LINCOLN news August 2025 A HEALTHY START FOR THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR IN THIS ISSUE National Night Out Lincoln Unwavering Commitment Dominican Day Parade Blood Drive Back To School Fair
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LINCOLN NEWS
AUGUST 2025
A Message from Cristina Contreras, LMSW, MPA, FABC, DHL Chief Executive Officer
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LINCOLN NEWS
AUGUST 2025
YOUR VOICE MATTERS: YOUR FEEDBACK LEADS TO CHANGE!
As part of ongoing efforts to increase employee engagement and to enhance the work experience at NYC Health + Hospitals, the 2025 Employee Feedback Survey will launch on September 16th, and will remain open for four weeks. The Employee Feedback survey is a System-wide effort to learn more about the opinions and perspectives of staff at NYC Health + Hospitals. I want to strongly encourage everyone to take the survey. The employee feedback survey is important because it helps identify our strengths and areas for growth, and results in System-wide and facility-wide/service-line changes. Completing the survey is your opportunity to let your voice be heard and share your opinions on your employee experience and your perspectives on workplace issues. We value your feedback and respect your confidentiality. I want to assure you that your survey responses are confidential and anonymous. No one can view individual responses; the only people who can view individual responses are personnel from Press Ganey, the external employee survey partner that is supporting the survey effort. Your feedback leads to tangible changes! The last survey was administered in 2023 and the results were used to make several positive changes including: ✓ Star Recognition Program ✓ Gym renovation and Opening ✓ Increased Good/Catch recognition to weekly as part of the Patient Safety Huddle ✓ Wellness Room ✓ Budget established to support departmental engagement The survey will open on September 16th and remain open for 4 weeks until October 14th. All staff will receive an email with the survey link on September 16th. Staff can also access the survey by clicking on the link on the Insider page. For those employees who do not have access to a computer to take the survey, there will be designated computers in the Employee Lounge available on all 3 tours. Regardless of our title, all of our voices, collectively and individually, matter. Please take the survey and let your voice be heard! If you have any questions or require additional information about the survey, please visit the 2025 Employee Feedback Survey Resource Center: Employee Feedback Survey Results
Regardless of our title, all of our voices, collectively and individually, matter.
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LINCOLN NEWS
AUGUST 2025
DEPARTMENT & EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
SPOTLIGHTS
Cancer Center
Yocaury Gonzalez Clerical Associate Level III, Pediatrics Congratulations to Yocaury Gonzalez, Clerical Associate III in Pediatric Primary Care, our August Employee of the Month! This award recognizes Yocaury’s outstanding work ethic and positive impact, earning her nominations from peers and patients alike. A recent patient praised her “phenomenal customer service,” noting how she expertly managed complex appointment issues while still assisting others. Yocaury’s ability to provide personal, attentive service with grace inspires our entire team. Thank you for your dedication and phenomenal work!
Congratulations to the Cancer Center on being named Department of the Month. This well-deserved honor is a direct result of your hard work and the wonderful feedback from patients and colleagues. Your team’s dedication to compassionate care shines through in patient comments. You are consistently described as professional, caring, and empathetic. One patient shared, “If healing was based on care alone I would already be completely healed.” You make patients feel comfortable, answer every question, and provide care that truly makes a difference.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment. You should all be incredibly proud of this achievement.
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LINCOLN NEWS
AUGUST 2025
LEADERSHIP APPOINTMENTS
Mark Spence, mshsm Director of Respiratory Care
We are pleased to announce the promotion of Mark Spence to Director of Respiratory Care Mark has been a dedicated member of the Lincoln Hospital team since beginning his career here as a respiratory therapist, later advancing to Respiratory Supervisor. He was instrumental in guiding the department through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and has consistently created pathways for growth among his colleagues. In his new role, Mark will focus on integrating new technologies and enhancing patient care to improve quality and safety. A strong advocate for continuous learning, he is committed to empowering his team. Mark holds a Master of Science in Health Services Management. His leadership philosophy centers on integrity and the ability to positively affect those around him. Guided by many of the influences of his homeland, Jamaica, Spence is especially driven by Bob Marley’s quote, “The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires but, in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.”
