Watertown, NY – On January 31, nine residents entered the Samaritan Keep Home, their new residence, for the first time. A reception team greeted the incoming residents, and their former caretakers from Clifton-Fine Hospital in Star Lake were on hand to ensure a safe and meaningful transition.
“This was a historic moment for our team of caregivers,” Patrick Calli, vice president of long-term care at Samaritan, said. “We know there may be mixed emotions, but we are thrilled they are here and hope they become familiar with their new home, our services, activities, and our staff.”
The nine skilled nursing residents resided at Clifton-Fine Hospital as patients at the critical access hospital, with special permissions allowing the critical access to have long term care residents. With the hospital seeking a new Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) designation, they needed to find a new home for the patients. The new designation does not allow inpatients, swing beds, or long term care services. Clifton-Fine’s partner, Samaritan Medical Center, identified space in its high-rise facility for the residents who need continued quality care in the North Country. This space allows the cohort of residents to remain together while engaging with their new neighbors, many of whom have called the Samaritan Keep Home their home for several years.
“We know that Samaritan Keep Home caregivers will provide high quality, personalized care for our inpatients who are making their new home in Watertown,” said Dierdra Sorrell, chief executive officer of Clifton-Fine Hospital. “We cannot thank the Samaritan team enough for doing this and easing the burden for families and our community during this transition.”
For the Star Lake community, the REH designation will bring expanded outpatient services while continuing emergency care necessary for the safety and well-being of residents and visitors of the Adirondack Mountains.
Watertown, NY – Samaritan Summit Village, 22691 Campus Dr, is hosting a Senior Living Seminar on Monday, March 18, 2024, from 10 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The seminar is free and open to anyone planning or helping to plan senior care. This is not an open house style event. We ask attendees to register ahead of time and arrive prior to 10 a.m. to experience the entire program.
Hear from professionals in senior care with Jefferson County Office of the Aging; legal matters with Catherine Quencer from Schwerzmann & Wise; financial planning with United Professional Advisors; real estate with the Kenney Team from Keller Williams; and speak with local community agencies that offer resources such as Jefferson County of Department Social Services, Seniors Helping Seniors, North Country Library System, and more. Lunch is provided, and is sponsored by United Professional Advisors, and a tour of the Assisted Living facility at Samaritan Summit Village will be available.
Finding the right solution for long term care needs is important. Seniors and their loved ones want the right mix of services and support to preserve independence, maintain safety, and enhance quality of life. The Senior Living Seminar will provide information and resources needed to help seniors continue the lifestyle they love while providing options for the care that meets their individualized needs.
An Assisting Living program provides nursing care, home care, personal care and meals for residents that require service above and beyond what is typically provided while living in the community. Samaritan Summit Village has 120 assisted living beds and features a home-like environment that is flexible, offering a range of housing and lifestyle options for personalized care in a residential setting.
Samaritan is committed to long term care in Northern New York. Our goal is to take care of people at all stages of life, providing the most appropriate level of care for each individual’s unique medical, physical, and emotional needs.
Watertown, NY – Samaritan Auxiliary’s One Night, One Diamond will be held Saturday, March 23 from 5:30-10:30 p.m. at The Peak (formerly The Commons) on Fort Drum. Attendees will experience old Hollywood glamour and walk the red carpet to enjoy an evening of dinner, dancing, and diamonds.
Tickets are $225 per couple, which includes dinner by The Clipper Inn, dancing to the popular band ‘Atlas’, and an opportunity to win one of three exquisite lab-grown diamonds donated by Cook’s Jewelers, or a get-away package to Lake Placid’s Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa or Clayton’s 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel.
The funds raised from this year’s event will support the purchase of a UroNav Fusion Biopsy System for Samaritan’s Urology Center. This equipment gives the ability for Urologists to perform prostate biopsies in the office and provides Samaritan patients with advanced detection of prostate cancer. With the use of the UroNav Fusion Biopsy system, providers can “fuse” MRI images with real-time ultrasound images of the prostate, thus allowing for more ease in obtaining targeted biopsies of suspicious lesions in the prostate. The procedures will be resulted almost immediately, allowing for a more efficient experience for the patient.
