Sen. Patty Ritchie has been named to a new leadership post on the Senate Health Committee, a position that she says “will help her to more strongly advocate for improved health care for the people she represents across Central and Northern New York.”

In her new role as deputy vice chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Health, Senator Ritchie will join fellow committee members in considering all legislation dealing with the health of New Yorkers.

“As someone who has spent her entire life in a rural part of New York State, I am keenly aware of the challenges we face when it comes to health care,” Ritchie said in a prepared statement. “In recent years, I’ve worked to address some of those challenges—including taking steps to encourage more medical professionals to practice in our region, helping to secure funding to support key local health programs and working to improve access to health care. I’m excited that through this new leadership role, I will be able to continue those efforts to improve the health and well-being of all New Yorkers, and especially those who reside in Jefferson, Oswego and St. Lawrence Counties.”