Baptist Health Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
Scotia, N.Y.

Produced by Baptist Health Nursing & Rehabilitation in association with WRGB-TV, Channel 6, in Schenectady, N.Y., the weekly program "Six on Seniors" is "moving the needle" of long-term care news in the right direction by telling positive stories and addressing issues that directly affect seniors' lives. Baptist Health was able to gain the partnership of the CBS affiliate in a two-minute, weekly segment on the noon newscast to feature practical, informative content on a variety of topics. Baptist Health chooses, scripts and moderates the topics, working with the news anchor, producer and guest experts. The Baptist Health CEO serves as the main spokesperson.

Topics featured thus far include: "Exercise and the Healthy Heart Benefits for Seniors;" "Dating/Cultivating Romantic Relationships in Senior Years;" "The Benefits of Therapy Dogs in a Long-Term Care Setting;" "Safe Driving as a Senior;" "Falls in the Elderly and How They Can Be Prevented;" "The Benefits of Volunteering;" and "What You Need to Know About Parkinson's Disease." Three consecutive segments focused on proposed state budget cuts and the impact on long-term care facilities; these broadcasts contributed to the joint efforts of all NYAHSA members in minimizing the proposed cuts. With its weekly broadcast, Baptist Health has taken a creative, sustained approach to telling its story to the media and the public, and is challenging the often-jaded opinions of aging and long-term care.