The Catskill Chronicle

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (January 17, 2014) – Sullivan County Public Health Services has been awarded a “County Health Rankings & Roadmaps” grant of $4,900 to generate action to improve the health of Sullivan County residents. The grant will support the efforts of the local health department to build on several years of collaborative work with schools and the healthcare sector to address overweight, obesity and chronic disease.

A county-wide Health Summit is being planned for this spring that will bring together key stakeholders and showcase local success stories in schools, businesses, and healthcare organizations, with the goal of strengthening the commitment of community leaders to implement policies and programs that promote a culture of wellness and health.

Annually since 2010, the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation have produced and released the County Health Rankings in all 50 states. Sullivan County has ranked near the bottom in New York State (61 of 62) for health outcomes and 62 of 62 for Mortality (County Health Rankings, 2013).

“Our rural upstate county has many positive attributes in terms of agriculture, fresh air and water, and opportunities for healthy outdoor living, yet there are critical issues impacting the health of residents. This grant award will enable us to strengthen the partnerships we have been building on and bring together key stakeholders interested in taking practical action steps to move our county’s health rankings further up the list. We can encourage residents to take action to improve their health by promoting effective policies wherever people live, work and play.” stated Nancy McGraw, Sullivan County Public Health Director.

For more information, please contact Sullivan County Public Health Services at 845-292-5910 x 2179.