St. Mary’s Healthcare receives $3.2 million from Mother Cabrini Health Foundation

Under $51 million “Nursing Initiative” program for safety-net hospitals

AMSTERDAM, N.Y., May 14, 2025—St. Mary’s Healthcare will receive a $3.2 million “Nursing Initiative” grant under a new Mother Cabrini Health Foundation program that will invest $51 million to support nursing excellence and innovation, improve work culture, and enhance patient care in New York hospitals that serve high-need patients.

The St. Mary’s grant is one of 13 announced today by the Foundation, New York’s largest grantmaking organization focused on improving the health and well-being of vulnerable communities. A first-of-its-kind investment, the new Nursing Initiative is designed to empower nursing professionals, reduce burnout, address workforce shortages and improve patient care in safety-net hospitals.

“The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation is an extraordinary, visionary philanthropic partner,” said Jeff Methven, president and CEO, St. Mary’s Healthcare. “The Foundation’s Nursing Initiative takes a strategic, innovative approach to one of the most pressing challenges faced by rural community hospitals like St. Mary’s: how to attract, support and retain exceptional nurses.”

“By emphasizing quality, education and investments in our nursing workforce,” he added, “the Foundation is helping St. Mary’s fulfill our mission to provide the best possible care, close to home, for generations to come.”

The Nursing Initiative program stems from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation’s ongoing commitment to bolster the health care workforce across New York State. The grant program will help hospitals achieve industry-leading frameworks in nursing excellence, establish innovative programs to support front-line nurses, and help recent nurse graduates transition into the profession.

Each hospital will receive $1 million to $5 million over five years to pursue American Nursing Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet Recognition or Pathway to Excellence status, driving nursing excellence and health care transformation. The grant will also assist hospitals to establish or expand virtual nursing and nurse residency programs.

Ultimately, the $51 million initiative will support more than 6,500 nurses statewide and positively impact care for more than 7 million outpatient visits annually.

“From Binghamton to the Bronx, New York nurses are the backbone of patient care, demonstrating dedication and resilience. They deserve work environments where they can thrive and lead in their field in delivering excellent patient care,” said Monsignor Gregory Mustaciuolo, chief executive officer, Mother Cabrini Health Foundation. “By empowering nurses, we are investing in better patient care and outcomes.”

The 13 Mother Cabrini Health Foundation Nursing Initiative grant recipients are:

• Auburn Community Hospital – Auburn
• Calvary Hospital – Bronx
• Mercy Hospital, Catholic Health System of Long Island – Rockville Centre
• Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital Medical Center – Plattsburgh
• Columbia Memorial Health – Hudson
• Montefiore Medical Center – Bronx
• Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Hospital – Binghamton
• Rome Memorial Hospital – Rome
• Samaritan Hospital and the Eddy Foundation – Albany
• St Mary’s Healthcare – Amsterdam
• Barnabas Hospital – Bronx
• John’s Riverside Hospital – Yonkers
• United Health Services Hospitals – Binghamton

“This grant will be instrumental in helping us deliver on our commitment to our nurses and our community,” said Raquel Parisi, vice president and chief nursing officer, St. Mary’s Healthcare. “Years from now, our nurses and patients will continue to benefit from the foresight of the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation and this investment.”

Grantees were selected from among a group of more than 50 hospitals that applied through a competitive request for proposals. The extensive selection process, which included visits with hospital leadership, was aimed at developing a portfolio of grantees representing a diversity of hospital sizes and geographies across New York State.

The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation developed the Nursing Initiative following the findings of its healthcare workforce report with the Center for Health Workforce Studies in Albany. The report found major factors that contribute to persistent RN shortages including challenges with new RN preparedness, unsupportive work environments, workplace violence, burnout, the experience gap created by retirement of older nurses, and generational differences in career expectations that impact nurse tenure at hospitals. In addition, according to data referenced in the report, 15% of hospital patient care RNs between the ages of 20 and 39 reported plans to leave their current position within the next 12 months, underscoring the urgency of addressing these challenges.

To address these challenges holistically, the new Mother Cabrini Nursing Initiative will help hospitals pursue Pathway to Excellence or Magnet accreditations—industry-recognized frameworks that set leading standards of nursing excellence. In addition, funding supports virtual nursing and nurse residency programs. More details below:

• Pathway to Excellence– administered by the ANCC, this program recognizes health care organizations that foster a supportive and empowering workplace for nurses. The program emphasizes shared decision-making, leadership, safety, quality, well-being and professional development. Achieving this status is a mark of distinction recognized worldwide.
• Magnet Recognition– awarded by the ANCC, is a prestigious designation for health care organizations that demonstrate excellence in nursing practice and patient care. Magnet-recognized organizations are known for providing high-quality patient care, resulting in better patient outcomes, lower error rates and fewer health care-acquired infections.
• Nurse Residency Program– designed to help new nursing graduates transition smoothly into professional practice. These programs provide structured learning experiences, combining classroom instruction with clinical practice. They offer mentorship and support from experienced nurses, which helps new nurses build confidence and reduce stress. They also increase job satisfaction and reduce turnover rates by fostering a supportive work environment.
• Virtual Nursing– a flexible and innovative approach to health care delivery, especially in times of workforce challenges. Front-line nurses benefit from virtual nursing models through increased support, reduced administrative workload, and enhanced mentorship from experienced virtual nurses. Virtual nurses can assist with tasks like admissions, discharges and patient education, while allowing front-line nurses to dedicate more time to direct patient care.

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About St. Mary’s Healthcare, Amsterdam: St. Mary’s Healthcare has been providing high-quality, compassionate healthcare to the people of Montgomery and Fulton counties since 1903. At St. Mary’s Hospital, the Rao Outpatient Pavilion and other locations, the local, independent healthcare system offers the comprehensive, critical services its community needs and deserves. For more information: (518) 842-1900, www.smha.org or www.facebook.com/smha.org

About the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation: The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization established in 2019 to improve the health and wellbeing of New Yorkers, bolster the health outcomes of vulnerable communities, eliminate barriers to care, and bridge gaps in health services. Named after a tireless advocate for immigrants, children, and the poor, the Foundation funds programs and initiatives across New York State that provide direct health care services and address social determinants under five grant program areas: Access to Care, Basic Needs, Healthcare Workforce, Mental & Behavioral Health, and the General Fund. In 2024, the Foundation marked $1 billion in grantmaking to support communities across the State. For more information, visit https://www.cabrinihealth.org/.

Media contacts:

St. Mary’s Healthcare                                           Mother Cabrini Health Foundation

Kristin Mosher, Director                                       cabrinihealth@berlinrosen.com

Marketing and Communications

(518) 770-7505

kristin.mosher@nysmha.org

St. Mary’s Healthcare opens Charlton Family Health and Specialty Center

New, convenient location for comprehensive health care

CHARLTON, N.Y., May 12, 2025—With the opening of Charlton Family Health and Specialty Center, St. Mary’s Healthcare brings primary care, laboratory and other specialty services to a new, convenient location.

The center, at the intersection of Routes 67 and 147, offers primary care for patients of all ages and walk-in lab services five days a week. Specialists in general surgery, pulmonology and gastroenterology will also have a presence at this location, where St. Mary’s previously operated an urgent care center.

“We saw an opportunity to rethink our strategy for Charlton and put an existing asset to better use for that community—to increase access to services that have not been readily available here,” said Matt Guzielek, senior director of medical group operations at St. Mary’s.

St. Mary’s closed the urgent care center during the COVID-19 pandemic due in part to staffing and other pandemic-related challenges. The building has remained “dark” ever since.

“Given our prior investments at this site, we were committed to bringing the building back online, with the right mix of services,” said Jeff Methven, St. Mary’s president and CEO. “We believe this new business model is sustainable and fills a care gap in this part of our region.”

