SULLIVAN COUNTY  — When Governor Kathy Hochul announced nearly $300 million in new state funding last week to support more than 50 health care transformation projects across New York, she emphasized that the investment would “ensure that every New Yorker — regardless of ZIP code — can access safe, high-quality health care.” However, Sullivan County’s ZIP codes won’t see a cent from this round of awards.

According to the State Department of Health’s official list of recipients, none of the funding from the Statewide Health Care Facility Transformation Program IV is slated for Sullivan County providers. The program prioritizes projects that expand access to primary, inpatient, behavioral health, and long-term care services, with a focus on financially distressed and community-based providers.

The absence is striking given the county’s ongoing struggles with health care access. In rural areas of Sullivan, residents often travel long distances for specialized care, and shortages of medical staff have put additional pressure on existing facilities.

This round of funding comes at a time when the state faces a $34.3 billion cumulative budget gap through 2029, according to State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. Rising Medicaid costs, school aid expenses, and the loss of pandemic-era federal support have left New York with tough decisions about where to allocate limited resources.

While other regions will use their awards to modernize facilities, add treatment space, and expand patient-centered care models, Sullivan County providers will have to wait for the next opportunity. The state has indicated that future awards will be made for Health Care IT projects under Program IV and V, as well as the Safety Net Transformation Program — potential openings for local facilities to seek long-needed investment.

Sullivan County Chair Nadia Rajz could not be reached for comment.