LINCOLN news December 2025
IN THIS ISSUE • NEW PATHOLOGY GROSSING ROOM
• GUNS DOWN LIFE UP TALENT-SHOW
• FROM ALUMNA TO ADVOCATE
• HOLIDAY CHEER AT LINCOLN • EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION
A Message from Cristina Contreras, LMSW, MPA, FABC, DHL Chief Executive Officer
As we enter the holiday season and welcome the new year, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your hard work and dedication throughout this year. Your unwavering dedication and commitment to support our mission have not only elevated healthcare standards within the walls throughout Lincoln Hospital but has also left a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve. Reflecting on our accomplishments, I’m struck by the overwhelming sense of teamwork and support displayed by all. Our achievements are the result of our combined strength as a dedicated team. Together, we rise to the occasion, provide exceptional care and create an environment in which patients, staff and our community thrives.
Together, we rise to the occasion, provide exceptional
Some of our successes from this year include:
• National recognition for providing safe, high-quality care to our patients, including earning prestigious recognition as a meritoriously performing hospital from the American College of Surgeons; listed as one of the Best Hospitals for Maternity, Heart Failure and COPD by U.S. News & World Report and one of Healthgrades Top 100 Hospitals for Prostate Surgery. • Significant improvement in quality measures, including pressure ulcers, catheter- associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) and central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI).
care and create an
• Receiving Joint Commission Accreditation for our Palliative Care and Advanced Perinatal Care programs
• Developing strategic plans for many of our service lines, and developing a Bariatric Service at Lincoln, furthering our goals to support community healthcare needs for the South Bronx.
environment in which patients, staff and our community thrives.
• Significant improvement in our employee engagement scores as demonstrated by our survey this past fall — something you’ll be hearing more about in the coming weeks.
• Serving as a hospital without walls for our community – partnering with Lehman college to provide students with paid internships, hosting an employment fair with over 400 attendees and 25 job offers, and distributing over 1500 turkeys and 300 toys to children in our community. Looking ahead, I’m filled with a sense of hope, enthusiasm and optimism for the opportunities that this new year holds for all of us, including the development of a Cardiac Catheterization Lab to ensure that our South Bronx community has equal access to this life- saving technology. Let’s continue to build on the foundation of teamwork, supporting each other in our individual roles and recognizing the value that each one of you brings to the table. Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or another religious or cultural tradition, I wish you a holiday filled with joy, warmth, and cherished moments with loved ones. As we honor these diverse traditions, let us also recognize the strength that our varied backgrounds and experiences contribute to our collective mission of providing exceptional care to our community. Thank you once again for your outstanding contributions and dedication. I am truly honored to work alongside you, and I know that together we will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of those we serve. May 2026 be a year filled with inspiration, growth and continued outstanding achievements. Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season and a healthy, prosperous and very Happy New Year!
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LINCOLN NEWS
DECEMBER 2025
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DECEMBER 2025
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NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS/LINCOLN EARNS NATIONAL DISTINCTION FOR EXCELLENCE IN SURGICAL CARE
DEPARTMENT & EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
SPOTLIGHTS
NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln has been recognized for surgical excellence by the American College of Surgeons’ National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP). As one of only 76 hospitals nationwide to receive this distinction, Lincoln earned a spot on both the “All Cases” and “High Risk” meritorious lists based on its 2024 patient safety outcomes. The recognition evaluates performance across eight critical areas, including mortality, surgical site infections, and pneumonia, placing the facility among an elite group of hospitals successfully tracking and improving surgical care quality. Risk-adjusted data from the July 2025 ACS NSQIP Semiannual Report, which presents data from the 2024 calendar year, were used to determine which hospitals demonstrated meritorious outcomes. NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln is one of 43 hospitals recognized on both the “All Cases” and “High Risk” Meritorious lists. CEO Cristina Contreras and Chair of Surgery Dr. Valerie Katz credited the achievement to the dedication of clinical teams and a hospital-wide commitment to safety and equity. As a Level I trauma center, Lincoln utilizes the ACS NSQIP data-driven framework to reduce surgical complications and healthcare costs while applying evidence-based practices. This national acclaim underscores the hospital’s ability to provide high-standard care for complex surgical cases within the Bronx community.
Dialysis Unit
Michael Belardo – EVS
Congratulations to the Dialysis Unit for being named our December Department of the Month! This recognition is a testament to the team’s unwavering commitment to clinical excellence and the compassionate environment they cultivate for our patients. Thank you to the entire Dialysis team for your hard work and for consistently providing the high-quality, patient- centered care that Lincoln Hospital is known for. Your dedication truly makes a difference in the lives of our patients!
We are thrilled to announce Michael Belardo from Environmental Services (EVS) as our December Employee of the Month! Michael’s selection is a result of overwhelming praise from both his colleagues and our patients. Commonly described as a “ray of sunshine” in the PACU, Michael is celebrated for his unwavering reliability and his ability to remain helpful during the most critical times. His coworkers highlighted his diligence, attention to detail, and encouraging spirit, noting that his hard work truly makes a daily difference in our hospital operations.
