North Country hospitals receive nearly $13 million in HEAL NY grants

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced nearly $13 million has been allocated to North Country Hospitals as part of the Health Care Efficiency and Affordability Law (HEAL NY). The money was distributed through a statewide program to restructure, merge and realign operations at health care facilities while funding new capital projects.

“This financial support is incredible news for our region,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “These grants will fund improvements at our hospitals that will mean better access to high-quality, effective health care for our hardworking families.”

Carthage Area Hospital will receive $9.1 million and River Hospital in Alexandria Bay will receive almost $3.8 million as part of the seven-year HEAL NY program. The money will fund projects focused on reducing patient staying time, refining treatment plans and ultimately allowing patients to recover faster in a more comfortable setting, Assemblywoman Russell said.

“Carthage Area Hospital is a major employer and health care provider in our area that the community could not afford to lose,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “The hospital has experienced troubles recently and the $9 million grant will ensure its doors remain open to our hardworking families. Health care facilities are a major part of the fabric of our community and with this money, they will be able to provide efficient and exemplary service to North Country families for years to come.”

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Assemblywoman Russell helps pass bill to expand Internet access

              In an attempt to give more people access to high-speed telecommunications like the Internet, Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) helped pass a bill that would allow school districts and boards of cooperative educational services (BOCES) to contract with public libraries for high-speed telecommunications (A.464-B).

            “Allowing public libraries to share in contracts with BOCES will save money for all parties involved and increase public access to high speed internet,” Assemblywoman Russell said.

            Many BOCES have invested significant money in the development of their own telecommunications networks, including high-speed Internet services. This measure would allow public libraries, which need these services but have not been able to invest the money needed, to access already established networks and share the cost of maintaining such a system at a reduced cost for both.

            “This bill would help libraries cut down on their costs, while increasing the quality of the services they provide, allowing them to be more effective and efficient for North Country families,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “I urge the Senate to pass this measure before this year’s legislative session comes to a close.”

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Assemblywoman Russell promotes buying local, votes for Pride of New York initiatives

             Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced the Assembly passed two pieces of legislation that she sponsored to expand the Pride of New York program. The measures would allow restaurants and stores serving food and products produced in New York State access to promotional materials to increase exposure to consumers and raise demand for local products.

            “These new initiatives under the Pride of New York program will help North Country businesses and hardworking families alike,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “Buying local means our families can invest in the freshest products cultivated right in own our backyard. And by investing in the area’s products, we can strengthen growth in our community and enrich the local economy.”

The first measure would establish a Dine: Pride of New York program for restaurants that use ingredients produced in New York State (A.9877). The bill would allow for the creation of a logo to be presented in restaurants that use 15 percent or more locally sourced ingredients and products. Qualified restaurants would receive advertising and promotional materials free of charge and have their business listed on the Pride of New York website.

In addition, a similar measure would set up the Shop: Pride of New York program for food retailers that sell 20 percent or more of all products made in New York (A.9868). Food retailers would qualify for the same promotional materials, logo and name recognition on the website.

“With our restaurants and stores proudly displaying the local produce, meat and dairy they carry, it will help consumers easily identify and patronize these establishments that serve and sell high-quality, homegrown products,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “Since more and more families are interested in buying local foods, this will greatly increase demand in local products and give a much-needed boost to our agricultural industry, helping hardworking North Country farmers.”

Assemblywoman Russell has long fought for measures to increase interest and demand in local products. Assemblywoman Russell established a program called “Rediscover Your Backyard,” which promotes North Country businesses that sell local products. In addition, the Assemblywoman is holding a North Country Department Store event on Oct. 27 at Indian River Middle School for local artists, craftsman and businesses to sell their goods and products.

“North Country families do not have to look any further than their own backyard to find a region filled with a vibrant agriculture and fresh local produce,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “Buying local means that our families can keep their hard-earned dollars right here in our community, strengthening the future and prosperity of our businesses, agricultural industry and local economy.”

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Assembly Passes Russell’s Bill to help veterans with post-service health problems

             Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced a bill she authored, which requires veterans organizations to provide assistance to veterans who experienced military sexual trauma (MST) during their active military service, passed the Assembly today (A.10068).

            “Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our country, and the very least we can do is provide them with the assistance they need after returning home from war,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “MST is very serious and often underreported. This legislation would help veterans deal with the burden of MST recovery and would help them get back on their feet as quickly as possible.”

           

            This legislation would require organizations that provide services to veterans under the Social Services Law to provide assistance and benefits to those who have experienced MST while actively serving.

           

            MST is defined by the Department of Veterans Affairs as sexual assault or sexual harassment that occurred while veterans were serving in the military – this can include any sexual activity in which a man or woman is involved against his or her will.[1] In 2010, more than 3,100 military sexual assaults were reported; however, this number comprises less than 14 percent of actual instances of military sexual assault, according to the Department of Defense.[2] In the same year, the Department of Veterans Affairs medical staff treated more than 68,000 veterans who reported some sexual trauma.[3]

            “As chair of the Women Veterans Subcommittee and a member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I am committed to doing all that is possible to protect and honor the men and women who have bravely fought for our freedom,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “I will continue fighting to make sure our veterans receive the help they need in any post-military service health problems they are facing.”

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[1] www.va.gov/health/NewsFeatures/20120319a.asp

[2] www.servicewomen.org/SAPRO%20Reports/DoD_Fiscal_Year_2010_Annual_Report_on_Sexual_

Assault_in_the_Military.pdf

[3] www.servicewomen.org/SAPRO%20Reports/DoD_Fiscal_Year_2010_Annual_Report_on_Sexual_

Assault_in_the_Military.pdf

Assemblywoman Russell honors June 12 as ‘Women Veterans Recognition Day’

Commemorating the 64^th anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Act of 1948, which ensured that women would have a permanent place in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps, Assemblywoman Russell (D-Theresa) announced the Assembly passed a resolution declaring June 12, 2012, as “Women Veterans Recognition Day” (K.1508). Today, New York proudly honors the over 63,800 women veterans from the state of New York.[1]

            “The North Country is home to countless women veterans, and I am proud to call them my neighbors. They have selflessly served on our behalf and their sacrifices will not go unappreciated,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “The Assembly resolution recognizes their tremendous role in keeping our country safe.”

            The Women’s Armed Services Act was signed into law by then-President Harry Truman and is the cornerstone for policies and regulations affecting women. Since 2001, more than 200,000 women have served in the U.S. military in Iraq and Afghanistan.

            From 1973 to 2010, the number of active-duty enlisted women in the armed forces has grown from about 42,000 to 167,000; the percentage of women among the enlisted ranks has increased seven-fold, from 2 percent to 14 percent; and their share among commissioned officers has quadrupled, from 4 percent to 16 percent.

            “I’d like to commend all the women veterans for their service and personally thank them for their dedication and the sacrifices they’ve made to defend our country and preserve our freedom,” Assemblywoman Russell said.

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[1] www.va.gov/WOMENVET/WomenVetPopFS1111.pdf