Strengthening the Front Lines is a Joint Effort –

OSWEGO COUNTY – The Oswego County Legislature approved a resolution during its October meeting to distribute funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to Oswego Health. It designates $500,000 to the agency for the recruitment and retention of medical workers.

“Oswego County received funding through the American Rescue Plan Act to help address some of the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Oswego County Legislature Chairman James Weatherup. “The plan outlines specific criteria for businesses that need direct financial assistance due to the pandemic and also identifies certain census tracts that need special attention.

“Oswego Health is qualified to receive funding because it meets these criteria and has facilities in eligible census tracts,” he added. “It has also demonstrated that the need for quality medical workers is greater than ever.” 

Reflecting the current trend gripping the nation, Oswego Health is facing a critical shortage of essential medical workers due to the pandemic’s medical and regulatory impacts. This comes at a time when the virus is surging in Oswego County, further highlighting the need for the agency to maintain its workforce and attract new health care workers.

“With recent staffing challenges affecting all industries, especially health care and long-term care, the timing of this grant is impeccable as Oswego Health strives to recruit and retain highly skilled providers and staff to care for our community,” stated Oswego Health Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Michael C. Backus. “These monies will assist Oswego Health in continuing to fulfill our mission as a non-profit health care system providing accessible, quality care, right here in Oswego County.”

Oswego Health, a non-profit corporation, is the County’s largest health care provider. It includes Oswego Hospital and two urgent care facilities - one in Fulton and one in Central Square. The agency has over a dozen other health care sites across the county that provide a variety of services – from primary care to medical imaging to mental health services and more.

Oswego County administers and distributes funding through ARPA in strategic ways to maximize its impact on economic development and public health and safety.

The resolution was introduced by Legislator John J. Martino, District 6, chairman of the Oswego County Legislature’s Finance and Personnel Committee. Other members of the committee include Vice Chairman Stephen M. Walpole, District 14; David M. Holst, District 4; Linda Lockwood, District 11; Laurie Mangano, District 17; Patrick Twiss, District 13; and Terry Wilbur, District 21.

JOINING FORCES TO INCREASE THE WORKFORCE – Oswego County presents a check in the amount of $500,000 to Oswego Health. The funding is made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and will be used to recruit and retain medical workers. Pictured from left are FACS Chief Medical Officer and President of Physician Care, PC, Duane Tull, M.D.; Oswego County Legislature Vice Chairwoman Linda Lockwood, District 11; Oswego Health Vice President of Human Resources Marq Brown; Oswego Health President and CEO Michael Harlovic; Legislator Tim Stahl, District 20; Oswego County Legislature Chairman James Weatherup, District 9; Legislator Ralph Stacy, Jr., District 25; Oswego Health Executive Vice President and COO Michael Backus; Legislator Robert Wilmott, District 18; and Nathan Emmons, District 15.

Legislator John J. Martino, District 6, chairman of the Oswego County Legislature’s Finance and Personnel Committee:
"The COVID-19 pandemic affected Oswego County in a variety of ways. Funding through the American Rescue Plan Act will help us tackle these issues – from the plight of health care and other essential workers, to providing necessary government services to a critical investment in infrastructure. We are looking at the best ways to address both the short- and long-term needs of our communities and now, with the virus on the rise again, health care is a vital investment to help keep our residents safe and healthy.”

Legislator Nathan Emmons, District 15, location of Oswego Hospital:
“Oswego Health requested financial assistance from the county’s ARPA funds to establish an essential medical worker recruitment and retention program. It’s vital that we support the agency’s effort to boost its workforce. With winter coming and new cases of COVID-19 on the rise, having a stable workforce will help reduce the burden on Oswego Hospital and the entire health care system.”

Legislator Ralph Stacy, Jr., District 25, location of The Fulton Medical Center:
“The importance of having access to quality health care in our rural communities cannot be overstated – especially in this ongoing pandemic. Oswego Health brings a broad spectrum of services to our residents at sites scattered across the county, including the Fulton Medical Center. Supporting the agency’s drive to strengthen its forces benefits our families, friends and communities.”