Governor Kathy Hochul visited Westchester Medical Center (WMC) to announce that the hospital will receive up to $100 million through the New York State Department of Health’s Safety Net Transformation Program. The funding is intended to support the integration of Bon Secours Charity Health System and Health Alliance of the Hudson Valley into the WMCHealth network, aiming to streamline operations and improve patient care across the region.
The announcement comes amid concerns about federal policies that could reduce healthcare funding and impact critical services in New York. Governor Hochul stated, “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 added, “While Republicans in Washington slash funds for hospitals across the country, reduce access to lifesaving services and threaten to raise insurance premiums, here in New York we are making long-term investments in the critical care all New Yorkers depend on.”
The transformation plan will allow WMC to expand its service capacity, unify its electronic medical record system, and improve access to behavioral health, maternal, pediatric, and ambulatory care services. During her visit, Governor Hochul toured hospital facilities and presented the Safety Net Transformation Program Award to Dr. David Lubarsky, President and CEO of Westchester Medical Center Health Network.
Dr. Lubarsky commented on the investment: “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 said, “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 stated: “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. Westchester Medical Center Health Network was founded on the belief that quality healthcare is a right, not a privilege, and that no one should be denied care because of their circumstances. 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 said: “Strategic investments that address the needs of hospitals and health organizations will enable health professionals to better care for more New Yorkers. By encouraging the Westchester Medical Center Health Network to partner with the Bon Secours Charity Health System and the Health Alliance of the Hudson Valley, the Health Care Safety Net Transformation Program will allow Westchester Medical Center to optimize its operations, make its care services more accessible, and enhance its residency program. I thank Governor Hochul for always working with the Senate Democratic Majority to improve health outcomes in New York.”
Other local officials also voiced support for this initiative:
– State Senator Shelley B. Mayer highlighted that bringing healthcare organizations together would lead to higher quality care.
– State Senator Pete Harckham emphasized cooperation between state government and local partners.
– Assemblymember Amy Paulin praised strategic investments strengthening safety net hospitals.
– Assemblymember Steve Otis pointed out state efforts countering potential federal cuts.
– Assemblymember Chris Burdick noted concerns over anticipated loss of insurance coverage.
– Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky called attention to federal healthcare cuts impacting vulnerable residents.
– Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins described WMC as a lifeline for county residents.
– Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger underscored benefits for rural areas relying on safety net hospitals.
The Safety Net Transformation Program was established under New York’s FY25 budget as a way to incentivize partnerships among safety net hospitals by providing capital support as well as regulatory flexibility aimed at improving resilience within these institutions.
Earlier this year saw eight projects launched under this program; recently six new partnerships were announced totaling over $2.6 billion in capital and operating dollars designed both for quality improvement at safety net hospitals statewide as well as operational stability.
Westchester Medical Center serves one-third of Medicaid members in Hudson Valley as a Level 1 trauma center. Its affiliated networks include acute-care providers such as Bon Secours Community Hospital (Orange/Rockland counties), Good Samaritan Hospital (Rockland), St. Anthony Community Hospital (Orange), along with Margaretville Memorial Hospital—a rural critical access facility—and others throughout Ulster County.
