Governor Kathy Hochul attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for The Center for Discovery’s Children’s Specialty Hospital in Rock Hill, New York. She toured the facility with Dr. Terry Hamlin, President and CEO of The Center for Discovery, and met with a 12-year-old program participant and his family. The hospital is designed to provide short-term inpatient care for children and adolescents with complex disabilities, including autism.
The facility was developed over ten years by The Center for Discovery’s multidisciplinary team in collaboration with the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). It aims to deliver proactive treatments that may reduce the need for long-term residential placements.
“Spending time with the children, families and staff at The Center for Discovery’s Children’s Specialty Hospital is an important reminder of just how important investments in our health care system are,” Governor Hochul said. “While Republicans in Washington continue to advance policies that jeopardize the health and safety of millions, here in New York, we will continue to stand up for our most vulnerable. We recognize the daily struggles faced by New Yorkers with complex developmental disabilities and their families, and will remain steadfast in supporting and providing assistance to the health care workforce that empowers them to lead more fulfilling lives.”
Funding for the project included a $48 million low-interest loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Rural Development’s Community Facilities Program secured with support from Senator Schumer, as well as a $4 million investment from Empire State Development. Additional support came from OPWDD, the New York State Department of Health (DOH), and the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY).
Governor Hochul’s visit was part of her statewide tour highlighting concerns about proposed federal policy changes that could cut $13 billion from New York’s health care system, remove health insurance coverage from 1.5 million residents, and affect SNAP benefits for over 300,000 households. These policies could disrupt health coverage for more than 750,000 young children across New York.
Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, this initiative positions New York as a leader in preventive and holistic care for people with developmental disabilities.
Dr. Terry Hamlin said: “We are deeply honored to welcome Governor Hochul to The Center for Discovery and our new Children’s Specialty Hospital — where hope meets innovation for New York’s most medically complex children. Here, world-class care, pioneering research, and comprehensive family support are transforming lives and setting a new standard for how we serve children with autism and complex conditions. With the Governor’s leadership and the State’s continued investment, we can expand access to these life-changing programs so every child in New York has the chance to live their healthiest, fullest life. Together with the Department of Health, and through the Governor’s support, we are also addressing a critical gap in long-term care by creating an Adult Advanced Medical Care program for individuals aging with complex conditions. This is more than a building — it’s about creating a model of care that uplifts the most vulnerable, supports families, and inspires future health leaders. We thank Governor Hochul for her vision, her leadership, and for shining a light on communities too often unseen.”
The hospital serves children ages five to 21 who meet OPWDD eligibility criteria requiring both medical care and developmental disability support. Patients receive treatment lasting up to six months along with assessments aimed at helping them thrive at home or school while staying integrated within their communities.
Facilities include classrooms; a clinic; sensory rooms; therapeutic gym space; café; training kitchen; outdoor walking trails; healing gardens; and a greenhouse promoting TCFD’s holistic approach.
Upon discharge after short-term treatment stays at this hospital—located on TCFD’s campus—patients return home supported by specialized plans developed during their stay involving families/caregivers/school districts working together alongside ongoing expert guidance.
The hospital is expected to set new standards nationally/internationally regarding specialized pediatric disability care while expanding services throughout New York State.
New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Willow Baer stated: “Finding treatment in the appropriate setting can be difficult for children with developmental disabilities who also have complex medical needs. This new option for integrated care is a positive step towards health equity and we thank Governor Hochul for her continued investment in the lives of all New Yorkers.”
Senator Charles Schumer added: “The new state-of-the-art Children’s Specialty Hospital at The Center for Discovery in Sullivan County will provide critical life-enhancing care… I was proud to deliver historic federal investment so this new hospital can pave way… while creating 400+ good-paying jobs… am thrilled it is up/running today!”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said: “While Trump administration/Republicans push policies that would devastate…I am proud NY stands up…In Senate I’ll continue fighting funding strengthening healthcare/supporting those w/complex developmental disabilities/families.”
State Senator Patricia Fahy commented: “New York’s first children’s specialty hospital focusing on complex disabilities brings us even closer…This investment illustrates how new models help keep NYers living w/complex disabilities like autism in homes/communities/families receiving tailored highly-specialized care…Thank you Gov Hochul advancing policies breaking down barriers/improving disability community care.”
Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara said: “As Chair Assembly Committee People w/Disabilities — & father son w/autism — I know importance innovative care…Hospital combines medical excellence/family support/person-centered approach making real difference statewide.”
Assemblymember Paula Kay remarked: “Proud champion bill allowing center continue good work right here Rock Hill…skilled care nothing short life-changing…important nurture/protect excellent healthcare resources district/honor beside Gov celebrating cornerstone community/good local jobs/testament compassion/expertise/partnership achieve.”
Sullivan County Manager Josh Potosek stated: “With opening Children’s Specialty Hospital NY sets standard putting kids/families first ensuring youth w/most complex needs get integrated medical/therapeutic support close home helping parents remain partners journey toward better independence/health…Thank you Gov Hochul commitment ensuring all families receive healthcare needed.”
The Center For Discovery provides education/care services over 1,200 people facing various challenges/disabilities across Sullivan County/New York City region on its 1,500-acre campus featuring educational/residential/agricultural facilities.
