NUMC’S Health Care Heroes Rally in Albany to Help Save Critical Care for Nassau County’s Most Vulnerable
State Lawmakers, Hospital Administrators, Health Care Providers Implore State to Restore Funding for NUMC in the State Budget
(ALBANY, NY) – During a rally outside the State Senate and Assembly chambers in Albany, hospital administrators, physicians, nurses and staff joined State Senators Kevin Thomas, Steve Rhoads and Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, and Assembly members Taylor Darling and John Mikulin to urge the State to restore critically important aid that is necessary for Nassau University Medical Center (NUMC) to continue to provide the highest quality services to its patient population.
During her remarks, NUMC Interim President and CEO Megan Ryan, Esq., said, “I stand before you with immense pride for the tireless efforts and unwavering dedication to our NHCC staff. In the face of unprecedented challenges, you always show remarkable resilience and commitment to providing the highest quality of care to our patients and all the members of Nassau County, often putting your own well-being on the line.”
“We are asking for our Governor’s help and our government officials help, so we can continue our good work…While our staff continues to go above and beyond, its crucial that we address the pressing issue of funding for public hospitals, in particular NUMC. The strain on resources has been immense and without adequate support our ability to deliver essential services our county and state needs will be severely compromised. Therefore, I urge all government officials to please prioritize subsidizing funding for NUMC and NHCC. This support is not just an investment in health care infrastructure, but also a commitment to the health and prosperity of our society as a whole. By ensuring adequate funding we can ensure equitable access to quality care for all members of our community,” Ryan continued.
NUMC has implemented a comprehensive plan to address the financial challenges faced by Long Island’s largest safety net hospital. The plan is intended to create new efficiencies and increase revenue for the hospital that over time will allow it to require less State aid. However, as a hospital that is designed to receive low reimbursement or no payment for most services it provides, State aid is required. Without consultation from the hospital or the community it serves, New York State slashed aid to NUMC from nearly $190 million in 2017 to $65 million in 2023. A continued reduction in aid will prevent the hospital from fulfilling its obligations to the people it serves, within a matter of months.
A full recording of the rally can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/NuHealth/videos/948506520223162. Additional images from the event can be provided upon request.
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