We are proud to announce that Irene Ondieki, DNP, NEA-BC, RN-BC, has been appointed Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) for NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln. Dr. Ondieki will lead with her experience and transformational leadership by enhancing our patient care services and partnering with our Chief Medical Officer to improve clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. Dr. Ondieki brings extensive experience from senior roles at Stamford Health, Montefiore, and RWJ Barnabas Health. Her leadership has been pivotal in achieving Magnet® designation and securing multiple clinical certifications. She has a proven track record of driving measurable improvements in patient experience, reducing hospital-acquired conditions like falls and pressure injuries, and enhancing employee engagement. We extend our sincerest thanks to the CNO Search Committee for their diligence and to Joanne Desire, MSN, RNC-OB, for her outstanding service as Interim CNO. Please join us in warmly welcoming Dr. Ondieki to the Lincoln family. Irene Ondieki, dsp , nea - bc , rn - bc Chief Nursing Officer
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LINCOLN NEWS
AUGUST 2025
National Night Out Health and Safety Hand-in-Hand: Lincoln Hospital at the National Night Out
By standing alongside the NYPD and local residents, Lincoln Hospital reinforces that a healthier Bronx is built on a foundation of trust, collaboration, and shared neighborhood pride. This unified effort helps create a stronger, more connected community for everyone.
Lincoln Hospital proudly continued its tradition of community engagement by participating in the annual National Night Out on August 5th. Showing support for local families and law enforcement, hospital staff joined the vibrant neighborhood celebrations held in the 40th and 42nd precincts of the South Bronx. National Night Out is a nationwide initiative designed to enhance the partnership between communities and police, fostering safer neighborhoods through positive relationship- building. Across New York City, precincts host block parties, barbecues,
and festivals that bring residents and officers together in a spirit of camaraderie. True to our mission of promoting public health, we strive to be a key resource at the events we support. Staff were on hand to connect with families, offering vital health information and resources to attendees. Lincoln’s participation is beyond healthcare, it is a commitment to the overall well-being and safety of the community.
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LINCOLN NEWS
AUGUST 2025
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LINCOLN NEWS
AUGUST 2025
LINCOLN’S UNWAVERING COMMITMENT
Against the backdrop of one of the city’s most vital public hospitals, Governor Kathy Hochul stood alongside local leaders to condemn sweeping federal budget cuts to healthcare and nutrition programs, vowing to protect New Yorkers from what she termed a devastating blow to the state’s most vulnerable residents. The urgent meeting, held at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln, brought together a united front of officials including Lincoln Hospital CEO Cristina Contreras, Congressman Ritchie Torres, all of whom pledged to fight the impending crisis. Addressing recent federal legislation that is projected to strip healthcare coverage from over two million New Yorkers
and jeopardize food security for nearly three million. According to state analysis, these changes will destabilize the state’s entire healthcare system, carrying an annual fiscal impact of nearly $13 billion. “While some in Washington slash funding for vital programs across the country, my administration is standing up for New Yorkers to soften the blow of these cuts amidst an affordability crisis,” Governor Hochul declared, addressing hospital staff and community advocates. The healthcare cuts are particularly severe. An estimated 1.3 million New Yorkers are expected to lose Medicaid due to new eligibility and verification hurdles, while another 730,000 lawfully-present non-citizens
could lose their Essential Plan coverage. This could leave 1.5 million residents uninsured, leading to a projected surge in uncompensated care costs for hospitals of more than $3 billion annually. For safety- net institutions like Lincoln Hospital, which serves as a lifeline for the South Bronx, such a financial strain could be crippling. Referencing Analysis’ from the Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA) estimates that there will be an $8 billion annual cut to New York’s hospitals. The cuts also extend to the dinner table. For the first time in the history of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the new law requires states to contribute to the cost of benefits. This shifts a massive
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LINCOLN NEWS
AUGUST 2025
Every $1 In SNAP 2.9 Million New Yorkers
(1 in 7 residents) receive SNAP benefits. Proposed changes would primarily affect able-bodied adults without dependents.
