Tickets Available for Notre Dame Elementary School ‘Eggstravaganza’

(New York Mills, NY – March 2012) Notre Dame Elementary School will host its 9th annual “Eggstravaganza” on Sunday March 25 at the Roselawn Restaurant in New York Mills.

Tickets are as follows:
Adults $20
Children $15

Admission includes brunch and tickets for the basket raffle.
Brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Drawings for baskets begins at 1 p.m.

The event features baskets with various themes for raffle, brunch and a special guest appearance from the Easter Bunny. Last year’s event sold out so get your tickets soon.

Tickets available through Notre Dame Elementary School Office at 732-4374
Tickets will also be sold at various parishes throughout the Utica Area
Call or Email for details:
Rebecca King zebramom@gmail.com
Deb Cioch jcioch@roadrunner.com
Or call the school at 315-732-4374

Vote for the 2012 Lifestyle Change Award Winner; Five Local Finalists Chosen to Compete

(Rome, NY – Feb. 1, 2012) Five local finalists have been chosen from the nominations collected this past winter to compete for the American Heart Association Lifestyle Change Award sponsored by Olivari Mediterranean Olive Oil.

Rhonda Brooker, Tory Hauck, Marybeth McCall, Carrie Mineo, and Jeffrey Moyer now wait to see who will be named the 2012 winner after America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk on Saturday, March 3. This year, the winner will be determined by votes cast on the Olivari Mediterranean Facebook page at www.facebook.com/olivarimediterranean. Voting opens today.

This is the second year of the American Heart Association Lifestyle Change Award. The finalists have all made positive changes in an effort to lead healthier lifestyles. Votes can be submitted by online users starting today, February 1, through Friday, March 2. One vote per person. Voters are encouraged to share the link with online friends. The announcement of the winner takes place at the post-event ceremony of America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk on Saturday, March 3, 2012 in the Harold T. Clark Athletic Center at Utica College.

“The creation of this award last year sparked some new excitement with the event,” said Dick Mattia, executive director of the American Heart Association. “After some thought, Olivari Mediterranean Olive Oil and our organization decided to let the community vote online on the winner this year, allowing more people to be involved in the decision and allowing more honorees to be recognized. Despite the final outcome of the contest on March 3, know that all our finalists have made positive changes to improve their health and prevent any future heart-related issues. They are all winners!”

Fans are encouraged to vote for the finalist who they felt made the most significant strides in living a healthier life. A photo and brief account of their story is posted online on the voting page.

Rhonda Brooker of West Winfield suffered from a heart attack a few years ago. She decided to start walking daily and now eats healthier. As a survivor, she is determined to live in such a way where she can prevent any future heart-related problems.

After losing her husband to a heart attack last year, Tory Hauck of Utica decided to change her lifestyle. She began going to the gym each day and altered her eating habits. She lost 60 pound and has reduced her risk factor for high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. Tory is also a 15-year cancer survivor.

After accepting the role of the Go Red for Women chair in Syracuse, Dr. Marybeth McCall of Utica realized that she had to set a good example for others – especially since she is a physician. She undertook a diet and exercise program and lost more than 50 pounds. She was able to bring her BMI to a normal range and her glucose to regular levels.

Through excessive eating and little exercise, Carrie Mineo of Whitesboro became overweight. She finally decided to make a change and in the summer of 2009, Carrie joined Weight Watchers, started walking regularly, and began eating healthier. She eventually graduated to running and now participates in many local running events. Carrie has lost more than 100 pounds.

At 320 pounds, Jeffrey Moyer of Hamilton bought an elliptical machine and began working out daily. Over the course of a year and a half, he managed to lose almost 100 pounds. Jeff got serious about running and now competes often. He is currently training for his first marathon in Buffalo this May.

Olivari Mediterranean Olive Oil is bottled locally in the Griffiss Business and Technology Park in Rome. Olivari emphasizes the Mediterranean way of life. Exercising regularly, enjoying fresh meals with close family and friends, and maintaining a balanced diet are just some ways to live out the healthy Mediterranean lifestyle.

For more information, visit olivarimediterranean.com.

 

Brindisi Announces Grant to Support Family Nurturing Center

(Utica, NY – Jan. 2012) Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi (D-Utica) recently announced that the Family Nurturing Center of Utica has been awarded a $298,000 grant from the State Office of Children and Family Services from its Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Prevention and Post Adoption grants program.

