30-Person Delegation Participates in Roundtable Discussion with St. Mary’s Leadership to Learn about Caring for Special Needs Children
New York City Councilman Daniel Halloran joined leaders from St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children in welcoming delegates from the Israeli Ministry of Social Affairs and Social Services who took time out of their summer visit to the States, to learn more about St. Mary’s specialized programs and services for children with special needs.
The 30-person delegation had the opportunity to meet patients and families firsthand, observe diverse therapy sessions, and watch St. Mary‘s experts in action during a hospital tour led by St. Mary’s interim President and CEO, Edwin Simpser, MD. Following the informative tour, visitors participated in a roundtable discussion with St. Mary’s leadership, program directors, and clinicians, facilitated by Charlie Hammerman, President & CEO of the Disability Opportunity Fund. The informal sit down allowed for a healthy exchange of healthcare knowledge and expertise between colleagues whom are all striving to provide quality care to children and families through a network of comprehensive programs.
“St. Mary’s is truly a significant asset to this community and I’m glad you each took the opportunity to embark on this journey to learn more about the diligent care St. Mary’s provides,” said Councilman Halloran during his opening remarks as he commended the delegation for their interest in learning more about St. Mary’s prominent ground-breaking programs that serve over 4,000 children in the New York Metro area.
The Councilman is no stranger to St. Mary’s as he already had the pleasure of touring St. Mary’s and learning about the medical, rehabilitative and educational services St. Mary’s provides, and understands the vital role St. Mary’s plays for the special needs community.
The delegates were truly impressed with the scope and diversity of continuum of care St. Mary’s teams of healthcare professionals extend to patient families, and enjoyed meeting and greeting St. Mary’s kids whom welcomed their visitors with grins and hugs.
Israel’s Ministry of Social Affairs and Social Services provides services promoting individuals’ personal and socioeconomic well-being, and rehabilitates the needy, disabled, elderly, the ill, children, and teenagers. The ministry delivers these services through its own agencies, as well as through local authorities, public institutions, and an extensive network of volunteers.
