Message from the Chairman

Edward B. MacDonald,
Jr., Chairman

For more than 120 years, Hudson Valley Hospital Center has been here for the community. Many things have changed over the years. From a community hospital, we have grown into one of the premiere care facilities in the area, rivaling larger medical facilities in the state-of the-art care we are able to provide. But one thing that has not changed, and what sets us apart from these larger institutions, is that we have not forgotten our roots as a community hospital. What does it mean to be a "Community" hospital? It means that Hudson Valley Hospital Center is part of this community in good times and bad.

In 2008 and 2009 when so many businesses were scaling back or closing entirely, Hudson Valley Hospital Center not only remained an economically stable force in our community, but took the unprecedented step of forging ahead with a $100 million expansion of the Hospital. We poured millions of dollars into the local economy ($150 million in 2009 to be exact), created construction and long-term jobs, and set an example for others.

Why did we do this? Because we had faith that if we built it, you would support us. Apparently you had faith too because on June 24, 2010 we unveiled our crowning achievement – a new $100 million all-private room, patient tower and a new, 450-space parking garage and renovated and expanded Emergency Department. None of this would have been possible without you. Our foundation set a goal of $15 million in donations to complete this major expansion and renovation. It was a very ambitious goal, but we had faith in you, and you did not let us down. We thank you for your support and generosity.

We are not done yet. This fall, we will open a new Cancer Center and Medical Office Building. The new center will provide, state-of-the art care closer to home. Again, we hope that you will be our partner in this new endeavor. It is because of donors like you and because of our forward looking strategies that this hospital has been able to thrive even in tough economic times. Together, we can continue to move forward, making our community, and this Hospital, a place of which we can all be proud.