PATH: Restoring Access to Care and Wellness in Cambridge

PATH is a community-centered health and wellness hub bringing essential services back to Cambridge. From a rural health clinic to rehabilitation and wellness programs, PATH restores trusted care in a modern, accessible format .

Support Bringing Healthcare Back to Cambridge

Learn About PATH’s Health and Wellness Programs

Project Overview

Pioneer Advocates Transforming Health (PATH) addresses long-standing gaps in healthcare and wellness access in rural communities by creating an integrated, community-centered system. Residents benefit from a single, coordinated hub where primary care, specialized rehabilitation, and wellness programs work together, reducing the burden of traveling to multiple locations. Programs are tailored to common rural health challenges, such as diabetes management, cardiovascular care, mobility support for seniors, and mental health services, while tele-health extends access to specialists not locally available. This approach ensures that care is proactive, comprehensive, and continuous, rather than fragmented or reactive.

Project at a Glance

Location: Washington County — Serving Cambridge and surrounding rural communities
Rural Health Clinic: Primary care offering preventive, chronic, and family-focused medical and imaging services
Rehabilitation Center: 125-bed facility providing OT/PT therapy for post-surgical, stroke, and injury recover
Wellness Center: Preventative programs including fitness, nutrition, diabetes education, and community wellness workshops
Telehealth Access: Virtual specialty services and mental health counseling to supplement in-person care
Sliding-Fee Services: Ensures access for uninsured and underinsured residents

An integrated health system combining primary care, rehabilitation, and wellness
Resident-centred access designed to provide flexible care options.
Proactive and preventative care to promote long-term wellness
Community-based services tailored to rural health needs

Not a standard hospital or inpatient-only facility
Not emergency-only care
Not a generic or urban centered care delivery model
Not a nursing home or long-term stay facility

Bringing Health and Wellness Back to Our Community

Rural communities often face barriers to accessing comprehensive healthcare, including long travel distances, limited availability of specialists, and fragmented wellness resources. PATH addresses these challenges by creating a coordinated, local system that integrates primary care, rehabilitation, and preventative wellness services.

By providing flexible in-person and virtual care options, PATH reduces barriers for residents managing chronic conditions, recovering from injuries, or seeking preventative health programs. Strengthening access to care now helps the community stay healthier, more independent, and better prepared for future health challenges.

Why Strengthening Access to Care Matters Now

Limited Local Healthcare Access

Residents often must travel long distances for primary care, specialty services, or rehabilitation, creating gaps in continuity of care.

Growing Chronic Disease Needs

High prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular conditions in rural populations requires accessible, ongoing management.

Mental Health & SUD Gaps

Access to counseling and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment is limited, increasing the need for integrated local mental health services.

Rehabilitation Needs Are Time-Sensitive

Post-surgical, stroke, or injury recovery requires timely, intensive therapy to maximize outcomes and independence.

Lack of Local Preventative and Wellness Services

Without locally available programs, residents miss opportunities for exercise, nutrition counseling, fall prevention, and chronic disease management.

Coordinated Care Improves Community Health

Integrating primary care, rehab, and wellness helps residents receive consistent, proactive care while supporting community resilience.

How PATH Strengthens Health and Wellness in Cambridge

PATH improves health outcomes and quality of life by integrating primary care, rehabilitation, and wellness programs into one coordinated, community-focused system. Residents can access preventive care, manage chronic conditions, and recover from injuries more effectively, while programs for seniors and families promote long-term wellness, independence, and connectedness within the community.

Accessible Primary Care

Residents can schedule regular check-ups, screenings, and preventive care without long travel or delays, ensuring consistent health management.

Rehabilitation & Mobility Support

Short-stay rehabilitation and intensive therapy programs help patients regain independence after surgery, stroke, or injury, supporting daily living and active participation in community life.

Integrated Mental Health Services

Therapy, counseling, and substance use disorder support—including tele-behavioral health—make mental wellness accessible to all residents.

Preventive Wellness Programs

Nutrition counseling, chronic disease management, fitness, fall prevention, and community workshops empower residents to maintain healthy lifestyles.

