City of Mount Vernon, NY
10/01/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/01/2024 10:40
Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard and Montefiore Announce Plans, Backed by $41 Million NYS
Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard and Montefiore Announce Plans, Backed by $41
Million NYS Capital Investment, For Transformation of Montefiore Mount Vernon Hospital
Guided by extensive community engagement and spearheaded by Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard and
Montefiore leadership, this transformative project prioritizes equitable healthcare access tailored to the needs of
Mount Vernon residents
Mount Vernon, NY - September 30, 2024 - Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard, in partnership
with Montefiore Health System, today revealed transformative plans for Montefiore Mount Vernon Hospital
designed to meet the community's unique healthcare needs and establish a new benchmark for accessible care.
Backed by a $41-million capital investment from New York State, Montefiore Mount Vernon has laid out plans to
become a sustainable, community model for both inpatient and outpatient care. This extensive plan
underscores Montefiore's commitment to leading the future of medical care and their dedication to the Mount
Vernon community.
"This is more than a financial investment - it's a commitment to collaboration and continued advocacy for the
health, wellbeing, and future of Mount Vernon," said Mount Vernon Mayor, Shawyn Patterson-Howard. "This
transformation will provide our residents with state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive care, underscoring
our collective dedication to a healthier future for our city. With the support of Senator Jamaal Bailey,
Assemblyman J. Gary Pretlow, and $41M in secured funding from New York State, Montefiore will revitalize and
expand services at Montefiore Mount Vernon Hospital to address our community's healthcare needs. We have
come a long way, and I am excited about the direction we are going. FORWARD TOGETHER."
"Over the last couple of years, we have engaged with our patients, community members, and local leaders to
truly understand and address the specific healthcare needs of Mount Vernon," stated Regginald Jordan, Vice
President for Clinical Services & Executive Director, Montefiore Wakefield Hospital and Montefiore Mount
Vernon Hospital. "This plan is a direct outcome of listening to those voices and constant support from our local
and state officials. We are deeply grateful to Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard for her leadership and the
community at large for their trust and collaborative spirit. This initiative goes beyond mere infrastructure; it's
about building on Montefiore's ongoing commitment to deliver exceptional, accessible healthcare that
resonates with the needs of our communities."
The comprehensive revitalization strategy focuses on expanding and modernizing critical areas of the hospital.
Key projects include the redesign of the Emergency Department (ED). Currently, the ED can accommodate
20,000 visits each year. With the planned upgrades, it will be able to accommodate 50,000 visits, marking a
150% increase in capacity.
The transformation plan addresses the complex challenges involving transferring patients to other facilities due
to lack of operating rooms (ORs) and ORs doubling as a Gastroenterology Unit. Under these plans, Montefiore
will expand the operating rooms, and will outfit them with state-of-the-art
equipment, thus reducing the need to transfer patients.
The plan also includes the modernization of the Family Health Center, including improvements to the lobby,
exam rooms, and support centers, to enhance the patient experience. These investments will not only increase
access to care, but also qualitatively improve the environment that patients need and deserve.
"Montefiore's approach to transforming Montefiore Mount Vernon Hospital has exemplified what it means to
lead with inclusivity and community engagement," said Frances-Ann Lightsy and Takisia Whites, Co-Presidents
of the Montefiore Mount Vernon Community Advisory Board. "Their dedication to incorporating input from
community members has ensured that the development not only reflects but actively promotes our collective
needs and values. We extend our gratitude to Montefiore for their commitment to making this process as
inclusive and community driven as possible, and for their investment in the well-being of the City of Mount
Vernon."
Other elected officials shared their support and praise:
"When the residents of Mount Vernon spoke, Montefiore not only listened, they acted expeditiously. As
healthcare is redefined, we look at access and equity as the centerpieces for a healthy community, especially for
those from underserved communities," said New York State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey. "I applaud Governor
Hochul, Montefiore leadership, and my colleagues in government for consistently fighting for the healthcare
facility that Mount Vernon deserves. I'm excited about the work that was done collaboratively so that we can
unveil this new transformative plan for Montefiore Mount Vernon Hospital, which will serve as a model to
others. It truly shows what can happen when you listen to the needs of the community to deliver the best
compassionate care that residents in Mount Vernon and beyond deserve."
"Today's announcement is a landmark moment for healthcare in our district," said New York State Assembly
Member J. Gary Pretlow. "This vision not only promises enhanced healthcare services for our residents but also
signifies a major step forward in our ongoing efforts to ensure everyone in our community has access to the
high-quality care they deserve. I commend Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard and Montefiore for their
leadership on this issue."
"Having grown up in Mount Vernon and walked these streets with my aging parents, I know firsthand how
essential it is to expand healthcare services here," said Westchester County Executive George Latimer. "I
commend Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard for her visionary leadership and Montefiore's commitment to
shaping a positive future for Montefiore Mount Vernon Hospital. This transformative plan not only addresses
the vital needs of residents, but also secures the financial sustainability required to deliver world-class
healthcare for generations to come"
Senior Pastor, Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, Grace Baptist Church
remarked, "The enhancements at Montefiore Mount Vernon Hospital underscore a powerful commitment to
ensuring that every member of our community must have access to superior healthcare. This development is
crucial for those in underserved positions and reflects a profound dedication to addressing and rectifying
healthcare disparities."
"Montefiore's commitment to enhancing healthcare access in Mount Vernon represents a pivotal shift towards
greater health equity," said Reverend, Dr. Stephen Pogue, Greater Centennial AME Zion Church. "Our
community's most underserved members will greatly benefit from this initiative, which promises to broaden the
availability and improve the quality of healthcare services. I am deeply thankful to Montefiore and Mayor
Shawyn Patterson-Howard for prioritizing the needs of those who have historically been left behind in our
healthcare system."
"The transformative upgrades at Montefiore Mount Vernon Hospital bring a wave of optimism and significant
improvements in addressing health equity," said Judith Watson, RN, BSN, MPH, CEO, Westchester Community
Health Center. "This development is crucial as it enhances access to primary and specialty care services in
Mount Vernon and throughout Westchester County. I am deeply thankful to Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard
and Montefiore for their dedication to reducing health disparities and promoting a healthier future for all
community members."
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About the City of Mount Vernon, New York
Mount Vernon, located just north of New York City, is a vibrant and historic urban community with a rich
cultural heritage and diverse population of over 67,000 residents. Known for its close-knit neighborhoods,
thriving business districts, and extensive park system, Mount Vernon is committed to enhancing quality of life
through economic development, infrastructure improvements, and innovative public services. Under the
leadership of Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard, the city has launched initiatives focused on community
revitalization, sustainability, and equity. With its strategic location, strong workforce, and dynamic local
government, Mount Vernon continues to attract new businesses, promote public safety, and foster partnerships
that contribute to its ongoing success.
About Montefiore Health System
Montefiore Health System is one of New York's premier academic health systems. It is a recognized leader in
providing exceptional quality and personalized, accountable care to approximately three million people in
communities across the Bronx, Westchester, and the Hudson Valley. It comprises ten hospitals, including the
Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, and over two hundred outpatient ambulatory
care sites. The advanced clinical and translational research at its medical school, Albert Einstein College of
Medicine directly informs patient care and improves outcomes. From the Montefiore-Einstein Centers of
Excellence in cancer, cardiology and vascular care, pediatrics, and transplantation, to its preeminent school
based health program, Montefiore is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system providing coordinated,
comprehensive care to patients and their families. For more information, please visit www.montefiore.org.
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