News and Information





























Congratulations to ConnextCare on our Community Health Quality Recognition Image
Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Congratulations to ConnextCare on our Community Health Quality Recognition.

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ConnextCare Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for External Respiratory Center During National Health Center Week Image
Thursday, August 17, 2023

ConnextCare Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for External Respiratory Center During National Health Center Week



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ConnextCare Announces $40,000 In Funding from The Delta Dental Community Care Foundation Image
Thursday, July 27, 2023

Today, ConnextCare proudly announced a $40,000 grant from the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of California.

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ConnextCare Drive Through COVID Clinic in Pulaski Image
Thursday, June 8, 2023

On June 16th, ConnextCare will be hosting a drive-through COVID Vaccine clinic at our Pulaski site.  Call (315) 298-6564 and choose option 9 to schedule your appointment!! 

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ConnextCare Announces 2023 Kathy A. Ellis Scholarship Winner Image
Wednesday, May 17, 2023

ConnextCare is pleased to announce the winner of the annual Kathy A. Ellis Scholarship. This year’s $500 scholarship winner is Ashley Rupert, LPN. The Kathy A. Ellis Scholarship is awarded annually to an individual entering a program or continuing education in the field of nursing. Rupert is continuing her education to become a Registered Nurse through Excelsior College.

Rupert, who is currently employed at Fulton ConnextCare, is an LPN III and the Substance Use Disorder Coordinator for all the ConnextCare locations. Rupert stated, “When I took on the Coordinator role, I was intimidated with taking on such a large program, but it turned out the best decision that I made. It has really brought out a passion that I never would have known was there had I not taken the leap.” Nancy Deavers, SVP and Chief Nursing and Quality Officer, said about Rupert, Ashley demonstrates her dedication to our patients and community daily. She is innovative and strives to improve processes and promote safety in the workplace. Her work on safety for vaccine administration was adapted for all of the health centers! Ashely has also been completing her RN degree, while continuing to work full- time. She always works with a smile and can do attitude! She is a wonderful asset to ConnextCare and I am so pleased that she was awarded this scholarship.” 

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Connextcare Opens New External Respiratory Center In Pulaski Office Image
Friday, May 5, 2023

ConnextCare has concluded a nearly 10-month construction project at their Pulaski location and is now seeing patients at their new External Respiratory Center (ERC).

Last summer, ConnextCare broke ground on a site-wide construction project that included 800 square-feet of additional clinical space, with a covered canopy and testing center; four electric car charging stations; a gazebo powered and equipped with Wi-Fi; an 1,100 square-foot walking trail for staff and community use and .7 acres of new parking spaces and reconstruction of the existing staff parking lot.

On Friday, May 5th, ConnextCare will begin seeing their first patients in the new External Respiratory Center, which includes three new exam rooms, two of which are negative-pressure rooms. These spaces will be used for acute care appointments to allow for the continuous air exchange within the space to keep staff and patients safe from suspected communicable diseases. The negative pressure rooms will also be utilized to complete Pulmonary Function Testing for patients with COPD as well as Spirometry Testing to assess asthmatic patients, as these two tests have not been easily accessible locally throughout the COVID pandemic. There is also a small lab on site to allow for point of care testing for things such as flu, COVID and strep throat, so when possible, patients will leave with a confirmed diagnosis and treatment plan to address their condition.



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Connextcare Receives Grant To Expand Dental Services To The Pulaski School Based Health Centers Image
Wednesday, May 3, 2023

ConnextCare has announced plans to expand dental services to the School Based Health Centers in the Lura Sharp and Pulaski Middle/Senior High School.

Last fall ConnextCare collaborated with the Pulaski District to submit a grant to the New York State Department of Health to expand dental services in the Pulaski School District as part of the States’ School Based Health Center (SBHC) Dental Home Program. In April, ConnextCare received notification from the Department of Health that funds had been granted to move forward with this project.

We are very grateful  for  the partnership we have with ConnextCare,” stated  Tom Jennings,  Pulaski  Schools Superintendent, “the services provided through our School Based Health Centers have a major impact on our students and their families. Expanding to include dental services will be tremendous.”

The School Based Health Centers will staff a dental hygienist that will perform routine cleanings, take x-rays, administer fluoride treatments, sealants and provide oral health education to students. Services are slated to begin after July 1, 2023 with appointments available throughout the summer months and into the school year.

