SUNY Downstate advisory board appointed

November 25, 2024 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

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PROSPECT LEFFERTS GARDENS – GOVERNOR HOCHUL ON Monday announced the appointment of eight people to a community advisory board for SUNY Downstate Hospital and SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University. While Downstate has offered vital services and trained medical professionals for Brooklyn for over a century, its hospital has struggled with chronic budget shortfalls and disrepair for some time. As part of the 2025 state budget, Downstate will receive a historic funding contribution of $400 million, tied to the formation of the advisory board, which has a mandate to help develop a plan to revitalize the hospital and university, centering financial health, viability and sustainability.

Governor Hochul appointed Citizens Budget Commission President Andy Rein, Pastor Louis Hilton Straker, Jr. and Dr. Lesly Kernisant, Brooklyn Plaza Medical Center (retired), to the community advisory board. Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins appointed Downstate department Chair Dr. Enitza George. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie appointed Dr. Donald Moore, former Attending Physician at NewYork [sic] Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. United University Professions President Fred Kowal will represent organized labor. State Health Commissioner James V. McDonald and SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. will round out the board.

The advisory board may consider up to 250 percent of the state’s Capital Commitment and secured federal dollars for investment. It will hold three public hearings and submit written recommendations to Governor Hochul and the legislature by April 1, 2025.

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