Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home Announces Chronic Care Management Partnership Posted on April 20, 2026 by Dakota PikeGloversville, NY — Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home has partnered with CareHarmony, a Medicare-sponsored service provider to support eligible patients with Chronic Care Management. The Chronic Care Management program is designed to extend care beyond traditional office visits, providing patients with ongoing support between appointments, including while at home. “Chronic Care Management provides not just the day-to-day care of issues effecting chronic illness, but also provides outreach assistance to those with a food or housing insecurity, or even health coverage and in-home care, which together, improves the changes for the patient/family as a whole, for the better,” said Nathan Littauer Hospital’s Primary/Specialty Care Project Coordinator Jackie Whitman, BS, LPN.Through telephone outreach, patients receive personalized assistance to help them better manage chronic conditions and maintain their overall health. “This partnership with CareHarmony reinforces Nathan Littauer’s commitment to improving access to coordinated, patient-centered care—both inside and outside the clinical setting,” said Nathan Littauer Vice President of Business Development and Nathan Littauer Foundation Executive Director Geoffrey Peck.Specially trained CareHarmony Care Coordinators work closely with patients to tailor support to individual needs. Services offered through the program include assistance with scheduling appointments, lab work, and diagnostic testing; education on how and when to take medications; coordination of home health services and medical equipment; connections to health education resources and community-based programs; identification of available local resources; coordination of follow-up care after hospital discharge; and access to additional services that promote long-term health and wellness.“Chronic Care Management allows us to strengthen continuity of care for our patients,” Whitman adds. “By partnering with CareHarmony, we are able to bridge gaps that can occur between office visits, ensuring patients have a trusted resource to help answer questions, manage medications, and navigate their care journey.”Patients enrolled in the program also receive access to a 24/7/365 Care Coordinator Line, providing around-the-clock support for questions or care-related concerns. CareHarmony Care Coordinators will proactively contact eligible patients by phone to explain the program, answer questions, and assist with enrollment.For more information about Chronic Care Management services at Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home, patients are encouraged to speak with their primary care provider or contact their provider’s office directly.About Nathan Littauer Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is a full-service, 74-bed acute care hospital with an 84-bed skilled nursing home. Since 1894, Nathan Littauer has provided safe, high-quality health and wellness services, with a focus on securing appropriate new technologies for people residing in Upstate New York. In addition to its hospital and nursing home services, Nathan Littauer operates 11 Primary and Specialty Care Centers offering a wide range of medical specialties and services—enhancing access to care across the region. Over the years, the organization has expanded its services to ensure care remains comprehensive, accessible, and responsive to the needs of the communities it serves. More information can be found by visiting https://www.nlh.org or calling (518) 725-8621.
Nathan Littauer Foundation Awards $10,000 Grant to Gloversville Fire Department for Life-Saving Equipment Posted on April 10, 2026April 10, 2026 by Dakota PikeGloversville, NY — The Nathan Littauer Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors has awarded a $10,000 grant to the Gloversville Fire Department to support the purchase and upgrade of new Automated External Defibrillator (AED) units—enhancing the local fire department’s ability to deliver critical, life-saving care in emergency situations.Gloversville Fire Chief Tom Groff being presented with the $10,000 check from Nathan Littauer Foundation Board Chair Peter Semione, and Nathan Littauer Foundation Executive Director Geoffrey PeckThe funding was awarded following a grant application submitted by Gloversville Fire Department Battalion Chief Stephen West, who identified the need to replace aging AED units currently in service. “The new devices will improve operational efficiency and ensure compatibility with equipment used by partnering emergency response agencies,” a portion of the application reads.