Hancock, NY - August 26, 2025 - I commend New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli for his comprehensive report "The Doctor is... Out: Shortages of Health Professionals in Rural Areas." This report confirms what we've been experiencing first hand here in Delaware County and the Town of Hancock - our rural communities face critical shortages in healthcare professionals that threaten access to essential medical services for our residents.
The Comptroller's findings that rural counties have healthcare professional ratios significantly below state and national averages demand immediate action. As someone who serves both as Town Supervisor for Hancock and on the Delaware County Board of Supervisors, I've seen these challenges up close and have been working tirelessly to address them, particularly in emergency medical services.
The Need for Local Solutions
Delaware County and its towns must step up with innovative initiatives to address these shortages. We cannot wait for state or federal solutions alone. The Comptroller's recommendations for mobile clinics, expanded telemedicine, and incentive programs for rural healthcare workers should be seriously considered by our county leadership.
Hancock's Pioneer Role in EMS
The Town of Hancock has been a pioneer in developing robust ambulance services, investing $300,000 annually in our local TOWN OF HANCOCK VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE CORPS, INC. to ensure our residents have reliable emergency medical coverage. We understand the critical importance of maintaining local control and expertise in emergency services.
Concerns About County Centralization
While I support regional cooperation where it makes sense, I have serious concerns about Delaware County's apparent intention to develop a county-wide ambulance system that could leave rural areas like ours underserved. At the county level, I have been leading discussions urging extreme caution before adopting any "one size fits all" plan from AMR, the national ambulance chain being considered.
A centralized county system risks several problems:
1. Inadequate Coverage: Rural areas with longer response times and unique geographic challenges may not receive the same level of service as more populated areas.
2. Double Taxation: Hancock residents would face the unconscionable burden of paying both county taxes for the regional system AND continuing to fund our local service to fill coverage gaps.
3. Loss of Local Control: Our community-based ambulance service understands our specific needs, terrain, and residents in ways a distant corporate provider cannot.
The Path Forward
Instead of rushing into a county-wide contract with AMR, we should:
• Strengthen partnerships between existing local ambulance services
• Explore shared training and equipment programs
• Pursue state and federal funding for rural EMS enhancement
• Maintain local oversight and community input in any regional planning
As the Comptroller's report makes clear, rural healthcare requires solutions tailored to rural realities - not urban models imposed from above. Hancock's successful investment in local ambulance services proves that communities can take charge of their healthcare destiny when they have leaders willing to fight for what works.
I will continue to advocate at the county level for approaches that strengthen rather than supplant our local capabilities, ensuring that any regional system supplements rather than replaces the excellent emergency medical services our residents deserve.
Jerry Vernold serves as Town Supervisor for Hancock and represents the town on the Delaware County Board of Supervisors. He is a candidate for re-election running on the Integrity and Conservative lines in the November 4, 2025 general election.
See the Town Supervisor's Statement/Official Release here:
See the Full Report linked here:
The Doctor is … Out Shortages of Health Professionals in Rural Areas August 2025