Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization

08/10/2026

Do you want to celebrate the 2026 Community Health Heroes?!

Registration is open! Visit www.fdrhpo.org and register for the awards luncheon at the Hilton Garden Inn Watertown/1000 Islands on November 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. **Space is limited**

Congratulations again to our 2026 Community Health Heroes!

08/10/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Eric Anderson, our Jefferson County 2026 Community Health Hero! 🎉

For 26 years, Eric has served the Henderson community with extraordinary skill, compassion, and dedication through the Henderson Fire Department and Henderson Volunteer Ambulance. Since becoming Operations Coordinator in 2010, he has been a trusted responder, mentor, and neighbor, answering calls day and night, providing emergency care, offering health guidance, and always stepping forward when someone needed help.

Under Eric’s leadership, the department’s non-response rate fell from 40% to just 2%, meaning 98% of emergency calls now receive a swift response, the best rate in Jefferson County. He also helped advance the department from Basic Life Support to paramedic-level certification while mentoring the next generation of emergency responders. Over the course of his career, Eric is estimated to have personally responded to more than 5,000 fire and ambulance calls.

Eric’s service reaches far beyond emergencies. From offering monthly blood pressure checks to residents of Henderson’s senior apartments to supporting patients and families during difficult moments, he has consistently shown what it means to care for a community.

Please join us in congratulating Eric Anderson, a 2026 Community Health Hero!

07/10/2026

Last week, in partnership with the Adirondack Health Institute, the 2026 Leadership Conference was held in Lake Placid at the Conference Center at Lake Placid.

The annual conference focused on partnership and collaboration in rural health to strengthen our continued commitment to a healthy Northern New York. This two-day conference provided updates and insight into new programs across the state, current programs that are focused on patient-centered care and practices, presented State Awards, and so much more.

Thank you to the Adirondack Health Institute for their continued partnership and we look forward to next year's conference!

07/10/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Melissa Planty, a 2026 Community Health Hero! 🎉

Melissa’s extraordinary dedication as a Community Health Worker at Northern Regional Center for Independent Living has made a life-changing difference for individuals and families across St. Lawrence County. In a rural region where distance, transportation, mobility, and complex healthcare systems can stand in the way of essential care, Melissa serves as a trusted guide and advocate.

She helps community members establish primary care, strengthens communication between patients and providers, secures critical mobility equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, and motor scooters, and supports people working toward GEDs, driver’s licenses, and reliable transportation. With empathy, dignity, and determination, Melissa doesn’t simply connect people with resources, stands beside them as they build healthier, more independent lives.

Melissa’s holistic approach reminds us that health is connected to mobility, education, transportation, trust, and opportunity. Her action-oriented leadership has restored independence, dignity, and quality of life for residents throughout the North Country.

Please join us in celebrating Melissa Planty as a 2026 Community Health Hero!

06/10/2026

We are hiring for a Behavioral Health Coordinator! The Behavioral Health Coordinator will facilitate regional activities in support of behavioral health initiatives. This position will lead efforts in mental health awareness training, su***de prevention, connections to care, and other strategies to strengthen the mental health and substance use infrastructure and promote mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being in the communities of Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.

Click the link below to read the full job description and submit your resume today!

Working at FDRHPO, you’ll be on the forefront of healthcare transformation in Northern New York. With the help of insightful colleagues, dynamic leadership, and a strong network of community partners, your work here will make a difference in the lives of our region’s families and help transform ...

05/10/2026

This week, we will announce our 2nd Community Health Hero, and you're invited to help celebrate the amazing accomplishments that our 2026 Community Health Heroes are being recognized for in support of rural health!

Who will stand alongside Lewis County Public Health's Marcia Ashline? Keep your eye out for our 2nd announcement soon, and in the meantime, register today by visiting www.fdrhpo.org!

30/09/2026

Congratulations to Marcia Ashline - Lewis County’s 2026 Community Health Hero!

Marcia has worked tirelessly to protect and improve the health of Lewis County residents for more than 20 years. As a respected leader, she oversees critical programs including communicable disease control, immunizations, maternal and child health services, lead poisoning prevention, and health education. From guiding the community through public health emergencies like H1N1, Ebola, and COVID-19 to mentoring future public health professionals, Marcia’s compassion, expertise, and commitment have made a lasting impact on countless lives.

Described as “always willing to take on more to improve the health and wellness of her community,” her dedication to the North Country makes her a truly deserving recipient of this year’s Community Health Hero Award for Lewis County!

Join us in celebrating Marcia! Stay tuned for the announcement of our Jefferson and St. Lawrence County Community Health Heroes!

24/09/2026

This week, FDRHPO staff joined the Jefferson County Su***de Prevention Coalition’s Chalk the Walk event as part of Jefferson County Su***de Prevention Week.

Together, we shared messages of hope, kindness, love, and community throughout downtown Watertown, reminding everyone that they are valued, supported, and never alone. From “The World Needs You” to “Glitter Sparkles Shine, but most of all, Be Kind,” each message was created to brighten someone’s day and encourage connection.

We are proud to stand with our community in raising awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting mental wellness for all.

***depreventionweek

24/09/2026

The results are in! The 11th Annual Community Health Survey offers a timely look at the health, needs, and experiences of residents across Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.

The 2026 findings highlight encouraging progress in routine cancer screenings and dental care, while also revealing concerns about affordability, growing barriers to accessing local healthcare, and more.

What do the results say about the health of our communities? Explore the full findings at the link below.

The 11th Annual Community Health Survey of adults in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties is now complete. The 2026 results show encouraging gains in routine cancer screenings and dental care, while also identifying affordability, declining self-reported health, and growing barriers to local....

22/09/2026

Help spread hope, awareness, and kindness throughout our community this week!

Join the Jefferson County Su***de Prevention Coalition's annual Chalk The Walk event by creating positive chalk messages and artwork in your neighborhood, driveway, sidewalk, school, or workplace.

📸 Share a photo of your creation on Facebook and tag for a chance to win!

Together, we can help reduce stigma, spark important conversations, and remind our friends, family, and neighbors that they are never alone.

***dePreventionAwarenessMonth