For Immediate Release

February 16, 2024

“Over the past 30 days, Brooklynites, elected officials, organized labor, medical professionals, and public health experts have made it abundantly clear to SUNY and the Governor that closing SUNY Downstate hospital is the wrong choice for patients, students, and the community. Shockingly, Gov. Hochul appears to be forging ahead with implementing SUNY Chancellor King’s disastrous and radical closure plan.

“Rather than heeding the call of local patients and community members asking for a meaningful discussion about the future of the institution, Gov. Hochul seems poised to plow ahead with this destructive agenda - devised in secret and presented as a fait accompli - which will undoubtedly harm the health of the Central Brooklyn community.

“We look forward to working with the Legislature to correct this plan’s complete disregard for Downstate hospital’s thousands of employees, tens of thousands of patients, and even more community partners. We will work together to keep SUNY Downstate Hospital open because Brooklyn Needs Downstate!”