A widely recognized leader in home care. A trailblazer and innovator. And now, Ginger Hall is a “Ruthie.”
Ginger, the recipient of HCA’s highest honor, the Ruth F. Wilson Award, is the public health director of Jefferson County Public Health and a former board member of HCA. The award is given to a dedicated individual who has significantly contributed to home care over their career.
Ginger Hall has been a home care leader for 35 years, championing needs and solutions throughout the field, and especially giving voice for rural and small communities home care needs across the state. She currently leads the Jefferson County Public Health Service, where she has held progressive roles with increasing responsibility, from Public Health Nurse to Quality Improvement Coordinator, Supervising Public Health Nurse and Director of Patient Services.
In addition, Ginger devoted eight years of statewide service to the HCA board from 2009 to 2017, and was a powerful and effective voice at the Board’s policy, advocacy, member service and visionary levels.
Of particular note was Ginger’s trailblazing work leading the Collaborative Model of Community Medicine and Paramedicine in her region.
HCA and the Iroquois Healthcare Association (IHA) were approached by the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation to lead a strategic project to create and pilot a model integrating home care, hospitals, primary care and emergency medical services. HCA and IHA identified the North Country as a potential target and reached out to Jefferson County Public Health as a lead with Ginger at the helm.
Within weeks, Ginger mobilized a team in Jefferson County comprised of her home care agency, Samaritan Hospital, Fort Drum Regional Planning, EMS and Physicians to kickstart the Collaborative Community Medicine and Paramedicine Program.
Through their tireless work and in-depth meetings, they were able to develop a fully realized, community centric design, set forth and implement plans, and commence services to patients integrating the hospital, home care agency, EMS and physicians, by fall 2022.
Ginger and her team quickly became the go-to resource for other site models in mid-Hudson and Broome County. They readily share their knowledge and resources, conduct trainings, and offer technical assistance to inquirers. Meanwhile, Ginger has refined her program and services continuing to blaze a trail for others.
Her work has since been shared with the Governor’s Office, Department of Health, Health Plans and others as the model for how innovation and collaboration can be done across the state.
Her inspiring leadership and mentorship of so many providers and our communities deserves recognition.
HCA is proud to bestow this prestigious honor to Ginger Hall.