Expanding public health access while reducing cost through partnership and collaboration: The S2AY rural health network

As public health funding continues to decline, communities are faced with providing essential public health services with diminishing resources. Is it possible to actually enhance public health services across an entire region of New York State and reduce costs? The S2AY Rural Health Network, a 501 (C) (3) not for profit organization focused on public health was created to do just that. The Network spans the six rural counties of Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Ontario, Wayne and Yates and partners with 10 others. Governance is provided by a 24 member board with representation from all six health department Directors as well as legislators, providers and consumers. Funding is derived from government grants, private donations, donated services and conference fees. In New York State, health departments are generally limited to providing services within their county but not the S2AY Network, which serves multiple counties. Network services include but are not limited to: community health assessments, cancer screening, Early Intervention, operating worksite wellness, facilitated enrollment, policy development etc. Network counties contribute $16,000 annually toward S2AY operations and non- Network counties contributions range from $1,000-$3,500 depending on services desired. Return on investments range from 6:1 to over 18:1. The six Network counties have stated that they would be unable to meet their public health obligations without the assistance of S2AY Network.