October __, 2008 Governor David A. Paterson State Capitol Albany, NY 12224 Dear Governor Paterson, Continuum Health Partners has submitted plans to close the maternity ward, pediatrics department and dentistry program at Long Island College Hospital and opt out of its contract to operate school-based health clinics in Brooklyn in an effort to reduce costs. I understand the serious financial crisis that LICH is facing but many of us believe that there are better alternatives than closing departments and clinics and selling off property. Closing vital departments simply because they are unprofitable, with little regard to the actual needs of the community, sets a dangerous precedent. Without a sound financial plan for LICH's future and meaningful community involvement in this process, Brooklyn residents have no way of knowing if this is only a cutback in service or the prelude to closing the hospital. The doctors at LICH have submitted their own plan to the Department of Health to keep LICH as a full-service hospital. In addition, there are other options besides closing these departments and programs, such as partnerships with other hospitals and healthcare institutions. I am writing to ask for your leadership and help in developing an economically sustainable future for Long Island College Hospital. As the population of Downtown Brooklyn is projected to increase by over 24,000 residents over the next four years, Long Island College Hospital will play an increasingly important role in ensuring that Brooklyn residents have access to high quality health care. Thank you for your support. Sincerely,