Senator Murphy Visits Kids, Hospital Staff

Blythedale Children's Hospital was pleased to welcome New York State Senator Terrence Murphy (District 40) back for a tour of some of the Hospital's new programs and a discussion with some of Blythedale's senior leadership team.

Senator Murphy was elected to his current position in 2014 and serves as Chairman of the Committee on Investigations & Government Operations. He also serves on the Health, and Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities committees. His district serves parts of Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties.

During his recent visit, Senator Murphy 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. He 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.

"This hospital is exceptional. It's a diamond in the rough," said Senator Murphy. "(They) take care of people that other hospital’s can’t take care of. This is a prime example of what government should be involved in... taking care of people who can’t take care of themselves."

The Senator 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 senator's ongoing commitment to fighting the nationwide opiod crisis, and Blythedale's work on the state and federal levels to protect funding for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). 

"Senator Murphy is a great friend to Blythedale who has an important understanding of the need for bipartison support in caring for medically complex children," said Blythedale President & CEO Larry Levine. "He is a global thinker who recognizes the vital role government can serve and the progress that can be made when both sides come together. We remain so grateful for his enthusiasm for the work we do. It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to introduce him to some of our newer initiatives."

Check out Senator Murphy's visit to Blythedale and his personal connection to the Hospital: