May 08, 2013 — The state is one step closer to giving patients access to their medical information online. The e-Health Collaborative has announced nine finalists in their competition to design an online patient portal.  Go to full article

Rochester, NY, Dec 13, 2012 — The U.S. healthcare sector is seeing major changes right now to its record keeping and information sharing methods.

This week, Digital Rochester hosted a summit to discuss how these changes will impact on the community, health care providers, and Information Technology professionals.

Information exchanges and electronic patient records are both being touted as opportunities to cut medical costs, increase care quality and create new jobs for Information Technology professionals.  Go to full article

Apr 20, 2012 — When black bear hunters head back into the woods this fall, they'll face new regulations that require them to document any parts of the animal that they plan to sell.

The new law went into effect this year. It's designed to help state and Federal officials crack down on black bear poaching.

It's still legal for hunters in New York to sell bear parts for use in Asian medicine and cooking, but the trade will be much more closely monitored.

Brian Mann has our story.  Go to full article

Ogdensburg, NY, Dec 01, 2011 — A new book profiles the early history, founders, and staff of St. Lawrence County's first hospital, Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center in Ogdensburg. It opened in 1885, and over the years, the hospital has housed a nursing school and was the first to bring many new health services to the region, including an artificial kidney machine in the late 1960's.

Todd Moe talks with Cyndy Clusen and Kelsey Redpath, creators of the latest Arcadia photo book that celebrates Claxton-Hepburn's past. They'll lead a discussion about the hospital and the new book at the Brewer Bookstore in Canton this Saturday afternoon at 1 pm.  Go to full article

Buffalo, NY, Feb 23, 2011 — The Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo is now offering the first-ever vaccine to treat cancer. But as the Innovation Trail's Daniel Robison reports, the drug isn't for everyone.  Go to full article

Saranac Lake, NY, Dec 10, 2010 — A report published this week by the Healthcare Association of New York State found that North Country hospitals are one of the region's biggest economic engines. The study shows that, statewide, hospitals employ nearly 687,000 New Yorkers and generate $108 billion in economic activity.

As Chris Morris reports, this report is the latest salvo in a debate over how to fund hospitals and the state's healthcare system.  Go to full article

Massena, NY, Nov 30, 2010 — Cough syrup, pain relievers, and nasal sprays are going to bring some relief to Massena's struggling economy. A maker of over-the-counter liquid medicines plans to begin manufacturing in a vacant plant in February. David Sommerstein reports the company's CEO says proximity to Canada was key, and he is pursuing an expansion plan that could employ more than 100 people.  Go to full article

Saranac Lake, NY, Nov 22, 2010 — Most of us hate to talk or think about death. It may be the last taboo subject in America. But beginning last spring, Brian Mann asked one North Country family to do just that.

As part of a series called The Hospice Path, Brian documented the lives of Bill and Tommie Gallagher. Bill joined the High Peaks Hospice program after he was diagnosed with an untreatable lung ailment. He died last Monday at his home in Saranac Lake, surrounded by family and helped in his final hours by a hospice nurse.

But it turns out that Bill's death isn't the final step in the hospice process. As Brian learned, the program's nurses and counselors will now work with his family as they begin to grieve and say good-bye.  Go to full article

Nov 04, 2010 — Two weeks after officials at Trudeau Institute announced plans to expand off-site, an internal memo indicates the Institute may also consider leaving Saranac Lake.

The memo from David Woodland, president and director of the biomedical research facility, lists "relocation, with the intent of re-purposing the Saranac Lake facilities" as one of the strategic options being considered for Trudeau's future development.

Trudeau is one of the area's largest employers. As Chris Knight reports, local officials are concerned.  Go to full article

Brooklyn, NY, Sep 07, 2010 — North Country Public Radio has begun an on-going series looking at the ways that hospice programs can help when someone is approaching the end of their life.

It turns out a social worker here in New York was one of the pioneers of hospice and end-of-life care. Zelda Foster passed away in 2006.

At that time, reporter Gregory Warner profiled a woman who spent forty years advocating for people's right to die with dignity.  Go to full article