HARRIS, N.Y. – Garnet Health Doctors’ OB-GYN practice has returned to Sullivan County.
Health leaders and public health advocates cut a celebratory red ribbon on Tuesday morning to mark the re-opening of its OB-GYN practice at Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills in Harris, New York.
Garnet Health Doctors re-established its practice on July 1 after Crystal Run Healthcare in Rock Hill abruptly closed its OB-GYN practice earlier this year. Sun River Health and Garnet Health Doctors are now the only two OBGYN providers in Sullivan County.
Jerry Dunlavey, CEO of Garnet Health Doctors, said the ceremony represents more than a medical practice opening.
“When Sullivan County faced the potential loss of local women’s healthcare services, Garnet Health recognized that need and acted,” said Dunlavey. “In the first month alone, and the month isn’t over, we have seen over 200 patients in clinic. We’ve welcomed 14 newborn infants into this world, and I really think that’s awesome.”
In 2022, Garnet Health had to close its outpatient routine OB-GYN care in Middletown and Harris – a decision Dunlavey hoped would be temporary.
“When we were coming off some of the impact of COVID, we were forced to make some difficult decisions, and one of them was the closure of our OBGYN practice,” said Dunlavey. “To be able to bring that service back to Sullivan County is really an honor.”
The practice is staffed with two OB-GYN doctors – Dr. Irvelyn Camille and Dr. Marie Abougou – along with several clinical support staff. The OB-GYN practice has six examination rooms, with services including routine screenings, family planning, breast cancer screenings, perinatal and postpartum care.
Camille, whose roots to Garnet Health go as far back as her medical residency in 2005, said coming back to Garnet Health Doctors felt like “going back home.” She said she’s focused on rebuilding trust and communication with patients.
She encouraged patients to come in to visit the practice, even if it’s been some time since their last appointment.
“Don’t be nervous. Just come in. Nothing is too small, nothing’s too big. Just come in, and then we’ll take care of you,” said Camille.
Image (L-R): Eric Ball, field representative for U.S. Representative Josh Riley, presenting a certificate of special congressional recognition to Dr. Irvelyne Camille, Dr. Marie Abougou, and Jerry Dunlavey of Garnet Health Doctors in Harris, N.Y. on July 28, 2026