#United States #HIV Care #Peekskill #Quality Improvement #Sun River Health

Sun River Health: A Leader in HIV Quality Improvement

Sun River Health, a trusted name in healthcare, has recently been awarded the prestigious 2025 CQII Quality Award by the New York State Department of Health’s Center for Quality Improvement & Innovation. This accolade recognizes the organization’s outstanding commitment to meaningfully involve individuals living with HIV in initiatives aimed at enhancing nutritional health literacy and supporting viral suppression. The CQII Quality Award Program is designed to acknowledge those in the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program who have made exceptional strides in improving interventions in HIV care through innovative and sustainable quality improvement (QI) measures.

Meaningful Participation

At the heart of Sun River Health's successful initiatives is the involvement of people living with HIV who provide invaluable insights and perspectives that inform the organization's QI projects. The organization has established an HIV QI subcommittee that brings together a diverse group of stakeholders, including clinical operations staff, quality assurance experts, peer navigators, and members of the Consumer Advisory Board. Together, they collaboratively analyze existing care gaps, assess performance metrics, and formulate strategies for improvement. This collaborative approach not only elevates the voices of those affected by HIV but also ensures that client feedback directly shapes the organization's priorities and planning processes.

Collecting Insights for Improvement

Annual client satisfaction surveys serve as a foundational aspect of Sun River Health’s QI priorities. These surveys capture critical insights from patients that guide the organization’s decision-making and program development. By actively seeking and incorporating feedback from clients, Sun River Health creates a responsive healthcare environment that prioritizes the needs of its community.

A Legacy of Care

Founded in 1975, Sun River Health has a long-standing history of providing high-quality, cost-effective healthcare services to underserved populations in the Hudson Valley, New York City, and Long Island. With a network of 50 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), the organization caters to over 250,000 patients annually, offering essential services ranging from primary care to dental, pediatric, OB-GYN, and behavioral health. The dedicated team of approximately 2,000 health professionals is committed to delivering affordable care regardless of a patient’s background, race, religion, or insurance status.

The roots of Sun River Health trace back to the determination of four African American mothers who sought to establish a community health center in Peekskill, New York. Their vision was clear: to ensure that all individuals and families have access to the healthcare services they need. More than five decades later, this commitment remains steadfast, exemplified by the recognition the organization has received through the CQII Quality Award.

Bridging the Quality Gap

The CQII Quality Award not only celebrates successes but also works to enhance the visibility of quality champions in the field of HIV care. By showcasing real-world examples of effective QI strategies and their outcomes, the program aims to inspire other organizations to adopt similar practices and foster a community of improvement across HIV programs.

With accolades such as the CQII Quality Award, Sun River Health continues to uphold its legacy of excellence in HIV care while committing to the future of healthcare accessibility and quality.

For more information about the award and Sun River Health’s impactful work, you can visit their official website at sunriver.org.