Statement From the New York State Department of Health

"The Department of Health has been working with the management of St. John's Episcopal for several years in an effort to achieve improved health outcomes and access in the Far Rockaways. Contrary to published reports, the Department has not recommended nor decided on any of the recent proposals developed that would make changes at St. John's Episcopal, and thinks it would be premature to do so without further analysis and stakeholder engagement.

The State's operating support for St. John's Episcopal has increased by 50% since 2019 and totaled approximately $60 million last year. Gov. Cuomo's Executive Budget will provide at least this level of financial support for St. John's Episcopal in the upcoming fiscal year so that additional options to provide a sustainable and higher quality healthcare delivery system in the Far Rockaways can be fully explored and shared with the community.

St. John's Episcopal has played a critical role in the State's response to the COVID-19 public health crisis. The Department of Health is committed to working closely with the management and board of St. John's Episcopal, the community served,our partners in labor, and elected officials in identifying a modernized and sustainable strategy for delivering high-quality healthcare in the Far Rockaways."