When Completed, the Research Institute for Brain and Body Health will Advance New Treatments, Medicines and Technologies while Saving Millions in Medicaid Dollars Related to Complex Care
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the completion of the first phase of The Center for Discovery’s Research Institute for Brain and Body Health in Rock Hill, New York – located in Sullivan County. The Innovation Labs, a branch of its Clinical Services’ Assistive Technology Department, are a technological hub where seasoned clinical experts and researchers collaborate with various teams to create, design, and build innovative solutions that enhance the quality of life for individuals with complex needs. When fully completed, The Center’s new Rock Hill site will be a state-of-the-art bio-behavioral and healthcare facility, including the Research Institute, and the soon-to-open Children’s Specialty Hospital for complex disabilities.
ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “New York State is a leader in life science innovation, and The Center for Discovery’s Research Institute for Brain and Body Health will be home to cutting-edge technological advances and treatments that will improve the quality of life for people with complex health challenges. This center shows how our strategic investments can ultimately help to change lives for the better.”
Patrick H. Dollard, CEO of The Center for Discovery said, “The Center for Discovery has always championed new ideas and new technology. With the completion of our Innovation Labs – the first labs within our Research Institute for Brain and Body Health – we are leveraging more than thirty years of leadership in assistive technology to better study and develop innovative solutions that can transform the lives of individuals with complex disabilities. We have a shared vision with Empire State Development to make the Mid-Hudson Region a premier destination for innovative healthcare and research, and we are grateful for their support of this project. Together, with the extraordinary team we have assembled, we can change the way the world thinks about complexity and improve quality of life for everyone.”
Commissioner for the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Kerri Neifeld said, “OPWDD is proud to support people with developmental and intellectual disabilities with new technologies that can assist them in their everyday lives and make it possible for them to participate fully in their communities. I am grateful to Governor Hochul and Empire State Development for seizing this growth opportunity to develop creative solutions for behavioral health initiatives while enhancing the possibilities already available on the Center for Discovery’s current campus.”
Several new integrated laboratories for brain and body health will conduct pioneering studies to advance the care and treatment of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders, medical frailties, and other complex conditions. The labs will be particularly focused on common co-occurring biomedical conditions that can significantly affect quality of life, such as sleep disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, seizure disorders, obesity and Type 2 diabetes, immune and metabolic problems, and anxiety disorders.
Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council co-chairs Marsha Gordon, President & CEO of The Business Council of Westchester, and SUNY Orange President Dr. Kristine Young said, “The Mid-Hudson is a hub for life science R&D and innovation, and we congratulate The Center for Discovery’s Research Institute for Brain and Body Health on Phase One completion of its new Rock Hill site. The Center further confirms this region’s depth of talent and its leadership in next-gen health care solutions.”
The Center for Discovery purchased the 164,000 square foot vacant Frontier Building on Lake Louise Marie Road and converted the second floor into the Research Institute for Brain & Body Health as part of a broader adaptive reuse project. With the first 10,000 square feet of the second floor labs complete and occupied, researchers are now on the path to pioneer studies for interventions, techniques, and tools for individuals with a range of complex conditions.
Support for this project was provided through a $1 million ESD grant, recommended by the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council, to further the creation of a medical research corridor that advances the region as a premier biomedical and research destination. The Center for Discovery seeks to broadly share learnings and best practices through lectures, conferences, and publications, and will establish an integrated research environment where no boundaries exist between science, medicine, and application of clinical practice.
State Senator Mike Martucci said, “I congratulate The Center for Discovery on the completion of Phase One of this important project. Fostering world-class and innovative healthcare in our communities is vital, and the new Research Institute for Brain and Body Health will help continue TCFD's excellence in serving vulnerable populations through cutting-edge methods and one-of-a-kind care. The investment made in this project by ESD should be recognized for its forethought that is exactly in line with TCFD's mission, and I thank them for helping to transform the standard of care for those with complex conditions.”
Assemblymember Aileen Gunther said, “I am proud to see the completion of The Center for Discovery’s groundbreaking new Research Institute for Brain and Body Health. The Center for Discovery has long been a leader in advancing our understanding and care for people with disabilities, and this facility will help create cutting edge new treatments. As a nurse and Chair of the Assembly Mental Health Committee, I have always advocated for proactive and innovative approaches to health care. I look forward to working with the Center to ensure it has the resources it needs to thrive.”
Sullivan County Chairman Robert A. Doherty said, “Sullivan County is privileged to be home to The Center for Discovery, whose amazing legacy of research, compassion and innovation have made them a global leader in helping people reach their highest potential. I am proud to call them neighbors, and I look forward to the incredible, life-changing services they will introduce to the world through this one-of-a-kind facility.”
Town Supervisor William J. Rieber Jr. said, “The Town of Thompson congratulates The Center for Discovery for achieving this milestone. This project will advance treatment for our most vulnerable children suffering from Autism Spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities such as complex seizure disorders and more. Without financial partners such as Empire State Development and the USDA, this project most certainly would not have gone forward. We are pleased to have contributed in whatever way we could and are proud to consider TCFD part of the Thompson community.”
About Center for Discovery
The Center for Discovery (TCFD) is a leading provider of healthcare and education services for more than 1,200 children and adults with complex conditions, medical frailties and Autism Spectrum Disorders, located 90 miles northwest of New York City. Named a Center of Excellence in 2016, TCFD has long been a leader in developing new models of care for individuals with complex conditions. Located on 1,500 acres of land in Sullivan County, TCFD houses school campuses, residences, medical and research facilities, organic and biodynamic farmland, and leased private businesses offering meaningful employment opportunities. Deeply focused on an individual’s personal potential and possibilities, rather than a disability, TCFD strives to create better care and unique and challenging opportunities for the most vulnerable populations. For more information about TCFD, please visit www.tcfd.org.
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency (www.esd.ny.gov). The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing the New York State Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of “I LOVE NY,” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.
Contact:
Kristin Devoe (ESD): [email protected] | (518) 414-1087
ESD Press Office: [email protected] | (800) 260-7313