ROCK HILL, NY — On Monday, August 11, Gov. Kathy Hochul attended a ceremonial ribbon cutting of The Center for Discovery's (TCFD) children's specialty hospital. Hochul toured the facility with President and CEO Dr. Terry Hamlin and staff. 

The facility is dedicated to providing specialized short-term inpatient care to children and adolescents with complex disabilities, such as autism. Developed over the past decade by TCFD's multidisciplinary team in close collaboration with the NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, this facility introduces a new care model that focuses on proactive treatments to reduce the need for long-term residential placements.

Governor Hochul visited the Children’s Specialty Hospital as part of her statewide tour highlighting Republicans' devastating agenda that includes an anticipated $13 billion being cut from New York’s health care system, strips 1.5 million New Yorkers of health insurance coverage, and rips away some or all SNAP benefits for more than 300,000 households. The new federal policy threatens to disrupt health coverage for more than 750,000 young children across New York State.

“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. "

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 Specialty Hospital is designed for children ages five to 21 who meet OPWDD’s eligibility criteria and require medical care, in addition to supporting their developmental disabilities. The Children's Specialty Hospital will provide inpatient treatment and conduct comprehensive medical, behavioral and clinical assessments over a maximum of six months. Through a collaborative approach, this program is designed to help children and adolescents thrive at home, in school and remain integrated in the community.

Designed with both medical and therapeutic needs in mind, the new facility where the Children’s Specialty Hospital is located includes classrooms, a health clinic, sensory rooms, a therapeutic gym for physical and occupational therapies, a café and a training kitchen. The 15-acre campus also offers outdoor walking trails, healing gardens, and a Food is Medicine greenhouse, all supporting TCFD’s holistic approach to care.

After completing short-term treatment at the Hospital, patients will return home with a specialized care plan that includes training for families, caregivers and school districts. TCFD’s team of experts will continue to support families as they build on the progress made during their child’s stay.

The Children’s Specialty Hospital is poised to establish a new benchmark for specialized care and is projected to make a significant impact both nationally and internationally, according to Hochul's office. This new facility will enhance the range of services available throughout New York State, offering a model of care that has the ability to revolutionize the treatment of children with complex disabilities while providing essential support for families statewide.

TCFD is a leading provider of health care and education services for more than 1,200 children and adults with complex conditions, medical frailties and autism spectrum disorders. Named a Center of Excellence in 2016, TCFD has long been a leader in developing new models of care for individuals with complex conditions. Located on 1,500 acres of land in Sullivan County, TCFD houses school campuses, residences, medical and research facilities, organic and biodynamic farmland and leased private businesses offering meaningful employment opportunities. Deeply focused on an individual's personal potential and possibilities, rather than a disability, TCFD strives to create better care and unique and challenging opportunities for the most vulnerable populations.