Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.9, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Columbia County Community Healthcare Consortium, Inc. improving access to healthcare and supporting the health and well-being of people in our rural community. ## Posts - [January — Preventing Cervical Cancer: The Importance of Screenings and Vaccinations](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/FYH-January-2026-Cervical-Cancer.pdf) - [December — Making Connections to Care with CARTS](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/December-2025-Making-Connections-to-Care-with-CARTS-pdf.pdf) - [November — Celebrating the Power of Rural this National Rural Health Day](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/November-2025-Celebrate-the-Power-of-Rural.pdf) - [October — This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Learn the Signs and Schedule Your Screenings](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/October-2025-Breast-Cancer-Awareness-Month.pdf) - [September — Be Part of the Effort to Prevent Suicide](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/September-2025-Suicide-Prevention-Month-.pdf) - [July — Staying Safe in the Summer Heat](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/For-Your-Health-Staying-Safe-in-Summer-Heat-2.pdf) - [August — Get Your Students Ready for School with Vaccinations](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/August-2025-Immunization-Month.pdf) - [June — NY Connects in Greene County](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/For-Your-Health-NY-Connects-in-Greene-County.pdf) - [May — Preventing Tick-Borne Diseases](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/For-Your-Health-Preventing-Tick-Borne-Diseases.pdf) - [April — Managing Allergies this Spring](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/For-Your-Health-Allergies.pdf) - [March — Restoring Your Sleep](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/For-Your-HealthRestoring-Your-Sleep.pdf) - [February — Love Your Heart](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/For-Your-Health-Love-Your-Heart.pdf) - [January — The Link Between Alcohol and Cancer](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/For-Your-Health-Health-Alcohol-and-Cancer.pdf) - [November — Health for Rural People and Places](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/For-Your-Health-Health-for-Rural-People-and-Places.pdf) - [October — New York State of Health Open Enrollment Approaching](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/For-Your-Health-New-York-State-of-Health-open-enrollment-approaching.pdf) - [May - Indestructible Vapes: A Problem in More Ways than One](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/May-—-Indestructible-Vapes.pdf) - [July — Summer Health for Seniors](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/July-—-Summer-Health-for-Seniors.pdf) - [April - CARTS: Connecting You to Care](https://www.hudsonvalley360.com/opinion/columnists/for-your-health-for-april-16-2024/article_17e93146-ed2c-11ee-804a-17f52a8fdd18.html) - [March - How Social Isolation is a Public Health Problem We Can Solve](https://www.hudsonvalley360.com/opinion/columnists/for-your-health-for-april-2-2024/article_630ca294-ed2b-11ee-8161-2f171a7f5937.html) - [January - How big tobacco markets to youth on screens big and small](https://www.hudsonvalley360.com/opinion/columnists/for-your-health-how-big-tobacco-markets-to-youth-on-screens-big-and-small/article_de1e6822-c077-11ee-9605-37c3b4149c6e.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-share) - [December - Rurality and health](https://www.hudsonvalley360.com/opinion/columnists/for-your-health-rurality-and-health/article_66caf48b-bd43-5778-aaa6-d514a5fc81e2.html?fbclid=IwAR0eldRP8zFBlwgti2ihNFBLFXrxgPt6Tv4ypw6Brbx6f6x797Jp-vrTtSE) - [November - Treating tobacco dependence](https://www.hudsonvalley360.com/opinion/columnists/for-your-health-treating-tobacco-dependence/article_59d454f4-462b-52dd-b57e-e7570450704a.html) - [October - New York State of Health open enrollment approaching](https://www.hudsonvalley360.com/opinion/columnists/for-your-health-new-york-state-of-health-open-enrollment-approaching/article_a5368b2e-072a-5373-b10b-246f0de4d33e.html) - [September - Coming to a town near you: Lead service line inventory](https://www.hudsonvalley360.com/opinion/columnists/for-your-health-coming-to-a-town-near-you-lead-service-line-inventory/article_205fe946-040f-50d8-b669-3cef650c8ba8.html) - [August - Low nicotine cigarettes and harm reduction](https://www.hudsonvalley360.com/opinion/columnists/for-your-health-low-nicotine-cigarettes-and-harm-reduction/article_98bb384d-1257-5386-926e-fcaff1961114.html) - [July - How you can help Twin County