Congressman Ritchie Torres, who represents the South Bronx, one of the nation’s most food-insecure districts, spoke passionately about the human cost. “To pull the rug out from under families who are already struggling is not just bad policy; it is a moral failure. In the Bronx, we know that SNAP is not a handout—it is a critical tool for survival and stability.” Cristina Contreras affirmed Lincoln Hospital’s unwavering commitment to its community, noting the direct link between nutrition, health, and well-being. “Our mission is to care for everyone who walks through our doors,” she said. “These cuts threaten the foundation of public health. We stand with our partners today to let our patients know that we will not abandon our community.”
Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) / NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA)
generates between $1.50 and $1.80 in economic activity, meaning a reduction in benefits could negatively impact local economies.
Source: https://frac.org/
$1.1 Trillion In Health Cuts
11.8 million more Americans could become uninsured by 2034.
Source: NYTimes
financial burden onto New York, which faces up to $1.4 billion in new annual costs to maintain the program. Furthermore, punitive new work requirements and stricter eligibility rules for non-citizens are projected to strip over $900 million in food benefits from more than 340,000 New York households.
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LINCOLN NEWS
AUGUST 2025
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LINCOLN NEWS
AUGUST 2025
Lincoln Hospital staff and leadership proudly participated in this month’s Dominican Day Parade on Sixth Avenue in Manhattan. A dedicated group healthcare staff marched to celebrate alongside the community they serve every day in the South Bronx. Lincoln Hospital is a key healthcare provider for many patients of Dominican heritage and also employs many staff members from the community. Participation in the parade is one way the hospital shows its support beyond providing direct medical care. By joining the celebration, Lincoln Hospital reinforces its commitment to the well- being and cultural vitality of its neighbors. We are honored to share in the day’s pride and heritage.
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LINCOLN NEWS
AUGUST 2025
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LINCOLN NEWS
AUGUST 2025
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LINCOLN NEWS
AUGUST 2025
Primary Care Townhall Physicians and Leadership Collaborate to Enhance Patient Care at Lincoln Hospital
Lincoln Hospital recently hosted a Primary Care Townhall, an event designed to strengthen the partnership between its medical staff and administration. The townhall brought frontline physicians and doctors into a direct dialogue with Central Office leadership to focus on a shared mission: advancing
patient care. During the townhall, attendees discussed current clinical practices and identified opportunities to refine healthcare delivery. Physicians provided valuable, on-the-ground feedback, while leadership shared strategic goals. The meeting centered on streamlining workflows, enhancing the patient
experience, and ensuring the highest standards of care.
This direct engagement is a key part of Lincoln’s commitment to continuous improvement. By fostering open communication, the we want to ensure that our efforts are aligned to best serve the health needs of the patients we serve.
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LINCOLN NEWS
AUGUST 2025
Stepping Up to Donate A Lifeline for the Bronx: Lincoln Hospital Rallies for Blood Donations
BLOOD DONATION SAVES LIVES
In a powerful display of community care, Lincoln Hospital hosted a crucial blood donation drive this week. The event was strongly supported by hospital personnel, with Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lewish Marshall and his dedicated staff leading by example and donating. This initiative holds special significance for the South Bronx, a community with unique health needs. As one of the city’s premier trauma centers, Lincoln Hospital frequently treats patients requiring massive transfusions for injuries. Furthermore, a diverse blood supply is essential for the community, which has a higher prevalence of conditions like sickle cell anemia. Patients with these disorders require blood from donors with
similar ethnic backgrounds to prevent transfusion complications. By increasing the local supply of diverse blood types, the drive directly supports better health outcomes for residents. A single blood donation, a safe process that takes less than an hour, can be separated into components—red cells, platelets, and plasma. Each of these can be used to save the lives of up to three different people, making every donor a hero. We encourage all eligible residents to help strengthen their community by donating blood regularly.