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Employee Spotlight: Ashley Gilbert, Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month Image
Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Ashley Gilbert, LCSW-R started working for ConnextCare as a school-based health center Licensed Master Social Worker, within the Sandy Creek School. Through hours of recorded clinical time and supervision, Ashley transitioned to a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Ashley continued to portray a high degree of decisiveness and a calm and confident practice style that was most appealing as we looked to establish a mental health program at the main sites. Ashley was critical to developing policies and procedures for the overall program management and with her willingness and flexibility, ConnextCare was able to launch mental health services across all initial six practice sites. When the Central Square office opened, Ashley was quick to volunteer to travel to this new location, to serve as the main mental health support to ensure access to essential services at a location that was most convenient to patients. In the summer of 2022, Ashley had secured enough recorded clinical hours to apply for her “R” and now holds the designation of a Registered, Licensed Clinical Social Worker……a true gem and unique credential that signifies the personal and professional commitment she has made to the delivery of mental health services in rural Oswego County

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Connextcare invests in new telehealth platform to improve patient experience  Image
Friday, March 3, 2023

Throughout the month of March ConnextCare will be implementing a new telehealth platform across all of their locations in Oswego County. ConnextCare will now be using their Greenway Electronic Medical Record (EMR) to ensure a more efficient telehealth experience for patients.

Moving forward, patients will be receiving a text message or an email on the day of their scheduled telehealth visit. The text or email will include a link to a video chat that patients will be able to click on and be automatically connected to the telehealth virtual waiting room for admittance to their visit by the ConnextCare team.



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Connextcare Receives Awards from the American Heart Association and American Medical Association Image
Friday, October 28, 2022

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.

 



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ConnextCare Welcomes Four New Providers Image
Wednesday, September 21, 2022

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.



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ConnextCare Receives $27,000 to Support Access to Dental Care at The Manor at Seneca Hill Image
Thursday, July 28, 2022

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.



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ConnextCare Announces 2022 Kathy A. Ellis Scholarship Winner Image
Friday, July 15, 2022

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.”



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ConnextCare Begins Construction in Pulaski Image
Monday, June 13, 2022

ConnextCare is pleased to announce the kickoff to the 2022 Pulaski Site Project. Construction is set to begin June 20, 2022. Project highlights include a covered drive-thru testing area, additional parking lot spaces, the installation of four electric charging stations and a walking trail with a gazebo and deck overlooking a stream on the west side of the property.

Due to limited parking lot capacity throughout the duration of the construction there will be some changes to ConnextCare’s organizational flow in Pulaski. Patients will use the same drive to exit and enter the property, with new directional arrows added to provide a visual of the intended flow of traffic.



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Celeste Carnes Celebrates 30 Years Of Service At Connextcare Image
Thursday, January 20, 2022

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.



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Connextcare Expands School Based Health Center Services In The Mexico Academy And Central School District Image
Wednesday, October 27, 2021

ConnextCare is announcing the opening of a new School Based Health Center location in the Mexico Elementary School. The new site will offer medical, mental health and dental services to enrolled students who are in both the Mexico Elementary as well as the Mexico High School.
 
The SBHC is a full service health center operated by ConnextCare and partially funded by New York State. The site will provide prompt, quality and convenient primary and acute medical services, counseling services as well as preventative dental services. This service comes at no cost to the students and their families.
“The school based health center program is an invaluable and rewarding element of the ConnextCare organization.


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2021 Kathy A. Ellis Scholarship Recipient Image
Tuesday, October 5, 2021

ConnextCare awards scholarship and grant funds in memory of Kathleen A. Ellis, the first Nurse Practitioner in New York State. Ellis was well known in Oswego County. She worked at NOCHSI, now ConnextCare, the Pulaski Health Center, and spent four years working at NOCHSI’s Mexico facility. The community mourned when Ellis lost her battle with cancer and passed away in December 1996 at the age of 52.

The Kathy A. Ellis Scholarship and Grant Funds are awarded to individuals entering a program or continuing their education in the field of nursing. In order to qualify to apply, the candidate must be enrolled or have been accepted into an accredited licensed practical nursing, registered nursing, or nurse practitioner program.

 



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ConnextCare Expands Services to Central Square Image
Tuesday, August 31, 2021

ConnextCare is announcing the opening of a new office located in Central Square, NY. The new site will offer primary care and mental health services.

