually,” she said. “We want people to feel like they can share their feelings and stories, but sometimes Zoom can make things more difficult.”
Paul said the course revolves around a key five-step action plan which includes assessing for risk of suicide or harm, listening non-judgementally, giving reassurance and information, encouraging appropriate professional help, and encouraging self-help and other support strategies.
She said future class dates for this year include Feb 10, Feb 18, March 2, March 16, and March 24. She added that times vary, those interested in learning more may call (607) 337-4331, and while the course is valued at approximately $170 per participant, thanks to grant funding it is provided at no cost.
According to Paul, one of the biggest barriers in 2020 was the lack of high speed internet service provided in some of the more rural parts of the county. She said not only did it hinder her work, but also for telehealth, resident’s work, and school while most people are expected to stay at home.
“I’ve been with Chenango Health Network since 2008, and I’ve never experienced a year like 2020,” said Paul. “With the collaberations that we have within our community, we’ve been fortunate that we’ve been able to push ourselves out to the community and still provide our services.”
“We may not be face to face, but we can still have that connection online, and we have a HIPPA compliant Zoom platform which has helped make it all possible.”
Paul said another way Chenango Health Network engages with the community is through “Do it For You” bags, which are bags given to children who are in crisis or have been relocated from their homes.
She said the bags have a teddy bear in them, a water bottle, journal, coloring book, colored pencils, and face masks. She added that the bags are distributed to schools, police and fire departments, along with other community organizations to ensure that they’re available if needed.
Paul said anyone who has a need in the community is welcome to reach out to their office for support, and that if a service is needed but not provided by the network, they’ll see if there are other organizations that can help.
“I try to help people and refer them to the best resources possible,” said Paul. “We’re all in the same boat right now, and we just need to be able to support each out and continue our work.”