SARANAC LAKE — On March 20, the Adirondack Health Foundation hosted its inaugural Rural Health Symposium at North Country Community College, bringing together more than 80 local and regional attendees to discuss and help shape the future of health care across the Adirondack Park.
Centered on the theme “Navigating Change: The State of Rural Healthcare in an Uncertain Era,” the symposium created a forum for dialogue, collaboration and forward-thinking solutions aimed at strengthening health care delivery in rural communities.
The program featured a keynote overview by President and CEO of the Iroquois Healthcare Association Kevin Kerwin, followed by a panel discussion with regional leaders representing health care administration, clinical care, public health and workforce development.
Panelists included Adirondack Health President and CEO Aaron Kramer, Adirondack Health Hospitalist Program Medical Director Amy Corliss, NCCC President Joe Keegan and Public Health Director of Franklin County Public Health Services’ Hannah Busman.
The panel explored the realities of delivering care in rural communities, including workforce challenges, access to services, behavioral health needs and the importance of cross-sector collaboration to support patients both inside and outside the hospital setting. Kramer emphasized “resiliency in rural health care depends on collaboration across hospitals, education, public health and communities.”
The discussion highlighted both the challenges and opportunities facing rural health systems, including innovative partnerships, workforce pipeline development and the increasing importance of addressing social determinants of health to improve patient outcomes.
Jen Balog, executive director of the Adirondack Health Foundation, described the symposium as “a call to action,” emphasizing the importance of continuing these discussions and building on the momentum to strengthen health care across the region.
Adirondack Health is currently pursuing its third consecutive Pathway to Excellence redesignation through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. The Pathway to Excellence framework boosts recruitment, improves retention and enhances quality care though six key standards, including shared decision-making, leadership, safety, quality, well-being and professional development.
During the panel discussion, Kramer noted that 44% of Adirondack Health employees have been with the organization for 10 or more years, and 11% have been with the organization for 25 or more years. There are currently no long-term contracted or “traveling” staff. However, expenses continue to outpace revenue, and inpatient volumes have decreased.
Building on the success of this inaugural event, the Adirondack Health Foundation plans to continue convening partners, fostering collaboration and establishing the Rural Health Symposium as an annual initiative to sustain ongoing dialogue and progress in rural healthcare.