A Plan for the Future
Columbia Memorial Health is taking proactive steps to strengthen health care access, sustainability, and equity across Columbia and Greene counties. Through a new model of care, which includes a state and federal application to become a critical access hospital, CMH is investing in the future of local health care while maintaining all essential services and jobs.
A three-part proposal focuses on expanding services, modernizing care delivery, and ensuring long-term financial stability.
Modern Care Facilities
A $25 million investment in a new outpatient surgery and specialty center at Greene Medical Arts in Catskill. Construction begins in November and will create 32 new local jobs.
Expanded Behavioral Health Services
We will expand access to mental health services by double our capacity to at least 35 beds with 15 additional positions.
Critical Access Hospital Application
A redesignation of CMH’s Hudson campus will better match actual community needs for inpatient and emergency care while strengthening financial health.
Our Commitment
No closure, no layoffs, and no loss of essential services
CMH remains fully operational, with 24/7 emergency care at the center of its mission.
Care Close to Home
Patients will continue to access all CMH services as they do today — only with more investment in the care they use most.
Equity and Engagement
CMH will complete a Health Equity Impact Assessment, including public town halls, staff meetings, and community surveys.
services, or laying off staff. We are investing in the future of health care for our region.”
Why This Matters
Financial sustainability
Under current reimbursement rules, CMH receives only 50 to 70 percent of the cost of care for 89 percent of patients, who are covered by government insurance. As a critical access hospital, CMH would receive up to 101 percent of the cost of care, which will enable reinvestment in staff, services, and facilities.
Sized consistent with need
CMH’s hospital is currently licensed for 192 beds, but only averages 40–50 patients each day. This model aligns resources with actual demand while preserving 24/7 emergency and inpatient care.
Next Steps
The critical access hospital application and Health Equity Impact Assessment will take six to 24 months and require state and federal review.
No immediate changes will occur. The process is deliberate, transparent, and designed to preserve local health care now and in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia Memorial Health closing?
No. CMH is not closing. The hospital remains fully operational, with all essential services—including 24/7 emergency care—continuing without interruption.
Will there be layoffs or staff reductions?
No. CMH has no plans for layoffs. In fact, expansions in surgery and mental health services will add local jobs.
What is a critical access hospital?
A critical access hospital is a federal designation for a smaller hospital that provides essential rural health care. It strengthens financial stability through enhanced Medicare reimbursement, helping hospitals like CMH continue offering high-quality local care.
Why is CMH pursuing this designation?
This change will allow CMH to modernize care, improve financial sustainability, and continue serving patients close to home. Under the current structure, CMH is reimbursed for only 50 to 70 percent of the cost of most inpatient care. As a critical access hospital, reimbursement would rise to about 101 percent.
What will change for patients?
Patients will not experience any change in how they access care today. In fact, CMH will invest more in the services patients use most, including outpatient surgery, primary care, and mental health.
What is happening at Greene Medical Arts in Catskill?
CMH is investing $25 million to build a state-of-the-art outpatient surgery and specialty center, creating 32 new jobs and expanding local access to
advanced care.
What about mental health services?
CMH is doubling its inpatient mental health capacity from 23 to at least 35 beds to meet community needs, adding 15 new positions.
Why is CMH reducing inpatient beds?
CMH’s hospital was once licensed for 192 beds but today averages 40 to 50 patients. The critical access hospital model with 25 medical/surgical beds is consistent with current utilization while keeping emergency and behavioral health services strong.
What happens to the ICU?
The intensive care unit will be repurposed for patients who need continued care after surgery or treatment. Critically ill patients will continue to be stabilized at CMH and transferred to Albany Medical Center for advanced critical care.
How long will this process take?
The Health Equity Impact Assessment and regulatory approvals may take six months to 24 months. No immediate changes will occur.
Are other hospitals doing this?
Yes. Nearby hospitals in Ellenville and Margaretville, N.Y., and Great Barrington and North Adams, Mass., have successfully transitioned to critical access hospital models, strengthening rural health care access in their regions.
How can the community get involved?
Attend upcoming town halls and listening sessions, share feedback through community surveys, and, help shape CMH’s future. Updates will be shared publicly as the process continues.