The new Charlton center is the latest example of St. Mary’s emphasis on investments in services that drive growth, enhance patient satisfaction, and better serve the region. In the past two years, St. Mary’s has added programs, providers and associates, and has invested in services facilities, technology and people.

“We are extremely familiar with the challenges facing today’s community hospitals, but we also are confident in our ability to grow past these challenges over the long term,” Methven said. “Already, we’re seeing progress. Volumes are up almost across the board as more and more patients choose St. Mary’s for their care.”

Charlton Family Health and Specialty Center is located at 2370 State Highway 67 in Charlton and is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The center is accepting new primary care patients. For an appointment, call (518) 839-0606.

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About St. Mary’s Healthcare, Amsterdam: St. Mary’s Healthcare has been providing high-quality, compassionate healthcare to the people of Montgomery and Fulton counties since 1903. At St. Mary’s Hospital, the Rao Outpatient Pavilion and other locations, the local, independent healthcare system offers the comprehensive, critical services its community needs and deserves. For more information: (518) 842-1900, www.smha.org or www.facebook.com/smha.org.

Contact:

Kristin Mosher

Director, Marketing and Communications

St. Mary’s Healthcare, Amsterdam

(518) 770-7505

kristin.mosher@nysmha.org

AMSTERDAM, N.Y., April 30, 2025—St. Mary’s Healthcare joined organizations across the United States in “raising the flag for life” to acknowledge the lifesaving gifts of organ, eye and tissue donors—and encourage others to become donors, too.

The flag raising ceremonies marked National Donate Life Month, held in April to focus attention on the need for and importance of organ donation. More than 100,000 people are on the national

waiting list for organ transplants, and another person is added every eight minutes. Seventeen die each day, still waiting.

A single organ donor can save up to eight lives and, through tissue donation, can enhance the lives of up to 75 more individuals.

“Organ donors are unsung heroes who give the gift of life to people they will never meet. Their donation is an act of profound generosity and impact,” said Stacey Warner, resuscitation quality management specialist at St. Mary’s Healthcare, and the hospital’s liaison with the Center for Donation & Transplant.

In addition to the flag raising, St. Mary’s and other participating healthcare organizations acknowledge organ donors with an honor walk at the time of donation. St. Mary’s team members line the hallway and bow their heads in respect as the donor is wheeled to the operating suite.

Warner suggested another way to recognize donors’ contributions. “One of the best ways to honor organ donors is to follow their example,” she said. “We encourage you not only to register as an organ donor but also to let your loved ones know so they can honor your wishes when the time comes.”

New Yorkers ages 16 and older can register at donatelifenys.org/register.

About St. Mary’s Healthcare, Amsterdam: St. Mary’s Healthcare has been providing high-quality, compassionate healthcare to the people of Montgomery and Fulton counties since 1903. At St. Mary’s Hospital, the Rao Outpatient Pavilion and other locations, the local, independent healthcare system offers the comprehensive, critical services its community needs and deserves. For more information: (518) 842-1900, www.smha.org or www.facebook.com/smha.org.

Contact:

Kristin Mosher
Director, Marketing and Communications
St. Mary’s Healthcare, Amsterdam
(518) 770-7505
kristin.mosher@nysmha.org

AMSTERDAM, N.Y., April 23, 2025—In the 27 months since Jeff Methven took the helm as president and CEO of St. Mary’s Healthcare, the independent community hospital has been on a steady path of improvement—and patients, providers and the Capital region are taking notice.

Methven was honored earlier this month with the Top Workplaces 2025 Leadership Award for large employers. He is the first president and CEO of a Capital Region acute care hospital to earn this distinction in the 14 years since the Times Union launched the Top Workplace recognition program.

In addition, St. Mary’s was recognized as a Top Workplace 2025—another first for a Capital Region acute care provider.

Methven is quick to praise the team at St. Mary’s. They, in turn, say the credit belongs to him.

