As LHC Group employees, we are ambassadors for our many patients and their families, working to provide them with the best possible experience as they continue their healthcare journeys. Whether that employee is a field clinician with direct patient interaction, or an IT team member making technology use as seamless as possible, we each play a key part in providing quality care.

For IT project manager Lynne Schiffer, the smooth journey mentality continues outside of her workday and into how she volunteers her time.

Each year Lynne suits up and becomes an Ambassador for the Walkway Over the Hudson in upstate New York. The walkway is the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge, connecting Poughkeepsie and Highland, New York, according to the bridge’s official website. It stands 212 feet above the Hudson River and spans 1.28 miles in each direction.

Lynne’s involvement with the walkway gave her an inside look at this bridge as it went from abandoned to a popular state park attraction.

“Since I have lived here, I have watched this go from a dilapidated abandoned railroad bridge to a state-of-the art pedestrian walkway crossing the Hudson River and be named a very popular New York State Park,” Lynne said.

In 2020, Lynne completed training and became one of 150 walkway ambassadors for the bridge. She earned her “red vest” and began guiding the more than 600,000 visitors who traverse the bridge every year. Along with guided tours, Lynne also assists visitors, fundraises for the walkway, and attends its numerous seasonal events.

“You’ll find me selling fundraising walkway merchandise, assisting visitors with mobility challenges to enjoy the walkway via our electric tram, working at the yearly fundraising gala, or welcoming visitors to many special events on the walkway,” Lynne said.

Lynne’s participation in the Walkway Over the Hudson highlights how our team members can strengthen the connection with our patients by providing a safe and thoughtful journey through their entire experience with us.

She also offers her assistance to any LHC Group team members who find themselves in Upstate New York – a guided tour and a chance to meet a coworker.

“I welcome any LHC Group team members visiting New York’s Hudson Valley, just two hours north of New York City, to contact me for your own private guide to the walkway,” Lynne said.

For more about the Walkway Over the Hudson, check out their official website.  https://Walkway.org/