WHITE PLAINS, NY (October 17, 2025) — Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $2.6 billion investment in six safety net hospital partnerships under New York’s Health Care Safety Net Transformation Program, with significant benefits for Westchester County’s health care infrastructure. The initiative, part of the FY25 Enacted Budget, aims to enhance the resilience and sustainability of safety net hospitals, ensuring high-quality care for underserved communities, including those in Westchester.

“The strength of our hospitals is a reflection of the strength of our communities, and safety net hospitals play a critical role in providing quality health care to vulnerable populations,” Hochul said. “Every person should have access to affordable, reliable health care regardless of the zip code they live in, and these investments will bring vital resources to underserved New Yorkers.”

In Westchester, St. John’s Riverside Hospital in Yonkers will join the Montefiore Health System, expanding access to critical services like cardiac and cancer care for residents of Yonkers, Dobbs Ferry, and surrounding River Towns. “After a decade of affiliation, there is no question that Montefiore Health System is the best fit for our organization and the community we serve,” said St. John’s Riverside President and CEO Ron Corti. Montefiore Einstein President and CEO Dr. Philip Ozuah added, “This grant will enable us to work with St. John’s Riverside Hospital to expand access and increase essential services such as cardiac and cancer care.”

Westchester Medical Center (WMC) will also benefit, integrating Bon Secours Charity Health System and Health Alliance of the Hudson Valley into WMC Health. This partnership will unify electronic medical records, expand residency programs, and improve access to behavioral health, maternal, pediatric, and ambulatory care services. “This support empowers WMCHealth to deliver seamless, data-driven, world-class care for more than 400,000 unique patients each year,” said WMC Health Network President and CEO Dr. David Lubarsky.

State Senator Shelley B. Mayer praised the investment, stating, “I am pleased that Westchester Medical Center is among the new partnerships in the Healthcare Safety Net Transformation Program that will bring organizations together, leading to higher quality of care for New Yorkers.” Assemblymember Amy Paulin echoed this sentiment, saying, “I’m thrilled to see these strategic investments strengthening our safety net hospitals so that Westchester residents and all New Yorkers can access high-quality healthcare.”

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins emphasized the importance of local hospitals, noting, “Safety net hospitals like St. John’s Riverside and Westchester Medical Center are essential here in Westchester County, both providing essential care to residents when and where they need it most.”

The program also supports partnerships statewide, including Arnot Ogden Medical Center with Cayuga Health, Crouse Hospital with Northwell Health, Erie County Medical Center with University of Buffalo Physicians Group, and Maimonides Medical Center with NYC Health + Hospitals. These collaborations aim to modernize infrastructure, expand services, and strengthen health care workforces.

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano highlighted the local impact, stating, “This program allows for a sustainable partnership between Yonkers’ St. John’s Riverside Hospital and Montefiore Health System, marking a transformative step forward for health care in our city.”

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James V. McDonald underscored the program’s significance, saying, “Safety net hospitals are the backbone of care for vulnerable and underserved communities across our state. Through these strategic investments and partnerships, we are not only stabilizing these hospitals but also building a foundation of resilient and sustainable health services.”

This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.