Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Far Rockaway) today joined with St. John's Episcopal Hospital CEO Gerard M. Walsh, local elected officials including Congressman Gregory Meeks, Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., Senator James Sanders, Jr., and Assemblywoman Michelle Titus, representatives from Governor Andrew Cuomo's and NYC Councilmember Donovan Richards's offices, community leaders including District Leader Lew Simon, and hospital staff and community members to officially present a large check to St. John's on behalf of the State of New York, earmarked for renovation of its Emergency Department.

"I was actually born in this hospital," said Pheffer Amato, joking that she couldn't believe it was just "twenty-two short years ago. But true story, I was born in this building right here. We, all of us elected officials, work together as a team - and this was definitely a team effort. And it's not done yet - this is the first of many improvements. Our one and only full-service hospital, is finally getting a modern, high-end ER facility. The stakes can't be higher here. Our area has worse health outcomes than almost anywhere else in the City, with very high rates of heart disease and stroke, and some of the worst access to healthcare. With national uncertainty at an all-time high, the need for this expanded facility is hit-you-in-the-face obvious.

"But that doesn't mean this was easy. I want to make sure everyone acknowledges the incredible leadership of Jerry Walsh, the Executive team, the Board, and everyone else who's working overtime to turn this community lifeline around. We hear them, out in the community, being not only proactive but actually humble, acknowledging what needs work and being proud of what's improving. This is the one and only way to move from what we had - a dysfunctional health system - to what we need - adequate, high-quality care for all. I'm impressed, you've made a really fantastic case for the resources you need, and you've inspired us in Albany and at the Federal level to keep fighting hard for you.

"I wanted to make sure to acknowledge to often-unsung heroes in the fight for real community-based healthcare: the organized community. I think Jerry and all of my fellow elected officials will be the first to say that this would not have happened without weekly conference calls of the 1199 St. John's Episcopal Health Coalition, pushing this issue to the fore. Because of your efforts, the improvements at St. John's are truly of, by and for the community, and we're in a better position than most areas to make sure that our hospital works with the community and serves its needs in the long term. And that's truly something to celebrate.”