This year’s blue diamond sponsor is Apogee Physicians. Pink diamond sponsors include Bob Johnson Auto Group, Purcell Construction, KeyBank, and Northern Credit Union. Media sponsors are the Watertown Daily Times, 7News, Tunes 92.5 and PixeLit Marketing. Other top sponsors include AmeriCu, Coca-Cola Company, Hancock Estabrook, Hospice of Jefferson County, King + King Architects, The Martin Group, Nickles Property Service, and Slack Chemical Company.
Among last year’s Auxiliary highlights, the 2023 One Night, One Diamond raised a record $125,530 and allowed for the purchase of the BioFire modules for Samaritan’s laboratory while also supporting the purchase of the Hologic Breast PACS System for Samaritan’s Women’s Wellness and Breast Care.
For tickets or more information please visit the website www.samaritanhealth.com/onod or with questions contact [email protected] or (315) 408-6475. RSVP’s with the names of attendees and date of birth, for entrance onto Fort Drum, must be received by March 8, 2024.
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About Samaritan Auxiliary: The Samaritan Auxiliary was established in 1896 to serve as ambassadors and volunteers to support and enhance healthcare programs at the House of the Good Samaritan. As a 501(c)(3) organization, the Samaritan Auxiliary is composed entirely of volunteers and plays a vital role today in improving the quality of care in the Samaritan system through volunteer activities and financial support. Since 2006 when the event began raising funds for equipment, Samaritan Auxiliary’s One Night, One Diamond proceeds have purchased nearly a million dollars in equipment for Samaritan Medical Center.
The Auxiliary operates the gift shops at the Samaritan Medical Center and Samaritan Summit Village, as well as SIPS Coffee Shop at the Medical Center. Along with Auxiliary uniform and purse sales for the staff, and membership dues, the Auxiliary proudly provides funding in support of programs, services throughout the Samaritan Health System. The Auxiliary had committed $500,000 as its most recent pledge commitment to the Capital Campaign for the Walker Center for Cancer Care, and annually provides two $1500 scholarships to Samaritan Caregivers to further their education. Additionally, the Auxiliary has continued the WHALE (We Have A Little Emergency) child safety seat ID program and That’s Using Your Head, a helmet ID safety program, in conjunction with our Kinney Drugs Foundation partner.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in every five deaths in the U.S. is from heart disease. That’s nearly 700,000 lives lost annually to a disease that continues to be the leading cause of death among men and women.
It’s an issue that’s not going away—but one we can raise awareness of and improve access and treatment for every year.
That’s why, before the start of February’s American Heart Month, Samaritan announced the recent addition of cardiology services under the Samaritan umbrella. Formerly known as Cardiology Associates of Northern New York, the newly named Samaritan Cardiology will operate within its same location to provide the best in cardiac care for those concerned about their heart health.
And partnering with Dr. James Willis, physician assistant Kate Symenow and their wonderful staff (all formerly of Cardiology Associates), patients can receive care they can trust—and depend on.
Dr. James Willis, MD, FACC
Kate Simenow, PA-C, MPAS
“This new partnership improves a valuable asset for our community,” says Tom Carman, president and CEO of Samaritan Medical Center. “Working together will allow us to do big things and provide services where they’re very much needed.”
“After considering many partners, Samaritan was selected as they are as committed to this community as I am,” Dr. Willis says. “The transition has gone smoothly, and it is evident to me that they want this to be successful.”
From preventative care to consultations, clinical services, testing and more, our cardiologists can work with patients at every stage of their cardiac needs. Through this work, diagnosis, and treatment of such conditions as coronary artery disease, hypertension, angina, and various valvular disorders are possible, and can guide these patients to more heart-healthy days ahead.
Partnering for the community
Keeping cardiology services in the north country is key to sustaining access to care, but Samaritan is also committed to engagement, education, and wares of the heart health, most notably with the local American Heart Association.
For decades Samaritan has been a partner with the local Heart Walk and hundreds of Samaritan Caregivers raising funds for the cause over the years.
Samaritan also serves as a training center for healthcare professionals based on American Heart Association course guidelines including Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support.
“Cardiac care can’t wait, hence why we are humbled to bring Samaritan Cardiology into the system, support local outreach, and train our team and the community on how to help someone in cardiac arrest,” says Carman. “There is no question how important all of these pieces are to a heart healthy community.”
