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A new mental health unit opened today (December 17) at HealthAlliance Hospital in Kingston, New York. The unit features 20 beds and spans 20,000 square feet. This facility, part of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth), aims to address the mental health needs of the community, which were unmet after inpatient services were halted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The reopening marks a significant milestone for Kingston and Ulster County. The unit, which created approximately 60 jobs, offers semi-private and private rooms, a quiet room with audio-visual entertainment, and a new nursing station. The project, costing $7 million, is part of WMCHealth's broader strategy to expand behavioral health services in the mid-Hudson Valley.
Josh Ratner, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at WMCHealth, emphasized the importance of this unit, stating, "This new inpatient psychiatric unit is the result of years of collaboration between WMCHealth, elected officials, and community stakeholders." According to WMCHealth, the unit's opening is a key priority as many organizations reduce investments in behavioral health services.
Local leaders, including Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger, celebrated the reopening. Metzger stated, "This is a very positive first step," highlighting the importance of the unit in supporting mental health in the area. Spectrum Local News reported that the unit's opening is seen as a victory for Hudson Valley families.
The unit is expected to work in tandem with the soon-to-open Crisis Support Center, part of Ulster County's new Center for Well-being, to provide comprehensive mental health care.