St. Mary's Cuts Ribbon on New Preschool

St. Mary's Healthcare System for Children and Helen Marshall cut the ribbon Tuesday on a new preschool that has been named in the Queens borough president's honor.

Marshall, who was joined by former Queens Borough President Claire Shulman, said she was "humbled" that the early childhood center, which is the only one of its kind in the city, was named after her.

"St. Mary's is truly a unique institution," she said of the Bayside hospital, which is the only post-acute care facility for children with life-limiting conditions in the five boroughs. "The childhood education center is the fulfillment of a dream I share with all of you."

Eddie Simpser, the hospital's interim president and CEO, said the preschool's students could not have received the same services offered at St. Mary's at any other local school.

"Here, we treat some of New York's sickest children," he said. "But we also provide for the holistic care of children - their family needs, health needs, social needs and educational needs."

The Queens Borough President Helen Marshall Early Education Center is located at the hospital at 29-01 216th St.