Watertown, NY – Samaritan Keep Home and Samaritan Summit Village are pleased to announce the OWL award recipients for January 2024, the first recipients of this new award. The outstanding workers in long term care (OWL) award recognizes exemplary staff who support the residents, their families, and the caregivers at our long term care facilities.
Diana Sharpe, fifth floor Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at the Keep Home, and Niah Perez, first floor skilled nursing unit clerk, at Summit Village, were nominated, and selected as winners by a committee.
A co-worker nominated Sharpe and an excerpt from the January OWL award nomination, read:
“Diana goes above and beyond for all our residents. She takes pride in the care she gives. She is so genuine and kind, not only towards our residents and their family members, but to our staff members as well. She orients our new CNAs and surpasses all expectations. She is one of the reasons why SKH has value to it.”
A director of nursing nominated Perez and an excerpt the January OWL award nomination, read:
“Niah’s main priority is residents overall care and experience. Her attention to detail is outstanding. Anytime you ask Niah for anything her answer is ‘I will get that done.’ She has a positive uplifting attitude that our residents love.”
For being recognized, the OWL recipients receive a certificate, special parking spot for a month, an owl pin, special banner recognition, badge buddy, and various treats.
The OWL award will continue to be presented at each Samaritan long term care facility throughout the year, and residents, families, or colleagues can submit nominations at any time. To nominate or learn more about the OWL award, visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.
Pictured here, on left, Diana Sharpe, CNA at the Keep Home, and on right, Niah Perez, unit clerk, Summit Village, are the first two recipients of the OWL award.
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About Samaritan Keep Home
The Samaritan Keep Home is a 272-bed long term care facility connected to the Samaritan Medical Center campus in Watertown. This residential care facility provides a full range of skilled nursing assistance, rehabilitative therapies, and social and recreational activities. Our mission is to provide an atmosphere that allows our residents to thrive and remain socially active in all aspects of their lives.
About Samaritan Summit Village
At Samaritan Summit Village – Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing facilities – our team is committed to providing sophisticated senior living. Whether we’re assisting with daily chores or planning exciting group activities, we’re here to help make living easier, at a reasonable cost. The services needed by residents may vary widely, but the goal of our care is always the same: helping seniors to live exceptionally. With its amazing views, Samaritan Summitt Village overlooks Watertown, NY, and offers 120 assisted living beds, and 168 nursing home beds.
About The OWL Award
The owl is symbolic of intuition, protection, and wisdom. At Samaritan, we are all caregivers, including those who have committed to showing extraordinary compassionate care as a long term caregiver. We need each other to care for our community.
The OWL Award (Outstanding Workers in Long Term Care) was established in December 2023 and is awarded to a caregiver who has given their time and talent to the healthcare system and to our residents. The recipients have repeatedly gone above and beyond in their role to help our staff, and residents, to make our community thrive. They exemplify the HEART Values and take their role as a Samaritan Caregiver with pride.
The OWL Award complements our existing DAISY and BEE Awards for staff, and HIVE award for volunteers. Together we recognize the amazing caregivers of the Samaritan Health System and the culture we embrace.
Samaritan is pleased to announce the recent addition of cardiology services under the Samaritan Medical Practice umbrella. Samaritan Cardiology, formerly Cardiology Associates of Northern New York, will remain at its current location with the same providers, Dr. James Willis and Physician Assistant Kate Symenow. There will be very little change for current patients as the physical location, phone number and wonderful staff have not changed.
Dr. Willis, founder of Cardiology Associates, has been practicing in the region for 38 years and is committed to making sure the practice continues on as he looks forward to retirement. Samaritan and Dr. Willis came together to ensure this continuum of care will occur, as this partnership accounts for succession planning and physician recruitment. Recruitment for new cardiology specialists is underway.
“I have built this practice and care deeply for my patients, so it is my number one concern that we remain in operation,” said Dr. Willis. “After considering many partners, Samaritan was selected as they are as committed to this community as I am. The transition has gone smoothly, and it is evident to me that they want this to be successful.”
“We were not actively seeking this new partnership, but it is the right thing to do to keep this service in the community where it is very much needed,” explained Tom Carman, president and CEO of Samaritan Medical Center. “We have begun to recruit more cardiology providers to help serve the community, as there is a need and currently a long wait time for new patients.”
