Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand joined Auburn Community Hospital President & CEO Scott Berlucchi, City Councilor Ginny Kent and Cayuga County Legislature Chair David Gould to highlight $2 million in federal funding for Auburn Community Hospital’s new state-of-the-art cancer center and to view the construction site. The funding will support the expansion of the cancer center and will be used for infrastructure improvements and to purchase critical medical equipment for cancer diagnostics.
“Auburn Community Hospital provides lifesaving care to cancer patients in this community,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This $2 million in funding will help make sure that Auburn Community Hospital’s state-of-the-art cancer center can obtain the cutting-edge technology it needs to support doctors, surgeons and patients. Furthermore, it will prevent patients from having to travel long distances to get the care they need. This funding will create jobs and improve quality of care for patients across Cayuga County. Making sure every American has access to affordable, comprehensive, and high-quality health care is not a luxury but a necessity, and I’ll keep fighting to bring federal dollars to hospitals and health care facilities in Auburn and across New York.”
“Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Cayuga County, but thanks to funding we secured in the federal budget, Auburn Community Hospital’s new, state-of-the art cancer treatment center will purchase lifesaving medical equipment to help doctors treat cancer patients in Auburn and beyond,” said Senator Schumer. “This new treatment center will be a one-stop shop to help patients get the top-notch care they need in their own community. I am proud to deliver this funding to Auburn Community Hospital so that our doctors can have the support they need and the people of Cayuga County can have the cancer treatment center they have long deserved, and I’ll keep fighting to bring these critical federal dollars to health care providers in Auburn and across the Empire State.”
“Cayuga County is fortunate to have an amazing institution like Auburn Community Hospital. I would like to thank Senator Gillibrand and Senator Schumer for their efforts to secure $2 million in Congressionally Directed Spending for this Cancer Center. Our healthcare professionals provide lifesaving care everyday for our community, and this funding will go a long way to supporting their work,” said Chairman David Gould, Cayuga County Legislature.
“Auburn Community Hospital is a vital resource to the people of the City of Auburn and the establishment of the new Cancer Center expands the service to our community. I would like to thank Senator Gillibrand for being in Auburn and delivering the news that she and Senator Schumer have secured federal funding to assist with equipment and infrastructure for the Cancer Center. These federal resources being invested in Auburn are a huge boost for this vital project,” said Mayor Michael D. Quill.
“The City of Auburn is extremely grateful to Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand for securing this funding for Auburn’s new Cancer Center, to help provide essential services to its patients. The Senators care about our community and our people, and they understand the role that excellent accessible health care plays in the quality of life for our residents,”said City Councilor Ginny Kent.
Auburn Community Hospital is in the midst of building a new 12,000 sq. ft. cancer center. Cancer is a leading cause of death in Cayuga County, and currently, four out of five residents must travel more than 25 miles for medical oncology services. The major expansion will add radiation oncology services and many other lifesaving cancer treatments and diagnostic services for members of the community. The funding will be used for key infrastructure improvements, such as additional parking for more patients, and for a new PET-CT Scanner for pre-diagnostic testing, which will enable cancer surgeons to locate the exact position of tumors. The new center will include a linear accelerator treatment vault, a patient treatment planning and dosimetry space, seven exam rooms, eight infusion rooms, a consultation room, control rooms, and office space for staff.
Gillibrand has been a strong advocate for Auburn Community Hospital and was able to secure $20 million in reimbursements for the hospital’s COVID-19 response efforts.