LINCOLN news July 2025
APPRECIATING THE LINCOLN FAMILY
IN THIS ISSUE Ronald McDonald House Donates 8B Improved Patient Experience Lincoln Summer Concert Series Employee Appreciation Cookout Eating Healthier With Lincoln
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LINCOLN NEWS
JULY 2025
A Message from Cristina Contreras, LMSW, MPA, FABC, DHL Chief Executive Officer
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LINCOLN NEWS
JULY 2025
FOSTERING A CULTURE OF KINDNESS
As you all know from our ICARE with Kindness initiative, we believe that kindness should be at the heart of health care and caring for each other. Our hospital plays a central role in the wellness, healing and overall health of our South Bronx Community, so it is imperative that kindness be central to the way we care for our patients and interact with our colleagues. Our ICARE principles – Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect & Excellence guides us in our mission to provide the best care possible and kindness is essential to those principles. I’m blessed to lead an amazing team at Lincoln, where I see kindness in action every day. Kindness is not a passive state; it’s an action. It requires you, me, and everyone to do something, and a small act of kindness can have a lasting impact on someone in ways that we don’t even know. Whether it’s taking the time to help a lost patient find their way or supporting a colleague who is having a difficult day by offering words of encouragement, small gestures can have a profound impact. It’s also really important that, as well as being kind to others, we should also be kind to ourselves. I want to share an important update regarding our ICARE with Kindness initiative. As you know, our goal was to reach 80% systemwide participation in the Pledge by June 2025. While we’ve made significant progress, we have not yet met this goal and we need your help to get there. Here’s where we stand: We are currently at 73% for pledge completion- just 7% away from reaching our target.
Kindness is not a passive state; it’s an action. It requires you, me, and everyone to do something, and a small act of kindness can have a lasting impact on someone in ways that we don’t even know
Training Completion: Currently at 43%, with room for growth.
I’d like to acknowledge and thank the 105 departments that have reached 70%-100% completion. I am counting on each of you to help us meet the goal of 80%. Please ensure that all team members in your department completes both the ICARE with Kindness Pledge and Training. Every percentage point brings us closer to our goal and reflects our collective commitment to creating a culture of kindness and excellence. By taking the ICARE Pledge, you reaffirm your dedication to our values, each other, and to the communities we serve. Together, we can continue to create a culture that inspires kindness.
Let’s lead by example and take the pledge today!
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LINCOLN NEWS
JULY 2025
DEPARTMENT & EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
SPOTLIGHTS
Unit 6B
Venus Williams Clerical Associate Level III, Radiology Venus has been a dedicated member of the Lincoln family for 6 years. Her selection was driven from the nominations from colleagues and powerful comments from our patients. The praise from those she has cared for speaks volumes. One patient shared, “Venus Williams was excellent and extremely nice to me and my family. She is awesome and the best example of a professional, compassionate employee.” Venus, your compassion and care make a profound difference every single day, Congratulations and thank you!
Thank you to all of the staff in this outstanding department for your hard work and your unwavering commitment to providing the best care for our patients. The words of one patient perfectly capture the incredible environment you have created: “I watched and I listened to all of them and how they treated me as well as other patients. The staff treated everyone with respect, understanding and being empathetic in all situations. The Nurses and PCA’s with their unique individual personalities, characteristics and skills, made my stay in your hospital pleasant and pleasurable. May they all stay blessed.”
Thank you for making every patient feel seen and valued. Congratulations on this well-earned honor!
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LINCOLN NEWS
JULY 2025
LEADERSHIP APPOINTMENTS
Hector Tavarez, mpa Administrator of Ambulatory Care Services Congratulation to Hector on his recent promotion to Administrator of Ambulatory Care Services. With over two decades of experience and a Master of Public Administration, Hector Tavarez is a highly accomplished professional specializing in hospital and outpatient/ ambulatory care administration. His expertise encompasses medical record management, sales, marketing, provider relations, and human services, showcasing a versatile skill set. As the current Administrator of Ambulatory Care Services at Lincoln Hospital, Hector adeptly manages daily operations, optimizes patient flow, and ensures compliance. He’s a strategic leader known for driving service delivery improvements, operational efficiency, and patient satisfaction, all while aligning with financial and clinical objectives. Hector’s consistent ability to deliver results in strategic planning, resource optimization, and staff development makes him an invaluable asset in healthcare leadership.
