November 17, 2023
Love, gratitude, and community were central to the celebration as local leaders and elected officials gathered on Thursday, November 16, to announce the grand opening of the Pine Street Family Health Center. This brand new state-of-the-art community health center is located at 140 Pine Street in Midtown Kingston and is operated by the Institute for Family Health. The center welcomes patients of all ages, regardless of their ability to pay. Funding for the construction was provided by the NoVo Foundation and the New York State Department of Health.
During the celebration, Dr. Marta Sanchez, who serves as Medical Director of the Pine Street Family Health Center, noted how the new facility will enable increased access for local residents. A Midtown resident, Dr. Sanchez said, “We are providing easy access that is walking distance to many, as transportation can sometimes be an issue,” while also noting, “I am very excited to announce the clinicians in this office are 75 percent Spanish speakers…and that our nursing staff is 50 percent bilingual.”
Pine Street Family Health Center, which opened for patient care on November 13, offers primary care, mental health care, social services and community wellness programming. The center also offers assistance with insurance enrollment and connection to other resources.
“Sometimes I talk about the work at NoVo as practicing twenty-first century alchemy,” said Peter Buffett, NoVo’s Co-President, during remarks at the ribbon cutting. “We are trying to turn money into love, and I can’t think of anything more fundamental than care, when it comes to love. And when anyone, regardless of their supposed status can walk through this door and get the care and attention they deserve and need; well, it is a gift that we can take part in this.”
The event included a welcome by Dr. Neil Calman, Institute for Family Health CEO, as well remarks by State Senator Michelle Hinchey, Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger, and Kingston Mayor Steve Noble.