Senator Breslin and Mayor Jennings Join Ribbon Cutting at New Albany Health Center

Event Scheduled for 5pm at 855 Central Avenue

New York State Senator Neil Breslin and Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings joined Hudson Planned Parenthood Board President Geoffrey Moore, President/CEO Patricia McGeown and three local philanthropists—Phoebe Bender, Charles M. Liddle and Dr. Mary C. Kahl— in cutting the ribbon this evening at the new UHPP health center and administrative offices at 855 Central Avenue. The event included an Open House for supporters, collaborative community partners and those involved in both the Capital Campaign and the design and construction of the facility.
At the event, Moore welcomed the attendees and McGeown thanked a long list of those who helped make the move possible. The mayor spoke of how impressed he was by the beauty of the center and its clear reflection of the professional medical services provided. He also noted that the new location is in the midst of an increasingly active and important business corridor. Senator Breslin praised the hard work and dedication of the staff and supporters and noted that both clients and staff will be free of much of the harassment they have had to endure for many years on Lark Street.
The new facility occupies 18,000 square feet of completely renovated space on the third floor of a building shared with the Mildred Elley and Austin Beauty Schools. The design firm, Architecture Plus, helped create a space that features large windows with plenty of natural light, work areas designed to facilitate communication and collaboration, ergonomic chairs and warm colors matching the new UHPP brand. It also includes a new dedicated "Teen Room" and a large meeting room, which can be broken down into three smaller rooms, and will be available for use by other community organizations.
The new health center includes spacious, comfortable reception areas and private recovery spaces. The center's building entrance, located on private property, has increased parking and is located near the Westgate Shopping Plaza with easy access to public transportation. The location provides increased access, security and confidentiality to patients and staff, and increases the agency's capacity by 50%.
Phoebe Bender and Charles M. Liddle are Honorary Co-Chairs, and Dr. Mary C. Kahl is Campaign Chair for the Expanding Access* Meeting Needs Capital Campaign still in progress to raise $1.692 million for the relocation. As of the event, just under $300,000 was still needed to meet the goal.

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Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood (UHPP) is a community-based non-profit organization providing advocacy, education and medical services for reproductive health care since 1934. In 2009, over 14,000 patients made 24,975 visits to UHPP health centers located in Albany, Hudson and Troy. UHPP health educators present over 300 education programs reaching over 5,000 youth and young adults. UHPP services are delivered with special concern for the underserved.