MMH Adds Licensed Clinical Social Worker For Outpatient Centers

MASSENA, NY – Licensed Clinical Social Worker Alison Herne, LCSW-R, recently joined the staff at Massena Memorial Hospital. She is MMH's first social worker dedicated to serving the needs of the hospital's outpatient clients.

With 20 years of social work experience, Herne uses her compassionate expertise to assist patients in overcoming barriers which might hinder their healthcare goals. She works closely with the hospital's outreach clinics. Herne can help a person arrange for transportation to a doctor's visit, schedule in-home or skilled nursing healthcare when ordered by the physicians, as well as other social work needs. Her role at MMH allows her to be a counselor, a coordinator and informational resource for patients.

Senior Director of Professional & Practice Management/Ancillary Services and Safety Mark Brouillette noted that Herne is a vital component of MMH's outreach management team.

"She provides much needed support to our clients on an outpatient basis by coordinating health care services with home health organizations, specialty medical physicians' offices and community support services," Brouillette said.

"At MMH we strive to make a difference in the lives of all Seaway Valley residents. Her work truly makes a difference in our patients' lives."

In Herne's previous jobs, she worked at North Star Behavioral Health Services in Malone and later for the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe as a mental health therapist. "I like the fact that I can help patients in multiple ways. I can help them develop a strategy to stay on track to achieve their health goals," Herne said. "I like the freedom to be able to work on and solve problems with the patients."

She travels to Brasher Falls and Louisville Family Health Centers to meet with patients as needed. Herne also meets with patients in her office at the MMH Medical Office Group, 181 Maple St. in Massena.

Herne earned her bachelors of psychology degree from the State University of New York at Potsdam. Her master's degree is in social work from the University of Buffalo. Patients must be referred by the MMH primary care doctors to meet with Herne.