The health organization that was to become Hudson Headwaters Health Network took root in the 1970s, a time when basic health care was vanishing in the Adirondack Region of New York State.  Physicians who had arrived after World War II were retiring.  Small hospitals, long a mainstay of rural health care, were closing, unable to compete with larger, urban facilities.  This mountainous region, with a high percentage of indigent and uninsured residents, faced an acute shortage of physicians.   

Hudson Headwaters began with a single health center established in Chestertown in 1974 when - not coincidentally - Dr. John Rugge arrived on the scene.  At that time, residents of a half dozen neighboring towns had little or no access to basic health services without traveling great distances.

To attract new practitioners to the region, the organization developed an approach that combines the intimacy of a small-town practice with the advantages of an urban-sized medical group.   Over the next several years, new health centers opened in Warrensburg, North Creek and Indian Lake. 

In 1981, armed with federal funding for community health centers (funding that we still receive today), these four centers officially became the Hudson Headwaters Health Network -- a community-based, state-licensed, not-for-profit health corporation.  By partnering with host communities and finding outside support, Hudson Headwaters had found a formula for reducing barriers to care for individuals and families with limited means.  In each instance, the health center was made possible by community support.  Hudson Headwaters provided the care; the community provided the facility.

In response to continued emerging needs, the Network established centers in Bolton Landing in 1985, Schroon Lake and Ticonderoga in 1993.  During 1987, Hudson Headwaters created the Upper Hudson Primary Care Consortium to help the health centers recruit doctors and other providers, and to coordinate seven countywide health planning and education programs.

During the next decade, three new centers were established on Broad Street in Glens Falls, in Moreau and Queensbury.   The newest health centers, in the Town of Moriah, and the Albert R. Tucker Clinical Services Center in Warrensburg, opened their doors in January 2005.  A 13th center in Fort Edward is scheduled to open in the fall of 2010.

Hudson Headwaters Health Network staff and programs have earned a reputation for excellence.   Recognized by federal authorities and state agencies for leadership in rural health care, Hudson Headwaters has pioneered new approaches to regional health planning and reimbursement.  Hudson Headwaters is proud to serve as a demonstration site for new health care delivery strategies, including the Adirondack Region Medical Home Pilot.

The Network's mission has remained the same throughout our history: To provide the best health care, and access to that care, for everyone in our communities.   Today, more than 60,000 people receive care annually at our 12 health centers, covering  3,700 square miles in four different counties.  This year, we expect our health professionals to provide for 250,000 patient visits.  We also expect to provide $3 million in uncompensated care and pharmacy discounts.

We believe in the importance of providing excellent primary care.  We succeed through the combined efforts of many individuals and agencies.  And we take our inspiration from the magnificence of our surroundings and from the heart and soul of the people we serve. 

Hudson Headwaters Health Network
9 Carey Road
Queensbury, NY 12804

Phone:  (518) 761-0300
Fax: (518) 745-1378
 

 Mailing Address:

PO Box 357
Glens Falls, NY 12801