LINCOLN news April 2025
Looking Forward at Lincoln In This Issue A Message from our CEO Welcome To The Lincoln Family Patient Safety Corner Spring Easter Egg Hunt Doctors Day Global Partnership Bring Your Child To Work Day A Greener Lincoln
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LINCOLN NEWS
APRIL 2025
A Message from Cristina Contreras, LMSW, MPA, FABC Chief Executive Officer
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APRIL 2025
Lincoln Hospital has a great history and plays a critical role in the health and well-being of the communities we serve. We have a sacred responsibility to deliver on this purpose for our patients and their families. In pursuit of this promise, the health and safety of our patients and staff drives our strategy, our decisions, and the investments we make as an organization. This mindset serves as the foundation of our mission. With this purpose in mind, our leadership team is focusing on growth, which includes nurse, physician and staff recruitment, maximizing and expanding service lines, and improving customer service. A recent example is the dental service expanding their evening clinic hours to better serve our working patients. My goal for Lincoln is to be the hospital of choice for the communities we serve, but to achieve this status, we all must participate, as this is a team effort that will require the community utilizing our services and clinics. We understand that there are other healthcare choices but we must work harder than ever to gi ve our patients the experience they expect and deserve. This vision also includes expanding technology and care coordination, continuing to reinforce and build a culture of excellence within our hospital and clinics, and enhancing campuses and outpatient facilities to better serve the community. In line with fostering a positive and vibrant culture within our hospital, we have made conscious efforts to bring back some fun to the workplace. From celebrating cultural events such as World Hijab Day, Lunar New Year, Black History and Hispanic Heritage Months, to ice cream socials and employee appreciation BBQ, these events not only add a touch of enjoyment but also strengthen the bonds within our team. Looking ahead, we are excited to continue to celebrate our staff and the diversity within our hospital. At Lincoln, we understand that our staff is the heartbeat of our ability to deliver exceptional care to the communities we serve. As I reflect on the strides we’ve taken so far, I remain steadfast in my commitment to making Lincoln Hospital the first choice for employees, ensuring that our community continues to receive the outstanding care it deserves. Thank you for your ongoing support, and I look forward to working with you all for continued growth, collaboration, and community well- being.
At Lincoln, we understand that our staff is the heartbeat of our ability to deliver exceptional care to the communities we serve.”
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LINCOLN NEWS
APRIL 2025
Joanne Desire MSN, RNC-OB, Appointed Interim Chief Nursing Officer
Joanne Desire, MSN, RNC-OB, has accepted the role of Interim Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) for NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln, effective April 2nd, 2025.
Joanne is a skilled nursing leader with over twenty-two years of leadership experience in hospital and home care environments and comprehensive leadership experience in regulatory compliance, process improvements, and policy and procedure management. She has been serving as the Director of Nursing for Women’s Health since 2019. Prior to that, she held nursing leadership roles at Mount Sinai Downtown, Bronx Lebanon Hospital and NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull. Joanne completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, at SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY. She is a member of the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health, the American Organization of Nurse Executives and the Association of Women’s Health Obstetrical and Neonatal Nurses. Recruitment efforts are underway to hire a permanent Chief Nursing Officer; we have established a search committee and will be sharing more information with you once we have selected a final candidate. We are grateful to Joanne for her willingness to expand her leadership experience by accepting this interim role and we look forward to her contributions as we prepare to transition to a permanent CNO.
Please join us in congratulating Joanne and offering her your full support in fulfilling her additional leadership responsibilities!
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LINCOLN NEWS
APRIL 2025
Welcome To The Lincoln Family
Rebecca Garcia Director of Clinical Nutrition
Rebecca is responsible for leading our inpatient clinical dietitians. She comes to us from Gracie Square Hospital where she served a behavioral health population. Becky earned her undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech and her master’s degree in nutrition from Tufts University, which is where she also completed her dietetic internship. Fun fact about Becky — she loves scuba diving and recently did an open water dive with bull sharks in Mexico.
Josephine Katobo Director of Ambulatory Nutrition
Josephine is responsible for our outpatient dietitians. Her background is in the outpatient setting, most recently as a renal dietitian for Davita. She earned her degree in nutrition from the City University of New York, Brooklyn College and completed her dietetic internship through the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy. Fun fact about Josephine — she learned to speak Italian by interacting with an Italian woman who did not speak English.
