Jones CEO James Helms: Access to quality healthcare shouldn’t depend on where you live
Read more about proposal to build a brand-new 4400 square foot facility
Jones Memorial announced this morning that they have recently filed a certificate of need (CON) for a new medical office at 19 Center St, in Cuba, NY to expand access to outpatient primary and preventative care for residents in rural Allegany County.
Carrie Walker, VP of Practice Management and Professional Services stated, “We’re proud to expand our services to the Western part of the county. This project responds to documented access gaps and the identified healthcare desert that exists in this area – characterized by demographic and socioeconomic challenges, an aging population and significant transportation barriers. We hope that by expanding access and complimenting existing services provided by Cuba Memorial and other providers in the area, we can help to close the gaps and enrich the lives of our patient populations.”
The clinic will be part of Jones Memorial Hospital and the University of Rochester Medicine system. Patients will have access to shared medical records, MyChart and a streamlined referral process to specialists in the area and through URochester, ensuring a continuity of care.
The proposed project involves the construction of a new, 4400 square ft, purpose‑built outpatient facility, consisting of 7 exam rooms, including specialty care. Once completed, the clinic will house 1 full time medical doctor, and 1 advanced practice provider, focusing on primary care family medicine and obstetrics.
The project is a significant investment for the hospital, including site development, new building construction, furnishings and equipment, information technology integration, and start‑up and implementation costs, plus required additional contingencies.
Jim Helms, President & CEO at Jones, went on to explain, “Access to quality healthcare shouldn’t depend on where you live. By opening this new clinic, we’re addressing a critical need in a community that has long been underserved. This investment reflects our mission to improve the health and well-being of the people we serve by bringing exceptional care closer to home. We know that when primary care is available locally, patients are more likely to receive preventive services, manage chronic conditions, and seek care before small health concerns become emergencies. This practice is more than a new location—it’s a commitment to ensuring our neighbors have access to the compassionate, high-quality care they deserve. As we look toward the future, this expansion advances our vision of creating healthier communities by removing barriers to care and ensuring every resident has the opportunity to live a healthier life, regardless of where they call home.”
Jones is grateful to the many community partners for their support in this project, including the Cuba volunteer Fire Department for their partnership in securing the property for this project, the Village Planning and Zoning Board who recently provided approval for the project and local and town officials for their support. The hospital looks forward to partnering with the community and is thankful for the continued support.
Currently, the project is out to bid with the goal to break ground in September. Jones Memorial hopes to have the clinic open to the public next summer.
About Jones Memorial Hospital
Jones Memorial Hospital, an affiliate of University of Rochester Medicine and a CMS 4-star quality rated facility, is a 49-bed acute care hospital serving all of Allegany County and the surrounding region. It is the largest provider of healthcare in Allegany County and one of the largest employers in the Southern Tier. It includes the hospital, primary care and specialty outpatient care facilities, an urgent care, and rehabilitation services. Jones is also home to the NCI-designated Wilmot Cancer Institute. Jones is accredited by the Joint Commission and is an NRHA Top 20 Rural and Community Hospital for 2026. Jones was also listed on the Forbes Top Hospitals for 2026.
Learn more at jones.urmc.edu
