NYSARH Announces $500,000 Grant Renewal to Expand Older Adult Rural Support Program for Year Two

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GOWANDA, NY (02/05/2026) (readMedia)-- The New York State Association for Rural Health (NYSARH) today announced a $500,000 grant renewal from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation to continue and expand the Older Adult Rural Support (OARS) Program for a second year. OARS is a comprehensive program to support rural older adult mental health and wellness by enhancing community awareness, reducing mental health stigma, and providing mental health training and professional development opportunities.

Now entering its second year, OARS will build upon and expand the programming launched in 2025, with a renewed focus on two priorities: (1) older adult mental health advocacy and community education and (2) mental and behavioral health workforce development.

"Rural older adults deserve communities where mental health is understood, supported, and treated with the same seriousness as physical health," said Jennifer Muthig, Executive Director of NYSARH. "This renewed investment from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation allows us to build the capacity and workforce rural communities need. It strengthens local capacity, expands access to training, and supports a workforce equipped to respond to the needs of older adults across rural New York."

With support from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, the second year of OARS will advance practical, community-based strategies that meet people where they are. Activities will include community outreach and engagement efforts; Mental Health First Aid and QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer) training; educational programming for high school and college students to learn about careers in behavioral health and other health professions; continuing education opportunities for health professionals; and new virtual training modules for the OARS online learning platform.

"OARS is designed to promote mental wellbeing by helping students, professionals, and community members build knowledge, skills, and confidence to support older adults in rural communities," said Amanda Horner, MPH, CHES®, Project Coordinator, New York State Association for Rural Health. "I'm excited to help lead this next phase of work in collaboration with our dedicated partners whose efforts supported the successful launch of OARS in 2025 and with whom I look forward to expanding this program in 2026."

Through new and ongoing partnerships, this year the OARS Program is implemented in coordination with a network of organizations, including Catskill Hudson Area Health Education Center (AHEC), Central New York AHEC, the Center for Health Impact, Health WorkForce New York, Hudson Mohawk AHEC, Northern AHEC, NY FarmNet, Primeau Fahey & Associates, and Western New York Rural AHEC. Together, these partners bring deep local relationships, training expertise, and shared values that prioritize health equity, access, and dignity for older adults in rural New York.

"Our grantee partners are navigating an incredibly challenging landscape, and yet their commitment to serving their communities continues to deepen," said Msgr. Gregory Mustaciuolo, Chief Executive Officer of the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation. "These grants demonstrate our resolve to stand with them by addressing urgent needs today, while strengthening the systems and workforce that will support New Yorkers' health for years to come."

About the New York State Association for Rural Health (NYSARH)

The New York State Association for Rural Health (NYSARH) is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of rural New Yorkers through advocacy, education, and collaboration. As a statewide organization, NYSARH works with health providers, community leaders, and policymakers to address the unique challenges facing rural communities. For more information, visit www.nysarh.org.

About the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation

The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of New Yorkers, bolster the health outcomes of vulnerable communities, eliminate barriers to care, and bridge gaps in health services. Named after a tireless advocate for immigrants, children, and the poor, the Foundation funds programs and initiatives across New York State, including many that reflect a variety of religions and faiths. The grantees provide either direct healthcare services or address the social determinants of health. For more information, visit https://www.cabrinihealth.org.