It was a welcome sight to see so many people committed to the future of Sullivan County at the ceremonial groundbreaking for the Center for Discovery’s new children’s specialty hospital in Rock Hill last week.
There can be a perception among some people that as a rural, upstate county we are somehow less significant or don’t carry much clout to make things happen. It can sometimes feel like we’re always trying to catch up instead of forging ahead.

In the case of this new children’s hospital, Sullivan County and the Center for Discovery are leading the charge. New York State does not currently have any short-term, inpatient assessment programs for children with complex developmental disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorders and medical frailties.
The Center for Discovery says that as children with complex disabilities become adolescents, they may require additional support, both in classrooms and at home. Teachers and parents may find it more challenging to engage and support them, especially if they present challenging or maladaptive behaviors.

Once this hospital opens next year, it will not only help children but also serve as a model throughout the state and the nation while saving millions of dollars in the cost of care.

We should thank the Center for Discovery, private donors and all the local, state and federal lawmakers who are working to make this vision a reality. It should serve as an example of what we can accomplish through skilled perseverance and productive partnerships.

Good luck, Rick!

Sullivan County’s Commissioner of Public Safety Rick Sauer is leaving his position effective today. He served as Public Safety Commissioner for more than three years during which time he oversaw the 911 Communications Center, probation, emergency medical services, fire services and emergency management.
Sauer is well known throughout Sullivan County, especially in his capacity as a member of the New York State Police and Liberty Fire Department for 30 years.
Sullivan County is losing a valuable public servant whose tenure as public safety commissioner included severe winter storms, floods and helping to coordinate our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sauer is relocating to North Carolina to be closer to family. He’s also accepted an offer to become the Emergency Services Director for Sampson County. We thank him for his service to our community and wish him the very best in his new endeavors.