Brindisi says the grant will fund the agency’s Family Resolutions Program that helps families develop new ways of parenting and solving conflicts that will help keep their children living safely at home.

“The Family Nurturing Center is a vital agency helping children and families in need, and this grant will help it continue its valuable services in our area,” Brindisi said. “It is a very significant program, because its services will benefit 200 families with young children in Oneida County beginning May 1.”

Family Nurturing Center Executive Director Donna Elefante says the grant will support an expansion of the agency’s Supervised Visitation Services to provide monitored, secure, comfortable parenting environments and family activities that are recommended through the court system.  Parents in the process of divorce or separation will be able to attend a Children First Program that will include a presentation by an attorney.

Families will be offered a variety of options for Nurturing Parenting Education in either private or group settings, and each enrolled family will get assistance from a Family Resource Specialist who will provide information, referrals, and advocacy for children and adults, so that appropriate professional services are provided to participants on an individualized basis.

“These are services not offered elsewhere in Oneida County, and the program helps to fill in the gaps for people who do not qualify for other programs,”  Elefante said “This grant will allow us to assist many people and it is very much appreciated.”

Some families will be eligible for programs free of charge, while others will be offered services at a cost reduction, depending family size and income.  Referrals to the Family Resolutions Program could be received from the Oneida County Court System, school districts, community agencies, and private practitioners.  Parents and guardians are welcome to seek services or get more information by calling the Family Nurturing Center at (315) 738-9773.

 

 

Councilman Zecca calls for the creation of an independent redistricting Committee in Utica

(Utica, NY – Jan. 27, 2012)  Every 10 years after the U.S. Census data is released, Utica must redraw the boundaries of its council districts to address any changes in population concentration. To address the six districts in Utica, Councilman Zecca will propose legislation to the full Council calling for the formation of an Independent Citizens Redistricting Committee to help draw the new district boundaries. The committee will be required to hold public hearings and accept public comment.

One of the greatest powers that the people have is the right to elect their own representatives to conduct the business of their government. How the district boundaries are configured can make the difference between empowering and maximizing the voters’ voices or minimizing and muting those voices. The independent Citizens Redistricting committee will be committed to drawing fair districts that reflect the best interests of the people. Historically, Council members drew the district boundaries in closed meetings, often favoring incumbents or their own party.

 

PROPOSED RESOLUTION 12/1/12

City of Utica

Sponsored by Councilman Zecca

 

CREATION OF AN INDEPENDENT REDISTRICTING COMMITTEE

 

WHEREAS, the United States Federal Census was conducted in 2010, and the results of the census for the City of Utica have now been published, and

 

WHEREAS, the Common Council has discussed the redistricting process to determine a recommendation to be used for reapportioning legislative districts and came to consensus that the Common Council should appoint an Independent Redistricting Committee to prepare a reapportionment plan to present to the Utica Common Council for approval, now therefore be it.

 

RESOLVED, that an Independent Redistricting Committee is hereby created and shall consist of nine (9) members to be recommended by each member of the Common Council and appointed by the Common Council by way of         Resolution; and

 

RESOLVED, further, that the Chair of the Commission shall be appointed by the Common Council and the Vice Chair elected by the Commission; and

 

RESOLVED, further, that the Mayor shall designate appropriate staff to assist the Commission in its work; and

 

RESOLVED, further, That no currently-serving elected municipal official, officers of any political party, or officers of any political committee, shall be appointed as members of the Commission, and that the members of the Commission shall be City residents, registered voters, and shall be knowledgeable about the City of Utica and about government and electoral processes; and

 

RESOLVED, further, that members of the Committee must be willing to work cooperatively and in a non-partisan manner to prepare a reapportionment plan that is fair and unbiased; and

 

RESOLVED, further, that members of the Committee will develop the reapportionment plan in the manner described in and consistent with the Charge or other relevant provisions in the City Charter.

 

To: City of Utica Residents

 

From: Councilman at-Large Jim Zecca

 

Re: Councilman Zecca’s thoughts on redistricting City of Utica Council Districts in the City of Utica

 

Date: January 27, 2011

 

Traditionally, redistricting is done by incumbent politicians who are anxious to protect their seats and discourage competitive elections.

Why are we talking about redistricting now?

The Utica City Charter – the city’s governing document – requires City Council to redraw the boundaries of its six districts. Census Bureau releases information on the city’s population. The Census Bureau does this every 10 years. The last time redistricting was done was in 2001; the next time will be in 2021.

