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
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 pictured with the donated literacy kits.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 while supporting essential skill-building during 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 Pediatric practices, 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
Nathan Littauer Honors Sacha Peragine, RN, with DAISY Award for Exceptional Nursing Care Posted on March 13, 2026March 13, 2026 by Dakota PikeGloversville, NY — Nathan Littauer Hospital is proud to announce that Sacha Peragine, RN, of the hospital’s Birthing Center has been named the recipient of the DAISY Award for the third quarter of 2025. This prestigious national recognition honors nurses who demonstrate extraordinary compassion, clinical excellence, and dedication to patient care.Peragine was surprised with the award during a special gathering with coworkers and members of the hospital’s leadership team, who came together to celebrate her commitment to patients and families.“I was absolutely surprised,” said Peragine. “I am honored and grateful for this recognition.”Peragine was nominated by grateful patients who described how her compassion and attentiveness helped guide their family through one of the most frightening moments of their lives. In their nomination, they shared that they arrived at the hospital expecting a routine delivery but quickly discovered a serious complication that required an urgent decision.“My wife and I came in for what we thought was active labor and bleeding, only to find out the bleeding was more serious than we realized,” the patient wrote. “After some tests and discussions with the doctor, we decided to move forward with a C-section. Sacha talked us through everything that was happening and made us feel calm and safe during a very scary time.”The patient explained that his wife’s placenta had begun to tear away, causing the bleeding. Throughout the experience, Peragine helped the family understand their options and supported them emotionally as they made difficult decisions.“She even helped me get myself together so I could be there to support my wife during the operation,” the patient continued. “After the delivery, Sacha was there for us every step of the way and made us feel safe and protected on the scariest night of our lives.”In the days following the birth, the family said Peragine continued to provide reassurance and attentive care.“After talking with others later, we realized just how serious and intense the situation really was, but Sacha helped us feel calm and reassured the entire time,” the patient wrote. “At the end of her shift, she even came in to personally say goodbye to us and held our son before leaving. That meant so much to us. We truly can’t say enough wonderful things about Sacha and the way she made us feel safe.”Maureen Mosher, Manager of Nathan Littauer’s Birthing Center, said Peragine exemplifies the values the DAISY Award was created to recognize.“Sacha’s compassion, teamwork, and professionalism truly embody what the DAISY Award represents,” Mosher said. “Her ability to support patients and their families during critical moments reflects the highest standard of nursing excellence. We are proud to have her as part of our team on the Birthing Center.”The DAISY Award is part of a nationwide program that honors the extraordinary clinical skills and compassionate care nurses provide every day.Nathan Littauer Hospital proudly congratulates Sacha Peragine, RN, on receiving the DAISY Award for the third quarter of 2025 and thanks her for her dedication to providing exceptional care to the patients and families she serves.XXXNathan 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
Nathan Littauer Announces Participation in Rural Hospital Stabilization Program Posted on March 11, 2026March 11, 2026 by Dakota PikeGloversville, NY — Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home has been selected to participate in the Rural Hospital Stabilization Program (RHSP). This nationwide federally funded program provides technical assistance to rural hospitals, at no cost, to help improve financial stability by enhancing or expanding health care services that match community needs.“We’re ecstatic to participate in RHSP,” said Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home President and CEO Sean Fadale, FACHE. Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home applied for the program last Fall and began receiving hands-on technical assistance in January of this year. As part of the participation, Littauer will receive a comprehensive financial and operational assessment to help inform action and implementation plans to expand or introduce new service lines. The program may provide funding for operations and equipment required to support service line enhancements.Eight hospitals were selected from across the country to participate in this year’s cohort. These organizations will have the opportunity to learn together, share experiences, and build their network of similar organizations.As a participant in the program, Nathan Littauer will receive funding to support the establishment of a Community Engagement Champion position. This role is intended to strengthen relationships within communities, lead strategic outreach, marketing initiatives, and clearly communicate the hospital’s impact across the region.Anne Boles has been appointed to serve as champion and will lead initiatives focused on enhancing patient-centered engagement, expanding community partnerships, and ensuring that the needs and perspectives of the community remain central to the organization’s work.Anne Boles, Nathan Littauer’s newly appointed Director of Patient Experience.“This opportunity allows Nathan Littauer to deepen its connection with the communities it already serves,” said Anne Boles, Director of Patient Experience at Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home. “By listening intentionally, strengthening community partnerships, and ensuring that patient voices remain at the forefront of our work, we can better align our services with the needs of Fulton, Montgomery, and Hamilton County patients. I am honored to help advance this important effort and to support initiatives at Littauer.”“We are fortunate enough to have Anne in a role perfectly suited to her experience and personality,” said Nathan Littauer Vice President of Business Develop and Nathan Littauer Foundation Executive Director Geoffrey Peck. “She brings years of community engagement experience along with an inquisitive mind and caring attitude.”The Rural Hospital Stabilization Program is funded by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, a division of the Health Resources and Services Administration. Services and technical assistance are managed and provided by the National Rural Health Resource Center. Read more about the program at https://www.ruralcenter.org/programs/stabilization.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
