Sullivan County – A new report from State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli paints a deeply troubling picture of health care in rural New York, and Assembly Member Paula Elaine Kay (D-Rock Hill) says it confirms what residents of Sullivan County have known for far too long.

The report, which surveyed 16 rural counties including Sullivan, found stark shortfalls in access to primary care, OB-GYN, pediatric, dental, and mental health providers. Across the board, these rural counties lag significantly behind state and national averages for provider availability.

“It is absolutely unacceptable that in 2025, entire regions of our state—including the west end of Sullivan County—have no pediatricians at all,” said Assembly Member Kay. “We are talking about babies and children growing up without access to basic, essential care. That is a failure.”

Assembly Member Kay, who recently supported and sponsored legislation expanding insurance coverage for prenatal vitamins (A.2675), no-cost inhalers (A.128A), and speech therapy (A.7321A), said the report reinforces the urgent need for targeted investment in rural health care infrastructure.

“We've made strides in expanding coverage, but coverage means little without providers,” she said. “If you’re a parent in western Sullivan County, you can’t get a well visit for your child if there’s no one to see.”

Kay has also advocated for stronger mental health services across the region. Her legislative portfolio includes the Lieutenant Joseph Banish Mental Health Act (A.6721A), which supports peer-to-peer mental health counseling among police, and A.8027, which would offer similar support to corrections officers.

“We know rural health care is in crisis, and this report confirms that reality with hard numbers. As legislators, we have an obligation to seek out solutions and act on them.”