So this is the year for redistricting?

Yes. Remember the census form you filled out a while ago? The Census Bureau took the information from everyone’s forms and came up with very detailed statistics on who lives in Utica– all across the city down to specific neighborhoods and even individual blocks. The information can be sliced and diced many different ways, including by ethnicity, race, age and gender. This data is used for many purposes, including for redistricting.

Why does it matter what district I live in?

Because City Council has a say in virtually everything that goes on in Utica – taxes, city services, even what gets built here. If you have a problem doing business with the city, or if you just want to express your opinion, chances are your district Council member is the person you go to.

I no have a new district Council member. Will that person be involved in redistricting?

Redistricting will be done by the current members of Council.

Does the Charter tell Council how to do redistricting?

Not really. The Charter says only that each of the six Council districts must have “as nearly as possible” the same number of people. Why does it matter if each district has the same number of people? So that no one person’s vote counts more than another person’s vote. That makes sense.

How many people are in each district?

The city’s population is 62,235. Each of the 6 Council districts should have give-or-take 10,373 people (62,235 million divided by 6).

 

What does “ward or contiguous wards” mean?

A ward is a political division. Utica is divided into Wards. Contiguous wards must share a boundary. That means a Council District cannot have one ward in North Utica and another ward in South Utica. If a Council district contains more than one ward – and all of them do – the wards must “touch” one another.

If the current Council districts have the right number of people – and the wards are contiguous – why change anything?

Since the census comes out only every 10 years, there are always shifts in population. Some districts gain residents; others lose them. The boundaries may not move much – and maybe not at all. But usually some changes need to happen. See District census report below:

What is gerrymandering?

Gerrymandering refers to a process where district lines are deliberately drawn in order to achieve a specific political outcome. If the shape of a district is very odd – as are some of our districts – they tend to be characterized as “gerrymandered” districts. (By the way, the term “gerrymander” was coined by a reporter who described a district drawn by Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Gerry in 1812 as a salamander.)

How can district lines be drawn to achieve a certain outcome?

Saving incumbents is an open secret in redistricting. Lines can be drawn to keep potential challengers – or constituencies – outside the district. Or to keep voters who belong to the same political party as the incumbent inside the district. Legend has it that a former politician realized his days in the U.S. Congress were numbered when his house ended up in one district and his garage in another.

Does the mayor have a role in redistricting?

Yes, at the tail end of the process. After Council passes a redistricting plan (via legislation), it goes to the mayor. If he approves it, the plan becomes law. If he vetoes it, the plan goes back to Council. Unless Council has the votes to override his veto, they have to go back to the drawing board and come up with another plan. There is a third option: the mayor can do nothing (neither approve nor veto the redistricting plan). In that case, the plan passed by Council becomes law.

Doesn’t it make sense to involve the mayor at the front end of the redistricting process?

The Council plans should call for getting input from the Mayor early in the redistricting process and throughout Council’s deliberations on the plan. It would be better for everyone if the two sides can reach a consensus to avoid any problems.

What does Councilman Zecca’s plan call for?

Councilman Zecca recommends that all 9 members of Council (the 6 district members and the three at-large members, who represent citywide voters) form a Independent Citizen Redistricting Committee to decide how the redistricting process will happen, conduct hearings in each of the six Council districts and keep the public up-to-date on the redistricting process on its website.

Why do the at-large members have a say in redistricting?

Although the at-large members don’t represent districts, their job is to look out for the interests of all city voters. And their vote on redistricting has the same weight as the vote of a district Council member.

If redistricting is all about who represents me, couldn’t I have a say in how it happens?

The Charter doesn’t give the public any formal role in redistricting, other than through their Council representative. The rules of Council only require public comment at hearings and just before a plan is finally approved.

What can I do if I want a bigger say in redistricting?

You can let your district Council member – and the three at-large members – know how you feel about the way Council is handling – or not handling – redistricting. Elected officials do pay attention to the calls, emails, and letters they get from constituents. If you aren’t sure who represents you in Council, or how to contact them, go to the City of Utica website.

Just out of curiosity: isn’t redistricting happening at the state level too?

Yes, New York has a Legislative Reapportionment Commission that is in the process of drawing the boundaries for the state’s legislative districts to reflect population changes.

Speaking about other cities, do other cities do a better job of redistricting?

