LINCOLN news May 2025 Celebrating our Nurses Super heroes on the frontline IN THIS ISSUE
A Message from our CEO H3 Nurturing the Nurturers
Cinco De Mayo Nurses Month Hospital Police Week
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LINCOLN NEWS
MAY 2025
A Message from Cristina Contreras, LMSW, MPA, FABC Chief Executive Officer
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MAY 2025
E very May, during National Nurses Month, we take the opportunity to celebrate our front-line caregivers who provide care with skill and compassion. I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation for each and every one of the amazing nurses at Lincoln for all you do, day in and day out, to serve, heal, and enhance the health and well-being of our patients and their families. Your unwavering dedication, compassion, and resilience in the face of challenges are nothing short of inspiring. Healthcare is a team endeavor that depends upon the harmonization of a broad array of disciplines that each bring a high level of expertise and specialized training to the patient’s bedside. Therefore, at Lincoln, in addition to our nurses, we are also celebrating our PCAs, BHAs and other support staff, as they all work together with a profound sense of dedication, to deliver extraordinary healthcare to our community. I often say that our Nurses are the heart and soul of Lincoln, and every hospital, because I believe that nursing is where compassion and vulnerability come together. Our nurses offer caring and comfort to patients and families during the most vulnerable times in their lives and the contributions nurses make is at the core of how we live our mission to deliver care to the most vulnerable New Yorkers. I regularly receive comments from patients and their families that speak about how their lives were touched by the professional, compassionate care one of our nurses has provided. To our nurses; know that we see you, and we value the work that you do. On behalf of our Senior Leadership Team, I would like to extend our thanks to our nurses, as well PCAs, BHAs and other patient care support staff for everything you do as individuals, and together as a team, to care for our patients and the communities we serve with expertise, compassion and grace. Thank you for choosing to work here – you truly make a difference every day. I’m proud to work alongside you and extremely grateful for your contributions, which drive Lincoln’s success and reputation for providing high-quality care.
I often say that our Nurses are the heart and soul of Lincoln, and every hospital, because I believe that nursing is where compassion and vulnerability come together.
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LINCOLN NEWS
MAY 2025
H3 Nurturing the Nurturers New Hues of Wellbeing Staff Enjoy Sip and Paint in Wellness Space
Staff at Lincoln Hospital recently traded their documents and meetings for paintbrushes during a “Paint and Sip” event held in the hospital’s dedicated Staff Wellness Space. The creative session, which saw participation from clinicians to administrative personnel, including the hospital’s CEO, offered a much-needed respite from the demanding environment of healthcare. The Staff Wellness Space at Lincoln Hospital is a materialization of the organization’s commitment to its employees’ well-being, providing a sanctuary for staff to de-stress and recharge. Initiatives like the paint and sip underscore the recognized value of such spaces in fostering a healthier work-life balance. The pressures on hospital workers are significant. Studies have shown that a high percentage of healthcare workers report stress and burnout, with figures from a recent study from the CDC indicating that nearly half of health workers felt burned out in 2022. This can lead to increased risks of errors, lower job satisfaction, and higher turnover rates. By providing accessible and engaging stress- reduction activities, Lincoln Hospital is proactively addressing these critical issues, aiming to improve both staff well-being and the quality of patient care.
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MAY 2025
H3
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MAY 2025
Fiesta Fun
Resonating with the lively sounds of a Mariachi band and the captivating movements of the Jarabe Tapatío during its recent Cinco de Mayo celebration. The event, a vibrant tribute to Mexican culture, was held in partnership with the Consulado General de México en Nueva York, fostering a strong sense of community. Staff, patients, and community members gathered to enjoy the festive performances and celebrate the rich heritage of Mexico. Adding to the significance of the occasion, Lincoln Hospital CEO Cristina Contreras delivered a powerful speech. She reaffirmed the hospital’s unwavering commitment to serving the
Mexican community and underscored the vital role Lincoln Hospital plays in
providing accessible, quality healthcare to all individuals, regardless of their background. The celebration was a testament to the hospital’s dedication to cultural inclusivity and community engagement, strengthening bonds and celebrating diversity.
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MAY 2025
Nurses Month
A s we celebrate National Nurses Month, I want to take a moment to recognize the extraordinary dedication and compassion our Lincoln Nurses bring to patient care every single day. Their expertise, resilience, and unwavering commitment to healing make the difference between a patient’s fear and their hope, between uncertainty and comfort. You have adapted to new challenges, embraced innovation, and continued to provide exceptional care while supporting one another as a team. The professionalism and advocacy for our patients exemplify the very best of our profession. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your steadfast commitment to excellence. You make me proud to be part of this remarkable nursing team, and I’m honored to serve alongside each of you.
