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From our Executive Director, Christine Paul:
Dear Friends and Partners, As we enter this season of reflection and gratitude, I am reminded of the strength and compassion that define our Madison County community. This year has brought both challenges and triumphs, and through it all, our shared commitment to supporting one another has never wavered.
The holidays can be a joyful time, but they can also be difficult for those facing hardship, isolation, or uncertainty. I encourage each of us to reach out to our neighbors, friends, and family members who may need a helping hand or a listening ear. Even a small gesture of kindness can make a meaningful difference.
At the Madison County Rural Health Council, we remain dedicated to improving the health and well-being of every resident, and we are grateful for the continued collaboration of our partners, volunteers, and supporters. Together, we can ensure that no one in our community feels alone during this season—or any time of the year.
Wishing you peace, warmth, and good health this December and throughout the New Year. With gratitude, Christine |
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Congratulations to our Executive Director, Christine!
We’re proud to celebrate Christine as a graduate of Cohort 11 of The Health Foundation for Western and Central New York’s Health Leadership Fellows (2024–2025).
Her commitment to advancing health leadership and strengthening our community continues to inspire us all! |
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Every gift this Giving Tuesday fuels our mission.
Your contribution directly supports our organization, allowing us to expand our impact on community health. Join us in making a meaningful difference—because every gift helps us build a healthier community together. |
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With the hustle and bustle of the holidays, take a minute for you. |
Give yourself permission to slow down, rest, and care for your well-being during this busy time of year. The holidays can be full of obligations, noise, and expectations, but it’s important to prioritize yourself too. Take moments to breathe, reflect, and do something that nourishes your body, mind, and spirit. Whether it’s a quiet walk, a warm cup of tea, reaching out to a loved one, or simply sitting in stillness, small acts of self-care can help you recharge, find balance, and truly enjoy the season. |
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November 20th was National Rural Health Day. We were able to honor the dedication, resilience, and strength of rural communities, our staff and board of directors who serve them.
National Rural Health Day is a reminder of the unique challenges faced by rural areas—like limited access to healthcare, long travel distances, and workforce shortages—and the incredible innovations and solutions communities develop to overcome them. We’re proud to support rural health initiatives that ensure everyone has access to quality care, from preventive services to mental health resources. This day is also about celebrating neighbors helping neighbors, and recognizing the partnerships that make rural communities stronger and healthier. Together, we can continue building a future where rural health is a priority, and every individual has the resources and support they need to thrive. Check out our video below to learn more about MCHRC! |
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Community Cares Cabinets Now Available in our Community |
We’re excited to share that Community Cares Cabinets are now located at the Morrisville Library, Sherburne Library, Sullivan Free Library in Chittenango and our office in Cazenovia. These pantries offer easy access to non-perishable food and hygiene essentials for anyone who may need them. A heartfelt thank-you to Preferred Mutual for generously building the four of our pantry cabinets and helping keep them stocked. Your partnership is making a meaningful difference for families across our communities.
If you’d like to contribute, donations can be made directly to one of our cabinet locations or call Ariana (315) 815-4141 email ariana@mcruralhealthcouncil.org.
All community contributions will help ensure our cabinets remain stocked for all who need them. |
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Go Madison Volunteer Transportation – November 2025 Summary
Our volunteer drivers provided 47 rides this month, covering 2,006 miles to help 26 older adults access essential appointments and services. Thank you to our dedicated volunteers for keeping our community connected. Need a ride or interested in volunteering? Contact Colleen Casler, Transportation Coordinator, at (315) 628-8372 or vtc@mcruralhealthcouncil.org. |
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Social Care Network: Here for Our Community Our Social Care Navigators, Jen and Sara, are dedicated to helping Medicaid members access free supplemental services—like nutrition support, transportation, and housing. A quick screening can uncover additional resources you may qualify for, even if your Medicaid coverage varies. Jen and Sara are here to guide, connect, and support members every step of the way—making it easier for everyone in our community to get the care and resources they need to thrive!
Contact Jennie or Sara today! |
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Jennie Tyler, Social Care Navigator 📞 315) 273-8728 (call or text) ✉️ jennie@mcruralhealthcouncil.org |
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Sara Massa, Social Care Navigator 📞 (680) 435-4114 (call or text) ✉️ sara@mcruralhealthcouncil.org |
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100 Hunting Kits Distributed So Far...Gear Up for a Safe and Cozy Hunting Season This season, we’re offering gloves, warm socks, and gun locks to youth and adults to help keep hunters protected and prepared in the field.
We are so excited that we have already provided approximately 100 kits to youth and adult hunters in our community! Limited supplies.
Contact Stephanie to learn more: 📞 (315) 313-4399 ✉️ henry.s@mcruralhealthcouncil.org |
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Support When You Need It: Help Texts This Holiday Season The holidays can bring joy—but also stress, grief, or loneliness. Help Texts offers ongoing, expert‑designed support via text messages to help you navigate difficult emotions for one-year. Sign up to receive free, personalized texts for grief, caregiving, or mental health support—right on your phone, whenever you need a small moment of comfort. This season, take care of yourself and your loved ones. |
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Stronger Minds, Healthier Communities
At MCRHC, we offer a diverse range of mental health education programs designed to raise awareness, strengthen coping and resilience skills, and reduce stigma surrounding mental health challenges. These programs are tailored for schools, businesses, and community organizations, and are accessible to both youth and adults.
By fostering understanding and providing practical tools, we aim to create healthier, more supportive communities for everyone.
For more information contact: Jamie Hagenbuch, Program Manager 📞 (315) 815-4141 ✉️ jamie@mcruralhealthcouncil.org |
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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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A Season of Support for Growing Families Welcoming a baby is a life-changing experience—and no one should face it alone. This holiday season, our community birth doulas provide continuous, compassionate support through pregnancy, labor, birth, and early postpartum. They offer comfort, encouragement, and trusted guidance to help families feel confident, cared for, and connected during this special time. 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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A Season of Care: Free End-of-Life Doula Services our end-of-life doulas are here to provide comforting, non-medical support for individuals and families navigating life’s most tender moments. With compassion, dignity, and a calming presence, they help bring peace and connection when it’s needed most. Support may include emotional care, legacy projects, and early grief support for loved ones. Services are offered at no cost to residents of Chenango, Madison, and Oneida counties. |
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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 |
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Seasonal Drivers Needed: Support Local Seniors This Winter The first snow of the 2025-2026 season has fallen, and the snowbirds are heading south. That means more Madison County residents, 60+ are in need of transportation to non-emergency medical transportation. 🚗🏥
GOMadison Volunteer Transportation is looking for seasonal volunteer drivers for the winter months. No long term commitment is required, and drivers can do just 1 trip a month and make a BIG impact in our community!💚 💙
Benefits:
✔Mileage reimbursement (non-taxable)
✔Flexible schedule
✔Make a local impact |
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Contact Donny Ybarra, Mobility Manager, to learn more about MTS, Ride-Along Options, & Transportation Support Services.
📞 (315) 366-8190 (call or text) ✉️ dymobility@gmail.com |
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Holiday Shopping Made Easy with Madison Transit System
Madison Transit System offers multiple loops that include stops at the Oneida Walmart, so riders can check off everything on their holiday shopping lists. Oneida Walmart included:
- Daily on the Oneida Loop
- Weekly (Thursdays) on the Oneida Loop- Canastota Ext.
- Weekly (Tuesdays) from the Community View & Cedar Street Apartments in Morrisville, and the Stoneleigh Apartments in Canastota. |
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Food Pantries and Community Meal Programs Serving Madison County
Food Pantries and Community Meal Programs serving Madison County residents. |
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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. |
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