“Without a Cardiac Catheterization Lab for Fulton or Montgomery County, first emergency response equipment is an essential safety need for our community,” said Nathan Littauer Foundation Executive Director Geoffrey Peck. “By supporting the Gloversville Fire Department, we are helping to ensure the highest standard of pre-hospital cardiac care when it matters most.”The project focuses on replacing AED units originally placed in service in 2012 with newer, more advanced models. A key benefit of the upgrade is compatibility with local ambulance services. The ability for AED pads and monitoring systems to work across agencies helps reduce delays and supports continuity of treatment during critical moments and allows for seamless transition of care.The Gloversville Fire Department is often the first agency to respond to a call during an emergency. “This grant allows us to modernize our equipment and better align with our emergency response partners,” said Gloversville Fire Chief Tom Groff. “Having compatible AED units improves coordination on scene, ultimately enhancing the level of care we are able to provide to the residents of Gloversville, and will help save lives.”The Nathan Littauer Foundation remains committed to supporting initiatives that improve the health, safety, and well-being of the communities served by Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home.About Nathan LittauerNathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is a full-service, 74-bed acute care hospital with an 84-bed skilled nursing home. Since 1894, Nathan Littauer has provided safe, high-quality health and wellness services with a focus on securing appropriate new technologies for people residing in Upstate New York. Over the years, the hospital has expanded its services in order to offer health care that is comprehensive, accessible, and relevant to the needs of the communities they serve. More information can be found by visiting www.nlh.org or calling (518) 725-8621
Mayfield High School Student Donates 100 Preschool Literacy Kits to Nathan Littauer Pediatric Patients Posted on April 9, 2026 by Dakota PikeGloversville, NY — Nathan Littauer Hospital is proud to recognize a thoughtful contribution from a local student aimed at supporting early childhood education and literacy development.On Thursday, April 2, 2026, Lucille “Luci” Kline, a junior at Mayfield High School, donated 100 preschool literacy kits to Nathan Littauer Hospital as part of her community leadership project. Each kit contains age-appropriate books, alphabet flashcards, pencil grippers, and other engaging materials designed to help young children build foundational literacy skills.From left: Maruthi Sunkara, MD, Nathan Littauer Pediatrician; Lucille Kline of Mayfield; Littauer Pediatrics’ Stefanie Baird with her grandson, Jarrett Achzet; and Jarrett’s mother, Alyssa Achzet.The initiative was supported through a self-organized fundraising campaign, with the goal of increasing access to early learning resources for children who may not otherwise have them. Luci’s project reflects a strong commitment to educational equity and community service.“Reading and writing is something I am passionate about – I want to be a journalist,” said Kline. “Reading, comprehension, and writing are skills I had access to growing up. This is a way of me trying to give back.”Early exposure to books and language-based activities plays a critical role in a child’s cognitive, emotional, and academic development. By providing these literacy kits, Luci is helping to foster a love of reading during children’s formative years.“Early literacy is one of the most important foundations we can provide for a child’s long-term health and development,” said Maruthi Sunkara, MD, Pediatric Provider at Nathan Littauer Hospital. “Initiatives like this not only support cognitive growth and language development, but also help foster confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. We are incredibly grateful to Luci for her thoughtful contribution and for recognizing the lasting impact that access to educational resources can have on children and families in our community.”The donated kits will be distributed to pediatric patients and families served by Nathan Littauer’s Pediatrics Practice, helping to strengthen early literacy efforts and support positive health and developmental outcomes.Nathan Littauer Hospital extends its sincere appreciation to Luci Kline for her generosity, leadership, and dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children throughout the region.About Nathan LittauerNathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is a full-service, 74-bed acute care hospital with an 84-bed skilled nursing home. Since 1894, Nathan Littauer has provided safe, high-quality health and wellness services with a focus on securing appropriate new technologies for people residing in Upstate New York. Over the years, the hospital has expanded its services in order to offer health care that is comprehensive, accessible, and relevant to the needs of the communities they serve. More information can be found by visiting www.nlh.org or calling (518) 725-8621
National Healthcare Decisions Day Set for April 16 Posted on April 8, 2026April 8, 2026 by Dakota PikeGloversville, NY — Along with other national, state and community organizations, leading a massive effort to highlight the importance of advance healthcare decision-making—an effort that has culminated in the formal designation of April 16 as National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD). As a participating organization, Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home as well as Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care are providing information and tools for the public to talk about their wishes with family, friends and healthcare providers, and execute written advance directives (healthcare power of attorney and living will) in accordance with New York State laws.