Connected, Coordinated Care

A unified system links the clinic, rehab, and wellness programs with local organizations and telehealth services, improving continuity of care and community health outcomes.

Delivering Care Responsibly, With the Community in Mind

PATH’s programs are carefully designed to meet local health needs while respecting residents’ time, dignity, and accessibility. By combining flexible scheduling, virtual and in-person care, and structured rehabilitation and wellness programs, PATH ensures services are delivered efficiently, safely, and sustainably.

Responsible Care Delivery in Practice

Structured, Team-Based Care

Primary care is delivered through coordinated physicians and nursing teams to provide consistent, high-quality service while reducing wait times.

Digital-First Access

Telehealth consultations and virtual appointments ensure residents can reach specialized care without traveling long distances.

Safe, Supervised Rehabilitation

OT/PT programs are carefully monitored to maximize recovery, prevent injury, and help patients regain independence efficiently.

Evidence-Based Wellness Programs

Nutrition counseling, exercise classes, and chronic disease management are grounded in research and tailored to local needs.

Community Integration & Partnerships

PATH collaborates with local organizations, families, and stakeholders to ensure services are responsive, inclusive, and aligned with community priorities.

A Clear Path to Health and Wellness

PATH provides residents with a coordinated way to manage health and wellness. Services are designed to be convenient, combining flexible in-person appointments, virtual telehealth options, and integrated rehabilitation and wellness programs. Residents can access the right care at the right time, reducing barriers and supporting long-term health outcomes.

Start with a Consultation

Residents reach out via phone, online portal, or in-person to schedule an initial assessment or consultation.

Get Matched to the Right Services

Based on individual needs, residents are connected to primary care, rehabilitation, or wellness programs tailored for them.

Connect Through Flexible Options

Appointments can be in-person at PATH facilities or via telehealth, providing convenience and accessibility to residents in the region.

Receive Ongoing, Coordinated Support

PATH teams track progress and coordinate care across clinic, rehabilitation, and wellness programs to ensure continuity and positive outcomes.

Building Health and Wellness for the Community

PATH is being established through a carefully planned, multi-phase process. Each phase focuses on creating accessible, high-quality healthcare and wellness services, ensuring the clinic, rehabilitation center, and wellness programs are thoughtfully designed to meet the community’s needs.

Project Phases

Phase 1—Plan the Rural Health Care Hub

Design the community based health care system to provide comprehensive services for residents, including preventive care, chronic disease management, mental health support, OT/PT, and wellness services

Phase 2—Renovate the former hospital buildings on the property

Redesign the existing structures to accommodate the health care hub, with focus on an expanded inpatient OT/PT facility to deliver short-stay, intensive therapy programs that help patients regain independence and improve mobility safely.

Phase 3—Establish the Integrated Health Service

Design treatment and wellness programs focused on prevention, rehabilitation, fitness, nutrition, and community education to promote long-term health for all residents in our region.

Early Success and Next Steps

Community Readiness

Bringing PATH to the community requires strong support and engagement from local residents, families, and community organizations who value accessible, high-quality healthcare. Expressing support demonstrates that the community is ready for these services and invested in their success.

Progress to Date

Completed feasibility study
Received approval to remove contaminants from the existing buildings
Received approval to demolish unwanted buildings

Next Step

Present the conceptual design for the health care hub to the Washington County municipality

Help Shape Health and Wellness in Cambridge

PATH is creating a coordinated system of care and wellness services to meet the needs of the community. By showing support, residents can help ensure these services are designed with local priorities in mind, reflecting the community’s needs and values.

Show Your Support for PATH

Adding your name to the Community Support Registry demonstrates that residents value accessible, integrated healthcare, rehabilitation, and wellness services, and want these programs available locally.

Add My Name in Support

Stay Informed About PATH

Sign up to receive updates on clinic design, rehabilitation services, wellness programming, and community engagement opportunities, ensuring you’re among the first to hear about milestones and developments.

Receive Project Updates

Get in Touch About the PATH Initiative

Have questions about PATH’s health, rehabilitation, or wellness programs? Whether you’re a resident, community partner, or stakeholder, we’re here to provide clear, reliable information and help you understand how these services will benefit the community. Submit your information below, and a member of the PATH team will follow up with you.

