Breslin and Jennings Laud New Planned Parenthood Facility

ALBANY, NY (11/19/2010)(readMedia)-- New York State Senator Neil Breslin and Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings joined Upper 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.

Posted Friday November 19, 2010 at 11:50 am by Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood
Last Updated Thursday November 03, 2011 at 09:23 am