With gratitude and respect,
Joanne Desire MSN, RNC Interim Chief Nurse Officer
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MAY 2025
LINCOLN NEWS BEING THE CHANGE A WEEK DEDICATED TO OUR PEACE KEEPERS 12 | |
MAY 2025
T his month we’ve taken the opportunity to celebrate and
recognize the invaluable contributions of our dedicated Hospital Police force. More than just security, these officers are crucial peacekeepers, fostering a safe and secure environment for both patients and staff alike. Their committed presence provides a sense of calm and order within the often- hectic hospital setting. Highlighting the diverse responsibilities these officers undertake daily – from de-escalating tense situations with compassion and professionalism to ensuring the smooth flow of operations. They are often the first point of contact in emergencies, responding with courage and efficiency. Lincoln Hospital proudly emphasizes the vital role its police
force plays in maintaining a healing atmosphere, where patients can focus on recovery and staff can perform their duties without undue concern for their safety. This celebration serves as a heartfelt thank you for their commitment to protecting the well-being of the entire hospital community, truly embodying their role as guardians of peace within Lincoln’s walls. Their dedication does not go unnoticed and is deeply appreciated.
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MAY 2025
Community Cares for Babies Cherishing New Chapters Access to comprehensive maternal care is vital for healthy beginnings, yet disparities persist. In the South Bronx, challenges such as higher rates of preterm births (11.0% in 2023) and infant mortality (5.2 per 1,000 live births, exceeding citywide rates) underscore the critical need for community support and resources for expecting families to ensure better newborn care outcomes.
Lincoln Hospital recently hosted a heartwarming giveaway baby shower, showering expectant parents from the community with essential gifts for their upcoming arrivals. The joyful event provided a much-needed boost for families, offering everything from diapers and wipes to clothing and other newborn necessities. This initiative by Lincoln Hospital highlights its commitment to supporting growing families in the South Bronx, ensuring they feel celebrated and better equipped for the journey of parenthood.
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LINCOLN NEWS
MAY 2025
Healers Hit The Pavement Stepping Up for Lung Health in NYC
This chronic exposure to pollutants has tangible consequences for residents’ respiratory well-being. Studies have consistently shown higher rates of asthma hospitalizations and emergency department visits for asthma in the South Bronx, particularly among children. The prevalence of adult asthma in some South Bronx neighborhoods is also notably elevated. Air pollution exacerbates existing lung conditions and can contribute to the development of new ones, making community engagement and advocacy for cleaner air and better lung health resources all the more critical. By participating in the LUNG FORCE Walk, the Lincoln Hospital team not only raised funds but also stood in solidarity with their community, underscoring the urgent need for cleaner air and better lung health outcomes, particularly for the vulnerable populations they serve daily. Their presence highlighted the hospital’s dedication to tackling these pressing health issues both clinically and through active community engagement.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Lewis Marshall and staff from Lincoln proudly participated in the recent LUNG FORCE Walk in New York City, in their commitment to raising awareness for lung disease and promoting respiratory health within the community. The LUNG FORCE Walk, an initiative by the American Lung Association, unites communities across the nation to raise awareness and critical funding for research, advocacy, and education aimed at combating lung cancer— the leading cause of cancer death—and other debilitating lung diseases like asthma and COPD. The South Bronx, an area served by Lincoln Hospital, faces particular challenges. Decades of environmental factors, including heavy vehicular traffic from major highways and industrial emissions, have contributed to significantly poorer air quality compared to other parts of New York City.
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MAY 2025
EMS Week
The Golden Hour Guardians
Our Dedicated EMS Heroes!
Day and night, Lincoln Hospital’s Emergency Medical Services team stands ready, providing critical, life-saving care on the front lines. These dedicated professionals are often the first to respond, bringing skill, compassion, and rapid intervention directly to our community when every second counts. Their unwavering commitment ensures patients receive expert care from the moment an emergency strikes, embodying the spirit of service and making an immeasurable difference in countless lives throughout the Bronx. We proudly honor their vital contributions and profound impact.
