Oak Orchard Health (OOH) hosted two government officials for visits during National Health Center Week, August 3 through 9. The tours provided OOH with an opportunity to showcase its services, discuss current challenges, and share future plans.
On August 6, JW Cook, Regional Representative for Governor Hochul, visited the Albion Health Center, where he presented a proclamation recognizing OOH’s contributions to the community. During the visit, OOH officials discussed the challenges they face regarding grant funding and potential budget reductions. They also shared their application for a grant to support the development of a 28,000-square-foot Multi-Generational Wellness Campus at the Albion Health Center Campus in Orleans County. This initiative, in collaboration with community partners, aims to centralize care and improve access to essential services for rural populations. Planned services include walk-in healthcare, behavioral health support for aging adults, preschool special education, a centralized Head Start program, daycare, recreational activities, and more.
Following the tour, OOH officials highlighted the critical role of their Patient Engagement Services team, which provides transportation, translation, and advocacy for individuals facing barriers to accessing care—particularly specialist services. They also emphasized the importance and planned expansion of their behavioral health offerings.
The following day, Assemblyman Steve Hawley toured the Batavia office, where OOH provides primary care, pediatric services, and behavioral health support. OOH officials shared with Hawley the ongoing challenge of recruiting qualified medical and dental professionals to serve their communities.
Additionally, they shared the success of their warming centers, which have served over 170 individuals at the Brockport Community Warming Center and more than 300 at the Orleans County Warming Center.
Oak Orchard Health is grateful to JW Cook and Assemblyman Hawley for taking the time to visit their facilities and engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of healthcare in the region.
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