Healthcare challenges, funding shortages strain Evergreen Elm

By SARA FURLONG

s.furlong@bradfordera.com

Evergreen Elm Inc. logged a record 6,500 miles transporting individuals for medical care last year as access continued to deteriorate in the Bradford region.

The Bradford-based organization’s 2025-26 annual report shows a sharp increase from the 2,500 to 4,000 miles typically traveled in previous years.

Brandi Buck, Evergreen Elm’s chief executive officer, said the loss of healthcare services at the former Bradford Regional Medical Center has significantly affected the organization and the individuals who depend on its support. She emphasized that problems began well before the hospital ended inpatient and emergency services in May.

“When starting with the hospitalists, we lost that continuity of care in vulnerable situations,” Buck said. “(The loss of) same day procedures was a hard hit to us. The team at BRMC Same Day were phenomenal to us, and the ease and comfort they provided was top notch. We’ve yet to find that rapport since.”

The loss of local emergency department services has created another hardship, she said. Evergreen Elm provides residential, community- based and other support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health needs. Its employees frequently accompany individuals to medical appointments and help them navigate healthcare systems.

Buck said dental care, specialty medical services and inpatient psychiatric treatment account for some of the longest trips.

Those distances carry costs beyond transportation.

Many trips require overtime staffing because longer drives often involve more than one direct support

Evergreen Elm participants dressed for the Futures Prom. Shown are Rodney, Angel, Laverne, Jon, Nate and Joe.

Evergreen Elm

professional. Fuel expenses and vehicle maintenance costs have increased, while additional overtime contributes to employee burnout.

Buck also identified increased exposure to secondary trauma among staff, explaining that anxiety surrounding medical and dental appointments can intensify when individuals must travel farther for care.

In its annual report, Evergreen Elm described the challenges of finding consistent healthcare and the additional preparation and reassurance staff must provide during lengthy trips.

The organization said its teams have had to navigate increasingly complex healthcare systems while advocating for appropriate treatment and support.

FAMILIES WAITING FOR SERVICES Buck said 40 people in McKean County are currently waiting for intellectual and developmental disability waiver-funded services, including 22 classified in emergency status.

That figure includes only those who have successfully navigated the process to get onto the waiting list, meaning others who need services may not be reflected in the total.

Some individuals remain on waiting lists for years because of insuffi cient waiver funding, which supports services for people with disabilities.

In her annual report message, Buck identified the shortage of waiver funding as a major obstacle to expanding supported living and life-sharing opportunities. “There are so many individuals and families right here in McKean County who could thrive with these types of supports, but are unable to access them because the resources simply are not available,” she wrote.

“Behind every unavailable waiver slot is a person waiting for an opportunity — and a family hoping for a sustainable future for their loved one.”

The consequences can be particularly difficult for families whose children are transitioning out of school.

Buck said some families are uncertain what to do next and continue without formal support until relatives or other caregivers can no longer meet their needs because of age, illness or other circumstances.

She credited collaboration among local service providers, county agencies and support coordinators with helping maintain individuals’ health and safety while they wait.

Evergreen Elm hopes to expand its supported living and life-sharing programs — alternatives to traditional residential care.

Supported living allows individuals to receive assistance in homes they rent, lease or own. Life sharing connects adults with disabilities to individuals or families who provide a shared living arrangement with support from Evergreen Elm.

“Expanding these programs will give individuals more options to live in an environment that best serves their needs,” Buck said. “We can’t assume that one service design fits every person.” BUILDING INDEPENDENCE Among Evergreen Elm’s initiatives is the Bradford Link Apartment Lab, a fully furnished apartment where adults with disabilities can practice independent living skills in a supervised setting.

The program offers 24-hour staff availability and allows participants to develop skills involving household upkeep, budgeting, personal safety and responding to emergencies.

Buck said the program has three phases, beginning with an assessment of an individual’s abilities and concluding with a stay of as long as one week in the apartment.

Available to adults 18 and older, the program operates on a private-pay basis, with costs comparable to a hotel stay.

“The ability to practice these skills in real time in a real setting is a great resource for anyone 18 and up,” Buck said.

Evergreen Elm’s annual report also outlines a new representative payee fee-for-service program for 2026-27.

Called “An Individual’s Money,” the program is designed to provide financial support, budgeting assistance and protection against financial exploitation while helping individuals develop greater independence.

LEADERSHIP TRANSITION Evan Pecora assumed the presidency of Evergreen Elm’s board of directors Sept. 10, succeeding Eric Taylor.

Buck said, “Eric Taylor served as board president for an extended term. During his presidency we updated our strategic plan, created three more programs and strengthened our mission.”

Taylor intends to remain involved as a board member.

Pecora, who joined the board in 2019, expressed confidence in the organization’s leadership and staff as Evergreen Elm continues developing services for individuals and families throughout the community.