ConnextCare is a Federally Qualified Health Center currently operating 6 health centers and 7 School Based Health Centers throughout Oswego County offering primary care, mental health and dental services. This expansion to Central Square supports ConnextCare’s ongoing mission to provide accessible, comprehensive and premier health care to Oswego County residents and surrounding communities. Tricia Peter-Clark, President and CEO of ConnextCare stated, “We are excited to announce the establishment of a ConnextCare health center on this side of the county. The addition of the Central Square practice further strengthens our ability to deliver high quality health services to new and existing patients at a location that is most convenient for them. We will now be more “connexted” than ever before, with our network spanning across the entire county, providing a medical home for more than the 27,000 patients we already serve today!”

 



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ConnextCare Receives NCQA Recognition for Distinction in Behavioral Health Integration Image
Friday, July 2, 2021

ConnextCare Receives NCQA Recognition for Distinction in Behavioral Health Integration

ConnextCare has recently been recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for Distinction in Behavioral Health Integration. The NCQA is a private, non-profit organization that strives to improve the quality of health care. The NCQA Distinction in Behavioral Health Integration is awarded to NCQA-recognized Patient-Centered Medical Homes (PCMHs) who excel in integrating behavioral health services into primary care settings.

 



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ConnextCare surpassed 11,000 COVID-19 vaccines administered to eligible community members! Image
Thursday, June 10, 2021

This week ConnextCare surpassed 11,000 COVID-19 vaccines administered to eligible community members! We are extremely grateful for the teamwork and dedication of our staff to make this possible. We would also like to give a huge "THANK YOU!" to the community members who have trusted ConnextCare to administer their COVID-19 vaccines. We are excited to celebrate this accomplishment and look forward to continuing these efforts! #ConnextCares



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ConnextCare soon-to-be CEO has deep roots in local healthcare industry Image
Wednesday, April 7, 2021

Tricia Peter-Clark possesses a first-hand understanding of the importance of adequate rural health care. When she was a child attending school in Sandy Creek, both parents worked. So, her family often relied on the school-based health center there for easier access to care.

The health center, as well as her primary care doctor’s office in Pulaski, was operated by Northern Oswego County Health Services, the predecessor to ConnextCare. Peter-Clark has been chosen by ConnextCare to serve as its next president and chief executive officer. The current chief executive officer, Daniel Dey, plans to retire in June. When she takes the helm, Peter-Clark will be responsible for a patient-centered network of health care practices that has grown to provide services to tens of thousands of patients.

 


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Meet the Chief Financial Officers Image
Tuesday, April 6, 2021

They are the money people — they handle vast sums of money every year and make sure their organizations are on solid financial footing. They deal with budgeting, accounting, audits, cost analysis, data analytics, monthly reporting, revenue cycles, third-party payer contracting with the health insurance companies and much more. And constant changes in state and federal regulations and reimbursement structure only make their jobs a bit more challenging.

 

Tracy Wimmer

ConnextCare CFO

Played role in unifying operational procedures of various health care centers serving tens of thousands of patients



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Electronic Patient Satisfaction Surveys Image
Wednesday, February 24, 2021

ConnextCare is now sending Patient Satisfaction Surveys electronically!

We value patient feedback and this new process will help us provide quality care and recognize opportunities for improvement in the future. Following your next appointment, you may receive a text message or email with a link to the survey. Please click the link and complete the questions! As always, we appreciate the support of our patients! #ConnextCares



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Tricia Peter-Clark to Succeed Dan Dey at ConnextCare Image
Wednesday, January 20, 2021

Chairman Michael C. Backus, on behalf of the Board of Directors of ConnextCare is pleased to announce the promotion of Tricia Peter-Clark as ConnextCares next President/Chief Executive Officer effective June 4, 2021.

Peter-Clark currently is the health centers Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer. Prior to joining ConnextCare in 2013, Peter-Clark was the Coordinator of the Rural Health Network of Oswego County and Director of Health Operations, both under the auspices of Oswego County Opportunities (OCO). She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Services from DYouville College in Buffalo, New York and holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in Leadership from St. Josephs College of Maine. She is also a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives.



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ConnextCare Distributes 100% of its COVID-19 Vaccines Image
Monday, January 18, 2021

Over the course of the past week ConnextCare has worked diligently to coordinate vaccination clinics across Oswego County to administer COVID-19 vaccines to eligible New Yorkers in phase 1a and 1b as outlined by the New York State Department of Health.

Beginning on January 13th, ConnextCare held clinics for the Sandy Creek, APW, Mexico and Pulaski schools to vaccinate district staff members. Efforts continued through the weekend when vaccination clinics were held in the ConnextCare Pulaski and Oswego offices.

