Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.

New York City Council

Committee on Hospitals

Mar 06, 2025

·

01:00 PM

2 hr 41 min

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Summary

A hearing on the NYC Health + Hospitals (H+H) fiscal year 2026 preliminary budget.

Discussions focused on:

  • H+H's financial performance
  • New initiatives like the Bridge to Home program for homeless individuals with mental health issues
  • Capital projects including the Rockaway Trauma Center
  • Concerns about potential federal Medicaid cuts

The hearing also addressed staffing challenges, physician working conditions, and specific hospital needs across the city.

Features testimony from NYC Health + Hospitals leadership, including CEO Dr. Mitch Katz, and the public.

Meeting chapters

Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.

REMARKS

Chair Mercedes Narcisse opens budget hearing for NYC Health + Hospitals

Council Member Mercedes Narcisse, chair of the Committee on Hospitals, opens the hearing on the NYC Health + Hospitals (H+H) fiscal year 2026 preliminary budget. She outlines key topics including …

0:00:40

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4 min

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Dr. Mitch Katz presents NYC Health + Hospitals' fiscal performance and achievements

Dr. Mitch Katz, President and CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals, presents the organization's fiscal performance and recent achievements to the City Council. He highlights significant advancements in healthcare services, …

0:06:00

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4 min

Q&A

Dr. Katz explains the rationale and structure of the Bridge to Home program

Dr. Mitch Katz provides a comprehensive explanation of the new Bridge to Home program, designed to support homeless individuals with severe mental health issues. He outlines the current gaps in …

0:11:00

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5 min

Q&A

Questions and answers about Bridge to Home program details

Chair Mercedes Narcisse and Dr. Mitch Katz discuss various details of the Bridge to Home program, including its location, capacity, and implementation timeline. - The program will likely be a …

0:16:58

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3 min

Q&A

Measuring the success of the Bridge to Home program

Dr. Mitch Katz explains how the success of the Bridge to Home program will be measured, focusing on key outcomes and indicators. - The primary measure of success will be …

0:20:07

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129 sec

Q&A

Overview and statistics of the SHOW (Street Health Outreach and Wellness) program

Dr. Mitch Katz provides an overview of the SHOW program, its operations, and key statistics on its impact and reach across New York City. - Since 2021, SHOW has conducted …

0:22:18

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4 min

Q&A

Potential collaboration between SHOW and Bridge to Home programs

Dr. Mitch Katz discusses how the SHOW program could collaborate with the new Bridge to Home program to efficiently serve individuals in need. - The plan is to have the …

0:26:39

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86 sec

Q&A

Funding and demographics of children's psychiatric care at Bellevue

Dr. Mitch Katz and James Cassidy clarify funding details and provide demographic information about the children's psychiatric program at Bellevue Hospital. - The additional funding mentioned in the preliminary plan …

0:29:16

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4 min

Q&A

Staffing of the B-HEARD program

Dr. Mitch Katz provides information about the current staffing of the B-HEARD (Behavioral Health Emergency Assistance Response Division) program. - H+H currently has 38 mental health clinicians working on the …

0:33:31

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38 sec

Q&A

H+H staffing changes and the roles of physicians and residents

Dr. Mitch Katz explains recent changes in H+H staffing, particularly regarding physicians and residents, and discusses the roles of residents in teaching hospitals. - The apparent decrease in physician positions …

0:34:14

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7 min

Q&A

Discussion on baby boxes program for new mothers

Council Member Marmorato inquires about the baby boxes program for new mothers at NYC Health + Hospitals. Dr. Katz explains the need for the program and confirms that all new …

0:42:02

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127 sec

Q&A

Details on the Bridge to Home program for housing mentally ill homeless individuals

Council Member Marmorato inquires about the housing plans for the Bridge to Home program, which aims to house homeless individuals with mental health issues. Dr. Katz provides details on the …

0:44:10

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61 sec

Q&A

Explanation of $9 million increase in correctional health budget for wage increases

Council Member Marmorato inquires about the $9 million increase in the correctional health budget for wage increases. Dr. Patsy Yang, Senior Vice President of Correctional Health Services, provides clarification on …

0:45:11

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33 sec

Q&A

Inquiry into funding for brick pointing at 1900 Seminole Avenue and overall maintenance budget

Council Member Marmorato inquires about the funding source for brick pointing at 1900 Seminole Avenue and the overall maintenance budget for Jacobi Hospital. Dr. Katz and James Cassidy provide information …

