LINCOLN news October 2025 IN THIS ISSUE 1. TAKING STRIDES FOR BREAST CANCER
2. CONTRIBUTIONS TO HEALTHCARE
3. SUPPORT FOR MITCHEL HOUSES
4. CELEBRATING HERITAGE
5. THANK YOU OUR LINCOLN HEROES
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LINCOLN NEWS
A Message from Cristina Contreras, LMSW, MPA, FABC, DHL Chief Executive Officer
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BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to create awareness, honor the millions of lives affected by breast cancer and reaffirm our commitment to equitable access to care. This National Breast Cancer Awareness Month at Lincoln, we recognize the resilience and courage of those battling breast cancer—and we come together to raise awareness about the importance of educating our patients on preventing and detecting breast cancer, and helping them to navigate and manage their condition. I know that every breast cancer diagnosis is personal and behind every diagnosis is a story — of courage, resilience, and hope. This year, the theme of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is: Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters. This theme reminds us that breast cancer touches the lives of every woman and their families differently, and that every journey deserves compassion, dignity, and support. This year’s theme also recognizes the diversity of experiences and reinforces the need for compassionate, timely and quality care for all—regardless of geography, income or background. At Lincoln, we know that it’s always important to remember that this fight is one that goes beyond just one month every year, however, this month allows us the time to bring the all-important attention needed to the fight to end breast cancer. I am proud of the work we do every day to increase screening awareness and the positive impact it has had on our communities. Our Breast Center of excellence, which is accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), is committed to maintaining levels of excellence in the delivery of culturally competent, patient-centered multidisciplinary care, resulting in high-quality, comprehensive care for patients with breast disease. Patients receiving care at our NAPBC-accredited center also have access to information on clinical trials and new treatment options, genetic counseling, and patient- centered services including psychosocial support, rehabilitation services, and survivorship care. Additionally, this October, as in previous Octobers, we offered free screening mammography to all patients without health insurance that qualify, because annual mammograms, in addition to regular self-exams, are key to catching breast cancer early. I was also proud to join our Lincoln Knights Team for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk on October 26. It was an honor to walk alongside survivors and supporters to amplify voices, share stories and drive change. Together, we can build a world where every life touched by breast cancer is empowered and supported to receive the care they need everywhere.
TOGETHER, WE CAN BUILD A WORLD WHERE EVERY LIFE TOUCHED BY BREAST CANCER IS EMPOWERED AND SUPPORTED TO RECEIVE THE CARE THEY NEED EVERYWHERE.
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DEPARTMENT & EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
SPOTLIGHTS
Emergency Department Congratulations to the entire Emergency Department on being named Department of the Month! We want to thank all of the ED staff for your incredible hard work and your unwavering commitment to providing the best possible care for our patients. You are the gateway to the hospital, and your dedication does not go unnoticed. Congratulations to everyone in the Emergency Department. Thank you for your essential work and for being a team we can all count on. Keep up the great work!
Noelia Lopez Staff Nurse, Pediatric Clinic
Please join us in giving a huge congratulations to Noelia Lopez, Staff Nurse for Ambulatory Care, Pediatric Clinic, on being named our Employee of the Month! Noelia was selected based on outstanding nominations from her colleagues, as well as wonderful comments we received directly from our patients. Her commitment to excellence and compassionate care is a perfect example of the values we strive for.
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LEADERSHIP APPOINTMENTS
Ms. Kaplan joins NYC Health + Hospitals | Lincoln as the Director of Ambulatory Nutrition. A Registered Dietitian (MS, NYU), she is board-certified in Oncology Nutrition and Diabetes Care. With over 20 years of clinical and management experience, she has been featured in publications like NBC News and HuffPost. In her new role, she will focus on enhancing workflow efficiency, optimizing nutrition services, and strengthening the program through innovation and collaboration. “I believe meaningful nutrition care starts begins with building connections and taking the time to listen to patients, staff, and the community,” Wendy says. “Our goal is to meet people where they are and help them move toward better health, one step at a time.” Wendy’s leadership philosophy centers on operational excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement. She leads with an empathetic and coaching approach that empowers her diverse team of dietitians to build on their individual strengths and work together toward shared goals. Her focus on inclusive leadership, workflow optimization, and professional growth drives quality improvement and supports positive patient outcomes. Wendy Kaplan , MS, RDN, CSO, CDCES, CDN Director of Ambulatory Nutrition
Tarvatta Simmons-Nanton Wellness Program Director
We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Tarvatta Simmons-Nanton, LCSW, as our new Director of Wellness. Some of you may know Tarvatta from her work as our Inpatient Medicine Social Work Supervisor since October 2022, where she provided essential clinical and administrative supervision. She also previously served on our Covid Surge Team. Tarvatta brings over 20+ years of clinical social work experience to this position, with deep expertise in supporting diverse patient populations in mental illness, substance abuse, and hospice. Her extensive leadership includes training staff here at Lincoln and supervising social workers at Montefiore Medical Center and Wellcare/Fidelis. Her career is further complemented by work at Bellevue Hospital and the Visiting Nurse Services, Hospice Program. Tarvatta holds a Master of Social Work from Fordham University and a Bachelor of Arts from John Jay College. Please join us in congratulating her!
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LINCOLN NEWS
Honored for Healthcare Leadership Contributions To Healthcare
Cristina Contreras, CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/ Lincoln, was honored by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Dominican Republic (AmChamDR) for her outstanding contributions to healthcare. The recognition was presented at the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington, D.C., during AmChamDR’s recent “Semana Dominicana” (Dominican Week). The event celebrates distinguished Dominicans in the United States, and Contreras was recognized for her notable and impactful
leadership within New York’s public health system. As CEO of Lincoln Hospital, she has been a pivotal figure in advancing healthcare for the community. Contreras, who has dedicated her career to public health, was honored alongside other prominent Dominicans, including journalist Esperanza
Ceballos and aerospace engineer Alec Subero.
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Bronx Community Rallies Lincoln Hospital Provides Aid to Mitchel Houses
Residents of the Mitchel Houses Complex in Mott Haven are recovering after a powerful boiler explosion tore through their 20-story residential building on Wednesday, October 1. The blast, which occurred around 8:10 a.m. at 205 Alexander Avenue, caused a massive ventilation shaft and chimney to collapse, ripping a gaping hole down the side of the building. In what officials called a miracle, no
The explosion is believed to have originated in the building’s boiler room. Officials noted the incident occurred just as the building’s heating system was being turned on for the season, with an investigative theory suggesting the pilot light may have been involved. The force of the blast sent debris, including bricks and air conditioning units, cascading onto the street below. While the building avoided a more catastrophic outcome, the impact on residents was significant. Thirty-eight apartments in the “F” and “G” lines of the high- rise were immediately evacuated, displacing 140 residents. Gas service was shut off to the entire complex as a precaution, and officials from the Department of Buildings began a full inspection to ensure the building’s structural integrity.
injuries or fatalities were reported.
In the immediate aftermath, community support was swift. Staff from Lincoln Hospital were on the scene, engaging with residents displaced by the sudden structural failure. The hospital team worked alongside the American Red Cross and other city agencies, providing vital resources and health support to ensure the well-being of those affected.
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Making Strides For Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer Awareness
Do you know how critically important it is to stay on top of regular screenings and self- checks? Recognizing the wide impact of breast cancer, we were proud to participate at this year’s American Cancer Society “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” walk at Bay Plaza. Our staff, families, and supporters came together as a powerful force for good, raising essential funds for breast cancer research, patient support, and vital access to screenings.
This mission is critical. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer diagnosed in American women, aside from skin cancers. The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 316,950 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer this year alone. While advances in treatment have helped lower the death rate, incidence rates are still rising, especially in women under 50. By walking, our Lincoln Knights championed the life-saving
message of early detection. We want to remind our entire community that regular mammograms and reporting any changes to your doctor are the most powerful tools we have in this fight. A huge thank you to everyone who walked, donated, and supported this vital cause!
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As part of our efforts to continue raising funds for the American Cancer Society we’ve recently hosted a spirited Halloween Costume Contest Fundraiser. Staff members from various departments embraced the fun, donning creative costumes to rally support and donations. The event successfully blended team spirit with meaningful action, raising significant funds for breast cancer research and awareness. It was a clear demonstration that at Lincoln, fighting for a healthier future is something everyone can get behind— in costume or scrubs!
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CELEBRATING HERITAGE October marks a time of vibrant celebration at Lincoln Hospital as we honor the many cultural heritages that define our workforce. Our staff’s diversity is a powerful reflection of the community we serve in the Bronx, creating an environment where patients can find comfort and familiarity. This diversity is not just a source of pride; it’s a cornerstone of quality patient care and improved outcomes. Crucially, being culturally aware and sensitive of others—whether staff or patient— fosters trust, enhances communication, and promotes a sense of safety. When caregivers understand and respect a patient’s background, it allows them to tailor care that is culturally congruent, reducing disparities and improving adherence to treatment plans. We thank our staff for bringing their unique perspectives and traditions to Lincoln every day, strengthening our commitment to providing compassionate, effective, and equitable care for all.
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Celebrating Our Lincoln Hospital Heroes We want to express our deepest gratitude for your tireless work. Day and night, you handle the most critical situations with expertise, speed, and incredible compassion. Your dedication to caring for our community during its most urgent moments does not go unnoticed. Thank you for being the calm in the storm and for everything you do.
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Emergency Nurses Week
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Health Care Food Services
This month, we want to recognize the dedicated employees in Lincoln Hospital’s Food Services Department. Your commitment goes far beyond preparing and delivering meals. You are essential to the healing environment here, providing nutritioun that directly supports our patients’ recovery and keeps our entire staff fueled throughout demanding shifts. Your consistent, high-quality service is a vital, behind-
the-scenes element of quality patient care every single day. Thank you for your hard work and dedication!
