Welcome to ConnextCare

The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Medical Association (AMA) have recognized ConnextCare for success in their treatment of high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol in patients.

The American Heart Association’s ‘Check. Change. Control. Cholesterol.’ and ‘Target: Type 2 Diabetes’ programs have recognized ConnextCare for improving quality of care through detection and management of patient’s with high cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors. This is achieved through empowering patients with evidence-based strategies and tools and adopting clinical change.

The American Medical Association has also recognized ConnextCare for achieving Gold status through the ‘Target: BP’ program for having 70% or greater blood pressure control and commuting to accurate measurement among ConnextCare’s adult patient population. The ‘Target: BP’ program is a national initiative co-led by the AMA and AHA and celebrates physician practices and health systems that are making the management of hypertension a priority.

ConnextCare is pleased to welcome three new Family Nurse Practitioners at the Mexico, Phoenix and Pulaski offices as well as the addition of a Licensed Master Social Worker at the APW School Based Health Centers.

Carolyn Dudden, FNP-C has joined ConnextCare’s Mexico office after graduating from SUNY Upstate Medical University earlier this year with her Master’s in Nursing. Carolyn had previously worked in various hospitals throughout the Syracuse and Rochester areas before joining the team at ConnextCare.

Alison Flood, FNP-C has joined ConnextCare’s team at the Phoenix office. Alison previously attended SUNY Upstate Medical University where she received her Master’s in Nursing. Prior to joining ConnextCare, Alison worked at Upstate University Hospital as well as working as a cross country traveling nurse.

Amanda Quinn, FNP-C has joined the ConnextCare team at the Pulaski office. Earlier this year Amanda graduated from SUNY Upstate Medical University with a Master’s in Nursing. Previously, Amanda has worked at both Upstate and St. Joseph’s hospitals in Syracuse, NY.

ConnextCare has been awarded a $27,000 grant through Delta Dental Community Care Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of California, making it possible to expand dental services to the Manor at Seneca Hill, a skilled nursing facility in the city of Oswego.

The Delta Dental Community Care Foundation strives to increase access to oral health care, fund oral health education and support organizations that serve vital needs in communities across the country. In January 2020, ConnextCare was approached about the opportunity to serve the residents at The Manor at Seneca Hill. These Foundation grant funds made it possible for ConnextCare to purchase the dental supplies needed to bring these services to the facility.

ConnextCare is excited to announce the winner of its annual Kathy Ellis Scholarship. This year’s $500 scholarship winner is Carrie Kelley, LPN. The Kathy A. Ellis Scholarship is awarded annually to an individual entering a program or continuing education in the field of nursing. Kelley is currently a Licensed Practical Nurse at ConnextCare and is continuing her education to become a Registered Nurse through Excelsior College.

In Kelley’s application she outlines her goals of continuing her education in health care stating; “I plan to continue my education and hope one day to follow in Kathy Ellis’s footsteps and not only become a Registered Nurse, but eventually a Clinical Nurse Practitioner committed to patient care and rural health care excellence.”

In December 2021, Celeste Carnes, Nurse Practitioner, celebrated 30 years of service at ConnextCare, formerly Northern Oswego County Health Services, Inc. (NOCHSI).

Celeste began her career at NOCHSI in 1991 as a Registered Nurse at the Pulaski office. As a life-long resident of Oswego County, she wanted the chance to work in the community where she was raised. At the time, NOCHSI administration agreed to sponsor her through the Community General Nurse Practitioner Program, which, along with Onondaga Community College, is where she went to school to get her degree as a nurse practitioner.