Runyon Discusses Future of Rochester Health Care with RBJ
“We continue to see a growing need for guidance, services, and support for people living with dementia and their caregivers,” Charlie Runyon, president and CEO of St. John’s, told the Rochester Business Journal, as a recently named-honoree to the publication’s Power 30 List in healthcare.
“The opportunities to grow and innovate in health care are becoming much more dependent on creating strong partnerships.”
For 22 years, Runyon has served as president and CEO of St. John’s and over the years he has noticed the ups and downs within the field. Particularly, he has recognized the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The business conditions created by the pandemic and the lack of ongoing support from New York State’s Medicaid reimbursement system continue to put a tremendous amount of pressure on the entire health care system,” said Runyon.
Runyon also pointed out the limited staffing seen across all health care facilities but said “we are very fortunate to have many of our staff at St. John’s who have stuck with us over the years and believe in the importance of the work we do here.”
Regardless, Runyon remains optimistic, telling the RBJ, “I am very excited about the relationships we have built with other community organizations over the years. Over time, these partnerships will continue to help more people access the programs and services they need the most.”
What Runyon says he is most excited for is St. John’s work in dementia care and respite programs. Runyon said an Alzheimer’s and dementia diagnosis brings many challenges, many of which most the Rochester community is not fully equipped to handle.
“[Dementia] affects people from all walks of life and impacts caregivers of all ages. As more and more people face this, families need to have resources they can count on when things get difficult. As providers in the community, we have to make sure we are offering those supports that are most needed in a timely and cost-effective manner.”
Read the full Rochester Business Journal article online: Charlie Runyon | Rochester Business Journal (rbj.net)