Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled transformative investments in seven hospitals and health care partnerships across New York as part of the Healthcare Safety Net Transformation Program. The initiative includes a preliminary approval for up to $188 million to establish a Comprehensive Cancer Care Center of Queens, a collaboration between Jamaica Hospital and Memorial Sloan Kettering. The program also supports a partnership between St. Barnabas Hospital, Cityblock Health, and Union Community Health Center, along with upgrades to St. Barnabas’ emergency department, which serves 75,000 visits annually.
The Healthcare Safety Net Transformation Program, established in the FY25 Enacted Budget, provides strategic capital and operational support to safety net hospitals to improve resilience and health equity for vulnerable populations. Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of these institutions in strengthening community health, stating, “Every New Yorker deserves access to reliable, affordable health care regardless of their zip code. These investments will ensure underserved communities receive the resources and care they need.”
The proposed investments aim to modernize facilities, enhance care delivery, and foster innovative partnerships between safety net hospitals and health organizations. The state will work with the involved institutions to refine plans to ensure transformative and sustainable changes. Governor Hochul also reaffirmed her commitment to health care equity, proposing additional funding for the program in her 2025 State of the State address.
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James V. McDonald praised the initiative, highlighting the essential role of safety net hospitals in promoting health equity and providing care to underserved communities. “These hospitals are lifelines for vulnerable populations,” he said. “Governor Hochul’s leadership ensures that health care remains a priority for all New Yorkers.”
The Department of Health will collaborate with applicants to finalize capital and operational plans to bring these transformative projects to fruition.
