New Facility in Hudson Valley Offers Innovative Care for Developmental Challenges
THOMPSON, N.Y. — In a significant advancement for healthcare in the Hudson Valley region, officials celebrated the opening of The Discovery Center in Rock Hill, Sullivan County. The facility, dedicated to short-term care for individuals experiencing developmental and behavioral challenges, was inaugurated by New York Governor Kathy Hochul and U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, marking a new chapter in healthcare accessibility for these specialized populations.
The Discovery Center is pioneering a fresh approach to the treatment of developmental disabilities such as autism. Unlike conventional hospital environments, which often leave patients feeling alienated or stressed, The Discovery Center is designed to create a calming and supportive atmosphere. “It is very unique,” said Theresa Hamlin, president and CEO of The Discovery Center. She emphasized that the center’s approach integrates compassionate care with a focus on holistic well-being. This model contrasts sharply with the stereotypical psychiatric settings that many children with behavioral challenges may encounter.
Hamlin detailed the innovative dietary regimen implemented at the center. Recognizing the impact of nutrition on health and behavior, the facility emphasizes whole foods while eliminating processed and ultra-processed alternatives, alongside sugars, from their meals. This dietary strategy is part of a broader commitment to elevate the overall health of the children enrollees, a commitment that extends beyond just addressing their immediate healthcare needs.
Currently, The Discovery Center serves young patients between the ages of 5 and 21. Importantly, eligibility for services at the center is determined not by insurance coverage but by specific developmental criteria. “You have to have a developmental disability and qualify for OPWDD services,” Hamlin noted, ensuring that the focus remains on delivering care to those who truly need it.
As communities across New York grapple with the challenges posed by developmental disabilities, The Discovery Center stands out as a beacon of hope and innovation. It represents not merely a new building but a reimagined framework for support—one that enhances the quality of life for young individuals and their families. This facility is expected to fill a critical gap in healthcare services, fostering improvement in the lives of children with developmental challenges in the Hudson Valley and beyond.
With the collaborative efforts of state and federal officials, The Discovery Center is set to become a vital resource, driving forward the dialogue surrounding developmental care and advocating for a future in which all individuals receive the support they need in a nurturing and inclusive environment.