Common Questions About PATH’s Health and Wellness Services

Residents often have questions about how PATH will work and what it means for the community. The answers below provide clear, straightforward information to help residents understand the initiative and how it will support health, wellness, and rehabilitation locally.

Who can access PATH services?

PATH services are available to all residents in the greater Lake Champlain / Lake George region, including families, seniors, and individuals managing chronic conditions in Washington County. Both in-person and virtual options ensure access for people who may have transportation or mobility challenges. Services are designed to meet a wide range of healthcare and wellness needs, including primary care, mental health, and rehabilitation support. The goal is to provide inclusive, coordinated care that benefits the whole region.

Where will the clinic, rehabilitation, and wellness programs be located?

PATH will be located in the Village and Town of Cambridge. There will be three buildings for the rural health clinic, rehabilitation center, and community wellness programs. These facilities are designed to be accessible to residents across the region. Telehealth and virtual programming further extend reach, allowing residents to access specialized services without traveling long distances.

Are PATH services free or affordable?

PATH offers a sliding-fee scale and is committed to making services accessible for uninsured and underinsured residents. Programs are designed to reduce financial barriers while ensuring high-quality care. Insurance is accepted where available, and the system provides options for residents to receive necessary care without undue cost. The focus is on equity and ensuring all residents can access essential health and wellness services.

What types of health and wellness services are offered?

PATH provides primary care, preventive screenings, chronic disease management, mental health support, short-term rehabilitation, and wellness programs. Services include nutrition counseling, supervised exercise, fall prevention, and community workshops tailored to local needs. Telehealth expands access to specialists who may not be locally available. All programs are integrated to ensure continuity of care and long-term wellness.

How soon will services be available once PATH launches?

PATH is currently in the planning and phased development stage. Once the health care hub and all programs are operational, residents will be able to access services. PATH will keep the community informed of when services will be available.

How does PATH coordinate care across the clinic, rehab, and wellness programs?

PATH uses an integrated approach where each program communicates with the others to ensure residents receive the right care at the right time. Care teams share information about appointments, treatment plans, and progress to provide consistent support. This coordination reduces duplication, improves outcomes, and ensures residents have a seamless experience across primary care, rehabilitation, and wellness services.

What telehealth and remote care options are available?

Residents can access virtual consultations for primary care, mental health, nutrition counseling, and specialist appointments. Telehealth extends the reach of services beyond the physical facilities, providing convenient, timely care for those who cannot travel or prefer remote appointments. This ensures continuity and accessibility while maintaining quality.

How are patients assessed and matched to services?

Each resident begins with an initial assessment to understand their health, rehabilitation, or wellness needs. Based on this assessment, they are connected to the clinic, rehab, or wellness programs most appropriate for their situation. Care plans are tailored individually, with periodic follow-ups to track progress and adjust services as needed.

How does PATH work with local providers and organizations?

PATH partners with local health professionals, community organizations, and municipal services to strengthen the network of care. These collaborations ensure that services complement existing resources, fill gaps, and provide residents with consistent support while maximizing the reach and impact of programs.

How does PATH support long-term health outcomes in the community?

PATH strengthens long-term health by providing consistent, coordinated care across primary care, rehabilitation, and wellness programs. Preventive care, chronic disease management, and wellness initiatives reduce the likelihood of severe health complications and improve quality of life over time. By integrating in-person and virtual services, residents can maintain continuity of care, which supports lasting community health.

How will the initiative improve access to care for residents over time?

PATH uses a phased, community-centered approach to gradually expand services as demand grows. This ensures residents have reliable access to primary care, rehabilitation, and wellness programs without delays. Telehealth, flexible scheduling, and community-based locations help overcome barriers common in rural areas, making care more accessible for everyone.

How is PATH funded and sustained for the long term?

PATH is supported by a combination of state and federal funding sources, public-private partnerships, and careful long-term planning. Funding is structured to ensure programs can continue reliably, maintaining high-quality care, rehabilitation services, and wellness initiatives for years to come.