NYS Assemblymember Amy Paulin Returns to Blythedale

New York State Assemblymember Amy Paulin, a longtime advocate for children and families, visited Blythedale this week to learn more about some of the Hospital's new programs and public policy initiatives.

Assemblymember Paulin has served the 88th New York State Assembly District (Scarsdale, Eastchester, Tuckahoe, Bronxville, Pelham, Pelham Manor, and parts of New Rochelle and White Plains) since 2001. She chairs the Assembly Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions, and serves on the Committees on Rules, Education, and Health. 

During her visit, Assemblymember Paulin toured the Hospital's Infant & Toddler Unit and Traumatic Brain Injury Unit, meeting with unit chiefs along the way to learn about advances in medical care and how Blythedale is at the forefront of developing specialized treatment modalities for medically fragile children. She also visited The Steven and Alexandra Cohen Pediatric Long Term Care Pavilion for the first time since the ribbon-cutting of the new unit in September 2016. During her visit this week she had the opportunity to see the 24-bed unit fully occupied, and sat in on a therapeutic recreation session with some of the young residents.

"After many visits, Blythedale still moves me," she said. "Watching the children, watching how they are cared for, the attention they receive, how they grow, how much it means to them, how much you know it means to the families... you leave here feeling very impacted."

Assemblymember Paulin sat down with Blythedale President & CEO Larry Levine and Chief Legal, Planning and Government Relations Officer Adam Herbst to discuss topics ranging from the vital importance of mental health services for children and adolescents with complicated medical issues, to the provision of state-of-the-art assistive technology to ensure that children with special needs have the ability to participate in school, engage in social interactions and access their environment. They also spoke of the vital importance of protecting funding for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). 

"Assemblymember Paulin is a longtime friend of Blythedale and has great familiarity with the important role we serve in the continuum of care for medically fragile infants and children," said Levine. "We are incredibly grateful for her ongoing support over the course of many years, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing we have a voice in Albany, advocating on behalf of the best interests of our patients."

Watch NYS Assemblymember Amy Paulin Experience the Blythedale Difference, firsthand...