POUGHKEEPSIE – MidHudson Regional Hospital, a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth), Friday announced the opening of a refurbished and expanded inpatient behavioral health unit, increasing inpatient behavioral health capacity to 60 beds and advancing the hospital’s Behavioral Health Center of Excellence. The opening is contingent on finalizing regulatory approvals.
The project was supported by a critical $3 million investment from Dutchess County to strengthen local behavioral health services and meet the growing needs of the community. In 2022, then-Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro allocated the funding to establish the Behavioral Health Center of Excellence at MidHudson Regional Hospital. The investment has been critical to expanding services, strengthening partnerships with county resources and local care providers, and enhancing the hospital’s inpatient facilities.
“The need to provide exceptional mental illness and substance use services for patients in the Hudson Valley has never been greater, and this investment is critical to the communities across the Hudson Valley that we serve,” said David Lubarsky, MD, MBA, FASA, President and Chief Executive Officer of WMCHealth. “This new inpatient unit is a transformative investment by the WMCHealth Network in behavioral health services at MidHudson Regional Hospital, and community well-being in Poughkeepsie and the surrounding areas. I want to thank Dutchess County for their support and partnership for this project, which has helped create a safer, more therapeutic environment for both patients and our care teams, and elevated the local standard of care.”
“As we confront a growing mental health crisis, I am heartened to see continued investments in behavioral health by Westchester Medical Center. I applaud the establishment of the Behavioral Health Center of Excellence at MidHudson Regional Hospital,” said U.S. Congressman Pat Ryan. “Expanding access to high-quality, compassionate care throughout the Hudson Valley continues to be one of my main priorities. I’m proud to support efforts that strengthen our local healthcare infrastructure and deliver real, lasting impact for the people I serve.”
New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “Celebrating the renovations that have led to the opening of the MidHudson Regional Hospital Behavioral Health Center of Excellence is an apt way to kick off May’s Mental Health Awareness Month. With additional inpatient and outpatient capacity at this facility, Westchester Medical Center Health Network is helping to ensure residents of the Hudson Valley can access critical mental health services whenever they are needed. OMH is proud to collaborate with WMCHealth and our local partners to provide essential treatment and recovery supports in Dutchess County and beyond, reflecting Governor Hochul’s ongoing commitment to community-based care.”
County leaders said the expanded unit will strengthen the continuum of care and keep more residents close to home for treatment.
“This investment in the new Behavioral Health Center of Excellence at MidHudson Regional Hospital is a powerful step forward for the health and well-being of our community, expanding access to essential behavioral health services for individuals and families and ensuring care is both comprehensive and close to home,” said Sue Serino, Dutchess County Executive. “By reducing barriers and strengthening the continuum of support, MidHudson Regional Hospital further reflects our shared commitment to compassionate, community-centered care. I commend WMCHealth for their continued partnership and vision in bringing this important resource to life for the Hudson Valley.”
“Our communities have faced a growing need for inpatient behavioral health services – thank you to MidHudson Regional Hospital and WMCHealth for their continued commitment to meeting the needs of patients and their families in Dutchess County and across the region. This renovation delivers a much-needed expansion of inpatient capacity, while also addressing the ever-evolving needs of behavioral health patients with a facility that provides a therapeutic and healing environment,” said State Senator Rob Rolison.
“As the need for mental health care surges in our communities, we’re seeing those services reduced, especially in underserved rural areas. I applaud WMCHealth and Dutchess County for prioritizing this project to expand mental health care with more inpatient beds and services, so that everyone can get the compassionate care they need,” said Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson.
“As a longtime and passionate advocate for expanding mental health and addiction services — and beds — in the Hudson Valley, I am heartened by the opening of the new Behavioral Health Center of Excellence at Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital with 60 psychiatric beds,” said Assemblymember Didi Barrett. “I thank WMCHealth and Dutchess County for their efforts to increase access to much-needed mental health care and for this investment in our community.”
“Now complete, the renovation of this inpatient behavioral health unit is the culmination of close partnerships between WMCHealth, elected officials, and community stakeholders to ensure we provide comprehensive and compassionate care tailored to the needs of our community,” said Yvette Valdés Smith, Chair of the Dutchess County Legislature. “This project demonstrates what can be achieved through strong public-private partnerships and clear alignment between healthcare providers and the communities they serve, and supports our broader investment in expanding behavioral health services.”
