Chautauqua Health Network

07/21/2025

The Chautauqua Health Network and the Chautauqua Integrated Delivery System would like to extend a huge thank you to all the individuals and organizations who took part in a speed networking event on July 16th.

This gathering successfully provided a platform for area healthcare professionals, care coordinators, and community-based organizations to have important and meaningful conversations centered around community-based care. New relationships were built, potential opportunities for collaboration were discussed, and knowledge and ideas were shared with the goal of improving outcomes for individuals in our community. We are looking forward to more events like this in the future!

United Way of Southern Chautauqua County
United Way of Northern Chautauqua County
St Susan Center

07/01/2025

SAVE THE DATE!

This is a reminder that a speed networking event for healthcare professionals, care coordinators, and community-based organizations will be taking place on July 16th at St. Susan Center.

This event is designed to bring together those working on the front lines of health and social care to build relationships and explore collaborative opportunities that improve outcomes for individuals and families in our community. Attendees will engage in brief, impactful conversations that highlight available programs, share strategies for closing care gaps, and promote resource sharing across sectors. This is a valuable opportunity to learn from peers, build referral connections, and stay informed on the latest innovations in community-based care.

To register, follow this link: https://connect.chq.health/l/1035203/2025-05-19/3cs8q or scan the QR code in the flyer below and fill out all the brief prompts.

Please reach out to Jason Carmen ([email protected]) with any questions or concerns.

This gathering is sponsored by the United Way of Chautauqua County (United Way of Southern Chautauqua County and United Way of Northern Chautauqua County), St Susan Center, the Chautauqua Health Network, and the Chautauqua Integrated Delivery System.

06/13/2025

Do you know of a local high school student looking to jumpstart their career in dentistry?

The Chautauqua Health Network, in partnership with Chautauqua Lake Dental and several other participating local offices, is excited to announce the launch of Dental Connect — a paid career exploration program designed to support local high school students who are interested in dental health careers including dentists/specialists, dental assistants, dental hygienists, dental lab technicians, and office managers.

Two program tracks will be available — a 30-day introductory option and a more in-depth 90-day advanced experience. Eligible students may qualify for stipends of up to $2,000 to support their participation.

Program Highlights Include:

* Hands-on clinical training with licensed dental providers.

* Curriculum-aligned learning modules and assessments.

* Partnership with local dental offices and clinics.

* Stipend support for eligible students.

This initiative aims to strengthen students’ career readiness while supporting healthcare workforce development in our region.

Please reach out to Annie Pratt ([email protected] or [email protected]) with interest or additional questions.

05/29/2025

SAVE THE DATE!

A collaborative networking event for community-based organizations and care coordinators will be taking place on July 16th at St. Susan Center.

This is a wonderful chance to strengthen your professional network and learn more about area resources by sharing knowledge, exchanging ideas and strengthening connections.

To register, follow this link: https://connect.chq.health/l/1035203/2025-05-19/3cs8q or scan the QR code in the flyer below and fill out all the brief prompts.

Please reach out to Jason Carmen at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.

The event is sponsored by the United Way of Chautauqua County (United Way of Southern Chautauqua County and United Way of Northern Chautauqua County), St Susan Center, the Chautauqua Health Network, and the Chautauqua Integrated Delivery System.

05/01/2025

Over 240 student-athletes, athletic directors, and coaches from 18 area high schools came together at Northwest Arena for this year’s Sportsmanship Symposium — a powerful day dedicated to leadership, teamwork, and character development.

Organized by Bob Goold, the event provides teenagers with a prime platform to learn about the importance of sportsmanship while forming relationships and friendships that they will carry with them throughout their lifetime.

Highlights from the event included numerous team-building exercises and cooperative games, as well as a compelling panel led by Dr. Brian Mata that focused on life lessons through sport, athletic training, injury prevention, injury rehabilitation, and healthy performance enhancement tips. Mata was joined by Melissa Rivers, PhD, CSCS; Kyle Hosier, MS, ATC; and Charlie Oviatt, LAT, ATC – all leaders in advancing youth athletic training in our region.

