Schervier Nursing Care Center Hosts New York Senator Jeffrey Klein at its Riverdale Campus for Healthcare Forum

Bon Secours New York Health System’s (BSNY) Schervier Nursing Care Center, specializing in long-term  and rehabilitation care in the Riverdale section of The Bronx, welcomed New York State Senator, Jeffrey D. Klein, to discuss key health care issues, relevant to the state’s elderly population, on Thursday, July 11, 2013. The purpose of the event was to continue the conversation between leaders at BSNY and state representatives, and to encourage government leaders to be mindful of how the government plays a vital role in caring for New York’s most vulnerable populations.

“Our mission is to care for the sick and the dying, and to bring communities to health and wholeness, and it is our responsibility to work for the support of local and state leaders, who can help us advocate on behalf of the elderly,” said Stephen Kazanjian, Director of Mission at Schervier.

As a Catholic health system and care provider, BSNY is committed to helping those who are poor, sick, and / or elderly, and consistently seeks ways to advocate for and serve as the voice of those who have little or no voice in the community. BSNY Senior Leaders, as well as Members of the BSNY Board engaged Senator Klein on key issues relative to the needs and interests of not only New York’s elderly, disabled populations but also their caregivers as well.

The program for the event included an opening reflection from Kazanjian, a welcome from Brother Art Caliman, Senior Vice President of Sponsorship at BSNY, remarks from Carlos Beato, CEO of Bon Secours New York Health System, commentary from Senator Klein and questions posed by LeadingAge New York’s Director of Government Relations, Ami Schnauber.

During Senator Klein’s remarks, he highlighted his personal commitment to advocate for long-term care facilities, as well as the important economic role they play within communities, as approximately 38 percent of people employed in Bronx County are employed in health care professions. Senator Klein discussed the legislation that he recently passed, which will allow individuals to use their life insurance policies for long-term care and the issues facing not-for-profits and the challenges that long-term care facilities may face as the state pushes to move the nursing care population into managed care. Senator Klein concluded his formal remarks with an open Q&A session.

“We are dedicated to supporting the seniors that we are blessed to be surrounded by each day, and serve as their voice in the government,” said Beato. “This event is one of our numerous efforts to respond to the needs of our elderly and ensure that they receive the quality of care and respect that they deserve.”

To view the photo gallery from the event, visit http://on.fb.me/1bLSajh. For more information about the advocacy efforts of Schervier Nursing Care Center and more information on the services it provides, visit www.scherviercares.org, or its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SchervierNursingCareCenter.

About Bon Secours New York Health System

Bon Secours New York Health System is part of Bon Secours Health System Inc., a not-for-profit Catholic health system headquartered in Marriottsville, Md.