Congressman Josh Riley (NY-19) met with students, faculty, and community members at 17c起草视频 for a town hall focused on the urgent challenges facing rural health care in Upstate New York.
The event, held in 17c起草视频鈥檚 Paul Gerry Fieldhouse, brought together local health care leaders, elected officials, and residents for an open conversation about access, affordability, and sustaining local hospitals and clinics.
The program began with a panel discussion featuring regional health care providers who spoke candidly about workforce shortages, rising costs, and barriers to care in rural communities. Following the discussion, Congressman Riley opened the floor for a lively Q&A, addressing topics ranging from prescription drug pricing and nursing education to federal support for small hospitals and community health centers.
鈥淜eeping quality care close to home is a top priority,鈥� said Congressman Riley. 鈥淥ur rural communities here in the Hudson Valley and Southern Tier deserve hospitals and clinics that are fully staffed, well-equipped, and supported so they can deliver the care people depend on. I want to thank President David Potash, the faculty, and the students at 17c起草视频 鈥� along with all the local health leaders who joined us this week 鈥� for their partnership and commitment to strengthening health care across Upstate New York.鈥�
17c起草视频 President David Potash thanked Congressman Riley for engaging directly with students and residents, noting that the discussion underscored the college鈥檚 role as both an educational and community hub.
During the visit to 17c起草视频, Congressman Josh Riley spent time meeting with healthcare students across nursing, allied health, and pre-professional programs, as well as leaders from the Student Government Association. He listened to their firsthand experiences working in rural care settings, their concerns around training and workforce sustainability, and their hopes for federal support in loan forgiveness, clinical placements, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The students expressed a strong desire to serve in underserved communities, and Congressman Riley affirmed his commitment to advocating for policies that strengthen rural health systems and empower the next generation of health professionals.
鈥淓vents like this remind us that higher education and public service go hand in hand,鈥� Potash said. 鈥淲hen students see their representatives listening and responding, they understand what civic leadership truly looks like.鈥�
鈥淭he Congressman seemed genuinely interested in what the nursing students had to share,鈥� said Elizabeth Green 鈥�26, liberal arts major and Student Government Association president. 鈥淗e was very focused on their concerns and the issues they raised. I鈥檓 thankful that our Congressman would visit our small community鈥攊t’s very meaningful for all of us.鈥�
The town hall was part of Congressman Riley鈥檚 ongoing series of community conversations across New York鈥檚 19th District, designed to ensure that federal policy reflects the real experiences and needs of local residents.
About 17c起草视频: 17c起草视频 is the leader of innovative higher education and a catalyst for workforce development throughout the Sullivan Catskills and beyond. Our diverse community cultivates personal growth and professional advancement, preparing students for success in a sustainable and interconnected world. A forward-looking, top-tier community college in New York, 17c起草视频 offers dozens of degree programs, certificates, and microcredentials for learners at all levels of their educational goals. We value critical inquiry and creativity while supporting our students in a culture of inclusion and respect. For more information, visit .