We welcome Bassal to the Lincoln family. Bassal Omar is an engaging and detail-oriented professional with a strong background in government and community relations. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Herbert H. Lehman College. He now serves as the Associate Executive Director of Public Affairs. Prior to this, Bassal served in various key positions, demonstrating exceptional management and executive capabilities. As Special Advisor to the Mayor, he advised on mayoral priorities and served as the mayor’s main liaison to numerous city agencies. As Deputy Chief of Staff for the Office of the First Deputy Mayor he managed Department of Finance and Chief Efficiency Officer portfolios and served as the Mayor’s representative on the Banking Commission. Before that, as Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Operations for the Office of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Bassal oversaw daily operations, managed constituent services, and played a key role in planning major events. He also contributed to legislation and reports on vital issues. Bassal Omar Associate Executive Director, Public Affairs
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LINCOLN NEWS
JULY 2025
Community Care at Lincoln
Ronald McDonald House Delivers
Lincoln Hospital’s pediatrics department recently received a heartwarming donation from the Ronald McDonald House New York, bringing smiles and comfort to young patients and their families. Goodies, including toys, coloring books, and various comfort items, were distributed, aiming to brighten the days of children undergoing treatment and provide a little extra support to their families. This thoughtful gesture underscores the ongoing partnership between Lincoln Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House, both dedicated to easing the burden on families during challenging times. These contributions help create a more positive environment for healing, reminding children and their loved ones that they are cared for during their hospital stay.
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LINCOLN NEWS
JULY 2025
Improved Patient Experience Scores
Lincoln Hospital’s HCAHPS Scores Rise
Congratulations to the 8B Unit on achieving a
significant improvement in its HCAHPS (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare
Providers and Systems) scores. This recognition
reflects the unit’s dedicated efforts to enhance the patient experience and underscores Lincoln Hospital’s commitment to quality care. HCAHPS is a standardized, publicly reported survey that collects patients’ perspectives on their hospital stay. It measures key aspects such as communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness of hospital staff, pain management, and the hospital environment. Why is it important? HCAHPS scores provide valuable insights
into patient satisfaction, help hospitals identify areas for improvement, and allows the public to make informed decisions about their healthcare. Improved scores can also impact hospital reimbursement from programs like Medicare. The 8B Unit’s
achievement demonstrates a successful focus on patient- centered care, contributing to better outcomes and a more positive experience for those in their care.
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LINCOLN NEWS
JULY 2025
Lincoln Summer Concert Series
LINCOLN
Our Summer Concert Series offers free live music for our patients, staff, and the entire community. Join us for an eclectic mix of genres, including vibrant Reggaeton, smooth Jazz, captivating Latin Alternative, and more. It’s the perfect opportunity
to enjoy great music, connect with your neighbors, and experience the lively spirit of our hospital campus. We invite everyone to come and enjoy these special performances.
Find the full concert schedule at the end of this newsletter!
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LINCOLN NEWS
JULY 2025
Lincoln Summer Concert Series
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JULY 2025
Lincoln Summer Concert Series
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LINCOLN NEWS
JULY 2025
Lincoln Summer Concert Series
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LINCOLN NEWS
JULY 2025
Lincoln Hospital Employee Appreciation Cookout
Lincoln Hospital recently hosted a vibrant Employee Appreciation BBQ, a heartfelt thank you to its dedicated staff. The event was thoughtfully designed to ensure every team member felt recognized, with food and giveaways available across three separate tours to accommodate staff on all shifts. The atmosphere was nothing short of fun and lively, filled with live music. Employees enjoyed a variety of games, fostering care and lighthearted competition. Beyond the delicious food and exciting prizes, the BBQ provided a valuable opportunity for staff to unwind, connect with colleagues, and truly feel the hospital’s appreciation for their hard work and commitment. A well-deserved celebration, highlighting the vital contributions of everyone to Lincoln Hospital’s mission.
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JULY 2025
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JULY 2025
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LINCOLN NEWS
JULY 2025
Growing Health Bringing Healthy Options To The Neighborhood
LINCOLN GREEN
Lincoln Hospital is pleased to announce the new season of its Green Farmers Market. This market aims to provide fresh, local fruits and vegetables to the community, offering an accessible option for healthy eating. Operated in collaboration with local partners such as Harvest Home Farmers Market and GrowNYC, the Green Farmers Market makes fresh produce available in a convenient setting. The market offers a selection of seasonal fruits,
vegetables, and other local products.
In addition to fresh food, the market often features on- site cooking demonstrations. These demonstrations provide practical tips for healthy meal preparation, supporting efforts to manage health and prevent chronic conditions. The Lincoln Hospital Green Farmers Market is part of NYC Health + Hospitals’ commitment to supporting community health by providing access to nutritious food options. We invite you to visit and explore the offerings.
To ensure broad access, the market accepts various payment methods, including EBT/SNAP, Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) coupons, and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) coupons. For added value, Fresh Food Box sites are available, offering seasonal produce at reduced prices through collaborative purchasing.