residents with cancer](https://www.hudsonvalley360.com/opinion/columnists/how-you-can-help-twin-county-residents-with-cancer/article_cea75f82-c0f5-5965-8b45-52dc4ccd4d52.html) - [June - Alcohol - the Oldest Drug](https://www.hudsonvalley360.com/opinion/columnists/for-your-health-alcohol-the-oldest-drug/article_138e6558-6598-577b-b27c-bd630f41fa54.html) - [May - Graphic Cigarette Warning Labels Delayed Again](https://www.hudsonvalley360.com/opinion/columnists/for-your-health-graphic-cigarette-warning-labels-delayed-again/article_57899a8c-7fac-564a-838b-e2e8fbc440ad.html) - [April - Banning Menthol Puts People Before Profits](https://www.hudsonvalley360.com/opinion/columnists/for-your-health-banning-menthol-puts-people-before-profits/article_7e62c0d9-b6e8-5956-bf8b-23f22602f81b.html) - [March - Youth Rated Films Should Be Smoke-Free](https://www.hudsonvalley360.com/opinion/columnists/for-your-health-youth-rated-films-should-be-smoke-free/article_b176075e-64f5-5b29-9c2c-61d5c6ffdcdd.html) - [February - Governor Proposes Ban on All Flavored Tobacco](https://www.hudsonvalley360.com/opinion/columnists/for-your-health-governor-proposes-ban-on-all-flavored-tobacco/article_20ccf36e-abc0-11ed-a6ab-a3ca0fdcb1bb.html) - [January - CARTS: On A Mission to Help You](https://www.hudsonvalley360.com/opinion/columnists/for-your-health-carts---on-a-mission-to-help-you/article_79b68649-859d-5917-b885-ba34225a6266.html) - [December - How we plan for healthy people](https://www.hudsonvalley360.com/opinion/columnists/for-your-health-how-we-plan-for-healthy-people/article_67370f2c-9b2b-527d-bef1-6b4aa7516cac.html#new_tab) - [September--How the Pandemic Ravaged NY's Hospitals](https://www.hudsonvalley360.com/opinion/columnists/for-your-health-for-sept-13-2022/article_2e74b120-7929-5bfc-b813-b44979bb2fdd.html#new_tab) - [August - Pets and Second-Hand Smoke](https://www.hudsonvalley360.com/opinion/columnists/for-your-health-secondhand-smoke-is-unhealthy-for-pets-too/article_20d3d90f-ed6c-5176-bdcc-d025559b0716.html#new_tab) - [July - Medicare Savings Programs](https://www.hudsonvalley360.com/opinion/columnists/for-your-health-what-are-medicare-savings-programs/article_dd5c769d-3983-5cee-9f18-60ef52ebc7f0.html#new_tab) - [October - Exciting Changes in Health Insurance](https://www.hudsonvalley360.com/opinion/columnists/exciting-changes-in-health-insurance/article_f49afebb-3877-5edd-ae42-922f2a15bee0.html#new_tab) - [November - the Great American Smokeout](https://www.hudsonvalley360.com/opinion/columnists/for-your-health-for-nov-8-2022/article_a627f963-a1c9-5b36-b32d-77dba72218d0.html#new_tab) - [](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/2021/10/sample-news/) - Foundation for Community Health Profile - [](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/2022/02/healthcare-consortium-receives-gift-from-rip-van-winkle-foundation/) - Gift from Rip Van Winkle Foundation - [](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/2022/10/june-broadband-is-no-longer-optional/) - June - Broadband is No Longer Optional - [](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/2022/10/july-ny-connects-never-the-wrong-door/) - July - NYC_Never the Wrong Door - [](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/2022/10/august-smoking-and-cannabis/) - August - Smoking and Cannabis - [](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/2022/10/september-understanding-the-unvaccinated/) - September - Understanding the Unvaccinated - [](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/2022/10/october-covid-stress-and-smoking/) - October - COVID, Stress and Smoking - [](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/2022/10/november-reasons-to-be-thankful/) - November - Reasons To Be Thankful - [](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/2022/10/december-the-5-as-of-access/) - December - The 5 A's of Access - [](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/2022/10/january-2022-teens-are-smoking-less-vaping-more/) - January 2022 - Teens Are Smoking Less, Vaping More - [](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/2022/10/february-2022-advocating-for-rural-health/) - February 2022 - Advocating for Rural Health - [](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/2022/10/march-2022-youth-rated-films-should-be-smoke-free/) - March - Youth Rated Films Should Be Smoke Free - [](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/2022/10/april-2022-carts-on-a-mission/) - April - CARTS On a Mission - [](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/2022/10/may-no-menthol-sunday/) - May - No Menthol Sunday - [](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/2022/10/june-preventing-tick-borne-diseases/) - June - Preventing Tick-Borne Diseases ## Pages - [Home](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/) - The mission of The Healthcare Consortium is improving access to healthcare and supporting the health and well-being of the people in our rural community. - [Support Our Work](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/support/) - Thank you for supporting our work!Your donation allows us to continue to increase access to quality health care through collaboration, education, information and service delivery. - [2026 CARTS Fundraiser Registration](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/2026-carts-fundraiser-registration/) - Please join our drivers, riders, partners, and supporters as we celebrate another year of the Children and Adults Rural Transportation Service and raise funds to support the program! To RegisterTickets are $100 per person Purchase Tickets CARTS Rider Tickets are $30 per person Purchase Tickets To SponsorMore Sponsorship Details available here. Diamond Rims Sponsor…………$10,000 Six - [2026 CARTS Fundraiser](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/2026_carts/) - Celebrate the Children and Adult Rural Transportation Service (CARTS) and help fuel another year of rides that connect our neighbors to care! CLICK TICKETS AND SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIESTHANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS DIAMOND RIMS CHROME RIMS JULIA BRANDI BRONZE RIMS Zach Eichman William S. Blowers STEEL RIMS Teresa Ackerman | The Addictions Care Center of Albany, - [Staff Members](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/about/staff/) - Staff Members - [2026 Friends Event](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/2026-friends-event/) - [The Children and Adults Rural Transportation Service (CARTS)](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/programs/medical-transportation/) - The Children and Adults Rural Transportation Service (CARTS) The Children and Adults Rural Transportation Service (CARTS) provides free door-to-door, non-emergency medical transportation to Columbia County residents. (518) 822-8020Our operating hours are 8:00am – 4:00pm Monday thru Friday excluding holidays.If you need help getting to a health-related appointment, call us. The Healthcare Consortium’s Medical Transportation Service is - [Community Cancer Funds](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/programs/financial/) - Community Cancer Funds Our Community Cancer Funds help to relieve the financial burden associated with a cancer diagnosis through annual grants to Columbia and Greene County residents that can help them pay for both healthcare and household expenses. We all know that cancer affects a person’s physical, mental and emotional health. Unfortunately, for many, cancer - [Prescription Assistance Fund](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/programs/prescription/) - Prescription Assistance Fund Prescription medications can be costly, especially for those who have little or no insurance. The Healthcare Consortium’s Prescription Assistance Fund was created to help people who are having trouble paying for them. Our staff can help residents of Columbia and Greene Counties by… providing direct financial assistance in the short term so - [Programs & Services](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/programs/) - Our Programs & Services Click on “Learn More” to read more about each program. The Children and Adults Rural Transportation Service (CARTS) CARTS provides free door-to-door, non-emergency medical transportation for Columbia County residents. Using our own clean and carefully maintained vehicles, and friendly and compassionate drivers, we will transport you from the door of your home - [Greene County Veterans Relief Fund](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/programs/veterans_relief/) - Greene County Veterans Relief Fund The Greene County Veterans Relief Fund provides financial assistance to eligible veterans who are Greene County residents. The Fund supports veterans of all ages and from every branch, helping cover expenses ranging from medical bills to home repairs. Veterans who are Greene County residents and are experiencing a financial hardship - [Senior Angels Fund](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/programs/senior_angels/) - Greene County Senior Angels Fund The Greene County Senior Angels Fund provides emergency financial assistance to eligible seniors who are Greene County residents. Senior citizens who are residents of Greene County and are experiencing a financial hardship may benefit from the Senior Angels Fund. The Fund provides emergency financial assistance to eligible Greene County seniors. - [Board Members](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/about/board-members/) - Board