“We chose Jeff because of his reputation as a transformational leader, and he is delivering beyond our highest expectations,” said Michael Pepe, chair of the St. Mary’s Board of Directors that selected Methven after a nationwide search for president and CEO.

Pepe acknowledged Methven’s operational and administrative experience, strategic vision and commitment to St. Mary’s core values. “What sets Jeff apart,” Pepe added, “is his ability to inspire and motivate others to give their all. That’s making a difference for St. Mary’s and our community.”

Last year alone, St. Mary’s recruited 27 healthcare providers and 308 new associates. Perhaps even more telling, nearly 160 former team members “came home” to St. Mary’s because of the positive work culture.

The community is also returning to their local hospital. Under Methven’s leadership, St. Mary’s is serving more patients, delivering more babies, introducing new services and making significant investments in programs, facilities, technology and people.

As executive director of human resources and chief people officer at St. Mary’s, Lisa Mazzoccone sees the impact of these changes firsthand. “Despite a very competitive recruiting environment, more and more people want to join or come back to St. Mary’s,” she said.

“We expect even more interest once people learn that we’re the only Top Workplace hospital in the region—and our president and CEO is the ‘top’ leader,” Mazzoccone added.

Methven has spent his entire career in healthcare, developing programs that help ensure access to quality care, emphasize the patient experience and encourage collaboration and workforce development. Before joining St. Mary’s, he served as executive vice president at Saratoga Hospital in Saratoga Springs. A graduate of Le Moyne College in Syracuse, Methven has an Executive Master of Business Administration degree from the William E. Simon Graduate School of Business Administration at the University of Rochester.

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About St. Mary’s Healthcare, Amsterdam: St. Mary’s Healthcare has been providing high-quality, compassionate healthcare to the people of Montgomery and Fulton counties since 1903. At St. Mary’s Hospital, the Rao Outpatient Pavilion and other locations, the local, independent healthcare system offers the comprehensive, critical services its community needs and deserves. For more information: (518) 842-1900, www.smha.org or www.facebook.com/smha.org.

Contact:
Kristin Mosher
Director, Marketing and Communications
St. Mary’s Healthcare, Amsterdam
(518) 770-7505
kristin.mosher@nysmha.org 

Q: What should I expect when my Doctor tells me I have a torn rotator cuff?

A: When the rotator cuff tears away from the bone it can’t heal itself, and most patients experience pain and weakness with use of the shoulder. An MRI scan is typically necessary to diagnose a rotator cuff tear. The shape and size of the tear, how long the tear has resisted healing, and the symptoms and age of the patient will most times determine whether a tear needs to
be fixed.

Some tears are not fixable and treatment may include physical therapy, home exercises and injections of steroid to manage the pain. The majority of tears that are repairable can be fixed using minimally invasive techniques using a fiberoptic scope and suture anchors. Suture anchors are placed into the bone to tie the tendon back to where it belongs. Sometimes a larger open incision will be required for more complex tears.

The recovery time for rotator cuff surgery is typically at least 3 months and will involve use of a sling, home exercises, and formal physical therapy. Maximum improvement can sometimes take up to a year. The most common risks of surgery are stiffness and re-tear, which is why following your doctor’s and therapist’s instructions are critical to success.

Nobody wants to have surgery if they can avoid it, but symptoms should not be ignored. The longer a tear is present the harder it is to fix, and sometimes patients will end up requiring much bigger surgery to solve the problem, including a shoulder replacement.

To learn more about Mohawk Valley Orthopedic Associates, a service of Fulton Montgomery Medical P.C., click here.

AMSTERDAM, N.Y., April 15, 2025—St. Mary’s Healthcare has been named a 2025 Times Union Top Workplace—the first acute care hospital in the Capital Region to earn the distinction since the Times Union launched the recognition program 14 years ago.

The annual Top Workplaces list is based solely on employee feedback, via a confidential survey on work-related measures such as feeling respected and supported, enabled to grow, and empowered to execute. The survey is conducted by Energage, a workplace culture research firm.