0:45:45

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106 sec

Q&A

Clarification on physician employment structure in NYC Health + Hospitals

Chair Narcisse seeks clarification on the employment structure of physicians who move between city payroll and affiliate payroll. Dr. Katz explains the system and its rationale. - Physicians can move …

0:47:32

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70 sec

Q&A

Introduction of Neponset Adult Day Health Care Center closure issue

Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers introduces the pressing issue of the proposed closure of the Neponset Adult Day Health Care Center in Rockaway. She emphasizes the center's 36-year history and its …

0:48:55

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67 sec

Q&A

Health + Hospitals' funding and service provision for Neponset Center

Dr. Mitch Katz responds to questions about Health + Hospitals' funding for the Neponset Adult Day Health Care Center and the potential for the new Gotham Health Center to take …

0:50:03

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27 sec

Q&A

Enrollment requirements and changes in adult day health center models

Dr. Mitch Katz provides a detailed explanation of the changes in adult day health center models over time and the challenges faced by these facilities. - Dr. Katz explains that …

0:50:32

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4 min

Q&A

Exploration of alternative models and geographical challenges for Neponset Center

Council Member Brooks-Powers and Dr. Katz discuss potential alternative operational models for the Neponset Center and the unique geographical challenges faced by the Rockaway community. - Brooks-Powers inquires about partnerships …

0:55:03

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5 min

Q&A

Discussion of CDPAP program and adult day health center challenges

Chair Mercedes Narcisse introduces the topic of CDPAP and its relation to adult day health centers, leading to a discussion about the challenges and limitations of these programs. - Narcisse …

1:00:05

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5 min

Q&A

Questions about Neponset Center lease agreement and closure costs

Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about the lease agreement for the Neponset Center and potential costs associated with its closure. - Brooks-Powers asks about the expiration date of the current lease …

1:05:21

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72 sec

Q&A

Capital needs for Metropolitan and Lincoln Hospitals

Council Member Diana Ayala introduces the capital needs for Metropolitan and Lincoln Hospitals, highlighting the need for a new emergency room at Metropolitan Hospital with an estimated cost of $65 …

1:06:58

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69 sec

Q&A

Health + Hospitals' process for submitting capital project priorities

Council Member Ayala inquires about Health + Hospitals' process for submitting capital project priorities to the city administration. Dr. Katz explains that they submit a list of needs to the …

1:08:07

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95 sec

Q&A

Metropolitan Hospital's emergency room capacity issues

Council Member Ayala describes the urgent need for expanding Metropolitan Hospital's emergency room capacity and the impact of current limitations on patient care and community trust. - The emergency room …

1:09:41

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64 sec

REMARKS

Dr. Katz's perspective on Metropolitan Hospital

Dr. Mitch Katz shares his positive view of Metropolitan Hospital, highlighting its strengths and unique position within the Health + Hospitals system. - Dr. Katz expresses his affection for Metropolitan …

1:10:45

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60 sec

Q&A

Concluding remarks and next steps for Metropolitan Hospital funding

The discussion concludes with light-hearted exchanges and a commitment to follow up on funding for Metropolitan Hospital's emergency department. - Council members playfully suggest protesting outside Dr. Katz's office if …

1:11:45

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26 sec

REMARKS

Council Member Paladino introduces concerns about mental health and drug addiction

Council Member Vickie Paladino opens the discussion by emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health and drug addiction issues in New York City. She expresses concern about the current approach …

1:12:22

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107 sec

Q&A

Discussion on the current homeless situation in New York City

Council Member Paladino and Dr. Mitch Katz engage in a Q&A session about the current homeless situation in New York City. Dr. Katz provides estimates on the number of homeless …

1:14:06

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41 sec

REMARKS

Council Member Paladino shares personal experience with drug addiction

Council Member Vickie Paladino shares her personal experience with drug addiction, recounting her older brother's struggle with heroin addiction from age 15 to 37. She emphasizes the importance of family …

1:14:47

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49 sec

REMARKS

Council Member Paladino proposes Creedmoor facility for homeless and addiction treatment

Council Member Vickie Paladino proposes repurposing the Creedmoor facility in Queens as a comprehensive solution for homeless and addiction treatment in New York City. She argues that this existing structure …

