LOCH SHELDRAKE – As we reported last week, Congressman Josh Riley (NY-19) hosted a town hall at SUNY Sullivan focused on the urgent challenges facing rural health care in Upstate New York.

The event, held in SUNY Sullivan’s Paul Gerry Fieldhouse, brought together local health care leaders, elected officials, and residents for an open conversation about access, affordability, and sustaining local hospitals and clinics.

During the visit to SUNY Sullivan, Riley spent time meeting with healthcare students across nursing, allied health, and pre-professional programs, as well as leaders from the Student Government Association. 

He listened to their firsthand experiences working in rural care settings, their concerns around training and workforce sustainability, and their hopes for federal support in loan forgiveness, clinical placements, and interdisciplinary collaboration. 

The students expressed a strong desire to serve in underserved communities, and Congressman Riley affirmed his commitment to advocating for policies that strengthen rural health systems and empower the next generation of health professionals.

“Events like this remind us that higher education and public service go hand in hand,” SUNY Sullivan President David Potash said. “When students see their representatives listening and responding, they understand what civic leadership truly looks like.”

“The Congressman seemed genuinely interested in what the nursing students had to share,” said Elizabeth Green ‘26, liberal arts major and Student Government Association president. “He was very focused on their concerns and the issues they raised. I’m thankful that our Congressman would visit our small community—it’s very meaningful for all of us.”

The town hall was part of Congressman Riley’s ongoing series of community conversations across New York’s 19th District.