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LINCOLN NEWS
MAY 2025
National Speech-Language-Hearing Month
The Journey to Clear Communication
During National Speech- Language-Hearing Month, Lincoln Hospital proudly recognizes and celebrates the exceptional dedication of our Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology department. These skilled professionals are instrumental in helping patients of all ages overcome communication and swallowing disorders, profoundly impacting their quality of life and ability to connect with the world. Their expertise is a beacon of hope within our Bronx community. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and audiologists address a wide spectrum of
challenges. For patients, this means regaining speech after a stroke, helping children with language delays find their voice, or assisting individuals with hearing loss to improve communication. They also provide critical care for swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), a significant concern for many, including post-stroke patients and up to 50-75% of nursing home residents, ensuring safe nutrition. The impact of these services is vast. Nationally, an estimated 40 million Americans experience communication
disorders, and nearly 1 in 12 children has had a disorder related to voice, speech, language, or swallowing. Furthermore, about 15% of American adults report hearing trouble. The interventions by Lincoln Hospital’s speech- language-hearing experts empower individuals to participate more fully in daily life, from basic communication improves clinical outcomes, fosters independence, and enhances overall well-being, making a tangible daily difference for our patients. to education and social interactions. Their work
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LINCOLN NEWS
MAY 2025
GDLU Violence Down, Community Lifted
The impactful work of Guns Down, Life Up, an initiative rooted in Lincoln Hospital, received state-level recognition as Assembly woman Amanda Septimo invited members to Albany. This honor celebrated their remarkable achievement: 724 consecutive days without a shooting in their South Bronx catchment area, a testament to their dedicated community engagement and violence interruption efforts. The South Bronx has historically faced disproportionately
high rates of gun violence. For instance, recent data (as of May 2025 for the Bronx overall) indicated 108 people shot and 23 killed year-to- date, with a concerning rise in youth involvement, including 41 teens arrested for gun- related charges according to News 12 Bronx. Such pervasive violence doesn’t just create victims; it casts a long shadow of trauma. Young people exposed to frequent gun violence can suffer from PTSD, anxiety, and depression, leading to a normalization
of violence and a sense of hopelessness that impacts their development and future prospects. The constant threat erodes community trust and safety, making achievements like those of Guns Down, Life Up profoundly significant. Their success offers a vital counter- narrative and a blueprint for healing, demonstrating that focused, community-based efforts can reclaim public spaces and foster environments where young people can thrive, free from the daily fear of gun violence.
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MAY 2025
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MAY 2025
WELLNESS WITHIN REACH MENTAL HEALTH FAIR
as outpatient counseling, psychiatric care, and crisis intervention programs.
Lincoln Hospital recently hosted a vibrant Mental Health Fair, inviting the community to engage with healthcare professionals and learn more about the comprehensive mental health services available. The event emphasized mental health awareness, aiming to break down stigma and encourage open conversations about emotional well-being. Attendees had the opportunity to explore various resources, interact with Lincoln Hospital’s staff, and gain insights into recognizing signs of mental
Informational booths provided valuable materials on managing stress, anxiety, depression, and other common conditions. By bringing these resources directly to the community, our focus is to make mental health care more accessible and approachable. Understanding that seeking help is a sign of strength, it’s important to know that support is available. education, support groups, and advocacy.
health challenges and pathways to support.
The fair highlighted Lincoln’s commitment to holistic health, showcasing services such
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FROM LINCOLN’S HELM TO LEHMAN’S HIGHEST HONOR
C ristina Contreras, the CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/ Lincoln, recently received a prestigious Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from her alma mater, Lehman College. The recognition, bestowed during Lehman’s commencement ceremony, celebrated Contreras’ exceptional leadership in healthcare and her profound impact on the Bronx community. As a proud Lehman alumna, the honor held special significance for Ms. Contreras, who has risen to become a prominent figure in New York City’s healthcare landscape. In her inspiring acceptance speech, Ms. Contreras spoke candidly about her journey. She highlighted the rarity of being a woman of color in a CEO position, acknowledging the
unique set of challenges and responsibilities that accompany such a role. With a message of empowerment, she passionately encouraged women, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to break barriers and to not be afraid of pursuing high-level positions. Ms. Contreras emphasized the importance of resilience, mentorship, and unwavering belief in one’s capabilities. Looking to the future and deepening her connection with Lehman College, CEO Contreras also recently forged a stronger partnership between Lincoln Hospital and the institution, by launching a paid internship program for college students interested in careers in healthcare. The Leadership
(LEARN) Program at Lincoln provides college students with an opportunity to gain valuable skills and hands-on experience in hospital administration, allowing them to learn, gain practical experience, and contribute to the vital mission of providing quality healthcare to the community. This initiative aims to nurture the next generation of healthcare leaders from within the Bronx, further solidifying the bond between the two anchor institutions. As the program grows, we will partner with additional colleges, students currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate degree program at a college, community college, or university. especially in the Bronx, to provide opportunities for
Education Administrative Rotation and Networking
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LINCOLN NEWS
A Toast to Tradition Celebrating Generations: Jewish Heritage Month
Lincoln Hospital recently hosted a vibrant Jewish Heritage Month celebration, honoring the rich traditions and contributions of the Jewish community. The event filled the air with the joyful sounds of live music, creating a festive atmosphere for staff and guests. Attendees also enjoyed a delightful spread of kosher food, sharing in a meaningful cultural experience. This wonderful gathering is our commitment to diversity and inclusion, bringing people together to celebrate heritage and foster understanding within our community.
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MAY 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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