As part of the initiative, SCWA is providing reusable, branded water bottles to young patients visiting the center, encouraging them to stay hydrated and make healthier beverage choices.
The program, which began in 2018, has become a consistent element of SCWA’s broader community outreach focused on improving public health across Suffolk County.
Each day, children receiving care at the pediatric center are given the bottles, which serve both as a practical tool and a visual reminder to drink water regularly.
Health professionals say the effort reinforces the importance of replacing sugary drinks with water, a habit linked to better long-term health outcomes.
“Our partnership with Good Samaritan’s Center for Pediatric Care has allowed us to connect directly with families and promote the simple but important habit of drinking water every day,” said SCWA Chief Executive Officer Jeff Szabo.
“We are proud to continue this initiative and support an organization that plays such a vital role in advancing children’s wellbeing in our community.
”Nutrition experts at the center echoed that message.
Cathleen Davis, a registered dietitian, emphasized that small behavioral changes can have lasting effects.
“Encouraging children to choose water over sugary drinks is a key step in supporting their overall health,” Davis said.
“These reusable water bottles serve as both a practical tool and a daily reminder for our patients.
”SCWA, a public-benefit corporation that provides drinking water to approximately 1.2 million Suffolk County residents, operates on a not-for-profit basis without taxing authority.