The Oneida Health Foundation, a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization, raised $120,420 this year at its annual charity golf classic. Presented by Nunn’s Home Medical Equipment, the event was hosted at Drumlins Country Club in Syracuse on June 28 to support Oneida Health’s growing behavioral health program.
“The Oneida Health Foundation charity golf classic is one of our most successful annual fundraisers and provides financial resources to support healthcare services in our communities,” said Daniel Huffer, president of the Oneida Health Foundation board of trustees. “In recent years we have been able to support educational efforts to enhance our healthcare workforce, invest in new technology, drive community education, develop new programs, and provide financial support to those seeking cancer treatments. This year’s funds will support care for those facing behavioral health concerns, which is a growing issue impacting individuals of all ages.”
Over the past year, Oneida Health has made significant investments in growing access to behavioral health services.
• In August 2022, Oneida Health received a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant for $800,000 over four years to increase access to behavioral and mental health screenings and care by establishing collaborative health in its primary care offices.
• In November 2022, Oneida Health received $150,000 over three years from the Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Member and Community Health Improvement (MACHI) grant to establish services for their patients receiving care at its Women’s Health practice, Lullaby Center, or emergency department (ED) addressing mental health, substance abuse, or age- specific women’s behavioral health conditions.
• In January, Sen. Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer announced he had secured $1 million for Oneida Health in the 2023 Omnibus spending package to complete renovations to the lower level of 607 Seneca Street in Oneida to establish an intensive outpatient program (IOP). Scheduled to open in the spring of 2024, the program will include group psychotherapy, individual and family psychotherapy, and medication management.
“The funds raised through this event improve the health and well-being of our patients,” said Jeremiah Sweet, interim president and CEO of Oneida Health. “We owe a great amount of gratitude to our presenting sponsor Nunn’s Home Medical Equipment and all of the businesses and community members who came out to support this year’s event. Because of them, we will be able to take the necessary steps to improve access to essential behavioral health services in our community. This would not be possible without their support.”