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From our Executive Director, Christine Paul:
Dear Friends and Partners As we near the end of another incredible year, I am filled with gratitude and pride for all that we’ve accomplished together at the Madison County Rural Health Council. Our team continues to grow—not only in size but in spirit, dedication, and the impact we make across our community. Each new staff member brings fresh ideas, compassion, and a shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of every person in Madison County.
This year, our team has gone above and beyond to expand programs, strengthen partnerships, and meet the evolving needs of our neighbors. From supporting families through health initiatives to connecting individuals with vital community resources, the heart of our work remains the same—building a healthier, stronger Madison County for all.
As the winter season approaches, we are thrilled to launch our 5th Annual Hat & Mitten Drive. We invite everyone to join us in keeping our community warm by donating new hats, mittens, gloves, and scarves. Every item collected will go directly to those who need it most, and your generosity truly makes a difference.
At the same time, we recognize that many in our community continue to face challenges—from financial hardship to health struggles. Please know that the Madison County Rural Health Council is here for you. Whether you need assistance, connection to resources, or simply someone to listen, our doors are always open.
Together, we can continue to lift one another up and ensure that no one faces these challenges alone. Thank you for being a part of our mission and for the care you show every day. With gratitude, Christine |
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From left to right: Jennie Tyler, Social Care Navigator, Jamie Hagenbuch, Program Manager for MHFA, Sara Massa, Social Care Navigator, Christine Paul, Executive Director, Stephanie Henry, Director of Community Health, Colleen Casler, Transportation Coordinator, Ariana Hilliard, Community Engagement Specialist, Donny Ybarra, Mobility Manager. |
Holiday Mental Health Support
The holidays can be joyful—but also stressful and isolating for many. Calm Health reminds employers to support staff well-being this season by offering flexible schedules, inclusive celebrations, and open conversations about mental health. Encouraging balance and sharing available resources can help everyone feel supported through the holidays. |
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November is American Diabetes Month!
MCRHC is excited to announce that we are partnering with scientists at the Bassett Research Institute to reimagine diabetes prevention efforts in rural communities.
Using a novel community-driven decision-making process, the research goal is to demonstrate that fit-for-place innovations, generated locally with a place-based understanding of local assets, will lead to improved health outcomes for populations
at risk for diabetes.
The research is currently in its formative phase. MCRHC will be facilitating several activities in the upcoming months to understand the current diabetes prevention landscape in the study communities. These activities include community-wide
surveys, community meetings, interviews, and focus groups. The research is funded by the National Institute of Nursing Research, part of the National Institutes of Health. |
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Food Pantries and Community Meal Programs Serving Madison County
During this challenging time, we wanted to share our most current list of Food Pantries and Community Meal Programs serving Madison County residents. |
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Social Care Network: Here for the Community Our Social Care Navigators, Jen and Sara, help Medicaid members access free supplemental services—like nutrition support, transportation, and housing. A quick screening can reveal the additional services you may qualify for, even if your Medicaid coverage varies. Jen and Sara would love to connect and share more about the Social Care Network—making it easier for Medicaid members to get the support they need. Contact Jennie or Sara today! Jennie Tyler: 📞 315) 273-8728 (call or text) ✉️ jennie@mcruralhealthcouncil.org
Sara Massa 📞 (680) 435-4114 (call or text) ✉️ sara@mcruralhealthcouncil.org |
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GMVT Reports Record Setting Month!
Through the incredible dedication and passion of 16 volunteer drivers, our GoMadison Volunteer Transportation provided a record setting number of rides, miles driven, and seniors served in October. Our drivers drove 28 seniors to 69 medical appointments in Central New York, and accumulated 2,381 miles; that's the equivalent driving round-trip from Cazenovia to Memphis, Tennessee!
Volunteer drivers provide more than a ride— they bring connection, independence, and peace of mind.
Benefits:
✔Mileage reimbursement
✔Flexible schedule
✔Make a local impact
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Interested in joining our amazing volunteer driver team!?
Contact Colleen Casler Transportation Coordinator 📞 (315) 628-8372 (call or text) ✉️ vtc@mcruralhealthcouncil.org |
Hunting season is here! If you’re a hunting family, business, or organization, we’ve got you covered with gloves, socks, and gun locks to help keep you warm and safe this season.
Contact Stephanie to learn more: 📞 (315) 313-4399 ✉️ henry.s@mcruralhealthcouncil.org |
For more information contact: Jamie Hagenbuch, Program Manager 📞 (315) 815-4141 ✉️ jamie@mcruralhealthcouncil.org |
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Mental Health Programs for the Community
At MCRHC, we offer a variety of mental health education programs designed to build awareness, strengthen skills, and reduce stigma. These programs are available to schools, businesses, and community organizations—for both youth and adults.
For more information contact: Jamie Hagenbuch, Program Manager 📞 (315) 815-4141 ✉️ jamie@mcruralhealthcouncil.org |
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Support at Your Fingertips
Help Texts delivers a year of expert mental health and grief support straight to your phone—offering comfort, tips, and resources when you need them most. Free and confidential through MCRHC. |
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For more information contact: Stephanie Henry, Director of Community Health 📞 (315) 313-4399 ✉️ henry.s@mcruralhealthcouncil.org |
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Support for Families: Community Birth Doula Services Welcoming a baby is life-changing—and no one should do it alone. Community birth doulas provide continuous, compassionate support through pregnancy, labor, birth, and early postpartum. They offer comfort, encouragement, and reliable information to help families feel confident and cared for. Services are free for eligible families in Chenango, Madison, Oneida and Onondaga counties. |
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For more information contact: Stephanie Henry, Director of Community Health 📞 (315) 313-4399 ✉️ henry.s@mcruralhealthcouncil.org |
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Compassionate Support When It Matters Most
Free End-of-Life Doula Services End-of-life doulas offer non-medical, holistic support for individuals and families during the final stages of life—providing comfort, guidance, and a calming presence with compassion and dignity. Support may include emotional care, legacy projects, and early grief support for loved ones. Services are free for residents of Chenango, Madison, and Oneida counties. |
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For more information call:
Colleen Casler, Transportation Coordinator 📞 (315) 628-8372 (call or text) ✉️vtc@mcruralhealthcouncil.org |
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November is National Family Caregivers Month. Our GOMadison Volunteer Transportation program offers caregivers an option to enroll their Madison County senior (60+) for transportation to non-emergency, medical appointments. Rides are at no cost to the rider, and appointment types include all types of physicians, vision, dental, physical therapy, and pharmacy visits. This program helps caregivers balance their busy schedules, while allowing older adults to remain connected, supported, and independent. |
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Need a Ride? We’ve Got You Covered! Madison County Rural Health Council offers two programs to help residents get where they need to go: Mobility Management – Personalized travel planning and guidance to make getting around easier. Volunteer Transportation – Free rides to medical appointments for residents 60 and older who are not eligible for Medicaid. Reach out to Donny or Colleen today to learn more or schedule a ride! Donny Ybarra, Mobility Manager
📞 (315) 366-8190 | ✉️ dymobility@gmail.com Colleen Casler, Transportation Coordinator
📞 (315) 628-8372 ✉️ vtc@mcruralhealthcouncil.org |
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For any questions or help with using the Madison Transit System Contact: Donny Ybarra, Mobility Manager 📞 (315) 366-8190 ✉️ dymobility@gmail.com |
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