Congressman Josh Riley (NY-19) met with students, faculty, and community members at SUNY Sullivan for a town hall focused on the urgent challenges facing rural health care in Upstate New York.
The event, held in SUNY Sullivan’s Paul Gerry Fieldhouse, brought together local health care leaders, elected officials, and residents for an open conversation about access, affordability, and sustaining local hospitals and clinics.
The program began with a panel discussion featuring regional health care providers who spoke candidly about workforce shortages, rising costs, and barriers to care in rural communities. Following the discussion, Congressman Riley opened the floor for a lively Q&A, addressing topics ranging from prescription drug pricing and nursing education to federal support for small hospitals and community health centers.
“Keeping quality care close to home is a top priority,” said Congressman Riley. “Our rural communities here in the Hudson Valley and Southern Tier deserve hospitals and clinics that are fully staffed, well-equipped, and supported so they can deliver the care people depend on. I want to thank President David Potash, the faculty, and the students at SUNY Sullivan — along with all the local health leaders who joined us this week — for their partnership and commitment to strengthening health care across Upstate New York.”
SUNY Sullivan President David Potash thanked Congressman Riley for engaging directly with students and residents, noting that the discussion underscored the college’s role as both an educational and community hub.
During the visit to SUNY Sullivan, Congressman Josh Riley spent time meeting with healthcare students across nursing, allied health, and pre-professional programs, as well as leaders from the Student Government Association. He listened to their firsthand experiences working in rural care settings, their concerns around training and workforce sustainability, and their hopes for federal support in loan forgiveness, clinical placements, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The students expressed a strong desire to serve in underserved communities, and Congressman Riley affirmed his commitment to advocating for policies that strengthen rural health systems and empower the next generation of health professionals.
“Events like this remind us that higher education and public service go hand in hand,” Potash said. “When students see their representatives listening and responding, they understand what civic leadership truly looks like.”
“The Congressman seemed genuinely interested in what the nursing students had to share,” said Elizabeth Green ‘26, liberal arts major and Student Government Association president. “He was very focused on their concerns and the issues they raised. I’m thankful that our Congressman would visit our small community—it’s very meaningful for all of us.”
The town hall was part of Congressman Riley’s ongoing series of community conversations across New York’s 19th District, designed to ensure that federal policy reflects the real experiences and needs of local residents.
About SUNY Sullivan: SUNY Sullivan is the leader of innovative higher education and a catalyst for workforce development throughout the Sullivan Catskills and beyond. Our diverse community cultivates personal growth and professional advancement, preparing students for success in a sustainable and interconnected world. A forward-looking, top-tier community college in New York, SUNY Sullivan offers dozens of degree programs, certificates, and microcredentials for learners at all levels of their educational goals. We value critical inquiry and creativity while supporting our students in a culture of inclusion and respect. For more information, visit sunysullivan.edu.