Sen. Gounardes, Sen. Brisport & Assembly Member Souffrant-Forrest Secure Critical Funding for Brooklyn Hospital Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: OCTOBER 16, 2024

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Brooklyn, NY – New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes, State Senator Jabari Brisport, and Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest joined leaders of the Brooklyn Hospital Center today to announce $2 million in funding to refurbish the escalators that serve as the entryway to the hospital.

The Brooklyn Hospital Center treated and released 30,000 patients through its emergency room in 2023, a record number of visitors. But last spring, the aging escalators broke down, leaving vulnerable patients fewer options for getting into and out of the hospital.

Brooklyn Hospital is known as a “safety net” hospital, meaning it is essential for Brooklyn residents, many of whom cannot afford private insurance, with nearly 80% of all patients using some form of government insurance. The 464-bed facility, which operates with roughly 30 discharges a day for patients who are admitted, relies on government funding to help pay its bills and provide care. As a result, finding $2 million for unanticipated capital repairs can be challenging.

The two escalators take patients and staff from the lobby to the hospital’s operating rooms and beyond. Without them, delays could disrupt egress and potentially prevent a patient in need from receiving immediate care. The new funding will allow the hospital to more effectively offer health care to a Brooklyn community that has traditionally been underserved.

“When Brooklyn Hospital needed help, our office was there to lend a hand,” said State Senator Andrew Gounardes. “We cannot afford to let institutions that serve the public fail. We need them to function properly and provide the best service they can. I am proud to help the hospital system with this critical infrastructure need.”

“We were able to help Brooklyn Hospital with this critical need with state funding allocated through our office,” said State Senator Jabari Brisport. “Failing escalators is precisely the type of emergency that this funding is for. Brooklyn Hospital is a vital resource for the 25th Senate District where I serve, and the borough of Brooklyn as a whole.”

“As a nurse and a lifelong Brooklyn resident, I know how critical it is for our hospitals to have the resources they need to provide safe, timely care,” said Assembly Member Phara Souffrant-Forrest. “Escalators may seem like a small part of hospital infrastructure, but they are essential to ensuring patients, staff, and equipment can move efficiently through the building. I’m proud to have secured funding for new elevators at Brooklyn Hospital Center, which will help improve access and safety for everyone who relies on this vital institution in our community.”

“These escalators are the lifeblood for moving patients and doctors in and out of the hospital,” said Brooklyn Hospital Center President and CEO Gary Terrinoni. “This ensures a seamless path for new mothers, elderly patients and those who may have disabilities or trouble walking. I cannot tell you how grateful I am to Senators Brisport and Gounardes along with Assemblymember Forrest. This makes a huge difference for all of us at the hospital.”

Press Contact:

Billy Richling

Communications Director

State Senator Andrew Gounardes

billy@senatorgounardes.nyc

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