NYS Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins Tours Blythedale

Ms. Stewart-Cousins toured the Hospital with Larry Levine, Blythedale’s President & CEO, and Adam Herbst, Blythedale’s Chief Legal, Planning and Government Relations Officer. During her tour of Blythedale’s 46-bed Infant & Toddler Unit, she learned how the Hospital serves the nearly 50% of its patients who are under the age of one, and prepares them to go home – in many cases for the very first time.

“As usual, I am absolutely amazed at what miracles happen, right here, in Blythedale,” said Ms. Stewart-Cousins.  “I got a chance to see the very tiniest of children who are being cared for in such incredible ways and the amazing commitment of the staff.”

The Senator also visited the Hospital’s Therapy Village, home to New York State’s largest pediatric therapy department, employing 85 full time physical, occupational and speech therapists. While there, she greeted patients, families and staff. She also toured the Steven and Alexandra Cohen Pediatric Long Term Care Pavilion, a unique 24-bed facility dedicated to the highly specialized needs of infants and children who require extended medical care and rehabilitation. During her visit to the Long Term Care Pavilion, she joined nearly a dozen children to read The Very Silly Shark.

Ms. Stewart-Cousins praised Blythedale’s Parent and Caregiver Training Program for easing the learning curve when family members or guardians take their medically fragile child home. “Not only do they learn, but their support systems learn and that makes a great difference, the Blythedale Difference,” she said.

Prior to her departure, Ms. Stewart-Cousins met with Mr. Levine and Mr. Herbst to discuss their ongoing partnership to promote child advocacy through public policy.

“We thank Senator Stewart-Cousins for being an important friend and supporter of the Hospital,” said Larry Levine, Blythedale President & CEO.  “We look forward to a continued collaboration with her on the local and state level to bring hope and health to all children and families.”