Bassett Awarded $7.6 Million+ To Expand Behavioral Health, Walk-In Care Services

COOPERSTOWN—Bassett Healthcare Network has been awarded $7,633,694.00 in grant funds through Statewide Health Care Facility Transformation Program IV. The investment will provide Bassett with capital resources to open additional inpatient psychiatric beds at Bassett Medical Center and construct a new Convenient Care clinic at its Hartwick Seminary Specialty Services location in Milford, officials said in a press release issued earlier this month.

According to the release, Bassett Healthcare Network is included in more than 50 projects across New York State that are part of the transformation program, which focuses on efforts to expand critical access to inpatient, behavioral health, primary and long-term care.

“This transformative investment in access to care for New York State residents is tremendous,” said Staci Thompson, MHA, FACMPE, president and chief executive officer of Bassett Healthcare Network. “It is especially impactful in rural communities like Bassett’s region, where people in remote areas depend on our services.”

Inpatient psychiatric space in Cooperstown will increase by six rooms, providing more capacity for patients with acute behavioral health needs. The project will include upgrading patient monitoring equipment, in addition to room renovations.

“Every day, we are keenly aware of the growing need in our area for behavioral health services,” says Henry Weil, MD, senior vice president, chief clinical and academic officer of Bassett Healthcare Network and president of Bassett Medical Center.

“It is a priority of Bassett Healthcare Network to expand access to behavioral health in our immediate area,” Weil continued. “For behavioral health patients who require a higher level of care, inpatient services provide supportive treatment that better facilitates healing and allows our care teams to get patients on a path and care continuum that can result in better outcomes and long-term management. This investment is key in propelling us forward with this critical, mission-based work for our communities and connecting our patients with the care they need when they need it.”

Transformation grant funds will also support construction on Bassett’s new Convenient Care center south of Cooperstown. The newly-renovated clinic will include six exam rooms, a waiting and reception area, an X-ray room, and a nurses’ station.

“Walk-in care for non-emergency medical concerns is a high area of need among our patient population,” Thompson explained. “Adding a clinic for same-day and next-day care options seven days a week will give our communities an additional layer of access for acute conditions—including thousands of families who rely on us for care when they visit the area each summer.”

Construction projects are expected to begin in early 2026.

“We are deeply grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul and New York State for their compassionate vision to expand these critical services,” said Thompson. “Rural healthcare is more important than ever, and we are committed to meeting the growing needs of our patients who rely on us.”