The event was proudly sponsored in part by the Chautauqua Healthy Youth and Schools Program (CHYSP). As secretariat of CHYSP, Chautauqua Health Network is honored to support this meaningful tradition. CHYSP is made possible through the New York State Department of Health Creating Healthy Schools and Communities grant and other dedicated partners.

04/24/2025

This spring, hundreds of local students will take charge of their health as part of the second annual Hit the Trails and Parks Program, a community initiative designed to reduce barriers to physical activity and support lifelong wellness.

Launched through a partnership between the Chautauqua County Health Department and the Chautauqua Health Network, the program empowers schools and families to explore nature, stay active, and be rewarded for it—no gym membership or equipment required.

Thanks to support from generous sponsors including UPMC Chautauqua, Braendel Painting & Services, Inc., Wegmans, Pearl City Cycle, and other local businesses and organizations, the program brings free, fun, and flexible opportunities to move—right into the hands of Chautauqua County youth.

Schools across the county will launch the program with students in late April. Districts with at least one school beginning the program include Dunkirk City School District, Jamestown Public Schools, Frewsburg Central School District, Falconer Central School District , Pine Valley Central School, Cassadaga Valley Central School District, Ripley Central School, Sherman Central School, Chautauqua Lake Central School, and Bemus Point Central School District. Each participating school district is eligible for a $500 milestone through the Chautauqua Healthy Youth and Schools Program, which is supported by the New York State Department of Health Creating Healthy Schools and Communities grant and other partners.

Students who complete the challenge will receive a finisher’s medal, a certificate, and be entered to win prizes such as bicycles and helmets. Parents of students who complete the challenge are also eligible to win Wegmans gift cards, reinforcing the program’s whole-family approach to wellness.

Each school will wrap up the program with its own culminating celebration, where prizes will be awarded, and students are recognized for their achievements.

For the full story, click here: https://rb.gy/fr7s95

*Note* - All images are courtesy of the Chautauqua County Health Department and are from last year’s pilot Hit the Trails and Parks Program.

04/07/2025

Through the collaborative efforts of the Chautauqua Healthy Youth and Schools Program, the Chautauqua Health Network (CHN), and SUNY JCC, the second annual health and science journalism workshop was recently held for local high school students.

The event - which included students from Fredonia Central School District, Frewsburg Central School District, and Southwestern Central School District - provided students with a unique opportunity to comprehend journalism basics, receive hands-on training in writing and media production, explore ethical reporting, learn storytelling techniques, and explore the power of media and the role it plays in sharing important health information. A panel featuring a vast array of local and national professionals were also in attendance and shared their knowledge and helpful tips.

Congratulations to Simeon Lewis of Southwestern for earning the Samuel Hopkins Adams Excellence in Journalism Award for writing a story on health risks for new college students and available resources on campus. The article was designed to appeal to students on social media, where they seek instant, practical tips to navigate college life.

CHN would like to extend a huge thank you to the distinguished panelists and other special guests:

• Brianne Celeski - Life Science Connect multimedia producer

• Christine Schuyler - JCC Healthcare Initiatives program director

• Cynthia McKane - JCC assistant professor and reference librarian

• Greg Bacon - Dunkirk Observer and Jamestown Post-Journal reporter

• Justin Gould - Chautauqua County Government media information officer

• Lisa Roberts - Chautauqua Health Network school and youth program coordinator

• Sara Holthouse - Jamestown Post-Journal reporter

• Scott MacDowell, Lilly Broadcasting Corporation news director

• Sherri Rater - Chautauqua County Health Department administrative and communications coordinator

• Simone Sellstrom - JCC Communications assistant professor

• Jennifer Reeher - JCC English assistant professor

• Ed Tomassini - Jamestown media professional

The Chautauqua Healthy Youth and Schools Program (CHYSP) was established in 2022 and supports activities, policies and administrative regulations that increase opportunities for school-associated physical activity; encourages school environments that promote health, wellness, nutrition and healthy eating for students; and places additional emphasis on generating young people’s awareness and understanding of the health care system in the Chautauqua Region. All 18 Chautauqua County school districts participate in the program, which is supported by the New York State Department of Health.

