News
October 15, 2015Hometown Health Centers Plans Multi-Million Investment in City of Schenectady
In an effort to further improve the lives of underserved residents living in Schenectady County, Hometown Health Centers (HHC) — the county’s only not-for-profit, federally qualified health center — is readying for an ambitious two phase, multi-million dollar development program.
During the summer, HHC purchased three multi-family buildings at 1024 Albany Street, 1026 Albany Street and 961 Emmett Street for $285,000. It plans to raze the buildings and construct around 50 parking spaces for employees and patients before year’s end.
Phase two centers on erecting a two-story, 20,000-square-foot auxiliary building on the recently purchased land. This is contingent on an $8 million grant from New York state. The grant, or capital funds, are being awarded to organizations like Hometown Health Centers participating in New York’s multi-billion dollar Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment Program (DSRIP). Grant monies are expected to be awarded before year’s end.
“Through DSRIP, we have an opportunity to offer Capital Region residents increased access to quality primary and preventative care and comprehensive dental services. This is an ideal opportunity for Hometown to advance Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s DSRIP goals by improving health outcomes and reducing preventable emergency room visits,” explained Hometown Health Centers CEO Joe Gambino. “These services will require additional space, since the 1044 State Street health center is nearly at capacity.
“Provided that grant monies are approved, the new building will house HHC’s dental services and administrative staff, while freeing up space in our existing building for family practice, general practice, behavioral and primary care treatment, and Hometown’s new vision services program,” said Gambino, adding that HHC has already begun to offer community members expanded hours for dental services.
“For more than 40 years, Hometown Health has strived to help Schenectady’s residents live healthier lives,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara. “This expansion project will enable Hometown to further its mission by providing an expanded umbrella of healthcare services.
“Hometown’s proposed new building isn’t just an investment in the well-being of our residents, but also in the overall health of this community,” Santabarbara added. “The multi-million dollar project will enable us to clear blighted city buildings, add to the city’s tax base and create new jobs.”
HHC, which offers family medicine, pediatric, obstetrical, gynecological, podiatry, specialty care, mental health and comprehensive dental care to nearly 17,000 local residents, currently employs 110. Gambino said he expects that number to climb to around 130 by year’s end, should the additional building be approved.
HHC is one five regional members of the Alliance for Better Health Care along with Ellis Medicine, Samaritan Hospital (representing St. Peter’s Health Partners), St. Mary’s Healthcare Amsterdam and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health Center. Group members are working to enhance the quality of healthcare for New Yorkers receiving Medicaid, while also striving to cut the costs of providing that care.
