What is CNYAHEC?

Established in July 2001, CNYAHEC is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 community-based organization working to improve health care access, delivery, and outcomes in a 14-county region of Central New York. The CNYAHEC service area is home to 25 hospitals located in predominantly rural areas serving a total regional population of over 1.62 million people. There are numerous geographic pockets of federally designated Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) and Medically Underserved Areas (MUAs) within the CNYAHEC region, specifically in the areas of primary health care, mental health care, and dental health care.

Where is CNYAHEC located?

Located in Cortland, New York, the CNYAHEC office is found in the heart of its service area - central to the counties it serves. The CNYAHEC 14-county regional service area includes Broome, Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Herkimer, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, Schuyler, Seneca, Tioga, and Tompkins counties.

What is the mission statement of CNYAHEC?

The mission of CNYAHEC was adopted in June 2002 and reads as follows:

CNYAHEC, through collaborative efforts, improves access to quality health care by promoting improvements in the supply, training, development and distribution of health professionals in a 14-county area.

Strategic planning is guided by the mission and allows CNYAHEC to focus its efforts in four priority areas: (1) health careers exploration, (2) continuing education programs and services, (3) clinical training opportunities, and (4) community partnership development.

Does CNYAHEC have a board of directors?

Oversight of programs is the responsibility of the executive director and a 20-member board of directors. Board members represent hospital and long-term care facilities, rural health networks, workforce investment boards, public health departments, health planning councils, secondary and higher education academic institutions, and consumers.

How is CNYAHEC funded?

CNYAHEC has two primary funding sources that support core programs. Federal funds are provided through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Bureau of Health Professions and state funds come through the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH). Funding from both HRSA and NYSDOH is contingent upon CNYAHEC securing matching funds from other grant sources.

Is CNYAHEC affiliated with a state organization?

CNYAHEC is part of a state and national system of Area Health Education Centers (AHECs). Together, across New York State and the nation, AHECs are working to build community partnerships to improve access to quality health care. CNYAHEC responds to health care issues and problems at the local level while working in collaboration with the New York State AHEC System, which has been federally and state funded since 1998. CNYAHEC is closely affiliated with SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, which serves as the central region office for the New York State AHEC System.

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