Physical Therapist Month
This Physical Therapy Month, we salute our Physical Therapists! Your expertise in movement, rehabilitation, and patient mobility is crucial. You empower our patients to regain strength, independence, and quality of life following illness or injury, playing a direct role in successful patient outcomes across all units.
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LINCOLN NEWS
Hospital Supply Chain Week
During Hospital Supply Chain Week, we recognize the vital, often unseen, work of our Supply Chain professionals. You ensure that every department, from the OR to patient rooms, has the precise equipment, medications, and supplies needed, exactly when required. Your efficiency keeps our entire hospital running smoothly and safely.
Pharmacy Week
We celebrate our Pharmacy Team during Pharmacy Week. As medication experts, you safeguard patient care by ensuring accurate dispensing, managing complex drug interactions, and advising clinicians. Your precision prevents errors and is fundamental to safe and effective treatment protocols.
Utilization Management Week
We send a huge thank you to our incredible Utilization Management team! Your expertise is the vital link between quality, efficiency, and patient-centered care. You navigate complex systems and advocate for the best possible outcomes, ensuring our patients get the right care, at the right time, in the right place.
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Facilities & Engineering Week
Thank you to our Facilities and Engineering staff during their dedicated week! You maintain the physical infrastructure of Lincoln Hospital, ensuring everything from climate control to critical life support systems functions flawlessly. Your dependable work creates the safe, functional environment where healing happens.
Patient Accounts Week
We wanted to send a huge thank you to our outstanding team for everything they did during Patient Accounts Week! Their work is, as always, essential to the health of our organization and the peace of mind of our patients. Thank you for your incredible attention to detail, your dedication to accuracy, and the crucial role you play in keeping our hospital running smoothly.
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Quality Management Week
We honor our Quality Management team this Quality Management Week. Your diligent monitoring, analysis, and adherence to best practices drive continuous improvement across the organization. You ensure that Lincoln Hospital consistently meets the highest standards of patient safety and care excellence.
Respiratory Therapist Week
Happy Respiratory Therapist Week to
our skilled Respiratory Therapists! You manage critical respiratory care, operating life-saving equipment and expertly treating patients with acute and chronic breathing needs. Your expertise is invaluable, especially in moments of critical need.
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Lincoln Hospital Unveils New 149th Street Entrance
We are thrilled to announce the opening of our new main entrance at 149th Street following our official ribbon- cutting ceremony! This significant enhancement is designed to streamline the arrival process, offering vastly improved accessibility for our patients and their families. By creating a more direct, intuitive, and welcoming point of entry, we are ensuring that accessing the critical care and services offered at Lincoln Hospital becomes simpler and less stressful for everyone in our community.
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Advancing Maternal and Infant Health: Lincoln Hospital Hosts Regional Perinatal Conference
Lincoln Hospital was proud to host the recent Regional Perinatal Conference, bringing together a large and dedicated group of clinicians, researchers, and advocates. The event provided a dynamic platform for exploring the latest innovations and research in perinatal health—a critical area of medicine that focuses on the health and well-being of mothers and their infants during pregnancy, childbirth, and the immediate postpartum period.
strong commitment and expertise in the field. Our institution, which has received Perinatal Care Certification from The Joint Commission, is dedicated to integrated and patient-centered care. The conference, made possible by the dedication of the organizing committee and our own OB/GYN team led by Dr. Taubel, reinforces our position at the forefront of this vital work.
Perinatal care is essential for ensuring healthy outcomes, addressing issues like high- risk pregnancies, and tackling complexities in maternal and neonatal health. The conference served Lincoln’s goal of building collaborations that improve the lives of mothers and infants through shared knowledge and discussion.
This hosting opportunity highlights Lincoln Hospital’s
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LINCOLN NEWS
Employee Survey Ambassadors
Lincoln Hospital is celebrating a major internal achievement: a record-high 71% response rate for the annual Employee Survey. This marks the first time in the hospital’s history that the response rate has crossed the 70% threshold, reflecting an unprecedented level of staff engagement and commitment. Gathering comprehensive employee feedback is vital for the hospital’s success. The survey provides leadership with essential, unfiltered insights into the operational culture, resource needs, and areas for improvement. When staff feel heard and empowered, it translates directly into better morale, stronger teamwork,
and a deeper sense of ownership over their work. Ultimately, these internal improvements are reflected in the quality of patient service, leading to better communication, more efficient care processes, and a more positive experience for every person who walks through our doors. This remarkable success would not have been possible without the tireless effort of our dedicated Employee Survey Ambassadors. Their passion, commitment, and effective outreach across all departments were instrumental in achieving this first- time milestone for Lincoln Hospital. Thank you for making your voices heard and for helping us build a better workplace for all.
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