Samaritan has not operated an outpatient cardiology practice prior to this partnership, but has worked with local private physicians to ensure that cardiology services were available to hospital patients through on-call services in the emergency department within the scope of hospital privileges.
Current patients of Cardiology Associates will notice a change in billing, as Samaritan will assume this process. In addition, echocardiograms (echo) once offered in the cardiology office will now be performed at the Samaritan Health and Wellness Plaza, 1575 Washington St., as part of the imaging and lab services. This also means that existing Samaritan patients can have their echo done at this outpatient clinic with a provider order.
Samaritan Cardiology is located at 19436 Howell Drive, Suite A in Watertown and can be reached at 315-786-2000.
WATERTOWN, NY – Samaritan is proud to announce that Thomas H. Carman, president and CEO, has been elected as the 2024 board of trustees chair for the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS). Carman’s one-year term began on January 1, 2024. This is a volunteer board position, which compliments his role as Samaritan’s CEO.
“As a CEO in a New York State rural community, I look forward to being the chairman of the HANYS board and bringing forward the issues and advocacy efforts that will encompass the entire state, with a greater understanding of what rural hospitals face,” Carman said. “I think my experience and perspective of what I have learned over my 40+ year career in healthcare will be beneficial to many, and I look forward to leading this board as we continue to navigate the challenges of healthcare in New York State.”
Thomas H. Carman President & CEO Samaritan Medical Center
Carman has served as Samaritan’s President and CEO since 2004. Prior to joining Samaritan, Carman was with Cortland Regional Medical Center from 1997 to 2004. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and a Master’s degree in business administration from Syracuse University.
In addition to serving as HANYS 2024 board chair, Carman holds leadership roles with Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization, Vice Chair; Advocate Drum/Fort Drum Regional Liaison Organization, Past Chair; North Country Initiative, board member; Healthcare Partners of the North County, board member; Iroquois Healthcare Association, past chair; Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce, board member; and Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
About HANYS
The Healthcare Association of New York State is New York’s statewide hospital and continuing care association, representing nonprofit and public hospitals, nursing homes, home care agencies and other healthcare organizations. HANYS is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance the health of individuals and communities by providing leadership, representation and service to healthcare providers and systems across the entire continuum of care.
WATERTOWN, NY – There is an uptick in COVID-19, influenza, and other respiratory illnesses throughout the state. Following a recommendation by the New York State Department of Health, all Samaritan Health locations will now require facemasks in all patient care areas and public spaces within Samaritan facilities.
This new designation of masks-required impacts Samaritan’s outpatient locations including specialty clinics, family health centers or lab and imaging locations. The Medical Center, Walker Center for Cancer Care, Emergency Department, and our long term care facilities remain masked, too.
Thank you for your patience as we try to minimize the spread of COVID-19, influenza, and other respiratory illnesses and keep our patients, residents, visitors, and staff protected.
We will reevaluate the need for masking as positivity decreases in our community. Any further updates to this change will be added to samaritanhealth.com/news.
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, individuals are now changing jobs — or more appropriately, careers and industries — more than ever before.
Among their top reasons for switching are pursuit of a more suitable work-life balance; scheduling to better accommodate a modern world; and most importantly, the need to be part of a positive workplace culture where they feel they’re making a difference in people’s lives.
Thankfully, those at Samaritan understand this impact and appreciate the chance to be a significant part of people’s lives, every day.
“Samaritan was originally founded as a place to care for our neighbors,” says Tom Carman, president and CEO of Samaritan. “Nearly 150 years later, caring is at the heart of everything we do. Our staff feel this, and it makes work a welcoming and rewarding experience for all of us.”
Nestled within the natural beauty of Northern New York, Samaritan offers dedicated candidates rewarding career opportunities, excellent benefits and professional development, and the ability to make a real difference in healthcare throughout our surrounding communities.
Vicky Steen, a 50-year employee of the Samaritan Keep Home, said, “My favorite part of my job is that I met so many amazing staff members I also work with an awesome group of girls within my department I love to put smiles upon the residents faces and they make my day as well. It’s just a great place to work.”
Opportunities across different departments
No matter the position—from registered nurse to certified nursing assistants to environmental services or office support—everyone’s job is critical to the care of Samaritan’s patients and residents. Bound by a common set of values known as HEART (honest, empathetic, accountable, respectful, and trustworthy) values employees are dedicated, enthusiastic and truly care about making a difference—and are surrounded by others who feel the exact same way. This common focus helps to create a great place to work and practice. Our patients and residents needs drive every decision.
Candice Matthews, a 19-year employee of Samaritan Medical Center, said, “What I love about my job is everything. I love interacting with patients. I love interacting with staff. I love seeing new things and every day you learn something new or meet someone new.”
Together, they’re supported by an organization whose ongoing strategic planning drives Samaritan forward, sets the tone for future growth and development, and offers stable, market rate paying jobs with guaranteed hours —all while providing a high quality of care for the community.
“We’re looking for employees who not only want to contribute to Samaritan’s growth, but grow with us,” says Cynthia Cassell, nursing recruiter for Samaritan. “This is a place of collaboration, driven by a team togetherness that translates across all departments. People love to be a part of this, even in the bustling world of healthcare.”
Supported by superior benefits
Samaritan and its affiliates offer a robust and competitive benefits package to its employees. These packages are the finest among Northern New York businesses; and with their combination of sign-on bonuses, tuition reimbursement, comprehensive health insurance, retirement support, paid time off (PTO) and community discount programs, each are a clear reflection of how much Samaritan cares about its employees, their health and their families.
“Each benefits package was developed with our employees in mind and how best to support them both inside and outside of work,” says Chris Rowe, executive director of human resources at Samaritan. “Our caregivers are what make our care exceptional, and their well-being means everything.”
Benefits available to employees at Samaritan include:
Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
Short-term and long-term disability
401(k) retirement benefit + employer match
RN, LPN, tech retirement
Long-term sick time
Employee fitness rebate
Quit for Life smoking cessation
Aflac cancer coverage
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Tuition reimbursement
Select Loan forgiveness
QuickCharge (payroll deduction for on campus purchasing)
Encouraged to develop
Samaritan is proud to invest in the future of its employees by providing financial assistance and professional guidance to individuals interested in enhancing job knowledge or developing skills that foster growth in healthcare careers.
“One of the best ways we can support our employees is by encouraging their development,” says Rowe. “The more they can grow in their careers, the more they can accomplish for themselves, their families and our entire community. There are countless stories of employees that started in dietary and are now RNs and other roles. We helped them achieve their career goals.”
Some of the ways Samaritan helps its employees develop—and make an even bigger difference—include the following:
Tuition assistance or reimbursement – Some employees are eligible for tuition assistance or reimbursement. There are various requirements and each case may differ. Potential employees or current employees are encouraged to contact Human Resources to see if there are options available to them.
Excellence through Collaboration Education and Leadership EXCEL Program – This program is designed to cultivate promising leaders within Samaritan who create and promote an engaged workforce and a culture of excellence; and focuses on such leadership competencies as delegating responsibility, communicating with impact, and building organizational talent. Upon completion, learning to leading the Samaritan Way will enable leaders to learn practical leadership skills; provide opportunities for personal and professional growth and development; and much more.
Watertown, NY – In October, Samaritan Medical Center received an award notification for $150,000 from the Jefferson County Nonprofit COVID Recovery Program stewarded by the Northern New York Community Foundation. The program was made possible through $1 million in funding that county officials have allocated from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to help nonprofits recover and respond to the negative impacts resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.
This grant aims to support organizations heavily impacted by the pandemic’s repercussions on local nonprofits. Samaritan’s expenditure on contractors soared to historic spending levels from 2019 to 2022, and the award significantly boosts Samaritan’s efforts to recoup losses from the rise in traveling nurse contracts executed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the recovery funds, Samaritan will invest in nursing scholarship programs, and will address and alleviate the staffing crisis by hiring a clinical educator, and nurse recruiter. Collaborations with local partners are also in the works, intending to establish growth pathways in local healthcare to increase recruitment and retention efforts. These strategies not only aim to reduce the hospital’s reliance on high-cost contracted travelers but also ensure that the North Country community continues to receive quality healthcare without disruptions.
Samaritan extends its sincere thanks to both our Jefferson County governing officials and to the Northern New York Community Foundation for its role in stewarding this vital federal grant funding. Samaritan looks forward to sharing with the community the positive effects this grant funding will have on the Samaritan Health System and overall care for the community.
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