Former Senator Seward Honored with HERO Award

COOPERSTOWN — Former New York State Senator James Seward has been honored by the New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH) for tirelessly advocating for New York State agriculture and the health and safety of those working in it.

NYCAMH, a program of Bassett Healthcare Network, is dedicated to enhancing agricultural and rural health by preventing and treating occupational injury and illness. Its invaluable work is one facet of Bassett’s commitment to agricultural and rural health.

“Agriculture is tremendously important to New York State’s economy, and supporting this segment is critical. That’s why I have been a big supporter of NYCAMH during my years in the New York State Senate,” said Senator Seward. “It has been an honor to work side by side with each of you on behalf of farmers and the agricultural community in New York State. Our joint efforts will continue.”

The NYCAMH Hero Award was created to recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of an individual or community partner whose work has enhanced agricultural safety and health in New York. NYCAMH cited Senator Seward for his dedication to the agricultural community and his support of NYCAMH’s programs and services. As a New York State Senator and beyond, Senator Seward has made marked contributions to the well-being of New York farmworkers and their families, including supporting increased availability of health insurance for uninsured farmers.

The award was presented at the NYCAMH quarterly Advisory Board meeting at The Otesaga Resort Hotel in Cooperstown, New York. The honor was accepted for the Senator by Lisa Betrus, MBA, LNHA, Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative and Strategy Officer for Bassett Healthcare Network.

“NYCAMH is tremendously fortunate to have the longtime support of Senator Jim Seward to advance their work during his time in the New York State Senate and beyond,” said Lisa Betrus. “He continues to be a steward of agricultural medicine and health. I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition.”

“NYCAMH, like many Bassett Healthcare Network programs, has been immensely bolstered by Senator Seward’s ongoing support. His dedication to the farming community and to NYCAMH have ensured sustained programming to safeguard the health and safety of New York’s farmers, farmworkers, and farm families. For that, we are indebted to the Senator for his steadfast leadership, friendship, and guidance,” concluded Erika Scott, PhD, Deputy Director, New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health, and Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety.

Senator Seward served in the New York State Senate from 1987 to 2020.