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LINCOLN NEWS
APRIL 2025
Patient Safety Corner Keeping Care Safe, One Step at a Time
Lincoln is committed to fostering a culture of safety for patients and staff alike. We look to bring a hands-on, proactive approach to identifying and addressing safety concerns.
Why safety matters
P atient safety is a cornerstone of quality healthcare because it directly impacts patient outcomes and the overall effectiveness of medical services. A focus on patient safety not only results in lives saved but also contributes to the reduction of errors, as evidenced by data from the VOICE reporting system, which shows a correlation between increased reports of good catches and a decline in reported errors. This proactive approach to identifying and mitigating potential hazards helps catch problems before they result in harm, which aligns with the principles of high reliability organizations (HROs).
Furthermore, when healthcare staff feel psychologically safe to report safety concerns and near misses, they are more likely to engage in these reporting systems, creating a culture of open communication and continuous improvement (Edmondson, 2019). A strong patient safety culture fosters staff support, ensuring that caregivers feel valued and protected in their efforts to provide safe, high-quality care. Ultimately, the goal of zero harm in patient care becomes achievable by embedding patient safety into the fabric of the organization’s operations, ensuring that patient well-being is prioritized at every level. This commitment to safety not only
• Edmondson, A. C. (2019). The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth. Wiley. Nursing Home Survey on Patient Safety Culture: 2010 User Comparative Database Report. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). “Safety isn’t just a protocol—it’s a promise we make to every patient who walks through our doors.” • Sorra, J., & Dyer, N. (2010). improves outcomes but also enhances the organization’s reputation and operational efficiency (Sorra & Dyer, 2010).
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LINCOLN NEWS
APRIL 2025
Pledge Your Kindness
At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to excellence, compassion, and service. The ICARE Pledge and training embodies these values, reminding us to act with integrity, compassion, accountability, respect and excellence in every interaction. 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. The ICARE with Kindness training provides an opportunity to equip you with the skills and mindset to create a more compassionate, inclusive and effective workplace. If you have not taken the training please sign up here! To take the pledge, please scan the QR code below or Click on this link. If there are any additional questions we encourage you to contact Georges, Wilnide georgesw1@nychhc.org
The goals of ICARE with Kindness are as follows:
• Elevate the message that kindness is central to everything we do.
• Strengthen our culture by establishing a commitment from every employee to embody kindness.
• Position NYC Health + Hospitals as the provider and employer of choice, known for its culture of kindness
Take the pledge.
The ICARE Pledge embodies these values, reminding us to act with integrity, compassion, accountability, respect and excellence in every interaction. The first goal of the ICARE with Kindness initiative is to train every NYC Health + Hospitals employee on the new service excellence standards. 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!
To take the pledge, please scan the QR code, right, or click here.
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LINCOLN NEWS
APRIL 2025
Happy Easter From NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS/LINCOLN Springing into a Easter Egg Hunt
Lincoln Hospital recently organized an Easter egg hunt, inviting participation from schools from school district 7. The event drew over 300 children to the hospital grounds for a community celebration. The main activity had our garden transformed into a colorful egg hunting ground where the kids got to share their excitement with their teachers, parents, and hospital staff at hand. In addition to the egg hunt, the event included several other planned activities. An Easter Bunny character was present, allowing children to take photos. A face painting station was also set up, providing entertainment for the attendees. Music, and health resources for parents were also present.
The Easter egg hunt offered a festive springtime activity for local schoolchildren and their families. The event was coordinated by Lincoln Hospital as part of its community engagement efforts within the Bronx.
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APRIL 2025
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LINCOLN NEWS
APRIL 2025
Quaterly Town Hall Lincoln Hospital Opens Town Hall Doors, Charting a Course for Enhanced Care and Community Partnership
“Our mission extends beyond treating illness; it’s about fostering wellness for our patients and creating
In a significant step towards increased transparency and community dialogue, NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln recently hosted its leadership town hall, opening the doors to the public. The event provided a platform for hospital leaders to share comprehensive updates and future plans, signaling a renewed commitment to improving patient care, supporting staff, and strengthening ties with the community it serves. Our CEO Cristina Contreras took the stage, outlining a strategic vision centered on positive transformation.
