New York State is honoring the NewYork-Presbyterian Uptown Hub, a youth opportunity program in New York City, with the 2024 ‘What’s Great in our State’ Community/Organization Award. Representatives of the healthcare system that operates Uptown Hub were presented with the award Tuesday during the event in Albany, with the program being celebrated for its empowerment of youth.

“NewYork-Presbyterian Uptown Hub shows us ‘What’s Great in Our State’ by providing a lifeline and a sanctuary for some of New York City’s most vulnerable young people,” state Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said. “Through partnerships with community-based organizations and a diverse team of dedicated staff, Uptown Hub is a catalyst for change and stands as a testament to the boundless potential of youth and the enduring impact of compassionate, community-driven care. We thank this team for its hard work and commitment to children’s mental health.”

The Uptown Hub is a space for youth and young adults in the Washington Heights and Inwood neighborhoods to act, create, and inspire growth within themselves and their communities. By promoting positive and healthy futures, the Uptown Hub empowers its members to develop self-advocacy and pursue their dreams by connecting with holistic and culturally affirming services and resources.

Guided by a vision of community wellness, the Uptown Hub offers support services tailored to each youth's unique needs and aspirations. From educational and employment readiness initiatives to creative youth development and health and wellness programs, every facet of a young person's journey is embraced and nurtured.

The Uptown Hub embeds mental health support seamlessly into its program, destigmatizing help-seeking and fostering a culture of resilience and self-empowerment. With nearly 1,100 success stories and counting, the Uptown Hub embodies the transformative power of hope, resilience, and collective action.

“We are honored to be recognized as a 2024 What’s Great in Our State honoree, and proud of our team’s unwavering commitment to providing each young adult who comes through our doors the help and support they need,” NewYork-Presbyterian President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Steven J. Corwin said. “The Uptown Hub at NewYork-Presbyterian is a community space where young people can learn, share ideas, receive services, and just be themselves. We share this recognition with the young people and communities we serve and hope to share this innovative model with others across New York State.”

Established in 2010, ‘What’s Great in Our State’ recognizes individuals and programs that are successfully advancing the cause of children’s mental health in New York State and is celebrated annually during Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. The day-long conference in Albany features a ceremony recognizing honorees, in-person and virtual workshops, and an art show featuring artwork created by children receiving services from New York State’s mental health system.

The event is sponsored by the state Office of Mental Health, Department of Health, Department of Education, Office of Children and Family Services and the Office of Addiction Services and Supports. In addition, several children’s mental health advocacy organizations sponsor the event, including the Council on Children and Families, the Early Care & Learning Council, Families Together in New York State, Inc., Mental Health Association in New York State, Inc., National Alliance on Mental Illness - New York State, New York State Network for Youth Success, Prevent Child Abuse New York, and the Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc.