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St. Joe’s CEO wins award from Adirondack Health Institute

Robert Ross (Photo provided)

SARANAC LAKE — The Adirondack Health Institute has named Robert Ross, CEO of Saranac Lake-based St. Joseph’s Addiction Treatment and Recovery Centers, as a Rural Health Behavioral Health Champion.

The honor is one of five Rural Health Champion Awards handed out by the institute on Nov. 17, National Rural Health Day, designated to showcase the work being done to address the unique health care needs of rural communities.

Ross joined St. Joseph’s in 2007 and has overseen an expansion to the agency’s continuum of care, including a $13 million renovation of its 53,000-square-foot inpatient facility, the opening of new outpatient clinics in Franklin and Essex counties, the creation of one of three long-term residential care facilities in the state for veterans for the treatment of addiction and co-occurring disorders including PTSD, and most recently securing funding to establish a supportive housing facility in Malone for families in recovery.

St. Joseph’s recently received three-year accreditations by CARF International (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) covering all program units, which are the highest levels of accreditation granted by CARF for an agency of St. Joseph’s category. In addition, St. Joseph’s is a five-time Best Companies to Work For in New York designee.

“This region is extremely fortunate to have so many talented individuals dedicated to creating a more efficient and effective rural health care system that is easily accessible, affordable and provides a better overall patient experience,” Adirondack Health Institute CEO Margaret Vosburgh said in a press release. “Each of this year’s honorees has had a profoundly positive impact on improving the lives of people in their respective communities and we’re so pleased to recognize their contributions.”

Ross serves as the president of the New York State Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Providers of New York State. He is also the president of the board of the veterans reintegration program Homeward Bound Adirondacks, and he serves on North Country Community College’s Human Services Advisory Board.

Ross was nominated by colleague Tina Buckley, director of St. Joseph’s affiliate, Rose Hill, which provides adolescent addiction treatment.

“He is a forward thinker who is constantly advocating for rural health care needs and looking to improve access to care for all who live and work in our rural communities,” Buckley wrote.

In addition to St. Joseph’s main inpatient campus in Saranac Lake, which is also the site of its veterans program, the agency operates seven outpatient sites located in Franklin and Essex counties. St. Joseph’s after-care facilities are located in Poughkeepsie and Schenectady, and the agency’s affiliate, Rose Hill in Massena, extends the inpatient continuum of care to adolescents and their families.

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