(Recovery, Integrated Supports, Empowerment). This facility promises to significantly expand the hospital’s capacity to provide specialized care, addressing a critical need within the community. Addressing the operational and financial health of the hospital, Chief Financial Officer Zhishen Yang discussed strategies aimed at improving efficiency within the Emergency Department (ED). A key focus is on reducing avoidable ED visits by strengthening connections with primary care and specialty medical practices in the community. “Our goal is to ensure patients receive
a supportive, dynamic environment for our dedicated staff,”
Central to this vision is the introduction of interim nursing leadership, aimed at bolstering clinical excellence and enhancing the professional development pathways for the hospital’s nursing teams. A major highlight was the announcement of a $6 million investment secured for the development for RISE Center
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LINCOLN NEWS
APRIL 2025
the most appropriate level of care in the right setting,” the CFO noted. “By facilitating access to preventative and routine care, we can alleviate pressure on the ED, allowing it to focus on true emergencies, while also managing resources more effectively.” The town hall concluded with an open invitation to questions. Hospital leadership strongly encouraged residents, patients, and community members to attend future town hall meetings. They emphasized that public participation is crucial for continued progress. “Your questions, feedback, and insights – they are invaluable,” concluded the CEO. “Hearing directly from you helps us refine our strategies and ensures we are truly serving the needs of our community. We invite you to join the conversation as we work together to build a healthier future.” This newly established open forum represents a promising avenue for dialogue, allowing the community to directly interface with hospital leaders and play an active role in shaping the future of their healthcare.
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LINCOLN NEWS
APRIL 2025
Celebrating Our Heroes Guardians of Health: Appreciating Our Physicians
Our Doctors Day Celebration event provided a meaningful opportunity to shine a spotlight on the extraordinary physicians and dedicated medical staff members whose unwavering commitment defines the high standard of care within our hospital family.
its scope to celebrate the entire care team. Honorees were lauded for contributions in clinical excellence and consistently going above and beyond for patients and their families. picture of the dedication present within our facility each day. They highlighted the long hours, the complex medical challenges navigated with skill, the critical thinking under pressure, and, perhaps most importantly, the profound The stories shared during the ceremony painted a vivid
human connection forged during vulnerable moments. These awards are more than just accolades; they represent countless acts of kindness, critical decisions made with expertise, and a deep-seated commitment to the mission of Lincoln H+H – providing healing and hope to our community.
This year’s ceremony was a testament to the
collaborative spirit essential to modern healthcare. While acknowledging the unique leadership and diagnostic expertise of our physicians, the event specifically broadened
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APRIL 2025
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LINCOLN NEWS
APRIL 2025
Global Partnership in Action Senegal Delegation Studies Stroke
Care Advancements at Lincoln Hospital Lincoln Hospital recently opened its doors for an international health forum focused on enhancing stroke care. The event welcomed a delegation of health professionals from Senegal, representing the organization African Health Innovations, fostering a valuable exchange of knowledge and best practices. The forum centered on the critical aspects of stroke management. Staff from the stroke team lead by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lewis Marshall shared their comprehensive stroke care protocols, detailing their established procedures for rapid diagnosis, intervention, and rehabilitation. They presented their evidence-based approaches and clinical pathways designed to optimize patient outcomes following a stroke incident. The Senegalese professionals, in turn, provided insights into their healthcare system and the specific challenges and successes they encounter in managing stroke patients within their context. A significant point of discussion was the role of technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the future of stroke care. Both the New York-based team and the visitors from African Health Innovation expressed keen interest in how technological advancements could improve diagnostic accuracy, personalize treatment strategies, enhance remote patient monitoring, and potentially streamline rehabilitation processes. They explored the potential for AI to assist clinicians and improve overall care efficiency, particularly in resource-varied settings. Lincoln will continue to look for opportunities at hosting international groups and fostering partnerships. Sharing expertise to collectively improve patient care standards worldwide, particularly in complex areas like stroke treatment is a path to a better and healthier future.
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APRIL 2025
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LINCOLN NEWS
APRIL 2025
Launching At Lincoln Peer Empowerment Hub
EXCITING NEWS FROM LINCOLN HOSPITAL!
the Behavioral Health Team recently achieved an incredible milestone by proudly launching a brand-new Peer Counselor Staff Initiative and Empowerment Group! This dynamic program is all about uplifting and supporting our amazing staff as they navigate the unique challenges of their roles across SUD Services, Inpatient, Outpatient, Child, and Community Liaison programs. The energy was high as the group kicked off with heartfelt introductions, where each participant shared not only their role but a recent win at work, setting an inspiring and collaborative tone right from the start! The goals and objectives of this group are to inspire personal well-being, ignite professional growth, and strengthen the sense of community and connection among the peer counselors’ staff. From open conversations about tackling workplace stress and avoiding burnout to practical strategies for career development and goal-setting, our Peer Counselors dove right in, creating a space filled with support, encouragement, and real talk.