“Advance care planning is one of the most meaningful ways individuals can ensure their voice is heard, even in moments when they may not be able to speak for themselves,” said Susan “Susie” Duross, FNP, ACHPN, Director of Palliative Care Services at Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home. “National Healthcare Decisions Day serves as an important reminder that these conversations are not just about medical care—they are about honoring personal values, preserving dignity, and supporting families through some of life’s most difficult decisions. We encourage everyone in our community to take the time to reflect, talk with loved ones, and document their wishes.”Specifically, on April 16, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Nathan Littauer is welcoming the public throughout the day at its Main Lobby with free information about advance care planning and advance directive forms.“Mountain Valley Hospice & Palliative Care is thrilled to collaborate with Nathan Littauer Hospital in a shared commitment to advancing patient‑centered care in our community,” said Mountain Valley Hospital and Palliative Care Director of Operations Celeste Farnham, MSN, RN. “By working together, we are strengthening our ability to support patients and families through thoughtful, compassionate advanced care planning. These conversations ensure that individuals’ values, preferences, and goals are honored across every stage of care. This collaboration represents an important step forward in delivering coordinated, high‑quality healthcare that respects patient choice, improves outcomes, and supports dignity throughout the care journey.”As a result of National Healthcare Decisions Day, many more people in our community can be expected to have thoughtful conversations about their healthcare decisions and complete reliable advance directives to make their wishes known. Fewer families and healthcare providers will have to struggle with making difficult healthcare decisions in the absence of guidance from the patient, and healthcare providers and facilities will be better equipped to address advance healthcare planning issues before a crisis and be better able to honor patient wishes when the time comes to do so.For more information about National Healthcare Decision Day, please visit http://nhdd.org.About Nathan LittauerNathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is a full-service, 74-bed acute care hospital with an 84-bed skilled nursing home. Since 1894, Nathan Littauer has provided safe, high-quality health and wellness services with a focus on securing appropriate new technologies for people residing in Upstate New York. Over the years, the hospital has expanded its services in order to offer health care that is comprehensive, accessible, and relevant to the needs of the communities they serve. More information can be found by visiting www.nlh.org or calling (518) 725-8621
Johnstown Teachers Association Donates 459 Books to Nathan Littauer Through Annual “Books for Babies” Drive Posted on April 3, 2026April 3, 2026 by Dakota PikeGloversville, NY — The Johnstown Teachers Association (JTA) continues to support the community through its annual Books for Babies donation drive, delivering 459 books to the Nathan Littauer Hospital’s Birthing Center on March 30, 2026.The Books for Babies program is designed to promote early literacy development and strengthen family bonding from the very beginning of a child’s life. Placing books directly into the hands of families at birth encourages parents to begin reading to their children early—supporting language development, cognitive growth, and emotional connection. Each year, JTA members contribute new books as well as monetary donations, which are used to purchase additional books and supplies to support the initiative.“Providing books helps us give families a meaningful tool to support their child’s development,” said Assistant Nurse Manager Gina Lachmayer, RN, BSN. “Early reading promotes bonding, language growth, and a lifelong love of learning, and we are thankful to the Johnstown Teachers Association for making that possible.”This year’s collection reflects the continued dedication of JTA members to fostering a love of reading among the youngest members of the community.The donation was presented to the Nathan Littauer Hospital Birthing Center, where the books will be distributed to new parents and their newborns.Pictured during the donation are Birthing Center Nurses Gina Lachmayer and Alex Hennessey, alongside JTA representatives Stephanie Di Visconti, Karyn Watson, Maria Langford, and Sarah White-Murphy.Nathan Littauer Hospital remains committed to supporting initiatives that enhance the health, well-being, and development of the communities it serves, and thanks the Johnstown Teachers Association. About Nathan LittauerNathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is a full-service, 74-bed acute care hospital with an 84-bed skilled nursing home. Since 1894, Nathan Littauer has provided safe, high-quality health and wellness services with a focus on securing appropriate new technologies for people residing in Upstate New York. Over the years, the hospital has expanded its services in order to offer health care that is comprehensive, accessible, and relevant to the needs of the communities they serve. More information can be found by visiting www.nlh.org or calling (518) 725-8621
