Sun River Health Bolsters OB-GYN Care in Sullivan County

MONTICELLO, NY – May 06, 2026 – Sun River Health has announced its continued commitment to providing essential obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) services in Sullivan County, a move that provides a critical lifeline in a region that has faced significant healthcare service reductions. By reinforcing its care at the Monticello facility and welcoming a new, experienced physician, the organization is directly addressing a growing gap in women's health for local residents.

The announcement confirms that Dr. Marie Albert Abougou, a board-certified OB-GYN, has joined the team at Sun River Health Monticello. This development is coupled with a direct collaboration with the Catskill Regional Medical Center, a partnership designed to ensure seamless access to prenatal care and, crucially, local deliveries for expecting mothers in the county.

A Critical Lifeline in an Underserved Region

For residents of Sullivan County, news of diminishing healthcare access has become an alarming and persistent pattern. The region was recently designated as a Health Professional Shortage Area by the New York State Comptroller's Office, a report that confirmed what locals have experienced firsthand: a troubling deficit of primary care physicians, pediatricians, and women's health specialists. This shortage was exacerbated in recent years by the cessation of routine OB-GYN and pediatric care in the area by other major health networks, forcing many patients to seek care outside the county.

The closure of the only Planned Parenthood clinic in Sullivan County in 2020, followed by another nearby closure four years later, further narrowed the options for women seeking reproductive and gynecological services. This trend mirrors a national crisis, with over a hundred rural hospitals shuttering their labor and delivery units since 2020, creating what are often termed 'maternity care deserts.'

Residents have voiced frustration over being "farmed out" to neighboring Orange County for essential services, a journey made more difficult by a lack of robust rural transportation. In this challenging landscape, Sun River Health's clinic in Monticello has stood out as one of only two providers in the county offering routine OB-GYN care and as the county's sole Title X clinic, providing vital family planning services to low-income and uninsured patients.

Strengthening the Local Healthcare Network

Sun River Health's initiative is a direct and strategic response to this crisis. The addition of Dr. Marie Albert Abougou is a key component of this strategy. Dr. Abougou, who previously practiced at Crystal Run Healthcare and was affiliated with Catskill Regional Medical Center, is a familiar and respected name in the local medical community. Her seamless transition to Sun River Health ensures that many patients can continue their care with a trusted provider.

Dr. Abougou brings a wealth of experience, having earned her medical degree from the University of Tours in France and completed her OB-GYN residencies at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center and Brookdale Hospital in New York. Her fluency in both English and French also expands her ability to serve the diverse communities of the Hudson Valley. Her expertise ranges from managing menopause symptoms and high-risk pregnancies to routine gynecological care.

The formal collaboration with Catskill Regional Medical Center is another cornerstone of the plan. By working directly with the hospital, Sun River Health is building a bridge to ensure its patients have continued access to local deliveries and necessary hospital-based procedures. This partnership is designed to create a more resilient and integrated local healthcare ecosystem, preventing patients from falling through the cracks and ensuring a continuum of care from prenatal check-ups to delivery.

FQHCs: A Mission-Driven Model for Community Care

This commitment from Sun River Health is not an isolated act of goodwill but a direct reflection of its core identity as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). FQHCs are community-based organizations mandated to provide comprehensive primary and preventative care in medically underserved areas. They operate on a sliding fee scale based on a patient's ability to pay, ensuring that income or insurance status are not barriers to receiving high-quality medical attention.

Founded in 1975 after four African American mothers advocated for a community health center in Peekskill, Sun River Health has a long history of delivering on its promise of accessible, affordable healthcare. Today, it operates a network of 50 health centers serving over 250,000 patients across the Hudson Valley, New York City, and Long Island.

In New York State, FQHCs serve a patient population that is disproportionately low-income and from minority backgrounds, acting as a crucial safety net for the most vulnerable. By reaffirming its presence and services in Sullivan County, Sun River Health is fulfilling its foundational mission. The organization's ability to provide a full spectrum of care—including primary, dental, behavioral, and women's health—under one umbrella makes it uniquely suited to address the multifaceted needs of the community. New patients are currently being accepted for OB-GYN services, and appointments can be made by contacting Sun River Health directly. For the women and families of Sullivan County, this commitment represents a vital assurance that essential health services will remain close to home.