SUNY Upstate Medical University is finally set to begin a $158 million construction project. Officials broke ground Monday on the site of the soon-to-be Nappi Longevity Institute located directly across from the Upstate Cancer Center.
Carol and Sam Nappi have been involved in research and clinical funding for more than 25 years. This time they’re focusing on brain health after Carol’s Mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
"Today's groundbreaking is a long-term committment to the future development, research, and education at the Longevity Institute, with a focus on brain health."
The Nappi’s wanted a new center convenient for caregivers in Central New York, so they wouldn’t have to take long trips with their loved ones to New York City or Boston for treatment. Sam Nappi says serving as family caregivers for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients is extremely costly.
"Like, the equivalent of $250 billion a year spent just by family caring for people with Alzheimer's. With an aging population in America today, we're going to see this explode in the next 25 years, so we really need to do something about it."
The building will be well certified with a focus on sustainability of the human being, according to Upstate University Hospital CEO Robert Corona.
"So things like air quality, water quality, and the ability to have a walking space for exercise, the ability to get good lighting, nutrition, to have things that are organic and no pesticides, no antibiotics on the food that are served there - All of these things are part of this building."
Construction on The Nappi Longevity Center will get underway in the Spring. Once the building opens, it’s anticipated that Upstate will be hiring 11,000 healthcare workers within three years.