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LINCOLN NEWS
JULY 2025
BRIDGING HEALTH THROUGH ACCESS The Green Farmers Market represents a clear commitment to providing healthy alternatives for the South Bronx community. Recognizing the challenges residents face in accessing nutritious food, the program actively offers fresh, local produce as a direct counterpoint to less healthy, more readily available options. This commitment extends beyond just product availability; it includes making these alternatives affordable through various payment programs and empowering individuals with the knowledge to prepare healthy meals via on-site cooking demonstrations. In essence, the market serves as a tangible expression of the hospital’s dedication to fostering a healthier community by ensuring better food choices are not just possible, but also practical and accessible.
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LINCOLN NEWS
JULY 2025
Healthier Community Lifestyle Medicine Summer Party
options available to the community. This event is part of Lincoln Hospital’s Lifestyle Medicine Program, which
supports patients in adopting healthier habits. The program
emphasizes areas such as plant-based nutrition, regular physical activity, and stress management. The Summer Party aimed to provide practical education and support in a social setting. The program lead intends for this event to become an annual gathering, continuing to support patients enrolled in the Lifestyle Medicine Program. To join the program and learn more please visit: https://www. nychealthandhospitals.org/services/ lifestyle-medicine-program/
Lincoln Hospital’s Lifestyle Medicine Program recently hosted its first Summer Party. Nearly 30 program patients attended the event. The program plans to hold a similar event next summer. The party offered several activities focused on health and wellness. Participants engaged in light stretching exercises. A food recipe demonstration provided practical cooking ideas. Information on mindful healthy eating was also presented, offering guidance on dietary choices. Additionally, attendees took a tour of Lincoln Hospital’s on- site farmers market, highlighting local and fresh produce
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LINCOLN NEWS
JULY 2025
A Commitment to Senior Wellness Exploring Comprehensive Care for Older Adults
Lincoln Hospital recently welcomed a group of local seniors for a comprehensive tour of its geriatrics clinic and the services available. The event aimed to familiarize older adults with the specialized care designed to meet their unique health needs within the NYC Health + Hospitals system. Geriatric care focuses on the health and well-being of older adults, typically those aged 65 and above. It goes beyond treating individual diseases to address the complex interplay of medical, functional, cognitive, and psychosocial factors that impact seniors. This
includes managing multiple chronic conditions, preventing falls, optimizing medication regimens, and addressing memory concerns. NYC Health + Hospitals provides comprehensive geriatric services across its facilities, prioritizing a patient-centered approach. At Lincoln Hospital, this means offering dedicated teams of geriatricians, nurses, social workers, and other specialists who understand the complexities of aging. These services often include comprehensive assessments, primary care tailored to older adults, cognitive health
evaluations, and support for maintaining independence and quality of life. The tour provided a direct look at how Lincoln Hospital is equipped to support the senior community in the Bronx, ensuring access to quality, age-appropriate healthcare.
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LINCOLN NEWS
JULY 2025
Honoring Dialysis Patients We are incredibly proud to have served you for a decade and more. Your
resilience inspires our entire team every day.
Lincoln Hospital Honors 10-Year Dialysis Patients
NYC Health + Hospitals/ Lincoln recently honored patients who have been
Lincoln Hospital’s Dialysis Clinic, part of the larger NYC Health + Hospitals system, provides comprehensive care for individuals living with End- Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). This includes crucial life- sustaining treatments when kidneys can no longer function on their own.
that runs three full shifts with an on-call service to accommodate frequent emergency dialysis patients. Beyond dialysis, the team provides expertise in the management of hypertension, common and rare electrolyte and mineral disorders, and acid-base derangements, ensuring comprehensive renal care for its patient population.
receiving dialysis treatment at its clinic for a decade or more. Lincoln Hospital CEO, Cristina Contreras, personally presented gifts to these long- standing patients as a token of appreciation for their continued trust and for choosing Lincoln Hospital as their partner in care.
The clinic manages a busy inpatient Hemodialysis center
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LINCOLN NEWS
Pathways to Employment Lincoln Hospital Hosts Job Fair, Connecting Community with City and State Opportunities
Bronx,” Dais stated. “This job fair at Lincoln Hospital provides a fantastic platform for direct engagement, allowing people to explore opportunities and agencies to find dedicated talent right here in our neighborhood.” The high turnout underscored the significant demand for accessible job resources within the community. Participants expressed appreciation for the chance to interact face-to-face with recruiters and gain insights into public sector careers, many of whom walked away with new leads and a clearer understanding of their next steps towards securing employment.
