50 YEARS OF COMPASSIONATE CARE
Your support strengthens our mission
Together, we’ve built five decades of healthcare access for all — regardless of background or ability to pay.
Since our founding in 1975, we have provided comprehensive, highquality healthcare to every person who walks through our doors, regardless of their background, insurance status, or ability to pay.
This value has been at the heart of our work for the past 50 years and remains our driving force as we reach even more
communities in the future. Your continued generosity makes this mission possible every day.
In this special 50th anniversary newsletter and throughout the year, we will highlight four key areas where your donations create transformative change: Women’s Health, Children’s Health, Agricultural Worker Health,
and Senior Health. We invite you to discover how your support directly improves health outcomes in our communities.
With donors like you by our side, we are honored and excited to celebrate Sun River Health’s 50th anniversary year of service!
TRANSFORMING WOMEN’S LIVES
Women are at the heart of our families, workplaces, neighborhoods — and their health impacts us all
At Sun River Health, we believe that accessible, compassionate, and high-quality women’s health services are not only necessary — they are the foundation of a healthier, more resilient community. Women are at the heart of our families, workplaces, and neighborhoods, and their health impacts us all. By addressing the unique needs of women through our wide range of services, we’re improving individual lives, while also strengthening the fabric of our communities.
Every service we provide — comprehensive prenatal care, diabetes management, breast and cervical cancer screenings, behavioral health support, and family planning — plays a crucial role in closing healthcare gaps, enhancing access to care, and empowering women to take charge of their health. These services address not just physical health, but also emotional and
social well-being, helping women lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. Thank you for supporting these vital programs.
LEADING HPV PREVENTION
Delivering a ordable vaccines for patients
Sun River Health leads New York State in promotion and dissemination of HPV vaccine information.
A recent study presented by Sun River Health’s Dr. Quratulain Zeeshan, Quality Medical Director of Women’s Health at the 2024 American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP) scientific meeting, showed that implementing education and counseling on the benefits of HPV vaccination during the prenatal period significantly improves vaccination rates. This study also highlights the importance of finding meaningful resources for improving HPV vaccine rates among Hispanic immigrant patients.
The series of 3 vaccinations costs $265 per shot — making the overall treatment expense $795 for patients ages 16 to 45. Many organizations don’t invest in this vaccination because of cost. Sun River Health stocks it in place for our patients. We use a sliding scale fee of $95 per shot for uninsured patients.
When you support Sun River Health, you help us provide affordable HPV vaccines that many of our patients would otherwise be unable to access.
INCREASING ACCESS TO BREAST CANCER SCREENINGS
Your support enables lifesaving screenings for underserved women
The guidelines for breast cancer screenings have recently been updated to advocate for testing to commence at age 40.
This change has led to a surge in the number of patients requiring comprehensive interventions at Sun River Health. With a generous portion of our population facing socioeconomic challenges, ensuring adequate access to breast cancer screening has become increasingly critical. The impact of low screening rates on the vulnerable communities served by Sun River Health is profound.
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), women with health insurance and a regular health provider are nearly twice as likely to have had a mammogram, compared to those without. Recent data shows that mammography rates among women 50 to 74 years of age who live below the poverty line is 67%. The same data from 2021 shows that breast cancer screening rates for Black, non-Hispanic women, ages 50 to 74, was 82 %, and 74% for Hispanic women.
Sun River Health partners with The American Cancer Society
in our Brentwood location to improve breast cancer screening rates through weekly visits from a mammogram van. In the last 27 months, the total number of patients in need of breast cancer screening was 3,655. However, we have only been able to screen 1,980 patients due to our limited resources. Access and transportation issues contribute to difficulty of getting screenings regularly for many patients.
More work is needed to provide access to patients through mammogram vans and transportation assistance, in addition to increasing education and the means to hold local events to engage our community. Sun River Health Women’s Health Department continues to seek out opportunities to increase our presence in the Hudson Valley and NYC as well.
Thanks to donors like you, we’re working to close this screening gap. Your generosity helps provide mammogram van services, transportation assistance, and community education.
EMPOWERING
FAMILY PLANNING CHOICES
Nearly half of all pregnancies in the U.S. are unintended.
The good news is that we’re seeing a general decline in this rate with the aid of education, long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC), and family-planning services. Nevertheless, unintended pregnancy remains a major public health problem.
Unintended pregnancies are often higher among adolescents,
and lower income, minority, and single women who live with poverty rates twice that of other groups, making the financial impact of an unplanned conception even greater.
Sun River Health sees many women from among these populations for whom the outof-pocket costs for preventive methods such as an IUD would be prohibitive. Last year, our family planning program
helped more than 1,300 women — primarily aged 20-39 years old — receive long-acting reversible contraception to aid in their desire to avoid an unintended pregnancy.
Donor support can ensure that financial barriers don’t prevent women from accessing the reproductive healthcare they need.
With the help of our donors, 1,300+ women received a ordable contraception last year.
HEALTHIER PREGNANCIES, HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES
Sonograms and blood pressure monitoring are saving lives
For pregnant women who are making use of our family planning services, Sun River Health offers many prenatal services that help ensure the health of the mother and the child throughout the pregnancy. In Brentwood alone, 660 patients received prenatal care in 2024.
Every patient at Sun River Health receives a screening sonogram on their first OB visit, and as needed on subsequent visits without any charges for those done by our providers. These assist in timely diagnosis of complications, such as miscarriages or
ectopic pregnancies. Having a sonogram machine on-site helps reduce the risk of fetal compromise and protect the health of the mom due to earlier detection.
Patients requiring higher acuity care, such as an MRI, often need to travel for care — a major issue for many — which may result in them not going for necessary testing.
All of these initiatives help to paint a brighter future for the women Sun River Health serves — narrowing the disparity in services and ensuring that those who turn to us get the care they need and the respect they deserve. Donor support of women’s health is vitally important.
Sun River Health recently underwent a two-year initiative with respect to blood pressure monitoring in prenatal patients to assist with diagnoses of preeclampsia in pregnancy — a life-threatening condition for both the mother and the baby. The focus of this initiative was on Black and Native American women who often suffer increased mortality rates in pregnancy due to lack of thorough care. The initiative included 100 patients.
FROM PATIENT TO HEALTH PROMOTER
Erin’s 20-year journey with Sun River Health shows the lasting impact of your generosity
F or over two decades, Erin has called Sun River Health Beacon her medical home. But to her, it’s much more than a place to receive care — it’s family.
“I’ve been going to Sun River Health Beacon for the last 20 years — and so have all six of my children!” Erin shares with a smile that lights up her face.
“ When I moved to Beacon from New York City in 1989, Sun River Health was the only health center that would take my insurance.”
What began as a vital necessity — finding a healthcare provider who would care for her children — blossomed into a relationship that has spanned generations.
A doctor who listens
At the heart of Erin’s Sun River Health experience is Dr. Kenneth Desa, who has been her family’s physician since day one.
“We wait to see him at the health center if we can, because we love his bedside manner,” Erin explains. “He always answers my questions and puts himself in the place of not just a patient, but also a parent. He understands things about me culturally that make me feel comfortable — like I’m speaking to somebody who cares about me.”
From patient to health promoter, Erin’s relationship with Sun River Health extends beyond her role as a patient. For the past 15 years, she has volunteered as a health promoter by reaching out to men, women and families to tell them how to get the care they need.
“I might be a little biased,” she admits, “but through my experience — even as a health promoter — I know that people at Sun River Health will go above and beyond to pull out all the stops, to make sure they can reach out to patients with the services they need.”
“ I know that people at Sun River Health will go above and beyond to pull out all the stops, to make sure they can reach out to patients with services they need.”
This commitment to community outreach is central to Sun River Health’s mission. By meeting people where they are — physically, emotionally, and financially — Sun River Health removes barriers to care.
“We strive to make people comfortable coming into the health center for care — whether
they have insurance or not,”
Erin says. “ We are really making a difference in the community.”
Your support makes a difference
Stories like Erin’s are only possible because of compassionate donors. Your gifts to Sun River Health
ensure that everyone in our community has access to highquality, inclusive healthcare — regardless of their insurance or ability to pay. When you support Sun River Health, you’re not just funding healthcare services; you are transforming lives like Erin’s and strengthening entire communities. Thank you for making these success stories possible.
50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
The Sun River Health Jeannette J. Phillips Community Health Center is celebrating 50 years of providing healthcare in Peekskill. Join us for music, activities, and fun for the whole family!
• Arts and cra s
• Free face-painting
• Free ice cream
• Backpacks for all school-aged children (while supplies last) CARE AND RESPECT SINCE 1975
• Ra les • DJ and live bands
• Petting zoo
CARE AND RESPECT SINCE 1975
THURSDAY | 11.13.2025 | 6:30 pm
A Special Evening Featuring Cocktails, Entertainment, Dinner, And Fun With Friends
Join us in celebrating our 50th Anniversary and a legacy of care and respect. Since our founding in 1975, we have provided comprehensive, high-quality healthcare to patients throughout the Hudson Valley, Long Island, and New York City regardless of their background, insurance status, or ability to pay.
Cipr iani 42nd Street 110 Ea st 42nd St | New York, N Y Scan QR code for more information.
CORNUCOPIA
For more information, contact Jaslyn Session at 914-522-0898.
Thank you to all who joined us at 2024 Cornucopia on Wednesday, November 6th at Ziegfeld Ballroom to celebrate and help us in honoring Alan Steiner, UMG Cleaning, Osprey’s Dominion Vineyards, and Raphael for their incredible support of Sun River Health and their commitment to the health of our communities. Cornucopia raised nearly $500,000 to support the comprehensive primary and preventive healthcare services that Sun River Health provides to more than 250,000 people in need throughout the Hudson Valley, New York City, and Long Island. We could not have done it without your help!
Please join us this November as we have a special event celebrating our 50th anniversary.
CARIBBEAN MUSIC STARS HELP SPREAD THE WORD
Strong partnerships bring health resources to Caribbean communities
On August 28, at Sun River Health Bedford Avenue, we celebrated the partnership between Sun River Health and the Caribbean Music Awards with a pre-awards-show reception.
During the event, council member Rita Joseph recognized Sun River Health on behalf of the New York City Council, and Spice, the Queen of Dancehall, lit up the room with a surprise performance of her song “Mirror”
from her latest album Mirror 25, now streaming.
DJ Stakz filled Sun River Health Bedford Avenue with live music from Carib Star Radio on iHeartRadio, where Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Jim Sinkoff gave an interview.
During the awards, Sun River Health doctors, patients and services, as well as
local Caribbean artists, were highlighted in a series of videos emphasizing the importance of health resources in the community.
Sun River Health is excited to move forward with this ongoing collaboration with the Caribbean Music Awards to uplift Caribbean voices, celebrate Caribbean culture, and shed light on the intersection of music and health with our communities.
SUN RIVER DONORS SPONSOR
BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORS
There is an ever-increasing need for patients with hypertension to have a self-monitoring blood pressure device.
We are proud to be able to help our patients manage their care at home and improve their health — and very thankful for our donor support. Patients can now manage hypertension at home
Each year, Sun River Health Foundation funds the purchase and distribution of these monitors for our patients in need and at risk. Thanks to our generous donors, we were able to acquire 224 blood pressure monitors at a cost of $6,000 this year.
Uninsured Sun River Health patients with hypertension receive the cuffs along with instruction on how to monitor their own pressure. This has been shown to have a very positive effect on improving blood pressure control.
Community Day In Haverstraw
Saturday, August 9, 2025
11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sun River Health Haverstraw 31-37 West Broad Street Haverstraw, NY 10927
Community Day Celebration In Brentwood In Partnership With Gala Foods
Saturday, August 16. 2025
11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sun River Health Brentwood 1869 Brentwood Road Brentwood, NY 11717
These events are free and open to all! Events will feature: Music, Free Food, Backpack Giveaway, Family-Fun Activities, Kids Zone, and Information/Resources from Local Community Partners
National Health Center Week At The HUB
Friday, August 22, 2025
11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sun River Health The Hub 459 East 149th Street Bronx. NY 10455
THREE KINGS
Donor-supported events strengthen community bonds while improving access to care
This year, Sun River Health celebrated Three Kings in Peekskill, Poughkeepsie, and Beacon. These events were a resounding success, bringing together community members to honor the cherished tradition. Each event was filled with vibrant festivities which included live music and families sharing in the warmth of the occasion by enjoying hot chocolate and cookies. This year’s Three Kings gatherings not only celebrated a timeless cultural tradition, but underscored the strength and resilience of the community, as well as access to healthcare.
Thanks to the efforts of many community partners, Sun River Health staff and volunteers, the Three Kings Celebrations fostered community spirit and honored cultural roots.
HOLIDAY MAGIC
Thank you to our incredible donors for making our Pediatric Toy Drive a tremendous success!
Because of your generosity, Sun River Health was able to collect over 300 toys to bring smiles to the faces of children this past holiday season! The toys were distributed after regular visits at our health centers, and at several holiday events throughout the communities we serve.
We are so grateful for your compassionate support, which not only brought joy to children and families in need, but has also strengthened our shared communities. These moments of happiness and connection were made possible by your kindness.
SUN RIVER HEALTH SMILES
Providing over 52,000 dental visits each year
Congratulations to Najma Rafiq, DDS, a dentist at Sun River Health Patchogue, on winning the Sun River Health Smiles contest! Members of the Sun River Health dental team are invited to submit before and after photos of dental work that has significantly improved a patient’s smile. This initiative highlighted Sun River Health’s commitment to oral health.
With her permission, Dr. Rafiq submitted photos of Sun River Health Patchogue dental patient Gloria Dennis who came in for an emergency visit late last year.
“Ready to start her dental treatment at Sun River Health, Gloria came in for her exam and learned about her treatment options. After taking some teeth out, she was able
to start with the steps to create her new smile. During treatment, Gloria proudly shared her stories about her heritage, her close Canadian family, and her travels. Gloria travels back and forth to Canada frequently. We were able to accommodate appointments around her schedule. She was eager to share her smile with family.
