A groundbreaking facility devoted to children and young people with complex disabilities—including autism—opened its doors in Rock Hill, Sullivan County, marking a new era in specialized pediatric care. The hospital, part of The Center for Discovery’s network, debuted on a 15-acre campus in December after several years of planning that began in 2016.
Designed to serve patients aged 5 to 21, the hospital accommodates up to 18 individuals at any one time. Over the course of a six-month program, patients benefit from an integrated approach that combines medical, behavioral and clinical therapies. A team of roughly 100 professionals provides comprehensive care that actively involves families, caregivers and educational partners.
The facility features modern classrooms, a health clinic, sensory rooms and a therapeutic gym geared for physical and occupational therapy. Onsite amenities also include a cafe with a training kitchen, while outdoor areas such as walking trails, healing gardens and a greenhouse contribute to a holistic healing environment.
A key aspect of the program is the seamless transition from hospital care back to home life. Patients leave with a specialized care plan that extends support to families, caregivers and local school districts, ensuring continuity of care and community connection.
The project, with an approximate cost of $20 million, received substantial financial support from both state and federal agencies. Funding included a $4 million investment from Empire State Development and a $48 million low-interest loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Rural Development Community Facilities Program. These resources have not only facilitated the hospital’s establishment but also set the stage for future expansions, such as the planned addition of a skilled nursing facility on the second floor to serve individuals 35 and older with complex conditions and developmental disabilities.
This new hospital is the latest addition to The Center for Discovery’s expansive network, which provides health care and educational services for more than 1,200 children and adults with various complex conditions annually. Spanning 1,500 acres across Sullivan County, the center also encompasses school campuses, residential facilities, research laboratories, and organic farmland, all aimed at enhancing the quality of life for vulnerable populations.
With its innovative, family-centered approach and comprehensive support system, the new pediatric specialty facility is poised to set a new standard in care for children with disabilities across New York and beyond.
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