Through these efforts, ConnextCare was able to administer 100% of the initial vaccinations received from the New York State Department of Health.



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Connextcare Recognizes Employees’ 25 Years of Service Image
Tuesday, January 12, 2021

 Last month ConnextCare recognized two of its employees for years of service. Carrie Baird, Clinical Team Leader and Joanne Stevenson, Medical Records Representative were celebrated for twenty-five years of employment at ConnextCare.



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ConnextCare Medical Leadership is among the first to receive the COVID-19  vaccine in Oswego County. Image
Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Today was an exciting day at ConnextCare! Our staff began receiving their first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. This is a monumental step towards protecting our staff and community against COVID-19. Thank you to our entire team for making this day possible! #ConnextCares 

 

 



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ConnextCare Recognized by American Heart Association Image
Tuesday, December 1, 2020

ConnextCare is pleased to announce that we have been recognized by the American Heart Association for achieving an exceptional blood pressure control rate throughout our adult patient population for the year 2020. This is the second year in a row ConnextCare has received this recognition. Congratulations to our staff and patients on this great achievement!



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ConnextCare Transitions Patient Entrance and Screening Process Utilizing Upgraded Technology Image
Friday, November 6, 2020

Since March, ConnextCare’s Pulaski office has adjusted patient access, creating separate and distinct entrances for sick and well visits. Hundreds of man-hours have been devoted to screening all patients and visitors to the center for COVID-type symptoms to ensure the utmost safety during these unprecedented times.
Yesterday, ConnextCare’s Pulaski office transitioned patient access back through the main doors. New processes have been implemented through the use of technology to verify patient temperatures, more privately assess COVID-like symptoms and recent travel as well as complete patient registration.



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Pulaski New Dental Reception Area Image
Thursday, November 5, 2020

Yesterday, ConnextCare's Pulaski location unveiled a new dental reception area pictured above! This is the first phase of ConnextCare's three-part Oral Health Infrastructure Project. This project will include cosmetic updates to the entire dental suite and lower level, as well as additional administrative offices and bathrooms. Construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of November.




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ConnextCare Resumes Full Dental Services Image
Tuesday, June 2, 2020

After limiting dental services to emergencies only during the Coronavirus Pandemic, Governor Cuomo has announced that dentists across New York can resume expanded services effective June 1, 2020. As a result, ConnextCare will be returning to its full schedule and range of dental services at its two locations at 61 Delano Street in Pulaski and at 510 S. 4th Street, Suite 600 in Fulton. Its entire complement of Dentists – Drs. Melissa Noel, Anna Gofman, Kwi Lee and Sarah Dunn will be joined with their six dental hygienist colleagues in resuming patient visits. “ConnextCare is excited about the opportunity to resume full dental services to its many patients,” said Melissa Noel, D.D.S., ConnextCare’s Vice President and Chief Dental Officer. “The delay of preventive and routine dental services during COVID-19 can have a negative impact on our patients’ overall health, and we will contact and strongly encourage patients to return as soon as possible.”

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ConnextCare Thanks the Community Image
Monday, June 1, 2020

The ConnextCare Board of Directors and staff express their deepest appreciation for the many thoughtful contributions that they have received during the recent Coronavirus Pandemic. The kind sentiment has expressed itself in a variety of forms. This has included donations of food, gift cards, personal protective equipment, and mementos. The contributions have been come from all corners of the community – vendors, patients, and staff. One heartwarming moment included arriving to work to a colorful message in chalk from anonymous pavement artists recognizing our health care heroes.

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Oswego County Business ConnextCare's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Patrick J Carguello, DO Image
Tuesday, April 21, 2020

ConnextCare Chief Medical Officer 

While dedicating one’s life to health care is certainly a noble pursuit, focusing that care on underserved populations such as those seen in the Oswego County region is even more admirable.

Physician Patrick Carguello is the senior vice president and chief medical officer at Connextcare, headquartered in Pulaski. ConnextCare is a federally qualified health center (FQHC), which means it receives federal funding to provide quality medical care in a medically underserved community.



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Friday, March 20, 2020

In an effort to aggressively and safely screen patients for the Coronavirus COVID-19 exposure and to further protect its healthcare workers, ConnextCare is suspending its patient walk-in services at its health centers in Fulton, Mexico, Oswego, Parish, Phoenix, and Pulaski. In place of the walk-in service, patients will be asked to call the main number at their respective ConnextCare practice for an initial telephone screening and appointment scheduling.

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