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County Responds to 2019 Health Rankings Report

Liberty, NY – Sullivan County leaders responded today to the release of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s County Health Rankings and Roadmap report for 2019.

“I am hopeful that we are headed in the right direction, because there are so many positive things happening that will help improve overall health and quality of life in the County in the long run,” stated Public Health Director Nancy McGraw. “It takes many years of targeted focus and investment in a variety of community initiatives to change overall health rankings, but we are already starting to see some of the underlying statistics, which drive the rankings, improve. In fact, a ‘Health in All Policies’ approach continues to build momentum. These efforts, over time, will help to keep the momentum going in the right direction, but it takes a few years for the data to catch up with current efforts.”

“Our work with our partners comes together through our Public Health Department and the Sullivan County Rural Health Network, to collaboratively improve breastfeeding rates, improve access to dental care, address the opioid crisis and access to treatment, and reduce re-hospitalization rates for asthma and diabetes; these are some of the positive areas where there is progress. And we continue to work on reducing adult smoking rates, which is down to 18%, a marked improvement from prior years,” she added.

“The important thing is that Sullivan County residents and leaders are taking action to improve their health, no matter what our ranking is,” McGraw said. “It’s not a race to the top. It is about progress toward better health.”

“This is not an event – this is a process,” agreed Health & Family Services Commissioner Joe Todora. “As with any process, it requires ongoing, sustained effort, and I’m confident that this County and its partners are committed to raising the rankings no matter how long it takes.”

“Together, the consortium of folks in Sullivan County working with residents towards collective wellness has grown tremendously over the last few years. Projects run the gamut from peer support, increasing access to care for the mobility-impaired, building outdoor recreational facilities, getting more fresh local produce into schools and communities, and capitalizing on each other’s strengths to have the greatest impact over time,” noted Colleen Monaghan, executive director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County, a key collaborator. “We are not discouraged. Rather, we continue to be inspired and energized to work together to improve the Sullivan Catskills’ health outcomes.”

“While the County’s health ranking has not moved yet, Sullivan’s economic indicators are clearly improving,” said Freda Eisenberg, commissioner of the Division of Planning. “The County led New York State last year in private employment growth, with an increase of 9.3 percent. Sales tax, tourism visitation and spending, housing development – these are also on the rise. Community revitalization will support health improvement in a variety of ways such as reducing financial stress, improving living conditions, and bringing overall quality of life enhancements.”

“The RWJ ranking comes out once a year and is a marker for us to check in. It has shown that collaboration is not only helpful, but critical to establishing programs and initiatives; and to taking on larger policy issues,” explained Denise Frangipane, executive director of Sullivan Renaissance, another key collaborator. “Working with these partners, Sullivan Renaissance brings resources to the table in the form of grants, technical assistance and experience with community development and organizing, which translates into projects that engage communities and volunteers of all ages. It is very grassroots.”

“While disappointing, I agree with the others that it is a marathon, not a sprint, so it will take time to move things in a more positive direction, but I’m absolutely convinced we are collectively making a difference and Sullivan County is moving toward building a sustainable culture of health,” observed Sandi Rowland, executive director of Sullivan 180, a nonprofit focused on turning around health and wellness in Sullivan County.

She added, “Here are a few of the initiatives in Sullivan County I think are making a difference:

  • A robust worksite wellness program including dozens of local businesses and hundreds of workers throughout the County
  • Sullivan 180’s community health champions who are working with groups and communities, coaching them to adopt healthier lifestyles
  • Maternal and child health-focused programs such as training of certified lactation consultants, introducing a centering prenatal care model to reduce low birth weights, and engaging women-focused community health workers
  • Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Healthy Schools and Communities program, which is teaching children and families healthy eating habits, and
  • PRASAD’s Children’s Dental Health Program, which offers in-school dental treatment via a mobile van.”

“It’s a struggle, no doubt,” remarked District 2 Legislator Nadia Rajsz, chair of the Legislature’s Health & Family Services Committee. “But that makes it all the more important to keep going. This Legislature, this County and its partners are not giving up. We have work to do.”