In tribute to culture and partnership, NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln recently hosted a special African Heritage Celebration. The event brought together esteemed African community members, representatives, and hospital leadership to honor the rich, diverse cultures of the African diaspora and to strengthen the bond between the hospital and the community it serves. Addressing the attendees, CEO Cristina Contreras reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to enhancing inclusivity for the African community. She outlined key goals, including expanding language services to better accommodate the multitude of languages spoken by the African diaspora and actively working to grow more culturally sensitive support systems within the hospital. The message was powerfully echoed by Chief Nursing Officer Irene Ondieki. Drawing from her professional experience and her personal perspective as a proud Kenyan, Ms. Ondieki emphasized the necessity of these initiatives and voiced her full support for the community’s needs. The event’s significance was underscored by the attendance of distinguished guests, including Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, Dr. Elgoria Harrison of Lehman College, Mamadou Drame of the Senegalese Association, and Deputy Commissioner of Community Affairs for the Mayor’s Office, Famod Konneh. Their presence highlighted a shared vision for a healthcare environment where every individual feels truly seen, heard, and respected. Celebrating African Heritage
SEPTEMBER 2025 | 20 |
LINCOLN NEWS
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator