To the editor:

On October 1, 2021, DaVita essentially closed the doors to its Monticello dialysis center. Their stated reason for the closure was that the governor’s COVID-19 vaccination requirement for medical care workers caused a staffing shortage. (DaVita has closed other dialysis centers in the region for reasons of “financial unsustainability,” i.e., insufficient profits.) Regardless of the reason, the Monticello closure is causing life-threatening hardships for approximately 60 Sullivan County patients who require four-hour dialysis treatments two or three times per week, every week for the rest of their lives.

DaVita is providing on-going treatment for a few of the patients, and some Medicaid patients are being driven to other centers in Kingston, Middletown, and Honesdale, PA. However, the remaining patients must fend for themselves, driving 1-2 hours each way to alternate locations. Dialysis treatments leave most patients very tired, nauseous, fuzz-headed, and uncomfortable. Those who must drive themselves are put in a precarious, inhumane, possibly life-threatening position, especially with approaching winter weather.

The NY state vaccination mandate is for the protection of not only heath care professionals but also for their patients who are highly vulnerable to COVID-19 complications. Governor Hochel’s September 25, 2021 up date to the plan included a “Declaration to Supplement Workforce Supply at Health Care Facilities,” including the use of the National Guard if necessary. We have been unable to find a DaVita or county official who seems willing to discuss or able to invoke any of these measures.

Concerned citizens can assist by reporting this health issue to the Sullivan County Health Department by calling (845) 279-2777, completing the form at https://sullivanhealth.org/contact-us/report-health-issue, and contacting local Sullivan County representatives.