ConnextCare awards scholarship and grant funds in memory of Kathleen A. Ellis, the first nurse practitioner in New York state. Ellis was well known in Oswego County. She worked at NOCHSI, now ConnextCare, the Pulaski Health Center, and spent four years working at NOCHSI’s Mexico facility. The community mourned when Ellis lost her battle with cancer and died in December 1996 at the age of 52.
The Kathy A. Ellis scholarship and grant funds are awarded to individuals entering a program or continuing their education in the field of nursing. In order to qualify to apply, the candidate must be enrolled or have been accepted into an accredited licensed practical nursing, registered nursing or nurse practitioner program.
The recipient for 2021 is Katie Smith. She is currently enrolled at Nazareth College nursing program and is expected to graduate in May.
ConnextCare operates health centers in Fulton, Mexico, Oswego, Parish, Phoenix, and Pulaski. It also operates seven school-based health centers located in APW, Mexico, Pulaski, Fulton and Sandy Creek school districts. ConnextCare is accredited through the Joint Commission and is recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance as a patient-centered medical home.
From left: Nancy Deavers, chief nursing officer and senior vice president at ConnextCare; RoseAnn Jarrett, ConnextCare board member; Katie Smith, scholarship recipient; Beth Hallinan, secretary of the ConnextCare board of directors; Tricia Peter-Clark, president and chief executive officer at ConnextCare.