Fulton – In Oswego County there are dozens of agencies offering more than 70 health and human services programs. With that many options it can be difficult for professionals in the health and human services sector to keep abreast of all of these programs and how to help their consumers access them.
In an effort to alleviate that challenge the Rural Health Network of Oswego County and the Oswego County Division of Mental Hygiene partnered to present a Community Provider Expo. The event, which was open to all Health and Human Services agencies serving Oswego County, hosted 49 agencies and attracted over 180 providers.
“This was the largest event of its kind in Oswego County” said Oswego County Opportunities (OCO) Coordinator of Community Health Joelle Hutson. “We’ve had smaller ‘Getting to Know You’ events in the past. While those were successful, I continued to hear from professionals that there was a need to have a venue where they could learn about all of the services available. There is a sense that a lack of knowledge was an issue when it came to health equity. Having a thorough understanding of the services that are available allows providers to offer a higher level of service to the individuals and families they are working with.”
The tabling event had representatives from each presenting agency disseminating information regarding the programs the agency offers; how to best access them; and how the program benefits consumers. Additionally, a number of agency representatives addressed the attendees and shared information regarding their programs and services.
“It was a great success,” said Hutson. “We had positive feedback from both the participating agencies and those that attended. They appreciated the opportunity to network with their peers and discover the many health and human services programs available. ”
“I’m proud to have offered an event of this magnitude to the professionals in our community who needed it most,” added Hutson. “I’m also grateful to the Division of Mental Hygiene for the support and guidance I received from Nicole Kolmsee, Cathy Livoti-Rice, & their teams during the planning process & the day of the event. The Community Provider Expo also gave us the opportunity to show our appreciation and celebrate the work that our providers do as we presented them with fresh carnations, worry stones to relieve stress, positive affirmation cards, and door prizes from several local businesses. It was a great event, and plans are already underway for next year.”
Operating under the auspices of Oswego County Opportunities, Inc., (OCO), the Rural Health Network of Oswego County is a consortium of health care providers and human service providers in Oswego County. Working together the members take a collaborative approach to addressing major health issues that exist in Oswego County.
For more information on the Rural Health Network of Oswego County, contact Joelle Hutson at 680-269-0907 or visit www.rhnoc.org. RHN is also on Facebook and can be found by searching ‘OCO- Rural Health Network of Oswego County’.
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