Garnet Health Doctors reinstate OB/GYN dept. The team at Garnet Health Doctors prepares to cut the ribbon on their new OB/GYN clinic, ensuring women's healthcare stays local for many years to come. Posted Friday, July 31, 2026 6:10 am Vincent Kurzrock SULLIVAN COUNTY/HARRIS - When Crystal Run Healthcare announced via an automated email in May that its obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) practice at its Rock Hill location (61 Emerald Place) would be ceasing operations, public reaction was a mixture of confusion, anger and sadness. On Tuesday, Garnet Health Doctors marked its renewed commitment to ensuring women continue to have access to healthcare close to home. With a strong turnout, the ceremony came less than three months after the Democrat reported Crystal Run Healthcare's announcement that it would close its Rock Hill OB/GYN practice beginning this month. At that time, Garnet Health announced it would reinstate physician-based OB/GYN services in Harris with board-certified physicians Dr. Marie Abougou and Dr. Irvelyne Camille, ensuring obstetrical and gynecological care would remain local. "When Sullivan County faced the potential loss of local women's healthcare services, Garnet Health recognized that need and acted," stated Garnet Health Medical Center Catskills Chief Executive Officer Jerry Dunlavey. "It represents Garnet Health's commitment to ensuring women in Sullivan County continue to have access to high-quality OB/GYN care close to home." While the practice is still new, success is already evident, with Dunlavey saying the response has exceeded expectations. "In the first month alone, and the month isn't over, we have seen over 200 patients in clinic," he said. "We've welcomed 14 newborn infants into this world." The practice offers a wide range of women's healthcare services, including preventive screenings, obstetrical services, reproductive healthcare, routine gynecological care, healthy aging services and menopause management. Chief Medical Officer for Garnet Health and President of Garnet Health Doctors Dr. Pamela Murphy assured attendees that expanding and restoring healthcare services in Sullivan County remains a major priority for the health system. "You wouldn't think we were that far away from New York City, but we are," Murphy admitted. "People really want to stay home. They want to stay local. They want to be taken care of in their institutions." She said Garnet Health wants to ensure residents have access to healthcare without needing to leave Sullivan County. "It's our mission to bring back all the services we need to do," Murphy assured. "We will continue, as that is our mission here in Catskills, to make sure Sullivan County is taken care of." For Dr. Camille, returning to practice in Sullivan County was like coming home after spending nearly 20 years caring for patients in the community. "When that opportunity showed that I could come back here and practice as a Garnet Health doctor, my first response was, 'I'm going back home,'" Camille recounted. She acknowledged that the ever-changing landscape of local women's healthcare providers has created uncertainty for many patients, but stressed the practice's long-term commitment to the community. "I know there's been some damage over the years," Camille admitted. "We're here to stay for many, many years to come." Following remarks from physicians and hospital leadership, Garnet Health Doctors was presented with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition commemorating the opening by Field Representative Eric Ball on behalf of Congressman Josh Riley before physicians, staff and community leaders gathered for the ceremonial ribbon cutting and a tour of the clinic, which features six exam rooms and is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Garnet Health Doctors Celebrates Opening of New OB/GYN Practice in Sullivan County. By Geri Neumann Garnet Health Doctors Celebrates Opening of New OB/GYN Practice in Sullivan County Representatives from Garnet Health cut the ribbon on the new OB/GYN practice at Garnet Health Doctors in Harris, N.Y. HARRIS, NY (July 30, 2026) - Garnet Health Doctors celebrated the official opening of its new obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) practice with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Community leaders, Garnet Health leadership, physicians and staff gathered at the Harris practice, located at 68 Harris-Bushville Road, to commemorate the opening and celebrate Garnet Health Doctors' continued commitment to comprehensive women's healthcare services in Sullivan County. The practice is led by Irvelyne Camille, MD, board-certified OB/GYN physician and Medical Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology for Garnet Health Doctors, along with Marie Abougou, MD, board-certified OB/GYN physician. Together, they provide care for women through every stage of life - from annual wellness exams, obstetric care and preventive screenings to reproductive health services, menopause management and healthy aging support - helping to ensure women can receive high-quality care close to home. About Garnet Health Doctors Garnet Health is a New York State not-for-profit corporation headquartered in Middletown, New York, approximately 60 miles northwest of New York City. It is the corporate parent of Garnet Health Medical Center, Garnet Health Medical Center - Catskills, Garnet Health Doctors, Garnet Health Urgent Care, Garnet Health Foundation and Garnet Health Foundation - Catskills. Garnet Health employs more than 4,000 professionals and over 850 medical staff members. Garnet Health Doctors is a large medical practice offering primary care and family medicine, urgent care, and a range of specialty services at multiple locations throughout Orange and Sullivan counties. Providers care for patients of all ages, from children to seniors, and also offer women's health services. All Garnet Health Doctors primary care offices have earned Patient-Centered Medical Home Recognition from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), reflecting a strong commitment to patient-centered care and lasting relationships. In addition, their three urgent care locations are accredited by the Urgent Care Association, meeting the highest standards of quality and accessibility.

OB/GYN care extends beyond pregnancy, Garnet Health Doctors expand services in Sullivan County. Garnet Health Doctors announced on July 20 the expansion of women's healthcare services in Sullivan County with the addition of Irvelyne Camille, MD, and Marie Abougou, MD, both board-certified obstetricians and gynecologists. The organization said this move will help provide local women with access to comprehensive OB/GYN care close to home. Camille said, "Many women think they only need to see an OB/GYN when they're pregnant. However, as specialists, we play an important role in women's health throughout every stage of life. We help women manage preventive care, reproductive health, menstrual concerns, menopause symptoms and more. Understanding the full scope of OB/GYN care can help women take a more proactive approach to their health." The expanded services include annual wellness exams where patients can discuss health concerns and review family medical history. OB/GYNs also assist with menstrual issues such as irregular periods or painful cramps and diagnose conditions like endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome. They provide guidance on family planning options including birth control and fertility counseling. As patients age, OB/GYNs support them through perimenopause and menopause by addressing symptoms such as hot flashes or mood changes. The doctors also conduct cancer screenings like Pap tests for cervical cancer and breast evaluations while discussing bone health strategies for osteoporosis prevention. Camille emphasized that healthcare needs change over time: "Many women don't realize how their healthcare needs evolve over time," she said. "Staying current with preventive care can help identify issues early and support long-term health." She added that regular visits are important even when feeling healthy, so potential concerns can be identified before symptoms develop: "I've spent much of my career caring for women in this community, and I'm honored to continue serving them. Every woman deserves compassionate care, support and a trusted provider she can turn to throughout her life."