Sharon Hospital in compliance with state

SHARON — At the semi-annual community forum held online by Sharon Hospital on Monday, June 5, Dwight Tarwater of consulting firm PYA reported that Sharon Hospital is in compliance with the terms of the agreement with the state of Connecticut when Nuvance Health was formed in 2019.

Opening the forum, Sharon Hospital President Christina McCulloch noted that the hospital has two applications before OHS, one to close the labor and delivery unit and one to create a progressive care unit.

She said the case on labor and delivery was closed by OHS on May 5, with  the decision due within 60 days.

The OHS case on the progressive care unit application is still open.

PYA’s Tarwater said his report is for the six month period ending March 31. He emphasized that while PYA is paid by Nuvance Health, the company reports to the state Office of Health Strategy.

The report for the period ending March 31 is not yet complete but will be submitted to OHS in the next couple of weeks, he added.

There will be a community forum in June after the final report is submitted.

On a list of 14 items, Sharon Hospital was listed as in compliance with 12.

The two items that did not have an unequivocal “yes” were number 7, “Include stakeholders in conducting the next required Community Health Needs Assessment Implementation Strategies”; and number 8, “Maintain community benefit programs consistent with [tax regulations]. Apply no less than a 1% increase per year toward the CT hospitals’ net community benefit expenses.”

For the former, the hospital is listed as “substantially in compliance.” For the latter, Tarwater said PYA is still working on its final report, so the rating is “in process.”

The hospital was found to have maintained “sufficient” OB/GYN staff in the period under discussion.

McCulloch said the hospital has recently purchased and deployed two new pieces of equipment, a Bone Density/Dexa System and a Nuclear Medicine Camera.

And on June 5, work began on reconfiguring the hospital’s main entrance. McCulloch said part of the work involves reducing the slopes leading to the entrance, making it easier to get to the front door.

The meeting began at 5 p.m. and ended at 5:37 p.m. There were no questions from the public.

Latest News

Housatonic students hold day of silence to protest ICE

Housatonic students hold day of silence to protest ICE

Students wore black at Housatonic Valley Regional High School Friday, Jan. 30, while recognizing a day of silence to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Mia DiRocco

FALLS VILLAGE — In the wake of two fatal shootings involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minnesota, students across the country have organized demonstrations to protest the federal agency. While some teens have staged school walkouts or public protests, students at Housatonic Valley Regional High School chose a quieter approach.

On Friday, Jan. 30, a group of HVRHS students organized a voluntary “day of silence,” encouraging participants to wear black as a form of peaceful protest without disrupting classes.

Keep ReadingShow less
activism

County Legislator Chris Drago to host childcare forum in Pine Plains

County Legislator Chris Drago to host childcare forum in Pine Plains
The North East Community Center’s Early Learning Program shuttered abruptly last December after nonprofit leadership announced that significant financial strain required the program’s termination. NECC Executive Director Christine Sergent said the organization remains open to reconsidering childcare in the future.
Photo by Nathan miller

PINE PLAINS — Dutchess County Legislator Chris Drago, D-19, will host a public forum later this month to discuss ongoing childcare challenges — and potential solutions — facing families in Northern Dutchess. The discussion will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 25, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at The Stissing Center in Pine Plains and is free and open to the public.

Drago said the goal of the forum is to gather community feedback that can be shared with county and state stakeholders, as Dutchess County positions itself to benefit from $20 million in state funding as part of a new childcare pilot program.

Keep ReadingShow less
government

Proposed ICE facility in Chester faces regional opposition

Proposed ICE facility in Chester faces regional opposition
A Google Street View image of the former Pep Boys warehouse on Elizabeth Drive in Chester, New York, where the U.S. Department of Homeland Security plans to
maps.app.goo.gl

A proposed deportation processing center in Chester, New York, has sparked widespread backlash from local residents and advocates across the Hudson Valley.

The Department of Homeland Security issued a public notice on Jan. 8 outlining the plan, which calls for Immigration and Customs Enforcement to purchase and convert a warehouse at 29 Elizabeth Drive in Chester “in support of ICE operations.” The facility, located in Orange County, is a former Pep Boys distribution warehouse that was previously used to store tires and auto parts.

Keep ReadingShow less
immigration

Classifieds - February 5, 2026

Classifieds - February 5, 2026

Help Wanted

PART-TIME CARE-GIVER NEEDED: possibly LIVE-IN. Bright private STUDIO on 10 acres. Queen Bed, En-Suite Bathroom, Kitchenette & Garage. SHARON 407-620-7777.

The Scoville Memorial Library: is seeking an experienced Development Coordinator to provide high-level support for our fundraising initiatives on a contract basis. This contractor will play a critical role in donor stewardship, database management, and the execution of seasonal appeals and events. The role is ideal for someone who is deeply connected to the local community and skilled at building authentic relationships that lead to meaningful support. For a full description of the role and to submit a letter of interest and resume, contact Library Director Karin Goodell, kgoodell@scovillelibrary.org.

Keep ReadingShow less