Jeff Methven, president and CEO of St. Mary’s Healthcare, gave credit to his team for the impressive results. “This Top Workplace designation belongs to everyone at St. Mary’s and validates our collective efforts to build a supportive work environment at our independent community hospital,” he said.

“Those who completed the survey affirmed our positive workplace culture and conveyed our continued commitment to the path forward,” Methven added. “Together, we will make our Top Workplace even better.”

In recent years, despite the challenging healthcare environment, St. Mary’s has made strategic investments in compensation, benefits, recognition programs, and professional and career development. The local community hospital also emphasizes transparency and communication and has increased employee involvement in decision-making.

“Culture is something you nurture and improve on every day,” said Lisa Mazzoccone, executive director of human resources and chief people officer at St. Mary’s. “It’s a challenge, but once you create that culture, everyone comes together, working for a larger cause.”

“That’s what we’re building at St. Mary’s,” Mazzoccone added, “and that’s why so many people want to be part of what’s happening here.”

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About St. Mary’s Healthcare, Amsterdam: St. Mary’s Healthcare has been providing high-quality, compassionate healthcare to the people of Montgomery and Fulton counties since 1903. At St. Mary’s Hospital, the Rao Outpatient Pavilion and other locations, the local, independent healthcare system offers the comprehensive, critical services its community needs and deserves. For more information: (518) 842-1900, www.smha.org or www.facebook.com/smha.org.

About Energage: Making the world a better place to work together.^TM Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 18 years of culture research and the results from 27 million employees surveyed across more than 70,000 organizations,  Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com.

Contact:

Kristin Mosher

Director, Marketing and Communications

St. Mary’s Healthcare, Amsterdam

(518) 770-7505

kristin.mosher@nysmha.org

AMSTERDAM, N.Y., March 26, 2025—St. Mary’s Healthcare is accepting applications for grants from its Carondelet Community Fund, which provides modest awards to help local nonprofits advance new initiatives or strengthen existing programs.

Grants are reserved for nonprofit organizations in St. Mary’s service area. Because these are microgrants, requests may not exceed $10,000. The deadline to apply is April 25.

To apply: Organizations should submit a letter of application that includes the following:

• Brief description of the history and scope of the applicant’s services.
• Brief statement of the problem or need addressed.
• Description of applicant’s expertise in addressing the need.
• Geographic area and population served by the applicant.
• Brief narrative or summary of the project, including objectives and anticipated results.
• Financial statement including IRS 990 and proposed budget for the requested grant.
• Proposed program start and completion dates.
• List of partners.

Letters should be no more than five pages, double-spaced. They should be submitted

Via mail to: Carondelet Community Fund
℅ Margaret Brodie
Vice President of Mission Advancement and Patient Experience
St. Mary’s Healthcare
427 Guy Park Ave.
Amsterdam, NY 12010

Or, via email to: brodiem@nysmha.org

The Carondelet Community Fund was established in 1996 to honor St. Mary’s founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, by continuing their tradition of service to the “dear neighbor.” The fund also reflects St. Mary’s commitment to partnering with other community organization to improve the health and well-being of people throughout the Fulton-Montgomery region.

Requests will be evaluated by the Carondelet Community Fund Committee, and recommendations will be forwarded to the St. Mary’s Healthcare Board of Trustees for review and approval. Decisions will be announced after May 31.

For questions or more information about the application process, contact Margaret Brodie at (518) 841-7135 or brodiem@nysmha.org.

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About St. Mary’s Healthcare, Amsterdam: St. Mary’s Healthcare has been providing high-quality, compassionate healthcare to the people of Montgomery and Fulton counties since 1903. At St. Mary’s Hospital, the Rao Outpatient Pavilion and other locations, the local, independent healthcare system offers the comprehensive, critical services its community needs and deserves. For more information: (518) 842-1900, www.smha.org or www.facebook.com/smha.org.

