Our Story

Sullivan County, located in the Catskills of New York, has historically been a place of healing and beauty.

From the Indigenous Lenni-Lenape People to the tourism and agricultural industries, which are part of our heritage, people have traveled and located here for the beauty, fresh air, clean water, outdoor experiences, and sense of community, all of which contribute to good health.

Sandra Gerry speaking at the Museum at Bethel Woods.
 

Despite our history, Sullivan County is ranked 57 out of 62 counties in the state of New York by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation County Health Rankings.

In 2016 Sullivan 180 was formed by Sandra Gerry and the Gerry Foundation; along with concerned and motivated community partners and Sullivan County residents eager to turn this ranking around.  

Sullivan 180, our partners and volunteers, are working to address community health and promote innovative ways for all of our residents to live a healthier lifestyle.

This encompasses not only physical but also mental, spiritual, economic, and environmental health.

We are addressing the social determinants of health through prevention, access to healthy food, opportunities for physical activity, a sense of purpose, and connection to family and community. 

Eight hands in a huddle.
 

Sullivan 180 aligns our work with the priorities and strategies identified in the Sullivan County Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) based on the formal Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). This allows us to identify where our resources can leverage existing efforts and have the greatest impact.  

In 2023, Sullivan 180 was joined by our sister organization Sullivan Renaissance which brought with them over 20 years of experience in the areas of beautification, community development, and community engagement.  

Together, as an enhanced and evolving Sullivan 180, we have refined our focus on our youth; and have set our intentions on empowering a healthier generation.

“A healthy community fosters a culture of health where everyone has the opportunity to pursue physical, spiritual, and emotional wellbeing.”
— Jay Quaintance, Chair, Sullivan 180