New Haven, CT (October 17, 2025) – The Yale New Haven Hospital (YNHH) Auxiliary has made a funding pledge to help create the Sanctuary Forest that will serve as a restorative space for patients, loved ones and staff and the Adams Neurosciences Center on the hospital’s Saint Raphael Campus. Construction of the Neurosciences Center, the largest project of its kind in the state’s history, is about 75 percent complete.
Auxiliary members toured the Center in July, exploring parts of the more than 500,000-square-foot facility, visiting clinical spaces and common areas designed to advance care for patients with complex neurological conditions. They learned about the Center’s innovative features that support patients, families and staff – all focused on healing, discovery and collaboration.
“In furtherance of our mission to support YNHH and the well-being of patients and their families, the YNHH Auxiliary is proud of its investment in providing a comfortable and inviting garden area for everyone to enjoy,” said Hymie Glick, YNHH Auxiliary president.
Many spaces in the Center are designed for multiple purposes – allowing for flexibility and innovation. A first-floor conference center will host Neuroscience research conferences, education and training programs, and other multidisciplinary activities that strengthen clinical excellence and academic discovery.
Employee wellness is also a key focus of the Center. Dedicated respite areas throughout the facility will provide staff with quiet, restorative spaces to decompress and recharge, underscoring YNHH’s commitment to supporting the wellbeing of its team members.
“The Auxiliary’s generous gift will create a space of reflection and healing that complements the advanced care provided inside the Adams Neurosciences Center,” said Katherine Heilpern, MD, president, Yale New Haven Hospital. “We are deeply grateful for their partnership and continued dedication to enhancing the patient experience.”
The Sanctuary Forest will feature natural plantings, shaded seating areas and walkways designed to promote peace and wellbeing for all who visit the Center.
For many years, the Auxiliary has supported Yale New Haven through volunteer service and philanthropic initiatives that enrich the environment of care for patients and families across the health system.
Learn more about the Neurosciences Center, scheduled to open to patients in 2027 at www.ynhh.org/services/neurology-neurosurgery/neurosciences-center.
Yale New Haven Hospital (YNHH), part of Yale New Haven Health, is a nationally recognized, 1,541-bed, not-for-profit hospital serving as the primary teaching hospital for the Yale School of Medicine (YSM). Founded as the fourth voluntary hospital in the U.S. in 1826, today, YNHH has two New Haven-based campuses, and also includes Yale New Haven Children's Hospital, Yale New Haven Psychiatric Hospital and Smilow Cancer Hospital. YNHH has received Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the nation’s highest honor of nursing excellence. YNHH has a combined medical staff of about 4,500 university and community physicians practicing in more than 100 specialties. www.ynhh.org