1:15:33

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4 min

Q&A

Dr. Katz responds to proposal for residential substance treatment

Dr. Mitch Katz responds to Council Member Paladino's proposal, expressing his support for residential substance treatment programs. He acknowledges the importance of such facilities, especially for individuals lacking family support. …

1:19:42

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73 sec

REMARKS

Acknowledgment of pediatric CPAP and baby box program

Council Member Carlina Rivera expresses gratitude for the work on pediatric CPAP and the baby box program at NYC Health + Hospitals. She emphasizes the importance of making resources universally …

1:20:55

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62 sec

Q&A

Impact of Mount Sinai Beth Israel closure on Bellevue Hospital

Council Member Carlina Rivera raises concerns about the closure of Mount Sinai Beth Israel and its potential impact on Bellevue Hospital. She inquires about the funding Bellevue will receive from …

1:21:57

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64 sec

Q&A

Breakdown of $28 million funding from Mount Sinai to Bellevue Hospital

Dr. Mitch Katz provides a detailed breakdown of the $28 million funding that Bellevue Hospital will receive from Mount Sinai as part of the agreement for Beth Israel's closure. He …

1:23:01

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3 min

Q&A

Accommodating increased mental health patients at Bellevue

Council Member Rivera inquires about how Bellevue Hospital will accommodate the expected increase in mental health patients following the closure of Mount Sinai Beth Israel. Dr. Katz outlines the plans …

1:26:55

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116 sec

Q&A

Challenges in Bellevue's Emergency Department

Council Member Rivera acknowledges the challenges faced by Bellevue Hospital's Emergency Department, particularly in light of the expected influx of patients due to Mount Sinai Beth Israel's closure. She shares …

1:28:53

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39 sec

REMARKS

Challenges in caring for aging parents and limited skilled nursing facilities

Council Member Rivera raises concerns about the challenges constituents face in caring for aging parents and the limited availability of affordable skilled nursing facilities. She offers to assist in advocating …

1:29:32

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96 sec

REMARKS

Council Member Restler praises Dr. Katz's leadership of H+H

Council Member Lincoln Restler expresses his appreciation for Dr. Mitch Katz's leadership of NYC Health + Hospitals (H+H). He commends Dr. Katz for turning around the financial situation of H+H …

1:31:08

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30 sec

Q&A

Discussion on potential impact of Medicaid cuts on H+H

Council Member Restler and Dr. Katz discuss the potential devastating impact of proposed Medicaid cuts on NYC Health + Hospitals. Dr. Katz explains the challenges these cuts would pose and …

1:31:47

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3 min

Q&A

Status update on outposted therapeutic units at Bellevue and other facilities

Council Member Restler inquires about the status of outposted therapeutic units at Bellevue and other facilities. Dr. Patsy Yang provides updates on the progress and challenges faced in implementing these …

1:34:53

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3 min

Q&A

Discussion on Bridge to Home program and respite care initiatives

Council Member Restler and Dr. Katz discuss the Bridge to Home program and related respite care initiatives aimed at addressing homelessness and mental health issues. - The Bridge to Home …

1:38:32

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41 sec

REMARKS

Addressing homelessness and mental health issues in New York City

Council Member Restler and Dr. Katz discuss the broader challenges of addressing homelessness and mental health issues in New York City. They exchange ideas on the scale of the problem …

1:39:13

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103 sec

Q&A

Discussion on Indigent Care Pool payments and Medicaid funding for NYC Health + Hospitals

Council Member Mercedes Narcisse inquires about the status of Indigent Care Pool (ICP) payments and Medicaid funding for NYC Health + Hospitals. Dr. Mitch Katz explains the current situation regarding …

1:40:57

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94 sec

Q&A

Inquiry about NYC Health + Hospitals' access to the Distressed Hospital Fund

Council Member Mercedes Narcisse questions Dr. Mitch Katz about NYC Health + Hospitals' access to the Distressed Hospital Fund, which is funded by intercepting $150 million of the city's sales …

1:42:31

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93 sec

Q&A

Impact of potential federal budget cuts on NYC Health + Hospitals

Dr. Mitch Katz explains the potential impact of federal budget cuts on NYC Health + Hospitals, clarifying misconceptions about the organization's funding structure and financial situation. - Most of H+H's …

1:44:04

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5 min

Q&A

Recent agreement with Doctors Council SEIU and efforts to improve physician working conditions

Dr. Mitch Katz discusses the recent agreement with Doctors Council SEIU and ongoing efforts to improve working conditions for physicians at NYC Health + Hospitals facilities. - The agreement includes …

