New York City has opened its first Outposted Therapeutic Housing Unit at NYC Health + Hospitals / Bellevue Hospital, marking an important step in the long-term plan to close Rikers Island.
The new 104-bed facility is designed to care for incarcerated individuals with serious medical conditions in a safer, more clinical environment.
A Shift in Correctional Healthcare
The new unit, located in Kips Bay at 462 First Avenue, focuses on improving how healthcare is delivered within the correctional system. Instead of keeping medically vulnerable detainees in traditional jail settings, patients will now be transferred to this specialized facility where they can receive timely and appropriate care.
The goal is to reduce health risks for individuals with complex conditions while ensuring they remain under custody in a controlled setting.
Who the Facility Will Serve
The unit is intended for detainees with serious illnesses such as cancer or congestive heart failure who do not require full hospitalization but still need close medical supervision. These patients often face higher risks in standard jail environments, making this facility a safer alternative.
By placing the unit within the Bellevue campus, patients gain direct access to advanced medical services including oncology, cardiology, and neurology.
How the Facility Operates
Medical care at the unit will be provided by Correctional Health Services in coordination with hospital specialists. At the same time, the New York City Department of Correction will manage security and daily operations.
The facility has been built to meet regulatory standards set by oversight bodies such as the NYC Board of Correction and the New York State Commission of Correction.
