SUNY Downstate Medical Center has averted a shutdown for at least another year thanks to an infusion of state funding.

“Governor Hochul, keep Downstate open. Not for one year, not for two years, keep it open eternally and let it stay,” James Williams, a loyal patient to SUNY Downstate, said.

Williams said he’s happy that the state-run hospital won’t close this summer as originally planned, especially because his son is on the list for a new kidney. Without Downstate, patients say they could have had to leave Brooklyn to get a transplant.

“If they call him in New York to get a kidney, how will my son get the kidney transplant? How would he get the surgery done if you close Downstate?” Williams said.

In January, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that SUNY Downstate would shutter due to a deteriorating building and high operating costs.

Inpatient services were to move across the street to a wing at Kings County Hospital. But after negotiations with state lawmakers, the governor announced that a community advisory board will be established to determine the future of the hospital.

“I’m hoping that key members of the community in Brooklyn sit on it and key members of the hospital. Because often times, decisions are made in health care that don’t involve the community and don’t involve people who actually work here,” Henry Rodriguez, a pathology assistant at SUNY Downstate, said.

The state budget includes $100 million for the hospital’s operating expenses and $300 million in capital funding, which will be set aside until the board makes its recommendations.

“It wouldn’t be the full 340-bed hospital. That would take $3 billion. But a smaller, focused facility with targeted in-patient services is now a possibility,” SUNY Chancellor John King, who supported the plan to close Downstate, said.

He will sit on the advisory board along with eight other members who will be selected by the governor and state Legislature.

“I want them to see the services that we provide for our patients and they see the necessity and the need to remain in this community,” Cassandra Allen, a financial analyst at SUNY Downstate, said.

The population of East Flatbush is 78% Black and the poverty rate is nearly 18%, according to data. Downstate also delivers 730 babies annually, while Kings County delivers more than 1,200. The loss of SUNY Downstate could lead to a 57% increase in births at Kings County.

Loyal patients say the community cannot afford to lose this health care facility.

“This hospital is necessary. It’s necessary and you can’t keep displacing and communities and institutions and expect people to be health and happy and even vote for you,” patient Robert Siverls said.

The advisory board must issue a report with recommendations by April of next year. The hospital will continue to operate as normal until then.