Submission Deadline: Friday, July 11, 2008 COB
NYSARH invites individuals with an interest in rural health to submit abstracts for poster presentations during NYSARH's 7th Annual Statewide Rural Health Conference, September 8-10 at the Raddisson Hotel, Corning, New York. the theme for the confrence is Shaping the Future of Rural Health.

The NYSARH Annual Conference on Rural Health is an exciting opportunity for individuals to share best practices, innovative programs and success stories. Conference attendees will include health and human service providers and administrators, local and state leaders and decision makers, clinicians, educatiors, rural health networks, researchers and residents with a passion for improving rural health.

Posters that report one of the following topics essential for rural health are welcome for submission:

Who Should Attend

Supervisors, Managers and Human Resource Professionals in:

Public Health * Community Health Centers * Faith-based health programs * Home Care programs * Hospice programs * Primary care health service programs * Diabetes nurse managers *

Specialists dealing with older adults * Asthma programs * Dental programs

Health Literacy: The Hidden Risk Factor

April 2, 2008
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Six Flags Great Escape Lodge, Lake George NY

This conference featuring Dr. Barry Weiss, Professor of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, will cover a variety of topics related to health literacy issues, such as improving communication between providers and patients, and developing health education materials.

Legislative Advocacy Day

February 4, 2008
Legislative Office Building, Albany NY

NYSARH engaged many Senate and Assembly members and staff on its first Legislative Advocacy Day on February 4. The sign in sheet documented that 4 assembly members visited, and an additional 14 assembly offices represented by staff, 4 senators, and an additional 8 senate offices represented. It was a full house.

One of the most effective ways to influence the policy-making process and make a lasting connection is to meet face-to-face with legislators. Legislative Advocay Day will provide a forum for discussions on issues related to access, equity, and quality of health care for rural New Yorkers.
Save the Date for 2009: February 10th

2008 NRHA Policy Institute

January 28-30, 2008
Washington, D.C.

This year the NRHA Policy Institute was held January 28 – 30th in Washington D.C. Two years ago, NYSARH sent a delegation of ten individuals; our goal this year is to send a minimum of fifteen. For those of you who have never attended this unique event, attendees are given the opportunity to hear from key public health officials and may even get to meet face-to-face with elected officials in their Washington D.C. offices.

This year NRHA is offering a special workshop entitled “Advocacy 101” that will teach attendees how to be effective advocates when visiting their elected officials.

For more information regarding the Policy Institute, visit the NRHA website.

Marcia Brand, PhD, Director of the Office of Rural Health Policy, HRSA: Washington from a Rural Health Perspective

Dr. Brand provided 2007 annual conference attendees with a glimpse into the future of rural health and the opportunities and challenges NYSARH members may face in the upcoming months. NYSARH congratulates Dr. Brand on her new post and deeply appreciates her time at NYSARH's Sixth Annual Conference. In spite of her hectic schedule, Dr. Brand always takes the time to meet with NYSARH members, and is genuinely interested in their local projects and how she might be of assistance.

2008 Board of Directors

We welcome our newest Board members, Donna Kahm and Laura Teller. To learn more about Donna, click here. To learn more about Laura, click here. For a complete listing of NYSARH's Board of Directors, click here.

2008 Committee Chairs

On October 12, 2007 the NYSARH Board approved the 2008 Committee Chairs. Please click here for a listing of Committees and respective Chairs.

• Quality Seminar for Community Health Centers & Public Health, Syracuase, June 11, 2008
• NYSARH's 7th Annual Conference, September 8-10, 2008 at the Radisson in Corning, NY
  
• Two regional workshops hosted by the Membership Committee

Check back often for more details and updates!