HAMILTON, N.Y. — The Community Memorial Hospital (CMH) Center for Surgical Services has received a 2025 Health and Wellness Award from Excellus BlueCross BlueShield to support its newly launched breast biopsy program, CMH announced.
“The support from our partners at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is crucial for patient care, locally,” CMH President/CEO Jeff Coakley said in the announcement. “Their investment into our organization helps Community Memorial focus on continued advancements in vital services, like our breast biopsy program, keeping services in our community and addressing access problems for patients.”
The announcement did not provide a dollar amount for the 2025 Health and Wellness Award.
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Launched this year, the CMH breast biopsy service entails several types of biopsies, including mammogram-guided, ultrasound-guided, and a surgical biopsy. This expanded program offers increased access for patients to stay healthy, heal faster, and avoid long wait times for essential care.
“This new option is a huge advantage for patients in our region,” program leader Dr. Nils-Tomas McBride said. “Our commitment to care with this vital procedure means faster procedure times, which lead to faster results and peace of mind sooner.”
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield offers an extensive Community Investments and Partnerships Funding Program, with a mission to address and improve health outcomes, access to health services, maternal health, and chronic health issues.
“Our mission as a nonprofit health plan is rooted in advancing the health of our community,” Excellus Regional President of the Utica Market Tony Vitagliano said. “We are proud to partner with Community Memorial to help ensure that women can receive proper testing and biopsies close to home.”
Community Memorial offers primary care in six locations — Hamilton, Cazenovia, Morrisville, Munnsville, Sherrill, and Waterville.

