The Institute for Family Health Dedicates David N. Mesches, MD Health Campus

New Paltz, NY (October 5, 2015) – On Friday, October 2nd, 75 community leaders and residents, including many friends and colleagues, joined the Institute for Family Health at a dedication ceremony honoring Dr. David N. Mesches. The Institute for Family Health’s New Paltz health campus, which provides affordable medical, behavioral and other health services to the community, was renamed the David N. Mesches, MD Health Campus.

Dr. Mesches was the founder and former president and CEO of the Mid-Hudson Family Health Institute, and a tireless champion for health care access and health workforce development in the Hudson Valley. He also started the Mid-Hudson Family Practice Residency program, attracting numerous physicians to the Hudson Valley. Prior to starting the Mid-Hudson Institute, Dr. Mesches served as a Captain in the United States Air Force at Stewart Air Force Base, providing care to servicemen and their families; and operated a private practice while serving as Director of the Student Health Center at SUNY New Paltz.

Friday’s event began with a welcome from Institute president and CEO, Neil Calman, MD, and remarks from New York State Senator John Bonacic, who said, “Dr. David Mesches was a visionary and pioneer in expanding health care services to underserved communities. David enhanced the quality of life for so many people that he touched.”

David Lent, former New Paltz Town Supervisor, shared the history of the land the campus occupies. Dr. Mesches received certificates of appreciation from the offices of U.S. Congressman Chris Gibson and New York State Assemblymember Kevin Cahill.  Many former staff, including physicians and administrators, thanked Dr. Mesches for helping them start their careers in Ulster County.

Dr. Calman emphasized that “without the tireless efforts of Dr. Mesches and the Mid-Hudson Family Health Institute, we [The Institute for Family Health] would not be here, providing quality affordable health care in the Hudson Valley.” Dr. Calman also noted that the family medicine residency training program started by Dr. Mesches and expanded by the Institute for Family Health is responsible for many of the primary care providers now working in Ulster County and throughout the Mid-Hudson Valley.

The David N. Mesches Health Campus is located at 279 Main Street in New Paltz.