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DECEMBER 2025
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Expanding Health Care
Advancing Care at Lincoln
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF BRONX HEALTH
LINCOLN ADVOCATES FOR ADVANCED CARDIAC CARE
When a patient undergoes a biopsy or surgery, the journey of their sample often feels like a mystery. What happens once it leaves the operating room? Behind the secure doors of NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln, a vital transformation is taking place with the opening of our new, state-of-the-art Pathology Grossing Room.
By investing in this cutting-edge space, Lincoln Hospital is doing more than just processing samples; we are providing the clarity and speed our community deserves. Precision Behind the Scenes: Lincoln Hospital Unveils New Pathology Grossing Room
N ew York State Commissioner of Health Dr. James V. McDonald and his team recently visited NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln to discuss the South Bronx’s pressing healthcare needs. A primary goal of the visit was advocating for a new, state-of- the-art cardiac catheterization laboratory, a critical resource for a community facing disproportionate rates of cardiovascular disease. The South Bronx remains a focal point for health disparities. While heart disease is the leading cause of death nationally, the Bronx
consistently ranks as the “least healthy” county in New York. Heart disease mortality rates in this demographic are significantly higher than the national average, with residents suffering from chronic conditions like obesity and hypertension at rates exceeding 35%. Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive diagnostic and interventional procedure. It involves threading a thin catheter to the heart to identify blockages and perform life- saving treatments like stenting. In emergency “Code-H” scenarios, the national standard
for restoring blood flow is 90 minutes.
Establishing a dedicated lab at Lincoln is a necessity. It would eliminate the need for high- risk transfers to other facilities, ensuring patients receive immediate care within the “golden hour.” By bringing this advanced technology directly to the South Bronx, Lincoln Hospital will drastically improve survival rates and provide the high-quality, local cardiac care that our residents deserve.
While “grossing” might sound unappealing to the public, in the medical world, it is the essential first step toward a life-changing diagnosis. It is the bridge between the surgeon’s scalpel and the pathologist’s microscope. In this specialized environment, experts perform a “gross” (macroscopic) examination—carefully measuring, describing, and sectioning tissue with the naked eye to pinpoint the exact areas requiring microscopic study. But why does a new facility matter to the patient? Consider the stakes: a diagnosis delayed is a treatment deferred. This modern room features advanced ventilation systems to protect our dedicated staff, high- resolution digital imaging to document findings, and ergonomic workstations that minimize the risk of human error.
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DECEMBER 2025
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Community-Focused
GUNS DOWN, LIFE UP TALENT SHOW
CREATIVITY FOR A CAUSE T he energy was electric at Lincoln Hospital as our Guns Down, Life Up (GDLU) program hosted a spectacular youth Talent Show. Friends and neighbors took the stage for an incredible evening where creativity and passion were on full display. From powerful musical performances to inspiring spoken word, it was moving to see our young performers use their voices to bring the community together in unity. Beyond the applause, the evening carried a deeper mission. We are proud to share that all proceeds from ticket sales have been donated to the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. We extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported our youth and contributed to the fight against breast cancer. Together, we are building a safer, healthier Bronx.
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DECEMBER 2025
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From Alumna to Advocate
Milestones in Care
CELEBRATING OUR NURSES’ 1-5 YEAR ANNIVERSARIES
CEO CRISTINA CONTRERAS RETURNS TO HER ROOTS AT LEHMAN COLLEGE
We are honored to recognize the dedicated nurses celebrating their 1–5 year anniversaries at Lincoln Hospital. These professionals provide the vital continuity of care that drives better health outcomes for our patients. Thank you for your compassion, resilience, and for choosing to build your career with us. We look forward to many more years of excellence together!
Lincoln Hospital CEO Cristina Contreras, MPA, LMSW, FABC, recently returned to her alma mater, Lehman College, as a guest speaker for the Women in Finance (WIF) Fall 2025 series. Addressing this student-led initiative, Ms. Contreras shared her inspiring leadership journey—spanning her transformation from a dedicated caseworker to the Chief Executive Officer of a major municipal medical center. During the session, she offered profound insights into the intersection of financial strategy, advocacy, and service-driven leadership. Her discussion focused on how future professionals can navigate complex institutional landscapes while maintaining a steadfast
commitment to community equity. She emphasized that fiscal responsibility and social mission are not mutually exclusive but are instead complementary pillars of institutional success. Beyond the lecture hall, the relationship between these two Bronx institutions continues to deepen. Lincoln Hospital is proud to partner with Lehman College through a dedicated internship program designed specifically for Lehman students.