10/03/2024

09/18/2024

Cor’Rales Dupree - an accomplished athlete, mentor, and speaker - shared his journey with area eighth graders at Northwest Arena on Monday.

On Thanksgiving Day in 2012 – when Dupree was just 16 years old - he was shot, resulting in the loss of his leg and immeasurable mental trauma.

Fueled by strength, courage, and perseverance, Dupree has been able to overcome several obstacles which have led to him competing at a high level of sport, earning collegiate degrees and now traveling the country to share his story of resilience with people of all ages and backgrounds.

The event, hosted by Northwest Arena in collaboration with our Chautauqua Health Network team, included multiple sessions serving around 300 eighth graders across four local school districts. Sessions kicked off with Dupree sharing thoughts ranging from his collegiate accolades to everyday life. Following the presentations, students actively engaged in empathy stations that simulated various cognitive and physical disabilities.

Several local organizations including Jamestown Public Schools, SUNY JCC, CBA Vision Rehabilitation Services, Frewsburg Central School District, Jamestown High School Girls Volleyball, and others helped facilitate the day.

08/29/2024

Chautauqua Health Network (CHN) would like to acknowledge Elise Riedesel, Quinn Putney, and Liam Swan for participating in the inaugural MOVE.CHQ internship program this summer.

The students, who were all members of the Chautauqua Lake Central School district, put together extensive lists of information regarding local vendors, venues, and advocates/association groups pertaining to specific physical activities that any individual can take part in all throughout the county. This information will be compiled into a “MOVE.CHQ” database that will be featured online in the near future.

Move.CHQ is an initiative of CHN that is designed to promote physical activity at multiple community levels. MOVE.CHQ champions policies that support physical activity, which in turn helps to decrease obesity rates. These policies include active transportation and complete streets. A major aspect of MOVE.CHQ also includes promoting the usage of the large number of trails throughout Chautauqua County and promoting physical activity in local school districts throughout the county as well.

Physical activity is a powerful tool to address chronic disease and CHN will remain committed to these efforts moving forward.

Thank you and great job Elise, Quinn, and Liam!

06/27/2024

Congratulations to all the students and staff for their outstanding work during the inaugural year of this program!

It was an absolute pleasure collaborating with the Chautauqua County Health Department and Chautauqua Lake Central School. Thank you to Walmart, Runnings, Loud Performance, the Warren Cycle Shop, Pearl City Cycle Shop, Wilson Endurance Sports and Wegmans for their donations and prizes. This program is in a wonderful spot to grow and prosper in the near future!

Chautauqua Lake Elementary partnered with the Chautauqua County Health Department on the "Hit the Trails" initiative sponsored by Wegmans . In May, 27 students completed 6-9 county trails, earning certificates and medals.
Several students were also chosen at random for additional prizes.

Congrats to grand prize winner Ella Yonkers, who won a new bike from Walmart.

Big thanks to Lisa Roberts, Sherri Rater, Bethany Ibhawa, and all our sponsors! Chautauqua Health Network

05/09/2024

Here is some wonderful information regarding the county's first annual Active Transportation Week (May 13-17)!

Chautauqua County Health Department
Chautauqua Area Regional Transit System - CHQ Transit
Chautauqua County Planning & Development

Next week is Chautauqua County’s first annual Active Transportation Week! We encourage YOU to utilize the county’s public transportation system – CHQ Transit – or simply use an alternative mode of transportation other than your personal motor vehicle. Bus, carpool, bike, walk or a combination of options ~ you decide how you’d like to participate! Encouraging a greater number of individuals to embrace public transit, cycling, or walking isn't just good for Chautauqua County—it's a win-win for everyone. Make a healthier choice today for you and our environment! https://chqgov.com/carts/event/2024-active-transportation-week



Chautauqua Area Regional Transit System - CHQ Transit
Chautauqua County Planning & Development