Governor Kathy Hochul visited Westchester Medical Center (WMC) to announce that the hospital will receive up to $100 million from 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 system.
The announcement comes amid concerns over federal policies that could lead to significant reductions in health care funding. 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. 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.”
Under the transformation plan, WMC intends to expand its capacity so more patients can receive preventive and life-saving care locally. Plans also include unifying electronic medical records and improving access to behavioral health, maternal, pediatric, and ambulatory services.
During her visit, Governor Hochul toured parts of WMC including the Heroes Wing and CT Scan room, received a presentation on adult trauma from hospital staff, and presented the Safety Net Transformation Program Award to Dr. David Lubarsky, President and CEO of Westchester Medical Center Health Network.
Dr. Lubarsky said, “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 added, “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 commented on how this investment reinforces their commitment to provide quality healthcare as a right: “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 that these investments would help optimize operations at WMCHealth through partnerships with other local health organizations: “Strategic investments that address the needs of hospitals and health organizations will enable health professionals to better care for more New Yorkers… I thank Governor Hochul for always working with the Senate Democratic Majority to improve health outcomes in New York.”
Other state legislators also voiced support for strengthening safety net hospitals at a time when federal cuts could put healthcare access at risk for millions of residents.
The Health Care Safety Net Transformation Program was established as part of New York’s fiscal year 2025 budget. Its purpose is to encourage partnerships between safety net hospitals by providing capital support along with regulatory flexibility aimed at improving resilience among these institutions.
Earlier this year several projects were announced under this program with six new partnerships totaling over $2.6 billion recently unveiled by Governor Hochul—part of ongoing efforts that include major increases in Medicaid rates.
Westchester Medical Center serves one out of three Medicaid members in its region as its only Level 1 trauma center. The affiliated Health Alliance operates key facilities including Margaretville Memorial Hospital—the only acute care hospital serving Ulster County—and Bon Secours Charity runs multiple hospitals throughout Orange and Rockland counties.