Thanks to the initiative of Assembly Member Landon Dais, Lincoln Hospital opened its doors to over 300 community members for a highly successful job fair. The event served as a vital bridge between local residents seeking employment and a diverse array of city and state agencies offering promising career opportunities. Attendees had the invaluable chance to meet and network directly with representatives from various government sectors, learning about different roles, application processes, and career paths. Agencies present included departments ranging from public safety and healthcare to administrative services, providing a broad spectrum of potential jobs for job seekers with diverse skill sets and experiences. Assembly Member Dais emphasized the importance of such events in empowering the community. “Connecting our residents with meaningful employment is crucial for the economic health and well-being of the
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LINCOLN NEWS
JULY 2025
Patient Safety Corner
Each July, our hospital proudly welcomes a new class of resident physicians who bring fresh energy and commitment to patient care. As part of their onboarding, residents participate in a comprehensive Patient Safety Orientation that reinforces our hospital’s dedication to delivering safe, high-quality care in alignment with The Joint Commission’s National Patient Safety Goals (NPSGs). This annual training builds a strong foundation by emphasizing safety practices that are essential to protecting patients and supporting a culture of trust and accountability.
Highlights from the July Patient Safety Orientation
• Accurate Patient Identification Residents were trained to use two patient identifiers (name and date of birth) to ensure safe medication administration, diagnostic testing, and procedures.
Why it matters: Prevents wrong-patient errors and supports reliable care delivery.
• Effective Communication Training focused on standardized communication tools like SBAR, along with protocols for timely notification of critical test results and thorough patient hand-offs.
“The safety orientation helped me understand how every small action contributes to a safer environment. I feel empowered to speak up and prevent harm.” — PGY-1 Resident, 2025 Cohort
Why it matters: Breakdowns in communication are a top contributor to sentinel events.
• Medication Safety Orientation covered safe prescribing, medication labeling, and reconciliation to reduce the risk of adverse drug events.
Culture of Safety: Beyond Orientation
Our new residents were also introduced to our hospital’s Just Culture, an environment that encourages error reporting and continuous improvement without fear of blame. Through the Good Catch Program, they learned how to report near misses that help prevent harm before it occurs.
Why it matters: Medication errors are preventable and high-impact risks in inpatient care.
• Infection Prevention Residents received instruction on proper hand
hygiene, PPE use, and infection prevention bundles including CAUTI, CLABSI, and surgical site infection protocols.
Why it matters: Consistent infection control practices prevent hospital-acquired infections.
For more information or to report a Good Catch or Patient Safety Concern, contact: Eva A. Calo, MSN, RN, CPPS /Patient Safety Officer/Natalie Barrett, Patient /Safety Specialist Office: 718-579-5141 or 718-579-5942 – Email: Eva.Calo@nychhc.org
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LINCOLN NEWS
New Bariatric Surgery Program
of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and Associate Vice Chair of Surgery at NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan. Dr. Soto brings over 23 years of experience in general surgery and 15 years specializing in bariatric surgery, having performed over 1,000 bariatric surgeries. Her expertise includes advanced bariatric procedures and cutting-edge endobariatric techniques that reduce stomach volume or modify digestion without invasive surgical cuts. Cristina Contreras, CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln, expressed pride in launching the program, emphasizing its role in providing accessible care for the community’s obesity challenges. Dr. Soto echoed this sentiment, highlighting that bariatric surgery is about “reclaiming health” and is the most efficient method for long-term weight loss. Patients may be eligible for bariatric surgery if they are 100 pounds or more above their ideal body weight, have a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 40, or a BMI over 35 in conjunction with conditions like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or obstructive sleep apnea. Eligibility also extends to those requiring revision of a previous weight-loss procedure. A multidisciplinary team will work with patients to consider all weight loss options.
Flavia Soto, MD, FACS, FASMBS, DABOM leads the new bariatric surgery program at Lincoln Hospital.
NYC Health + Hospitals/ Lincoln recently launched a new bariatric surgery program, offering advanced weight- loss solutions to improve the health and quality of life for individuals managing obesity in the community. This initiative aims to combat the growing obesity epidemic by providing comprehensive care and increasing access to life- changing surgical options. The bariatric surgery program at Lincoln Hospital features a range of advanced procedures. These include minimally invasive laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass. The program also incorporates robotic-assisted surgeries for enhanced precision and endoscopic
options, which are less invasive alternatives. Endobariatric procedures, such as endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, intragastric balloon placement, and gastric outlet reduction, are available for patients who may not be candidates for traditional surgery or prefer less invasive methods. These options offer benefits such as faster recovery and fewer complications, while still promoting effective weight loss. Beyond weight loss, the program also addresses obesity-related conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea, contributing to overall patient well-being. Developed in partnership with NYC Health + Hospitals/ Metropolitan, the program is led by Dr. Flavia C. Soto, Chief
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LINCOLN NEWS
JULY 2025
We’re thrilled to congratulate Zhishen Yang, Lincoln Hospital’s Chief Financial Officer, for being recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review on their prestigious “CFOs to Know” list! This well-deserved honor highlights Zhishen’s exceptional leadership and dedication to financial excellence in healthcare. We’re incredibly proud to have him on our team, driving our mission forward and ensuring we can continue to provide vital services to our community.
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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
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