Northwell Health Receives Donation from Astoria Bank for Tourette Center of Excellence

GREAT NECK, NY – Astoria Bank recently donated $100,000 to Northwell Health's Center of Excellence for Tourette's Disorder at North Shore University Hospital.

The North Shore University Hospital site is one of only 10 such specialty programs in the country selected for the prestigious National Tourette Center of Excellence award and designation by the Tourette Association of America (formerly called National Tourette Association). Northwell Health's center has been treating people with Tourette's Disorder using a multidisciplinary approach that includes both pediatric and adult psychiatrists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuropsychologists, behavioral psychologists and developmental pediatricians since its inception in 1991.

The generous donation from Astoria Bank has made it possible to develop a new staff position -- the patient navigator who assists patients and families in finding and coordinating services from Northwell Health and the community. The program intends to further develop and expand services for those affected by Tourette's Disorder and its associated conditions and for their families and loved ones throughout Northwell Health.

Cathy Budman, MD, director of the Movement Disorders program in Psychiatry at North Shore University Hospital, and Co-Director Jane Zwilling, PsyD, co-chair of the Long Island Tourette Association, are thrilled that Astoria Bank has taken the lead in supporting the National Tourette Center at North Shore University Hospital.

"We salute Astoria Bank for their vision and confidence in choosing to support our National Tourette Center and we are committed to providing the highest standards of integrated care for the Tourette community in our region and beyond," Dr. Budman said. "We are very grateful to have this donation, which will help us continue to provide top-notch treatment to children, adults and families and also expand our services to better meet the ever-evolving needs of these patients."

For more information about this program, call 516-562-3051.