1:49:37

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7 min

REMARKS

Update on the Collaborative Learning Center project at South Brooklyn Health

Dr. Mitch Katz provides a brief update on the status of the Collaborative Learning Center project at South Brooklyn Health. - The project is currently on hold due to a …

1:56:42

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75 sec

Q&A

Plans and funding challenges for the Rockaway Trauma Center

Dr. Mitch Katz discusses the plans and funding challenges for the proposed Rockaway Trauma Center, highlighting its critical importance for the community. - The project has $50 million in initial …

1:57:57

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8 min

Q&A

Update on the Far Rockaway Primary Care Center project

Dr. Mitch Katz provides details on the progress and plans for the Far Rockaway Primary Care Center project. - The project has sufficient funding ($28 million) to open the center …

2:06:30

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114 sec

Q&A

Addressing homeless patients in emergency rooms

Council Member Marmorato inquires about the address used for homeless patients in emergency rooms. Dr. Katz admits he doesn't know the specific answer for NYC Health + Hospitals but shares …

2:08:24

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90 sec

Q&A

Contract ratification issues with Jacobi and North Central Bronx hospitals

Council Member Marmorato inquires about the status of contract ratifications for Jacobi and North Central Bronx hospitals. Dr. Katz explains that while Harlem hospital has ratified, discussions are ongoing with …

2:09:55

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113 sec

Q&A

Challenges in managing wait times and specialty care services

Dr. Katz discusses the challenges of managing wait times, particularly for specialty care services, and addresses ongoing workforce shortages in the healthcare system. - Long wait times for popular primary …

2:11:48

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161 sec

REMARKS

Potential cross-hospital collaborations for subspecialty services

Dr. Katz proposes developing cross-hospital services for subspecialties, especially in geographic areas, to improve coverage and access to specialized care. - This approach is common in most healthcare systems but …

2:14:30

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68 sec

Q&A

Asylum seeker-related funding and budget allocations for FY2026

Dr. Katz and James Cassidy explain the allocation of funds for asylum seeker-related costs in the FY2026 budget, including the transition of services from Health + Hospitals to the Department …

2:15:37

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4 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Noelle Peñas, Health Justice Community Organizer at New York Lawyers for the Public Interest (NYLPI)

Noelle Peñas, representing NYLPI, thanked the city council for supporting the immigrant health initiative and requested increased funding for fiscal year 2026. She highlighted NYLPI's work in providing healthcare screenings, …

2:22:34

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128 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Mackenzie Aranda, Public Policy Fellow from New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault, on Sexual Assault Services in NYC Hospitals

Mackenzie Aranda from the New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault highlighted significant gaps in sexual assault services and prevention programming in NYC hospitals, particularly outside of Manhattan. She requested …

2:24:56

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128 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Misha Sharp, Assistant Director of Policy at 32BJ Health Fund on Hospital Pricing Transparency

Misha Sharp from 32BJ Health Fund urged the City Council to ensure transparency and accountability in hospital pricing. They emphasized the importance of supporting the strong implementation of the Office …

2:27:12

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113 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Andrew Falzon on Neponset Adult Day Health Care Center Closure

Andrew Falzon testified about the pending closure of the Neponset Adult Day Health Care Center, expressing concerns about the information provided by HHC executives and the viability of the program. …

2:30:08

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134 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Wayne Richards on Neponset Adult Healthcare Center Closure

Wayne Richards provided testimony regarding the closure of the Neponset Adult Healthcare Center, questioning the lack of support for its continued operation and the factors leading to its failure. He …

2:32:34

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75 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Jeanmarie Fitch on Neponset Adult Day Care Closure

Jeanmarie Fitch advocated against the closure of Neponset Adult Day Care in the Rockaways, emphasizing the community's need for services for the medically fragile population. She questioned the decision to …

2:34:01

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76 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Raquel Delgado on Neponset Adult Day Health Care Center Closure

Raquel Delgado, a community advocate and former caregiver, expresses strong opposition to the closure of the Neponset Adult Day Health Care Center. She highlights the center's importance for the elderly …

2:35:26

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125 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Raul Rivera, Member of the Public, on NYC Health + Hospitals Budget and Senior Care

Raul Rivera, a member of the public, expresses frustration with the city's financial decisions, particularly regarding the closure of a senior center and the allocation of funds. He criticizes the …

2:37:45

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122 sec

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