We finished her denture in time for her to wear it on her Niagara Falls trip with her sister in July. She came back in with a warm smile and shared photos of her trip with us. It is a rewarding experience
to provide care for such a compassionate and kind woman.”
Our dental team provided more than 52,000 dental visits in 2024, thanks to the generous support of donors like you. Your contributions make comprehensive oral healthcare possible for thousands of patients who might otherwise go without these essential services. When patients like Gloria smile with confidence, it’s a direct reflection of your compassion and commitment to community health.
APPRECIATION FOR OUR VOLUNTEERS
We’re thrilled to nominate Celia Valencia for the 2025 Dr. Harold Keltz Distinguished Public Health Service Award. Her story shows how one person’s dedication can transform lives in our community.
Bringing Fresh Food to Those Who Need it Most
Celia volunteers with our Food is Medicine program in Yonkers, where we partner with Feeding Westchester to serve 120 patients across our Yonkers and Peekskill health centers. For patients facing food insecurity alongside health challenges, this program removes barriers by providing fresh produce and
essentials right at their health center visits.
In 2024 alone, Celia gave 60 hours of her time across 20 food distributions. She packed over 700 produce bags, sorting and organizing hundreds of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables with care and enthusiasm. But her impact goes beyond the numbers.
More Than Just Packing Bags
What makes Celia special is how she shows up — consistently, positively, and with genuine care for the people she serves. She creates a welcoming atmosphere for everyone, from staff to fellow
volunteers to the patients who rely on this program. When new volunteers join, Celia takes them under her wing. When extra help is needed, she steps right in.
For families juggling health concerns and the stress of putting nutritious food on the table, Celia’s work means access to the fresh produce that supports their well-being.
It’s health equity in action, delivered with compassion.
Interested in volunteering?
From administrative support to community events, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference in your neighbors’ lives.
Your Support Makes It Possible
Volunteers like Celia give generously of their time, but it’s donor support that makes these programs possible. Whether you contribute through service or financial gifts, you’re part of the foundation that allows us to
serve over 40 sites across the Hudson Valley, New York City, and Long Island.
Together, we’re not just providing healthcare — we’re building healthier, stronger communities where everyone has access to what they need to thrive.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities, please email events@sunriver.org
A BEAUTIFUL CELEBRATION OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Thanks to your generous support, we were able to host something truly special this February. On the 22nd, our Jeanette J. Phillips Community Health Center came alive with the sounds of jazz, the warmth of community connection, and the power of storytelling.
What started as an idea to honor Black History Month became an afternoon that brought together neighbors, families, and friends from across our community. You could feel the energy as people shared stories over refreshments, reconnecting with old friends and making new ones.
We were moved by the thoughtful words from Wilfredo Morel and Nalini Purvis, who reminded us why these celebrations matter so much — not just for honoring history,
but for building the kind of inclusive, welcoming spaces where everyone can thrive. Local leaders joined us too, sharing their own reflections on how Black history continues to shape and strengthen our communities today.
The heart of our celebration was the screening of Blueprint for My People, a beautiful documentary by filmmaker Carol Bash. Watching it together, you could see how deeply it resonated with everyone in the room. The conversation that followed — with Carol and jazz drummer Tony Jefferson – was the kind of meaningful dialogue that only happens when people feel truly connected to each other and the stories being shared.
And what a perfect way to close the afternoon: John Anthony
Ferrer’s soulful guitar filled the room, creating a moment of pure joy and reflection that seemed to capture everything we’d experienced together. None of this would have been possible without friends like you. Your donations don’t just support our health programs — they help us create these moments of connection that make such a difference in people’s lives. When we can celebrate culture, share stories, and bring people together, we’re building the foundation for better health outcomes and stronger communities.
Thank you for believing in this work and for helping us create spaces where everyone feels valued and heard.
THE IMPACT OF DONOR SUPPORT
THE IMPACT OF DONOR SUPPORT
See how your contributions transformed healthcare access for 250,000 patients across our communities
Every donor dollar contributed to these remarkable achievements. Your generosity made these statistics possible — but remember that behind each number is a real person whose life has been improved because you chose to give. Here’s what your support helped to accomplish:
Launched our new Sun River Health Pharmacy.
Connected 1,500 patients to care through our mobile van services.
Opened and renovated facilities in Beacon, Brooklyn & Queens to meet increasing community needs with state-of-the-art facilities.
Provided 346,628 vaccines to keep our community healthy and safe.
Cared for close to 250,000 patients throughout our nearly 50 health centers.
Provided education and additional screenings to 1,500 patients with Type 2 diabetes — improving their ability to lead long, fulfilling lives.
Supported 50,000 patients with additional services to reduce barriers to care, including health education, transportation support, and navigation services.