Samaritan Medical Center Archives

October 19, 2026

Samaritan Medical Center and Saint Agatha Foundation Celebrate New Breast Cancer Screening Technology with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

New Technology Expands Access to Advanced Breast Cancer Detection in Upstate New York

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center and Saint Agatha Foundation have unveiled a state-of-the art Contrast-Enhanced Mammography (CEM) diagnostic system for Samaritan’s Women’s Wellness and Breast Care (WWBC). The installation was commemorated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 15.

The new CEM system, made possible by a $575,000 grant from Saint Agatha Foundation in July, will considerably expand access to advanced breast cancer diagnostics for Northern New York patients. As a next-generation imaging tool, CEM machines can highlight areas of increased blood flow, a common characteristic of cancer. This allows physicians to more accurately detect early signs of the disease.

“At Saint Agatha Foundation, we believe that everyone deserves the right to advanced breast cancer care, no matter where they live,” said Saint Agatha Foundation’s Board President Kathleen Mezzalingua. “Today, we helped further that cause by bringing CEM to Samaritan, giving patients in the North Country greater access to advanced breast cancer care closer to home.”

In addition to cancer detection, CEM can also help monitor tumor response to chemotherapy, tracking if a tumor shrinks, remains stable, or progresses. These readings provide critical information to help guide patient treatment decisions. While CEM provides a comparable sensitivity to MRI, it also offers greater specificity, reducing the need for unnecessary biopsies.

“For people facing a potential breast cancer diagnosis, timely access to advanced imaging can make all the difference,” said Samaritan Breast Radiologist Dr. Kelly McAlarney. “This technology will allow us to detect breast cancer more accurately and make more informed treatment decisions. Thanks to Saint Agatha Foundation’s generosity, we can now offer this level of care right here in Watertown, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances and ensuring more people across the region can access the care they need, when they need it.”

The installation could not come at a more critical time for Northern New York. Although breast cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of the disease for women in the state, access to advanced imaging in the North County is limited. Travel to medical centers can create significant barriers to care, including transportation costs, weather-related challenges, and insurance limitations.

“Previously, the nearest CEM systems were located in major metropolitan areas like Syracuse, Rochester, and New York City,” shared Dr. Stephen Montgomery, Director Emeritus of Crouse Hospital’s breast imaging program, who attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “Patients unable to undergo or tolerate a breast MRI can now access alternatives directly in their county, never too far from the places and people they love. Saint Agatha Foundation makes these changes possible, helping healthcare become more equitable for all.”

With the WWBC performing nearly 55 mammograms every day, the new CEM system will help meet the demand for advanced breast cancer imaging in an underserved region. This installation not only strengthens Samaritan’s exceptional care options but advances equitable access to quality breast cancer care for rural communities across New York.

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Samaritan Medical Center President & CEO Thomas Carman.

About Saint Agatha Foundation
Saint Agatha Foundation was founded in 2004 to provide support, comfort and care to breast cancer patients. We help individuals, particularly the under-insured and uninsured, in the Central New York area by providing financial assistance to cover a range of costs for treatment and recovery. Learn more about Saint Agatha Foundation’s resources for patients and funding opportunities for providers: www.saintagathafoundation.org

About Samaritan Medical Center
Samaritan Medical Center is a 290-bed not-for-profit community medical center, offering a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services. From primary and emergency care to highly specialized medical and surgical services, such as cancer treatment, neonatal intensive care, behavioral health and addiction services, and imaging services, Samaritan Medical Center and its team of healthcare professionals proudly serves the medical needs of our civilian and military community. Quality, compassion, and safety are the basic principles by which exceptional care is delivered at Samaritan.

October 2, 2026October 2, 2026

Adams Family Health Center Set to Host 10-Year Anniversary Celebration

A flyer to promote the Adams Family Health Center's 10-year anniversary

Milestone event held in collaboration with Six Town Chamber of Commerce

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Health, the Six Town Chamber of Commerce and Samaritan’s Adams Family Health Center invite the public to join us for an anniversary celebration of 10 years of serving the local community through the clinic. The event will take place during the Six Town Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours on Wednesday, October 14 from 5 – 7 p.m. at the health center, located at 10881 US Route 11 in Adams.

During this important milestone event, guests will be invited to tour the facility, meet the Samaritan team, be entered for door prizes, and enjoy appetizers from Embellished Catering and Events — another Six Town area staple — as we celebrate a decade of quality healthcare in the community.

“For the past decade, we have had the privilege of caring for our neighbors, building lasting relationships, and helping ensure quality healthcare is accessible in our community,” said Elizabeth Testani, Vice President of Outpatient Services. “We’re grateful to our patients, community partners, and team members who have been part of this journey, and we look forward to continuing to serve and grow alongside this community for many years to come. We invite everyone to join us as we celebrate this special occasion.”

The Adams Family Health Center offers primary care for patients of all ages, from newborns to senior citizens. Other services offered include laboratory, X-ray, behavioral health, gynecology, osteopathic manipulative treatment, and dermatology.

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September 22, 2026September 22, 2026

Recipients of 2026 Susan Peters Nurse Practitioner Scholarships Announced

Watertown, NY — Samaritan Medical Center Foundation of Northern New York is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Susan Peters Scholarship: Ashlie Machnaigh and Charlotte Beach, registered nurses in Samaritan’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Machnaigh and Beach are both pursuing their Family Nurse Practitioner degrees.

The Susan Peters Nursing Scholarship was established in 2018 to help cover education costs for registered nurses who are continuing their education, specifically to pursue nurse practitioner degrees. The scholarship awards two $2,000 scholarships each year.

Mrs. Peters graduated from the former House of the Good Samaritan School of Nursing and retired from Samaritan Medical Center as a Certified Oncology Nurse. Prior to that, she served as a staff RN and for more than 20 years as a Nurse Manager of Medical/Surgical, Orthopedic, and Alternate Level of Care Units. Susan passed away in 2020.

Nurse Practitioners can provide many of the same services as physicians, including developing treatment plans for their patients, ordering tests, performing minor procedures, and prescribing medication.

For more information, please contact the Samaritan Medical Center Foundation at 315-785-4584, visit samaritanhealth.com/scholarships, or email [email protected].

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From left: Ashlie Machnaigh, RN, and Charlotte Beach, RN, are the recipients of the 2026 Susan Peters Nurse Practitioner Scholarship.

September 17, 2026September 17, 2026

July 2026 DAISY® and BEE Award Recipients

graphic showing July 2026 DAISY and BEE Award winners

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for July 2026. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® honors exceptional nursing staff, while the BEE Award recognizes other outstanding team members who demonstrate excellence every day, both at the hospital and in outpatient clinics.

Brooke Parrow, Registered Nurse, was honored with the July DAISY Award. She was recognized for providing exceptional support and compassionate care to a patient who was anxious about an upcoming procedure. Knowing the patient needed a familiar and reassuring presence, Parrow dedicated her personal time to offering comfort and encouragement throughout the experience. Her commitment to patient-centered care and her compassion serve as an inspiring example of nursing excellence.

The DAISY Award is an international award, backed by The DAISY Foundation. As a DAISY Award honoree, Parrow received a certificate of recognition, a DAISY Award pin, and the “A Healer’s Touch” sculpture—hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of the sculpture has been installed in Samaritan’s Healing Gardens to honor all current and future DAISY and BEE Award winners, funded by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

Joshua McArdell, Central Staff Scheduler, received the July BEE Award. Nominated by a co-worker, McArdell was highlighted for the small acts of kindness he demonstrates every day. From helping colleagues and patients to helping wherever it is needed, he embodies compassion and professionalism in all he does. His ability to make even the most challenging situations feel manageable has a positive impact on everyone around him. Josh’s dedication, reliability, and commitment to our HEART values make him an invaluable member of our team.

McArdell received a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with tokens of appreciation.

These awards are presented year-round, and patients, families, and colleagues are encouraged to submit nominations at any time. To make a nomination or learn more about the DAISY and BEE Awards, visit samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.

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**Samaritan’s July 2026 DAISY Award recipient Brooke Parrow, RN (left), and July 2026 BEE Award recipient Joshua McArdell, Central Staff Scheduler.**

About Samaritan Medical Center
Samaritan Medical Center (Watertown, New York) is a 290-bed not-for-profit community medical center, offering a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services. From primary and emergency care to highly specialized medical and surgical services, such as cancer treatment, neonatal intensive care, behavioral health and addiction services, and imaging services, Samaritan Medical Center and its team of healthcare professionals proudly serves the medical needs of our civilian and military community. Quality, compassion, and safety are the basic principles by which exceptional care is delivered at Samaritan.

About The DAISY Foundation
The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. In addition to the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, the Foundation expresses gratitude to the nursing profession internationally in over 3,900 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing with recognition of direct care Nurses, Nurse-led Teams, Nurse Leaders, Nursing Faculty, Nursing Students, through the J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects and for nurses participating in medical missions. More information is available at http://www.DAISYfoundation.org.

September 1, 2026September 1, 2026

Samaritan Announces ELM Award Recipient for Second Quarter of 2026

graphic showing photos of Tina O'Neil, ELM Award winner

Watertown, NY — Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to present the quarterly ELM Award for Exceptional Leaders and Managers, honoring outstanding leadership across the organization. The second recipient for 2026—and the program’s fourth overall honoree—is Tina O’Neil, LCSW-R, OSW-C, Director of Mental Health Services.

A Samaritan employee since 2012, O’Neil was nominated by multiple employees who praised her exceptional leadership, professionalism and unwavering commitment to those around her. Colleagues described her as intelligent, thoughtful and dependable, with a remarkable ability to remain calm and composed even in the most challenging and high-pressure situations.

Her steady presence provides reassurance to employees during times of crisis, while her knowledge and sound judgment help guide teams through difficult circumstances. Beyond her professional expertise, O’Neil is recognized for the respect and confidence she inspires in others. Her nominators expressed sincere gratitude for the way she leads, communicates and supports those around her, noting that she consistently demonstrates the qualities of an exceptional leader.

Through her actions she has made a lasting difference at Samaritan.

O’Neil was presented with the ELM Award on August 19 and was celebrated by her co-workers and family.

The ELM Award honors exceptional Samaritan leaders and managers who exemplify the organization’s HEART values—honesty, empathy, accountability, respect, and trust. Unlike the DAISY, BEE, or OWL Awards, which recognize those in direct patient or resident care roles, the ELM Award celebrates leaders who support care indirectly through their leadership.

These individuals foster safe, supportive environments for staff, uphold quality standards, manage resources responsibly, and cultivate teamwork, resilience, and recognition. They create settings where compassion thrives, enabling staff to treat patients, residents, and families with dignity and respect. Nominated by staff or peers, ELM Award recipients have served Samaritan for at least one year and, like the strong and adaptable elm tree, demonstrate resilience, growth, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous learning. The ELM is a quarterly award.

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portrait of Tina O'Neil, ELM Award winner — *ELM Award recipient Tina O’Neil, LCSW-R, OSW-C, Director of Mental Health Services*

About Samaritan Medical Center

Samaritan Medical Center (Watertown, New York) is a 290-bed, not-for-profit community medical center, offering a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services. From primary and emergency care to highly specialized medical and surgical services—such as cancer treatment, neonatal intensive care, behavioral health and addiction services, and imaging services—Samaritan Medical Center and its team of healthcare professionals proudly serve the medical needs of our civilian and military communities. Quality, compassion and safety are the basic principles that guide the exceptional care delivered at Samaritan.

August 18, 2026August 18, 2026

Samaritan Medical Center Foundation Awarded $575,000 Grant to Bring Expanded Breast Imaging Technology to the North Country

Photo of a tech with a mammogram patient at Women's Wellness and Breast Care

Contrast-Enhanced Mammography system expected to be installed by the end of the year

WATERTOWN, NY — Samaritan Medical Center Foundation was recently awarded a $575,000 grant from the Saint Agatha Foundation to purchase a state-of-the-art Contrast-Enhanced Mammography (CEM) diagnostic system for the Samaritan Women’s Wellness and Breast Care Center (WWBC). The new equipment, which is expected to be installed by the end of the year, will significantly expand access to advanced breast cancer diagnostics for patients throughout Northern New York.

The award is part of the Saint Agatha Foundation’s record-breaking $2.3 million investment announced last week, providing funding to eight healthcare partners to improve breast cancer care across Central New York, including Broome, Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland, Jefferson, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Otsego, Oswego, St. Lawrence, and Tompkins counties.

“The donation from Saint Agatha Foundation enables Samaritan to continue to lead local breast care with the purchase of our first Contrast-Enhanced Mammography equipment,” said Thomas H. Carman, President and CEO of Samaritan Medical Center. “This important diagnostic tool is another way we can find breast cancer faster and lead to treatment more effectively. There are so many medical advancements in early cancer detection, and Saint Agatha Foundation has removed a huge barrier of cost for Samaritan to continue to build our equipment, strengthen our breast care team, and help our patients.”

The CEM system is a next-generation imaging technology that improves cancer detection by highlighting areas of increased blood flow, a common characteristic of breast cancer. The technology offers sensitivity comparable to breast MRI while providing higher specificity, helping reduce unnecessary biopsies. It also serves as an important alternative for patients who cannot undergo or tolerate a breast MRI. In addition to improving cancer detection, CEM allows physicians to monitor how tumors respond to chemotherapy by showing whether a tumor is shrinking, remaining stable, or progressing, which is critical information for guiding treatment decisions and improving patient outcomes.

The investment comes at an important time for the North Country. Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers among women in New York State, with approximately 16,700 women diagnosed and 2,500 deaths each year, according to the New York State Department of Health. Several counties within Samaritan’s service area experience breast cancer incidence rates above the state average. Between 2018 and 2022, Hamilton County recorded the highest incidence rate in New York State at 168.2 cases per 100,000 residents, while Lewis County and Jefferson County also exceeded the statewide average of 135.5 cases per 100,000 residents.

Despite this need, access to contrast-enhanced mammography remains extremely limited across Northern New York, with the nearest systems primarily located in metropolitan areas such as Syracuse, Rochester, and New York City. For many North Country residents, traveling for advanced imaging presents significant challenges due to distance, winter weather, transportation limitations, and potential insurance barriers. These obstacles can delay diagnosis and treatment.

The Samaritan Women’s Wellness and Breast Care Center provides a comprehensive range of women’s health services, including specialized pregnancy care, gynecologic services, breast imaging, same-day diagnostic interpretations, and breast cancer care. The center’s multidisciplinary team includes a fellowship-trained breast radiologist and Dr. Michael Peyser, the region’s only breast surgical oncologist, who joined Samaritan in February 2025.

Currently, WWBC performs approximately 55 mammograms each day using three mammography units. The center is also the only facility in Jefferson County offering breast MRI services. The addition of CEM technology will further strengthen Samaritan’s ability to provide comprehensive breast cancer care close to home, reducing the need for patients to travel outside the region for advanced diagnostic imaging while supporting faster diagnoses and more coordinated treatment.

August 6, 2026August 6, 2026

June 2026 DAISY® and BEE Award Recipients

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for June 2026. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® honors exceptional nursing staff, while the BEE Award recognizes other outstanding team members who demonstrate excellence every day, both at the hospital and in outpatient clinics.

Matt Sheldon, a Registered Nurse at Samaritan Medical Center, was honored with the June DAISY Award. Sheldon was recognized by a patient for his compassionate care while floating in the Progressive Care Unit. The patient noted Sheldon’s commitment to keeping them involved in their plan of care, thoroughly explaining medications and treatments provided. These acts helped the patient feel well cared for.

The DAISY Award is an international award, backed by The DAISY Foundation. As a DAISY Award honoree, Sheldon received a certificate of recognition, a DAISY Award pin, and the “A Healer’s Touch” sculpture — hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of the sculpture has been installed in Samaritan’s Healing Gardens to honor all current and future DAISY and BEE Award winners, funded by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

Suellen Teske, Human Resources Assistant, received the June BEE Award. Nominated by multiple coworkers, Teske has been recognized for helping people every day. One nominator said, “Colleagues know they can rely on Suellen for guidance, assistance, and encouragement. Suellen’s positive attitude, commitment to helping others, and dedication to Samaritan’s staff make a meaningful difference every day.”

Teske received a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with tokens of appreciation.

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Above: Samaritan’s June 2026 DAISY Award recipient Matt Sheldon, RN, and June 2026 BEE Award recipient Suellen Teske, Human Resources Assistant.

About Samaritan Medical Center
Samaritan Medical Center (Watertown, New York) is a 290-bed not-for-profit community medical center, offering a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services. From primary and emergency care to highly specialized medical and surgical services, such as cancer treatment, neonatal intensive care, behavioral health and addiction services, and imaging services, Samaritan Medical Center and its team of healthcare professionals proudly serve the medical needs of our civilian and military community. Quality, compassion, and safety are the basic principles by which exceptional care is delivered at Samaritan.

July 9, 2026August 6, 2026

Samaritan Medical Center Once Again Nationally Recognized for Commitment to Excellence in Stroke Care

The American Heart Association presents Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus award for demonstrating commitment to delivering evidence-based, life-saving stroke care

Watertown, NY — Samaritan Medical Center has once again received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring people experiencing stroke receive timely, appropriate treatment based on nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately helping to save lives and reduce disability.

Get With The Guidelines brings the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association into hospitals nationwide, ensuring patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. Get With The Guidelines – Stroke is an in-hospital program designed to improve stroke care through consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize long-term effects of stroke and help prevent death.

Stroke is the number four cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S, according to the American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Report. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain is blocked by a clot or ruptures, preventing blood and oxygen from reaching brain tissue. When this happens, brain cells begin to die. Early detection and rapid treatment are critical to improving survival, minimizing disability and supporting faster recovery.

“At Samaritan Medical Center, we are committed to providing the highest quality stroke care by ensuring every patient receives timely, evidence-based treatment when every minute matters,” said Samaritan President and CEO Thomas Carman. “Receiving this recognition from the American Heart Association reflects the dedication of our physicians, nurses, EMS partners and clinical teams, who put proven science into practice every day. By adhering to the latest treatment guidelines, we’re helping improve outcomes, reduce disability and give more patients the opportunity to recover and return home to their families.”

Each year, participating hospitals qualify for this award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality stroke care. In addition to following clinical treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also provide education to help people manage their recovery and ongoing health at home.

This year, Samaritan also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes™ Honor Roll award. Target: Type 2 Diabetes aims to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke.

“We are proud to recognize Samaritan Medical Center for its commitment to caring for people experiencing stroke,” said Steven Messe, M.D., volunteer chair of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group. “Participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, including greater likelihood of being discharged home, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates — a meaningful benefit for health care systems, families and communities.”

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July 9, 2026

May 2026 DAISY® and BEE Award Recipients

graphic showing Samaritan Medical Center's May 2026 recipients of the DAISY and BEE awards.

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for May 2026. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® honors exceptional nursing staff, while the BEE Award recognizes other outstanding team members who demonstrate excellence every day, both at the hospital and in outpatient clinics.

Chastity Davis, an RN in Interventional Radiology at Samaritan Medical Center, was honored with the May DAISY Award. Nominated by Dr. Russell Reeves, Davis was recognized for her extraordinary compassion, exceptional care, and unwavering dedication to ensuring every patient receives safe, high-quality care. Her commitment to honoring each person’s cultural background and individual needs exemplifies the compassion and excellence that define Samaritan’s nursing team.