A MAJOR HIGHLIGHT The major highlight of this empowerment group is to allow the staff to support and be supported, and allow each one to recharge and be centered so they can fulfill their roles for a meaningful and productive outcome. The powerful emphasis on emotional support, confidentiality, and respectful communication is the core value that will shape every session going forward. Staff were also given access to valuable resources, including employee assistance programs and mental health services, to help them stay supported every step of their professional journey The best part is that this is just the beginning. These sessions will continue regularly, giving staff a safe, empowering place to connect, grow, and lift each other. The Peer Counselor Staff Initiative is more than a program— it’s a movement toward a stronger, more resilient, and more empowered Lincoln Hospital team.
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LINCOLN NEWS
APRIL 2025
Celebrating Our Staff Lab Week Celebration
In observance of National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, we celebrate our dedicated team. Often working diligently behind the scenes, our staff including medical laboratory scientists, technicians, phlebotomists, and crucial support staff—are fundamental pillars supporting accurate patient diagnosis and overall care strategy. Their meticulous work, analyzing everything from blood samples and tissues to identifying infectious microorganisms, provides physicians with the critical, objective data needed for timely diagnoses and the most effective treatment plans. To acknowledge their vital contributions and unwavering commitment to accuracy, the department hosted a small, heartfelt celebration. This gesture served as a sincere token of appreciation for the team’s expertise, precision under pressure, and the crucial role they play every single day in ensuring high-quality healthcare delivery for the community.
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LINCOLN NEWS
APRIL 2025
Bring Your Child To Work Day Our Kids, Our Workplace
The hallways of the hospital recently echoed with youthful curiosity as staff members participated in our Take Your Child to Work Day event. Children and teens, ranging in age from 8 to 17, joined in for an engaging and educational glimpse into the vital world of healthcare. The day was carefully curated to provide insights into various aspects of hospital operations, moving beyond typical office settings. The kids embarked on a tour, including a visit to the hospital’s Central Sterilization unit. Here, they learned firsthand about
the critical processes involved in ensuring instruments and equipment are safe for patient use. Another highlight involved a supervised introduction to the Operating Room area, where the young visitors learned about the specialized environment required for surgical procedures. Adding a touch of excitement, the children got an up-close look inside an ambulance, discovering the equipment and readiness needed for emergency response. The educational day culminated in crucial hands-on learning experiences. Focused on safety
and preparedness, the children received valuable instruction in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Stop the Bleed techniques, empowering them with potentially life-saving skills. The event successfully combined education with real- world exposure, offering the children a unique appreciation for their parents’ work and perhaps sparking an interest in future healthcare careers.
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APRIL 2025
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APRIL 2025
Take Your Chil
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ld To Work Day
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA FOR MORE!
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LINCOLN NEWS
APRIL 2025
Facility Conservation Efforts Greener Healing Lincoln H+H Commits to Energy Conservation
Over the last several years NYC Health + Hospitals, in partnership with New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) has invested in efforts to reduce energy consumption and energy waste including various projects here at Lincoln Hospital. Become a Climate Health Champion! The Climate Health Champions program is uniquely situated to improve community resilience to climate change by mobilizing existing relationships to start open, honest conversations and equipping patients with knowledge to protect their health as the climate changes.
All NYC Health + Hospitals employees are invited to become Climate Champions.
To become a Climate Health Champion, join our one-hour, virtual training to learn about climate change’s impact on patient health, practical steps to mitigate the impacts, and communication best practices.
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LINCOLN NEWS
Annual Projected Electricity Savings: 9.6 Million Kilowatt-Hours
That’s the same as…
• Powering 890 average U.S homes for a year • Charging 823 million smart phones • Taking 1,480 gas-powered cars off the road for a year • Planting 115,000 trees and letting them grow for 10 years
Annual Projected Natural Gas Savings: 400.5 Thousand Therms
That’s equivalent to…
• CO 2 Emissions from burning 5.5 million pounds of coal • Taking about 700 gas-powered cars off the road for a year • Powering 630 homes with natural gas for a year • Saving enough gas to cook 12 million meals on a home stove
Annual Projected Carbon Savings: 3,250 Metric tons of CO 2
That’s equivalent to…
• Taking about 725 gas-powered cars off the road • Charging over 400 million smartphones • Preserving 3,900 acres of U.S. forests for a year • Recycling instead of landfilling 1,100 tons of waste
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