ALBANY – Whitney Young Health (WYH) hosted a press conference to announce the official kickoff of the public phase for the organization’s Opening Doors to a Healthier Community Capital Campaign.
The healthcare delivery system has drastically changed over the past 50 years, even more significant since the COVID pandemic hit. Yet, WYH has operated in this original space of our flagship health center, which was built in 1974, with limited changes in over half a century.
Along with its Board of Directors, a Capital Campaign Steering Committee, and key investors, WYH made the responsive decision to launch a capital campaign to address the antiquity of its facilities and delivery of service.
This campaign will support two capital projects, including: major building renovations to the first floor of its flagship health center, located at 920 Lark Drive in downtown Albany, that houses its primary care and specialty care services; and complete renovations and construction of a nearly 4,000 square-foot addition at its Outpatient Addictions Treatment Center on the corner of Dewitt and Montgomery Streets, also in Albany.
WYH began renovations on its Albany Health Center in July, 2023, with the support of earlier funding secured in the quiet phase of the campaign. The renovation of the Albany Health Center and the expansion of the Outpatient Addictions Treatment Center are designed to address critical deficiencies in the current layout of each building. With the patient experience at the forefront, WYH is creating modern care environments that promote dignity, health, and wellness.
WYH President and CEO, David Shippee, discussed in WYH’s Opening Doors announcement, the significance of these renovations and how they could impact WYH’s commitment to care positively for the community.
“The renovation and expansion of two of our Albany health centers will bring about profound benefits to our community, allowing us to: create warm, welcoming spaces that promote healing and well-being, while also accommodating the diverse clinical and social care needs of our patients; attract and retain top-tier clinical professionals, ensuring that our patients receive the best possible care; and offer accessible and affordable healthcare options for everyone in our community, regardless of their financial circumstances,” said Shippee. “These renovations can help us open the doors to a brighter, healthier, and more equitable future for our community.”
The inaugural investments to the campaign were from Albany County and MVP Health Care Innovation Partnership in the amount of $250,000, and an additional $125,000 from MVP Health Care to its construction and renovation projects through its Opening Doors Capital Campaign.
Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy stresses how important it is to support WYH’s renovation efforts.
“The Innovation Partnership is making this major investment so Whitney Young Health can continue to provide equitable and accessible care to members of the community in a newly designed Family Medicine Pod,” said McCoy. “This space is designed with the patient in mind, to improve the patient experience and engagement. We know that patients who are engaged in their care have better outcomes, positive healthcare experiences and better access to care. All of that adds up to a stronger community.”
MVP Health Care is committed to WYH through its financial investment and, additionally, through a deepened partnership with WYH to achieve healthier outcomes for the Capital Region.
“By investing in Whitney Young Health’s new pediatric health pod and family medicine pod, we are contributing to a health care system that is more responsive, equitable, and capable of meeting the evolving needs of the communities we serve,” said MVP Health Care’s president, Dr. Richard Dal Col. “The new space represents the power of local collaboration and a shared vision for a healthier Capital Region. Together, we are not only opening a new facility, but we are making access to health care a gateway to a brighter future for children and families.”
Charles Touhey also announced a substantial match from the Carl E. Touhey Foundation to inspire and encourage other foundations and philanthropists to invest in the Whitey Young Health campaign.
Elected officials, including NYS Assemblymembers Patricia Fahy and John McDonald, and Manik Elahi on behalf of Congressman Paul Tonko, and Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan were also in attendance to show their support for this critical project for our community.
“Whitney Young Health meets our neighbors where they are at their two Albany Health Centers and I’m thrilled to see them announce this new Capital Campaign,” said Assemblymember Patricia Fahy (D—Albany). “Physical renovations at both locations will ensure that patients, community members, and families feel safe, welcomed, and cared for during their visits. As Whitney Young continues to transform itself – it has remained true to its mission – delivering equitable and accessible quality care and empowering our diverse community to achieve better health and wellness. Congratulations!”
The Opening Doors Capital Campaign will help support WYH in its efforts to improve the accessibility and efficiency of the care the organization provides. Whitney Young Health is driven by its pursuit of health equity, quality, affordable and accessible care, and providing a positive environment that promotes healing and well-being.
About Whitney Young Health
Whitney Young Health is a community based, 501(c) 3 non-profit corporation providing affordable, accessible primary and preventative medical, dental and behavioral health services to the uninsured and medically underserved residents of the Capital Region regardless of income. Through multiple medical, dental, and school-based health centers, addictions programs, mobile health units, and numerous outreach programs. WYH serves more than 20,000 men, women and children annually who otherwise have limited access to health care.