MembersThe Healthcare Consortium is governed by a large, multidisciplinary Board of Directors, which includes representatives from county government, county public agencies, our local hospital and its network of providers, the mental health, substance abuse, and disabled populations, the clergy, business interests and healthcare providers and consumers. Many members have held a seat on the - [2025 Impact Report](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2025-Impact-Report.pdf) - [Annual Reports, Newsletters & Publications](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/about/annual-reports/) - Annual Reports, Newsletters & PublicationsAnnual Reports View our current and previous annual reports by clicking on the links below. 2025 Annual Impact Report 2024 Impact Report 2023 Impact Report 2022 Year in Review 2021 Year in Review 2020 Year in Review 2019 Year in Review 2018 Year in Review Twentieth Anniversary Booklet 2017 Year In - [In the News](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/in-the-news/) - In the NewsFor Your Health Columns 2026 January — Preventing Cervical Cancer: The Importance of Screenings and Vaccinations 2025 December — Making Connections to Care with CARTS November — Celebrating the Power of Rural this National Rural Health Day October — This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Learn the Signs and Schedule Your Screenings September — - [Our Corporate Sponsors](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/our-corporate-sponsors/) - [Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/corporate/) - Year-long corporate sponsorship opportunities put your company name front and center and demonstrate its support for programs and services that improve access to care and support health and well-being in our rural community. We look forward to partnering with your company! Catalyst ……………………… $10,000 Three social media posts per quarter featuring your organization Hyperlinked logo - [Employment Opportunities](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/about/employment/) - Employment OpportunitiesThe Healthcare Consortium is an equal opportunity employer and values having a diverse staff. Employment opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established under law. The Consortium’s offices are located in an ADA-compliant - [matchDonate](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/match/) - [test](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/test/) - Thank you for supporting the Healthcare Consortium! Your donation allows us to continue to increase access to quality health care through collaboration, education, information and service delivery. When making your donation, please select your designation: Healthcare Consortium (General Support) Children and Adults Rural Transportation Service (CARTS) Senior Angels Fund Veterans Relief Fund Greene County Community - [Match for Mobility](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/match/) - The Rip Van Winkle Foundation has generously offered to donate a dollar to CARTS for every dollar the Healthcare Consortium raises—up to $25,000! Whether someone doesn’t have a vehicle, can’t afford to fill the tank, or is unable to drive safely after a treatment or procedure, the Healthcare Consortium’s Children and Adults Rural Transportation Service - [2025 CARTS Fundraiser](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/2025_carts/) - Thank You to Our SponsorsDIAMOND RIMS CHROME RIMS JULIA BRANDI BRONZE RIMS Zach Eichman William S. Blowers STEEL RIMS Teresa Ackerman | The Addictions Care Center of Albany, Inc | Alliance for Positive Health | Columbia Economic Development Corporation | Jim Campion & Donna Lynk | Carol Farrere | Michael Irwin | Joyce & Jim - [2025 CARTS Fundraiser Registration](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/2025-carts-fundraiser-registration/) - Please join our drivers, riders, partners, and supporters as we celebrate another year of the Children and Adults Rural Transportation Service and raise funds to support the program! To RegisterTickets are $30 per person Purchase Tickets To SponsorMore Sponsorship Details available here. Diamond Rims Sponsor…………$5,000 Six (6) tickets to the event Gold Rims Sponsor………….$2,500 Five - [Events](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/2025_carts/) - [About](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/about/) - AboutThe Healthcare Consortium is a not-for-profit corporation established in 1998 to serve the rural community in and around Columbia County. The Healthcare Consortium’s mission is to improve access to healthcare services and support the health and well-being of the people in our rural community. The Healthcare Consortium recognizes that people confront a number of barriers - [Navigator Program](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/programs/navigator/) - Navigator Program Columbia and Greene County residents who need help getting health insurance can use our Navigator Program. Our Navigators help clients enroll in quality, affordable health insurance, including Medicaid, Child Health Plus and the Essential Plan, through the New York State of Health: the Official Health Plan Marketplace. Navigators can also help people apply - [Helpers for Health Project](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/programs/helpers-for-health-project/) - Helpers for Health Through our Helpers for Health Project, we assist individuals and families in Columbia and Greene Counties in a variety of ways, by providing information, education, coaching, advocacy, and assistance. (518) 822-8820 x328 For more information, please call Kathleen Coffey at (518) 822-8820 ext. 328 For instance, we can help clients to find… - [Contact](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/contact/) - The mission of The Healthcare Consortium is improving access to healthcare and supporting the health and well-being of the people in our rural community. - [Network Members](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/about/network-members/) - Network Members In addition to the programs and services that the Consortium staff provide directly to clients, we also serve as the Rural Health Network of Columbia County. The Network is a formal partnership among a number of public agencies, our local hospital and its health system, providers of mental health, addiction, and disability services, faith-based - [FCH VIDEO](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/fch/) - [NY Connects](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/programs/ny-connects/) - NY Connects In partnership with our local Offices for the Aging, the Healthcare Consortium is proud to manage NY Connects in Columbia and Greene Counties What is NY Connects? NY Connects is a program that provides free, objective, and comprehensive information and assistance to individuals in need of long-term services and supports. What are Long-term - [2024 Impact Report](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2024-Impact-Report.pdf) - [Meet the Match for Mobility](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/support/) - We have a chance to build a better van for our wheelchair-using riders if we can raise $15,000 by December 31st. The Rip Van Winkle Foundation has pledged to provide half that amount if we can raise the other — a CHALLENGE GRANT worth $7,500! Can you help us meet the match for mobility? - [Join our Mailing List](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/newsletter/) - Thank you for registering for our quarterly newsletter!Learn more about the work we do each day to improve access to healthcare in our community! - [2023 Impact Report](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2023-Impact-Report.pdf) - [2024 Annual Recognition Event](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/support/2024_rec_event/) - Join us for an evening of celebration and commemoration as the Healthcare Consortium’s Board of Directors recognizes Karen dePeyster with the Anne W. Zittell Friend of the Consortium Award. Enjoy mingling during the social hour, featuring drinks and light bites, before we gather to honor Karen’s incredible impact on our community. REGISTER TO ATTENDSPONSOR THE - [](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/recognition-photos-2023/) - 2023 Annual Recognition Event PhotosThank you to everyone who joined us on September 21, 2023 to recognize the tremendous service of the Children and Adults Rural Transportation (CARTS) drivers with the “Friends of the Consortium” award. Please enjoy the photos from the event captured by Bryan Zimmerman. - [CARTS](https://columbiacountyhealthcareconsortium-bloom.kindful.com/?campaign=1295394) ## Accordions - [Board Meeting Minutes](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/accordions/board-meeting-minutes/) - [Materials for the next Board Meeting](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/accordions/next-meeting-materials/) - [Committee Meetings](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/accordions/committee-meetings/) - [Executive Director's Reports](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/accordions/executive-director-reports/) - [Other Board Documents](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/accordions/bylaws/) - [Detailed Financial Reports](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/accordions/financial-reports/) ## Categories - [General](https://www.columbiahealthnet.org/category/general/)