St. Peter’s announces Burdett Birth Center will stay open

Saint Peter's Health Partners will be hosting a press conference on Monday to discuss the future of the Burdett Birth Center.

TROY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Saint Peter's Health Partners held a press conference on Monday to address the future of the Burdett Birth Center. Officials announced that the facility will remain open for at least the next five years thanks to new funding secured by New York State.

The grant, which was approved as part of the 2024-2025 State Budget, will reportedly provide the facility $5 million over five years. The press conference featured statements by New York Assemblymember John McDonald and Dr. Steven Hanks, President and CEO of Saint Joseph’s Health and Saint Peter’s Health Partners.

"We rejoice that the community’s concerns and outrage about closing Burdett have been heard, and funding has been secured to keep Burdett open for another five years," said Ashley Saupp, an organizer with the Save Burdett Birth Center Coalition. "The coalition is especially grateful for the advocacy of Assemblymember John McDonald, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Assembly Health Chair Amy Paulin, who secured $5 million in the state budget to help keep Burdett open. We also note that SPHP executives have found funds in Samaritan Hospital’s budget to maintain the center, after insisting for months that this was not possible."

The funding will go toward operation and staffing costs, as well as further training and expansion. The closure plan submitted to the Department of Health earlier this year has been rescinded, officials say. Stay with NEWS10 as this story continues to develop.