<3% Despite a population of 19.5 million less than 3% donate
1500 Daily
<2 Day Supply
Of Type O negative Blood available. This is a critically low level for a universal blood type.
Donations Are needed for patients in local hospitals
https://www.nybce.org/news/articles/new-york-blood-center-declares-blood-emergency-sharp-decline-in-local- donations/#:~:text=Despite%20a%20population%20of%20approximately,short%20by%20nearly%20390%2C000%20donors.
A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood . This shows how quickly the blood supply can be depleted by a single emergency trauma case.
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LINCOLN NEWS
AUGUST 2025
Lincoln Hospital Kicks Off a Healthy School Year with a Back-to-School Fair
goalkeeper Alexander Rando at our Back-to-School celebration, an unforgettable experience for our families and community. This player appearance was made possible through MetroPlusHealth’s partnership with NYCFC, and we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to MetroPlusHealth for bringing the excitement of the game to our hospital. Hundreds of families joined us for a day filled with health, fun, and school readiness. Together, we created meaningful moments that will help our Bronx community start the school year strong.
Lincoln Hospital celebrated the end of summer and the start of a new academic year by hosting its annual Back-to- School event, a day filled with joy, community engagement, and valuable health resources for local families. Our hospital grounds were transformed into a festive fair, welcoming hundreds of families from the South Bronx for a day of fun and learning. The event was a massive hit with the youth, offering a wide array of activities to enjoy. Kids got to enjoy bouncy houses, had their faces painted with creative designs, and participated in exciting games. NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln had the incredible opportunity to host New York City FC
platform for Lincoln Hospital to showcase its comprehensive pediatric and family services. Staff from various departments were available to speak with parents about wellness check-ups, immunizations, and other essential health programs designed to keep children healthy throughout the school year. The excitement peaked with numerous raffle giveaways, made possible by the generous sponsorship of MetroPlus Health and the Ronald McDonald House New York. Lucky children went home with new backpacks, school supplies, bikes, tablets, and other fantastic prizes. To all the local families, we wish your children a healthy, happy, and wonderful school year!
Beyond the entertainment, the event served as an important
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LINCOLN NEWS
AUGUST 2025
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LINCOLN NEWS
AUGUST 2025
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LINCOLN NEWS
AUGUST 2025
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LINCOLN NEWS
AUGUST 2025
Forging Future Leaders Lincoln Hospital and Lehman College Forge Partnership to Train Future Healthcare Leaders
Lincoln Hospital welcomes its second group of cohorts in partnership with Lehman College to gain firsthand experience within one of New York City’s busiest public hospitals. This initiative deepens Lincoln’s commitment to the community it serves by creating direct career pathways for local students and aspiring young professionals. The program is designed to immerse Lehman students in the hospital’s complex inner workings. Interns will rotate through various administrative and clinical support departments, providing them with a comprehensive understanding of healthcare operations, patient care coordination, and the challenges and rewards of a hospital environment. This hands-on experience is an invaluable supplement to their academic studies, offering real-world insights that cannot be taught in a classroom.
Lincoln Hospital is not only enhancing the students’ educational journeys but also strengthening its own connection to the community by building bridges into the future. This collaboration fosters local talent, ensuring that the future of healthcare in the borough is bright, capable, and deeply rooted in the community it is destined to serve. The partnership stands as a testament to the shared vision of both institutions to empower and uplift through education and opportunity.
By investing in the next generation of healthcare professionals from the Bronx,
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LINCOLN NEWS
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LINCOLN NEWS
AUGUST 2025
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LINCOLN NEWS NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS/LINCOLN CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER: Cristina Contreras
EDITOR: Natasha Burke DESIGN: Devon Smillie PHOTOGRAPHY: Jahaun Atkins, Devon Smillie
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