Governor Kathy Hochul visited Westchester Medical Center (WMC) to announce a major investment of up to $100 million for the hospital system. This funding, part of the Department of Health’s Safety Net Transformation Program, will support the integration of Bon Secours Charity Health System and Health Alliance of the Hudson Valley into the WMCHealth network. The goal is to streamline operations and improve patient care across these facilities.
The announcement follows recent federal policy changes that could lead to significant reductions in health care funding and services. Governor Hochul said, “Our goal is to make New York a place where people live longer, happier and healthier lives and that starts by investing in the hospital systems and health care heroes like those we met today at Westchester Medical Center.” She contrasted state investments with actions in Washington that may cut hospital funds and reduce access to care.
With this transformation plan, WMC aims to increase its service capacity so more patients can receive preventive and emergency care close to home. Plans include unifying electronic medical records and expanding access to behavioral health, maternal, pediatric, and ambulatory services.
During her visit, Governor Hochul toured key areas at WMC including the Heroes Wing and CT Scan room. She also presented the Safety Net Transformation Program Award to Dr. David Lubarsky, President and CEO of Westchester Medical Center Health Network.
Dr. Lubarsky stated, “At its core, this investment is about the people we serve. It’s about ensuring that all patients and families in the Hudson Valley have access to the high-quality care they deserve, today and for generations to come. This transformational support will allow us to accelerate our integration efforts through technology and process, from vital information systems upgrades to critical support for our community hospitals, as we continue to modernize and expand care across the region. We are profoundly grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Department of Health for their partnership and confidence in our mission.”
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald commented on WMC’s role: “Westchester Medical Center plays such an important role in keeping families across the Hudson Valley healthy. This funding helps make sure every New Yorker can get the care they need, close to home. It’s about supporting our hospitals so they can keep serving their communities for years to come.”
Zubeen Shroff, Chair of Westchester County Health Care Corporation Board of Directors said: “This investment represents far more than an infusion of resources – it’s a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to care for every person in every community we serve… With this transformative support from Governor Hochul and the New York State Department of Health, we are building on that promise – strengthening our hospitals, modernizing our systems, and ensuring that families across the Hudson Valley have access to world-class care, regardless of their ability to pay.”
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins highlighted operational improvements: “Strategic investments that address the needs of hospitals and health organizations will enable health professionals to better care for more New Yorkers…the Health Care Safety Net Transformation Program will allow Westchester Medical Center to optimize its operations…and enhance its residency program.”
State Senator Shelley B. Mayer praised consolidation efforts: “I am pleased that Westchester Medical Center will receive up to $100 million for the Health Safety Net Transformation Program that will bring healthcare organizations together…so they have access to necessary healthcare services.”
Other local officials echoed appreciation for state leadership during a time when federal cuts threaten coverage for millions.
The Safety Net Transformation Program was established in New York’s FY25 Enacted Budget with goals including fostering partnerships between safety net hospitals like WMCHealth network members (Bon Secours Community Hospital; Good Samaritan Hospital; St. Anthony Community Hospital; Health Alliance Hospital; Margaretville Memorial Hospital) as well as providing capital support aimed at sustainability.
Earlier announcements under this program introduced eight projects earlier this year with six new partnerships totaling over $2.6 billion announced recently by Governor Hochul.
WMC serves one-third of Medicaid members in Hudson Valley as its only Level 1 trauma center while affiliated institutions provide acute or critical rural access throughout Ulster County (Health Alliance) or Orange/Rockland counties (Bon Secours).
