New Cancer Center in Jamaica, Queens Supported by NY State for Low-Income Patients
A new cancer center is set to open in Jamaica, Queens, thanks to a groundbreaking partnership between Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. The project received a significant boost of up to $188 million in funding from the state, making it a beacon of hope for low-income patients in the area.
State Support for Underserved Communities
This Queens cancer center is part of a larger initiative spearheaded by Gov. Kathy Hochul, who recently announced seven new health care projects aimed at enhancing care for low-income patients. These projects are the first wave of initiatives to be funded through a state program designed to incentivize hospitals serving marginalized communities to collaborate with other health care facilities on transformative projects.
Hochul’s ambitious plans include allocating up to $1 billion in capital funding and $300 million in operational support for the Safety Net Hospital Transformation Program in the 2025-2026 fiscal year. These funds are in addition to the $800 million already earmarked for the program in 2024-2025, signaling a significant investment in the well-being of New York’s financially struggling hospitals.
Access to Cutting-Edge Cancer Care
The partnership between Jamaica Hospital and Memorial Sloan Kettering is a game-changer for cancer care in Queens. It will allow Jamaica Hospital to refer patients to Memorial Sloan Kettering for advanced therapy or clinical trials, ensuring that Queens residents have access to state-of-the-art cancer care right in their backyard.
State Sen. Leroy Comrie, who represents Jamaica and other parts of Queens, emphasized the importance of this investment in the new cancer center, stating that it will bring cutting-edge cancer care to Queens residents. This development is a testament to the state’s commitment to providing vital resources to underserved communities.
Financial Struggles of Hospitals
The financial distress faced by hospitals serving low-income communities is a longstanding issue that Hochul is actively addressing. The rising costs of drugs, labor, and supplies, coupled with lower reimbursement rates from Medicaid, have created a challenging environment for hospitals across New York.
Hochul’s executive budget outlines a comprehensive strategy to support financially distressed hospitals, including Brooklyn’s SUNY Downstate Hospital. With proposed capital funds of $450 million and operating support of $100 million, Hochul is working to ensure the continued operation and care provision of these vital institutions.
In conclusion, the new cancer center in Jamaica, Queens represents a beacon of hope for low-income patients in the area. Through strategic partnerships and substantial state funding, this project is poised to revolutionize cancer care in Queens and beyond, setting a precedent for improved health care access for all New Yorkers.
