#United States #Governor Hochul #Children's Specialty Hospital #The Center for Discovery #Rock Hill

The Landmark Children's Specialty Hospital Opens in New York

On January 30, 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul and Senator Charles Schumer officially inaugurated The Center for Discovery's Children's Specialty Hospital in Rock Hill, New York. This innovative facility is designed to cater to the unique medical needs of children and adolescents living with complex disabilities, including autism. By providing specialized short-term inpatient care, the hospital seeks to address the challenges these families face in accessing appropriate healthcare.

The establishment of this hospital is a significant milestone for New York State as it introduces a new care model aimed at enhancing health outcomes for children with developmental disabilities. Governor Hochul emphasized the state’s longstanding commitment to ensuring that families remain closely connected during treatment. The hospital aims to reduce the time spent apart between children and their families by providing comprehensive medical care that leads to improved health outcomes, ultimately allowing families to stay within their communities.

Senator Schumer remarked on the essential service the hospital will provide, saying, "The Center for Discovery's Children's Specialty Hospital will serve as a crucial resource for children and teens in Sullivan County and beyond. It symbolizes hope and progress for families who have long awaited supportive care for their children."

Funding and Support

The creation of the Children's Specialty Hospital was funded through a $48 million low-interest loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Community Facilities Program, secured with the support of Senator Schumer. Additionally, the project received $4 million in investment from New York State’s Empire State Development and crucial backing from various state departments including the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and the New York State Department of Health (DOH).

This investment underscores New York state’s initiative to prioritize preventive and holistic care for individuals with developmental disabilities, thus solidifying its position as a national leader in this area.

A Comprehensive Care Approach

The Children's Specialty Hospital is equipped to serve children aged five to 21 who qualify under OPWDD's criteria. Focused on delivering holistic care, the facility offers inpatient medical treatment and thorough evaluations over a maximum duration of six months. By operating from a collaborative perspective, the hospital aims to promote a thriving lifestyle for children and their families, whether at home or school.

Willow Baer, Acting Commissioner of the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, expressed her excitement for the facility, highlighting the importance of achieving health equity for individuals with developmental disabilities. This is a pivotal step towards establishing comprehensive medical care environments for children, and the contributions of state and federal partners were not overlooked.

Innovative Design for Holistic Care

The hospital's architecture is intentional in addressing both medical and therapeutic needs. It features classrooms, a health clinic, sensory rooms, a therapeutic gym, and communal spaces such as a café and a training kitchen. The expansive 15-acre campus also includes outdoor walking trails, healing gardens, and even a Food is Medicine® greenhouse to promote wellness and recovery through integrated care practices.

Upon discharge from the hospital, patients will receive a unique care plan designed for their individual needs, which includes training for their families and educational staff to ensure continuity in care post-treatment. Dr. Terry Hamlin, President and CEO of The Center for Discovery, expressed their ongoing commitment to pioneering care for children facing significant challenges and underscored their philosophy of addressing the root causes of medical complexities.

A Lasting Impact

The Children's Specialty Hospital is poised to redefine the treatment landscape for children with complex disabilities not only within New York State but also beyond its borders. Serving as a model for innovative care, the hospital aims to lessen the need for extended hospitalizations, thus facilitating quicker transitions back to family life.

Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara shared a personal perspective, noting the urgent need for such specialized medical support for families, particularly those navigating the challenges of autism. He lauded the hospital’s opening as a transformative leap forward for New York.

The Center for Discovery is committed to broadening the spectrum of high-quality health and educational services for children and families in need. The establishment of this Children's Specialty Hospital marks a hopeful chapter in the support for children needing complex medical interventions, ultimately striving for a healthier, brighter future for all.

For further information regarding The Center for Discovery and its services, interested parties can reach out to Michael Rosen, Executive VP of Development, Marketing, and Strategic Communications.