Cities handle redistricting in different ways. For instance, Boston has a Committee on Census and Redistricting within City Council that solicits public input before they come up with a redistricting plan. Los Angeles has an Advisory Redistricting Commission – with members selected by Council members, the mayor, the District Attorney and City Controller – that submits a plan to its City Council for consideration. Minneapolis’ Redistricting Commission, whose members are predominately chosen by City Council and the major political parties, submits a plan that must be accepted by City Council. Finally, Baltimore’s mayor sends a redistricting plan to City Council – not the other way around.

How can I keep up with what’s happening on redistricting?

Councilman Zecca plans to urge the Common Council to keep the public fully informed on redistricting by making hearing minutes, proposed maps and other written materials available online on a dedicated and prominent page on the city’s website.

 

 

 

 

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MVCC Cultural Events for the week Jan. 30 – Feb. 5

 

The following Cultural Events are scheduled for the week of January30 – February 5, 2012 at Mohawk Valley Community College.

On Tuesday, Jan. 31, Kathleen LoGiudice  Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biological Sciences at Union College, will present the lecture “Biodiversity and Disease Risk” at 3:00 p.m. in Excellus Room 225 in the Information Technology Building on the Utica campus. LoGiudice will present the lecture on the Rome campus, at 6:00 p.m. in the Festine Auditorium in the Plumley Complex.

On Tuesday, Jan. 31, MVCC will host a “Jitters” Open Mic Night at 7:00 p.m. in the Snack Bar in the Alumni College Center. Signups will begin at 6:30 p.m. There will be a limited supply of free refreshments available.

On Wednesday, Feb. 1, the documentary film “The Cove” will be shown at 7:00 p.m. in the Festine Auditorium in the Plumley Complex on the Rome campus. The film was awarded the 2010 Academy Award for “Best Documentary Feature.”  This film analyzes and questions Japan’s dolphin hunting culture. Admission is $5 general, $2 faculty/staff, free for MVCC students. Visit thecovemovie.com.

Celebrate Groundhog Day, Thursday, Feb. 2, with the film of the same name.

“Groundhog Day,” starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell, will be shown at 7:00 p.m. in the Festine Auditorium in the Plumley Complex on the Rome campus.

A full listing of the Fall Cultural Series can be found in the MVCC Events and Entertainment brochure. Call the MVCC Box Office at 315-731-5721 to receive one by mail, or visit the MVCC Cultural Series website at www.mvcc.edu/culture for the most up-to-date information. www.mvcc.edu

DiNapoli Meets with Local Officials on Issues Facing Utica, Rome

(Jan. 26, 2012) New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli met with Senator Joseph A. Griffo (R, C, IP- Oneida, Lewis and St. Lawrence), Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi (D-Utica), Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri and Rome Mayor Joseph Fusco last week in Albany to discuss issues facing the cities of Utica and Rome, as well as ways in which the Comptroller’s Office can provide  assistance.

“As Mayors Palmieri and Fusco know all too well, New York’s cities face
rising costs and an increased demand for services, while at the same
time they are dealing with implementing the state’s new property tax cap
law,” DiNapoli said. “My office will continue to dedicate its local
government resources to assist officials as they confront these
challenges. I look forward to partnering with the mayors to improve
government efficiency.”

As New York State’s fiscal officer, the Comptroller oversees the
financial affairs of local governments. In response to last year’s
enactment of a statewide property tax cap law, the Comptroller recently
deployed more than 200 auditors to review the compliance of nearly 800
municipalities. DiNapoli’s office has also provided technical assistance
and training to more than 3,400 local officials across the state.
DiNapoli also hosts two Local Government Leadership Institute
conferences each year to inform and challenge local government leaders
through constructive engagement on regional issues of common concern,
while reinforcing key leadership principles throughout each program.

Senator Griffo said, “I was pleased to be able to help facilitate the
meeting between Comptroller DiNapoli and Mayors Fusco and Palmieri. As a
former Mayor, I’m very familiar with the challenges that small cities,
like Utica and Rome, are facing. It was a productive meeting in that the
two Mayors were able to speak their concerns and that Comptroller
DiNapoli listened, offered ideas, and discussed ways that his office
could assist both cities. We look forward to continue forging a positive
working partnership with his office.”

Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi (D-Utica) said, “I am pleased that
Comptroller DiNapoli will work with the mayors of Utica and Rome to find
solutions to the difficult task they face managing their cities’ budgets
during this time of economic uncertainty. It is only through a
collaborative approach with officials at all levels of government that
we can find creative ways to provide services without raising taxes.”

Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri said, “The State Comptroller obviously
understands the challenge facing the people of the City of Utica. Tom
DiNapoli and his staff share our sense of urgency and will be
indispensable to helping us get through the worst financial conditions
the City has ever experienced.”

Rome Mayor Joseph Fusco said, “I was pleased to meet with Comptroller
DiNapoli and his staff this week and thank him for taking the time to do
so. I look forward to working not only with the Comptroller, but also
with my counterpart Mayor Robert Palmieri in Utica as we take these
issues on in a regional sense.”

Fidelis Care Partners with Upstate Cerebral Palsy Community Health & Behavioral Services

(Utica, NY – Jan. 25, 2012) Fidelis Care, the New York State Catholic Health Plan, is proud to join with Upstate Cerebral Palsy (UCP) Community Health & Behavioral Services to help uninsured residents of Oneida County apply for quality, free or low-cost health care coverage.

Oneida County is home to more than 4,000 uninsured children under the age of 19, and 20,000 uninsured adults between the ages of 19 and 64. Fidelis Care is committed to reducing these numbers, and ensuring that all New Yorkers have access to affordable, quality health insurance coverage.

Fidelis Care representatives will be on site at UCP Community Health & Behavioral Services; 1427 Genesee St., Utica, on Friday, Feb. 10 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm; and Friday, March 9 from 10:00am to 3:00pm, to answer questions about health insurance options and to help eligible residents apply to enroll in Fidelis Care programs. Current Fidelis Care members may also receive assistance with their annual recertification of enrollment at these events.

Those unable to attend the Open House are encouraged to contact Fidelis Care at 1-888-343-3547 to schedule an individual consultation at a convenient time and location, including in the comfort and privacy of an applicant’s home.

Fidelis Care offers free or low-cost health insurance through New York State’s Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus, and Medicaid Managed Care programs. Members are covered for regular checkups, preventive care, routine screenings, hospital and emergency care, eye exams, dental care, and more. In addition, Fidelis Care also offers a variety of benefit options for seniors through Fidelis Medicare Advantage, Dual Advantage, Medicaid Advantage Plus, and Fidelis Care at Home programs, available in select counties.

To apply for enrollment in Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus, or Medicaid Managed Care through Fidelis Care, please bring proof of age, income, and address.

With nearly 730,000 members in 58 counties statewide, Fidelis Care was founded on the belief that all New Yorkers should have access to affordable, quality health insurance.

Members have access to a provider network of more than 48,000 health care professionals statewide. Regional offices are located in Albany, Syracuse, Amherst, and Rego Park (Queens), with satellite offices in Rochester, Poughkeepsie, and Suffern.

For more information, call Fidelis Care toll-free at 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) or visit fideliscare.org.

Utica Zoo presents the 17th Annual Snowfari


(Utica, NY – Feb. 2012) Fight off those winter blues with some fun in the, snow? No matter the weather, the annual Snowfari promises to give families a day filled with activities and entertainment.

This year, the Snowfari turns up the heat with Luau themed fun such as the Beach Volley Ball Tundra Tournament. Teams wishing to play in the tournament please contact Daniee Hurlbert at (315) 738-0472 Ext. 38. There will also be ski/snowboard sporting competitions along with tasty treats, music, food served by our own UFD Firefighters, and don’t forget the legendary Cardboard Sled Race!

It all happens Saturday, Feb. 11 from 11am to 4pm at the Val Bialas Sports Center on Memorial Parkway in Utica, with the Cardboard Sled Race starting at 2pm. Registration forms can be found online at UticaZoo.org.

Cardboard Sled Race Registration Fee: $15 by Wednesday, Feb. 9; otherwise, $17.50  per sled

 

Rules:

  • All entries must be made of exclusively of cardboard, duct tape*, and glue with surface ornamental

decorations allowed.

  • No limitations on size or design
  • Any number of people are permitted to ride on the sled
  • Single elimination competition
  • Each heat winner will go on to the next heat until the overall champion is crowned

All sleds will be inspected before the race begins

*Fiber duct tape only no metal duct tape allowed.

 

Feb. 3 is National Wear Red Day


The facts are clear. More women die of heart disease than all forms of cancer combined.  Unfortunately, the killer isn’t as easy to see. Heart disease is often silent, hidden and misunderstood.