The DAISY Award is an international award, backed by The DAISY Foundation. As a DAISY Award honoree, Davis received a certificate of recognition, a DAISY Award pin, and the “A Healer’s Touch” sculpture — hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of the sculpture has been installed in Samaritan’s Healing Gardens to honor all current and future DAISY and BEE Award winners, funded by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

Douglas Collins II, Information Technology Systems Analyst, received the May BEE Award. Nominated by multiple coworkers, Collins was recognized for his outstanding dedication and commitment to excellence during and after the transition to a new Human Resources Information System. His colleagues praised his attention to detail, responsiveness and positive attitude, noting that he approaches every question with enthusiasm and a genuine willingness to help. His exceptional support and teamwork have made a lasting impact on caregivers across the organization.

Collins received a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with tokens of appreciation.

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Above: Samaritan’s May 2026 DAISY Award recipient Chastity Davis, RN, and May 2026 BEE Award recipient Douglas Collins II, Information Technology Systems Analyst.

About Samaritan Medical Center
Samaritan Medical Center (Watertown, New York) is a 290-bed not-for-profit community medical center, offering a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services. From primary and emergency care to highly specialized medical and surgical services, such as cancer treatment, neonatal intensive care, behavioral health and addiction services, and imaging services, Samaritan Medical Center and its team of healthcare professionals proudly serve the medical needs of our civilian and military community. Quality, compassion, and safety are the basic principles by which exceptional care is delivered at Samaritan.

July 8, 2026July 9, 2026

Samaritan Medical Center Receives Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Health and Wellness Award for North Country Lung Health Equity Initiative

image of a provider looking at CT scans of the lung for lung cancer screening

Watertown, NY — Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has awarded Samaritan Medical Center a Health and Wellness Award to launch the North Country Lung Health Equity Initiative, expanding access to potentially lifesaving lung cancer screenings for individuals who are at elevated risk but do not meet current insurance eligibility requirements.

Through the initiative, Samaritan Medical Center will partner with the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center Mobile Lung Screening Unit to host free low-dose CT lung cancer screening events throughout the North Country. By bringing the mobile screening unit directly into North Country communities, the program will reduce travel barriers often faced by rural residents while expanding access to preventive care.

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in New York State, with approximately 14,000 new cases and nearly 7,000 deaths each year according to the New York State Department of Health. Yet only about 22% of high-risk individuals receive recommended screening. While recent legislation has expanded insurance coverage for many screenings, eligibility is still largely based on age and smoking history, leaving some individuals with significant occupational or environmental exposures without access to covered screening.

“Early detection is one of the most effective tools we have in the fight against lung cancer,” said Samaritan President and CEO Thomas Carman. “We are grateful to Excellus BlueCross BlueShield for investing in the health of our community. This initiative will help remove financial and geographic barriers to screening, ensuring more North Country residents have access to early detection and the opportunity for better health outcomes.”

Evidence shows that annual low-dose CT screening for individuals at high risk can reduce lung cancer mortality by up to 20% through earlier detection and treatment. In Jefferson County and the surrounding North Country region, community health data highlights additional risk factors and disparities. According to the Jefferson County Community Health Assessment, approximately 18% of adults report cigarette use—higher than the New York State average—and nicotine use is more common among lower-income residents and those experiencing financial insecurity.

This grant will fund approximately 58 free screenings for individuals whose risk factors fall outside current insurance criteria, including first responders, firefighters, law enforcement personnel, factory workers, and others with exposure to smoke, hazardous materials, or other carcinogens. Funding will also support community education and outreach efforts to raise awareness of lung cancer risk factors, screening opportunities, and available follow-up resources.

Samaritan will promote the initiative through healthcare providers, community organizations, public safety agencies, local media, and its digital platforms to reach eligible individuals throughout the region. The North Country Lung Health Equity Initiative reflects Samaritan Medical Center’s ongoing commitment to improving access to preventive healthcare and reducing health disparities across the communities it serves.

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New Technology Expands Access to Advanced Breast Cancer Detection in Upstate New York

Milestone event held in collaboration with Six Town Chamber of Commerce

Contrast-Enhanced Mammography system expected to be installed by the end of the year

The American Heart Association presents Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus award for demonstrating commitment to delivering evidence-based, life-saving stroke care

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