Across New York State, healthcare organizations and policymakers are grappling with the same pressing question: How do we build and sustain the workforce needed to meet the needs of rural communities? That challenge was front and center at the New York State Association of Health Annual Conference, where leaders from across the healthcare sector came together to share strategies, lessons learned, and opportunities for collaboration.
The Combined Entity of Common Ground Health-Finger Lakes Performing Provider System-Rochester Regional Health Information Organization (Common Ground-FLPPS-RRHIO) was proud to help lead the conversation. Melissa Wendland, Director of Strategic Initiatives, moderated a healthcare workforce panel featuring Richard Merchant, CEO of Central New York Area Health Education Center; Carrie Roseamelia, PhD, Director of the Office of Healthcare Workforce Innovation at the New York State Department of Health; Tasha Grimmer, Executive Director of Caring Gene Healthcare Career Pathways; and April Miles, CEO of East Hill Family Medical Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center.
Drawing on decades of collective healthcare workforce experience and leadership, the panel focused on successful initiatives that have demonstrated measurable impact and can be replicated across rural communities throughout New York State. Discussion centered on proven strategies for strengthening the healthcare workforce, including talent development, retention, cross-sector partnerships, and the alignment of resources to address workforce shortages and improve access to care.
Looking ahead, panelists emphasized the need for timely, actionable healthcare workforce data to better demonstrate community needs, inform decision-making, and measure impact. They also underscored the value of statewide learning collaboratives, leadership development opportunities, and sharing promising practices across organizations and regions. In addition, panelists highlighted the importance of recognizing and supporting healthcare workers through workplace well-being initiatives and strategies that promote work-life balance.
The panelists reinforced a shared commitment to building a strong, sustainable rural healthcare workforce and highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing workforce challenges facing communities across New York State. The discussion also reflected Common Ground-FLPPS-RRHIO’s ongoing leadership in convening partners, leveraging data, and advancing innovative solutions that strengthen workforce capacity and improve health outcomes across the Finger Lakes region and beyond. Common Ground-FLPPS-RRHIO Board Member and CEO of Pivital Public Health Partnership Michele Foster and other partners were in attendance including Forward Leading Independent Provider Association (FLIPA), Coordinated Care Services, Inc. (CCSI), UR Medicine, Strategic Interests, and more.