#USA #Peekskill #Sun River Health #Pugsley Park

Celebrating 50 Years of Health Care Excellence

Sun River Health, a vital provider of community health services, is commemorating its 50th anniversary this year. The celebration will kick off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Jeannette J. Phillips Community Health Center, the first location established by the organization, in Peekskill, New York, on August 2 at 11 AM.

The event will feature insightful speeches from local dignitaries and the CEO of Sun River Health, Anne Kauffman Nolon, MPH, highlighting the ongoing commitment of the company to provide affordable and accessible health care.

Following the official proceedings, attendees are invited to join a free community festival at Pugsley Park, offering a fantastic mix of entertainment and activities for all ages. The event will include a bouncy house, delicious food trucks, creative arts and crafts, face painting for kids, an engaging petting zoo, live magic shows, exciting raffles, and performances by local entertainers including E-Mazin Entertainment and DJ Berry Blendz. This vibrant festival promises to foster community spirit and celebrate the significant contributions of Sun River Health over the decades.

Sun River Health's Legacy

Founded in 1975, Sun River Health began as a grassroots initiative by four African American mothers in Peekskill, aiming to ensure that high-quality health care would be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background. From these humble beginnings, the organization has flourished into a comprehensive network of 50 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), spreading across the Hudson Valley, New York City, and Long Island, serving over 250,000 patients annually.

Today, Sun River Health's dedicated team of around 2,000 professionals—including doctors, nurses, and support staff—works tirelessly to uphold the principles of compassion and quality care that have been at the core of the organization since its inception. These health centers offer a wide array of services, including primary care, dental, pediatric, OB-GYN, and behavioral health services, ensuring that all members of the communities they serve have access to necessary medical attention.

National Health Center Week

This anniversary celebration coincides with National Health Center Week, a dedicated week where communities across the nation recognize the hard work of health center staff and the essential services they provide. This initiative, spearheaded by the National Association of Community Health Centers, serves to promote awareness about the critical role these health centers play in reinforcing public health and making healthcare accessible to all.

For those looking to join in this momentous occasion, the celebration at Pugsley Park on August 2 will be an excellent opportunity to connect with community members, enjoy fun activities, and learn more about the health resources available in the area.

In conclusion, as Sun River Health marks its half-century milestone, it also renews its commitment to ensuring every individual has access to affordable health care, reflecting the organization’s founding mission and the diverse, robust needs of the communities it serves. With plans for continued growth and improvement, Sun River Health is set to flourish for many more years to come, making impactful strides towards health equity and care accessibility for all.

For more details about the event or Sun River Health services, visit their official website or contact Jeffrey Palmer at 917-692-9174 or [email protected].