Contact:
Kristin Mosher
Director, Marketing and Communications
St. Mary’s Healthcare, Amsterdam
(518) 770-7505
kristin.mosher@nysmha.org

Q: What are the most effective ways to treat seasonal allergies?

A: Environmental allergies are a significant health issue affecting the quality of life of millions of Americans. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis has risen considerably over the course of the last several decades. In addition to the usual symptoms of runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes, poorly controlled allergies can be associated with other issues including sinusitis, ear infections, asthma and sleep disturbance. Unfortunately, the Capital Region has been shown to be one of the most challenging places in the country to live in for allergy sufferers.

The usual approach to a patient with suspected allergies includes a physical exam and allergy skin testing in most cases, although blood testing is also an option. Treatment includes something as simple as an oral antihistamine, or a nasal spray, or a combination of nasal sprays. Allergy shots are another option. We also do our best to optimize one’s environment at home to try and minimize exposure to the offending allergens.

Sometimes, there is a structural issue within the nose that makes one’s nasal symptoms worse, or compromises delivery of a nasal spray. For such patients, surgery can help improve control of one’s allergy symptoms.

For Gilli Hachey, Executive Director of the Foundation of St. Mary’s Healthcare, her job title can’t possibly tell the full story.

You see, her job goes far beyond overseeing fundraising efforts. It’s about forging meaningful connections and empowering the community to shape the future of their local hospital. It’s about
bridging the gap between donors and patients. And, it’s about ensuring that every donation, partnership, and event has a lasting impact on both the hospital’s growth and the care it provides.

Talk to her colleagues and they’ll tell you, Gilli does all this and more — all with a keen understanding of the hospital’s needs and an unwavering passion for its mission.

Born and raised in Johnstown, Gilli has a Master of Business Administration degree. The original plan was that she’d use that degree to go off to the big city and get a job in the entertainment industry. Then life took a turn. A childhood friend, with whom she’d stayed close with over the years, got in a car accident and sustained severe injuries. For Gilli, this tragedy sparked a profound shift in how she saw the meaning and purpose of her life. She took a job at Liberty ARC in Amsterdam, a non-profit that offers programs for those with developmental and intellectual disabilities. As their stewardship and development manager, she was provided the chance to help grow an organization that was doing important work, while giving back to her community.

“I realized the many ways I’ve been so fortunate, including where I’d grown up,” Gilli says. “I had decided to anchor myself here in this region, to do what I could to make this a better place for all of us.”

When the position opened at St. Mary’s to be Executive Director of the Foundation, Gilli saw it as a chance to do even more. “After six months on the job, I couldn’t be happier with the decision I made,” she says. “The leadership team here is supportive and engaged, which is so important as we work to build a culture that values and promotes philanthropy. The commitment this organization has made to remain a community hospital, focused on quality care, is real and deep.”

What’s most meaningful to Gilli is knowing that the work she’s doing to create strong partnerships, based on trust and mutually shared goals, is for the benefit of the hospital and the communities that rely on this hospital. There are so many needs the Foundation works to fulfill, from capital infrastructure to technology, from the expansion of programs and services to financial assistance for patients and hospital associates.

The hospital’s two signature fundraising events, the Gala in August and the Golf Classic in October, also provide the opportunity to raise money and enjoy time with hospital supporters.
Historically, these events have raised money to help support Urgent Care services and career development for hospital associates.

“These events celebrate the spirit of giving,” Gilli says, “while they strengthen the connection between our hospital and the people we serve.” They also reinforce for Gilli how thankful she feels to have the help of the generous, caring people of Fulton and Montgomery counties.

“We can’t do all that we do without the help of our community,” she says. “How lucky we are.”

She’s made it a goal to have more and more people in Fulton and Montgomery counties feel lucky to have St. Mary’s.

“We’re an independent hospital, completely dedicated to providing excellent care close to where our patients live and work. I think that’s a pretty big deal, and I’m so proud to be on this
team.”

To support St. Mary’s Healthcare, please visit www.smha.org/foundation.