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We recently gathered to celebrate the holiday season with the dedicat- ed members of the Lincoln Hospital Community Advisory Board. We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our CAB for their unwavering commitment to advocating for our patients and sup- porting the diverse needs of the South Bronx. We are incredibly grateful for your partnership and dedication! COMMUNITY ADVISORY BOARD
HOLIDAY CHEER AT LINCOLN
Step inside the heart of Lincoln Hospital as we celebrate a season of joy, unity, and giving. From the electric energy of our Guns Down, Life Up Talent Show to the bright smiles at our 3,000-toy giveaway and annual Tree Lighting, these spreads showcase the vibrant spirit of our Bronx community. As we reflect on these moments, we wish our patients, staff, and neighbors a wonderful holiday season. May your days be filled with warmth, peace, and health. Happy Holidays from our Lincoln family to yours!
LINCOLN FINANCE
The Lincoln Hospital Finance Depart- ment gathered to celebrate the sea- son! We want to send a huge thank you to this team for their dedication and hard work behind the scenes all year long. Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season!
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DECEMBER 2025
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LINCOLN LEADERSHIP Lincoln Hospital leadership came together to celebrate the spirit of the season and reflect on another year of service. We want to send a heartfelt thank you to our incredible staff for your commitment, and to our community for trusting us with your care.
THANK YOU FDNY VULCAN
Santa made a special stop at Lincoln Hospital to spread joy and hand out toys to our pediatric patients! A huge thank you to the FDNY Vulcan Society for their generosity and for making this magic possible. Thank you for helping bring so many smiles to our children this holiday season!
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DECEMBER 2025
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LIGHTING UP THE BRONX The spirit of the season was in full bloom at Lincoln Hospital as we hosted our annual Holiday Tree Lighting and Toy Giveaway. In a powerful display of community support, our team distributed over 3,000 toys to families across the South Bronx, ensuring that the magic of the holidays reached our youngest neighbors. The hospital grounds were transformed into a winter wonderland, centered around the glow of our holiday tree. This annual celebration is a beacon of unity for our patients and staff alike. Seeing the joy on the faces of children as they received their gifts reminded us all of the strength found in our community. At Lincoln, we are proud to be more than a healthcare provider— we are a neighbor.
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Our Holiday Celebration More than 900 employees gathered to celebrate the holiday season at the annual Lincoln Hospital Holiday Party. The event served as a meaningful opportunity for the team to pause and connect outside of their daily clinical and administrative responsibilities. From those on the front lines of patient care to the teams working behind the scenes, this celebration was a small token of appreciation for your collective commitment to excellence. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this celebration. Your hard work is the foundation of our hospital, and we look forward to another year of serving our patients together.
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We recently held an all-day Employee Appreciation Celebration to recognize the dedication and hard work of our entire team. To ensure that every member of the Lincoln family could participate, the event spanned all three tours, providing staff from the day, evening, and night shifts an opportunity to gather and receive a token of the hospital’s gratitude. This celebration was organized as a direct thank you for the commitment shown across all departments over the past year as a moment to reflect on the teamwork that led to our recent successes. We thank everyone who attended and helped make the celebration a success, and we remain honored to work alongside such a dedicated team of professionals.
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DECEMBER 2025
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IS NOW CALLED
Open Access at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln Room 1C2A 234 East 149th Street Bronx, NY 10451 Phone: 718-579-5255 O pen A ccess
A high-quality, walk-in, urgent care clinic
Open Access is a fast, easy way to see a doctor for common health issues that are not life-threatening.
On-site labs and x-rays are also available.
Care doesn’t end with your visit. Open Access staff will work with your doctor for any follow- up care. If you do not have a doctor, we will help you find one who is right for you.
The Open Access Advantage • Integrated Care: Urgent needs met by the Primary Medical Doctor (PMD) • Be in care or agree to be in care with one of our Primary care practices ( Adult, Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Safety Net, Pride and Virology) • Continuity: Every visit strengthens the doctor-patient relationship • Comprehensive: Combines acute treatment with long-term health management Common Injuries and Illness Treated
Other Services Available
• Cold and flu symptoms • Chest and breathing problems • Sprains and strains • Pink eye • Cuts, gashes and other wounds • Urinary tract infection (UTI) • Ear ache
• STD and HIV testing • Abortion Care • Vaccines • Medicine refills
• Skin issues • Back pain • Teeth pain
If you or a family member has chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, broken bones or other serious health problems, go straight to the ER or call 9-1-1.
Copayment dependent on insurance status.
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DECEMBER 2025
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NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS/LINCOLN | 234 E 149th Street, Bronx, NY 10451 | CALL 718-579-5000 TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT.
LINCOLN NEWS NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS/LINCOLN CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER: Cristina Contreras
EDITOR: Natasha Burke DESIGN: Devon Smillie PHOTOGRAPHY: Jahaun Atkins, Devon Smillie
STAY CONNECTED. FOLLOW US.
nychealthandhospitals.org/lincoln
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