The truth is: our lives are in our hands. We can stop our No. 1 killer together by sharing the truth. We can be the difference between life and death. Uncover the truth about heart disease and make ending it a reality.

To participate in National Wear Red Day, February 3rd, visit www.GoRedForWomen.org/WearRedDay.

In honor of National Wear Red Day on Friday, February 3, you can help stop the No. 1 killer of women by sharing the truth in the following ways:

 

  • WEAR RED: Show the world that you support the fight against heart disease in women. Wear red on National Wear Red Day and encourage the people in your life to do the same.
  • SUPPORT THE WEAR RED DAY CHALLENGE! Help us promote our first-ever Wear Red Day Challenge as we spotlight our most spirited supporters. 13 Wear Red Day Award categories are listed at Facebook.com/GoRed for the friendly competition. Supporters can record a video or take photos of their efforts to “Go Red” and submit them on the Wear Red Day Challenge tab on our Facebook Page from Jan. 23 to Feb. 23. Consumers will “like” their favorite submissions, and winners will be announced for each category on Feb. 25.
  • WATCH AND SHARE “JUST A LITTLE HEART ATTACK,” STARRING ELIZABETH BANKS: Emmy-nominated actress Elizabeth Banks directs and stars in the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women short film and PSA, “Just a Little Heart Attack,” inspired by the real-life stories of women who have been affected by heart disease.

 

Reasons to believe:

  • Currently some eight million women in the U.S. are living with heart disease, yet only one in five American women believes that heart disease is her greatest health threat.
  • Ninety percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease.
  • While one in 31 American women dies from breast cancer each year, one in three dies of cardiovascular disease.
  • In women, heart disease is too often a silent killer – less than a third of women in a recent survey reported any early warning signs such as chest pain or discomfort before a heart attack, compared with most men.
  • Women are less likely to call 911 for themselves when experiencing symptoms of a heart attack than they are if someone else were having a heart attack.

 

About the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women Movement

  • Go Red For Women is the American Heart Association’s national movement, created by women, for women, dedicated to uncovering the truth about women and heart disease: heart disease can kill you or a woman you love.

 

Avoid the ER; Call Your Doctor First

By Joseph Booth, M.D.
Suresh Sharma, M.D.
Frank Dubeck, M.D.

Efforts to make health care more efficient, improve clinical outcomes and temper rising costs should include reviewing the appropriate use of hospital emergency rooms. Too often, patients show up at the ER for minor medical conditions, such as sore throats and earaches, which could have been treated as effectively and more affordably in a primary care setting by a doctor who knows them best.

Emergency rooms are vital community resources with the expertise and technology to evaluate and treat medical and surgical emergencies, and any patient experiencing a medical problem that he or she believes is an emergency should go directly to the nearest ER.

However, patients with minor medical conditions can overcrowd ERs. They can face long wait times since sicker patients are treated first. And they can waste valuable health care resources because a trip to the ER costs significantly more than a primary care office visit.

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield took ER data that hospitals report to the state and applied a widely accepted formula to identify the number of visits that potentially could be addressed in a primary care setting. It found one out of four ER visits in which patients were treated and released on the same day was for a medical issue that didn’t need care within 12 hours. Another 19 percent of visits were for medical conditions that needed treatment soon but could have been addressed in a primary care office.

Across upstate New York annually, more than 700,000 potentially avoidable ER visits were for minor medical problems, including 31,000 for back disorders, 32,000 for acute upper respiratory infections, 25,000 for ear infections and 22,000 for sore throats.

If one-quarter of these patients instead sought treatment in a primary care setting, annual health care spending in upstate New York could be reduced by as much as $50 million.

Given the magnitude of the issue, the health plan has partnered with the leadership at the Herkimer and Oneida County Medical Societies in a public awareness campaign to encourage patients experiencing non-emergency medical problems to first call their doctor for guidance on the appropriate steps to get care.

We also encourage patients, at their next doctor visit, to discuss how best to respond to minor medical problems.

We want patients to ask their doctor about last-minute or after-hours appointments and get recommendations for urgent care centers for when their doctor isn’t available.

In a true medical emergency, or when there’s a doubt, head straight to the ER. But for minor medical conditions, no one is better equipped to determine best steps for care than a patient’s own doctor.

Suresh Sharma, M.D. is president of the Herkimer County Medical Society

Joseph Booth, M.D. is president of the Oneida County Medical Society

Frank Dubeck, M.D. is vice president and chief medical officer of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield