1st LI Hospital Gains Approval For Pediatric Heart Transplant Program

NEW HYDE PARK, NY — The New York State Department of Health recommended approval of Cohen Children's Medical Center (CCMC) request to open a heart transplant center.

The Northwell Health hospital will become the first pediatric health transplant program available on Long Island.

According to data from the United Network of Organ Sharing, 55 percent of all pediatric heart transplants that happen in New York are within CCMC’s service area.

"The approval to provide heart transplantation services at Cohen’s is the culmination ofyears of hard, dedicated work from our staff, and highlights why it is the best children’s hospitalon Long Island," Dr. Charles Schleien, senior vice president and chair of pediatric services at CCMC. "Being able to provide this life-saving procedure close to home means less travel time for sick children and their families."

Dr. Jake Kleinmahon is the medical director of pediatric heart failure and transplant
program at Cohen’s. He comes to CCMC from Ochsner Hospital for Children in New Orleans,
where he also served as their director of pediatric heart transplant and heart failure. Dr. Timothy
Martens is the surgical director, who specializes in cardiac surgery and heart transplant surgery.

"With this approval, we are embarking on a new chapter in pediatric cardiac care," said
Kleinmahon. "At Northwell, we are committed to advancing the field of pediatric heart
transplantation and giving these children the best possible chance at a wonderful life."