LINCOLN news June 2025
A MONTH OF CARE AND PRIDE
IN THIS ISSUE Fathers Day Celebration GME Residency Graduation New Employee Lounge Spaces Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade Gun Violence Awareness Month
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A Message from Cristina Contreras, LMSW, MPA, FABC Chief Executive Officer
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June is Pride Month, a time to honor the diversity of our community and demonstrate our support and respect for our LGBTQ+ colleagues, patients and their family members. As part of the NYC Health + Hospital System, Pride Month directly aligns with our mission, vision and values. At Lincoln, your gender identity matters—and so does your health. We have a long history of providing care to the LGBTQ+, transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) community. From hormone therapy to mental health services, we provide safe, gender affirming care for LGBTQ+ New Yorkers. Lincoln was one of the first municipal hospitals to open a health center dedicated to the health care of LGBTQ+ patients, including gender-affirming surgeries and access to hormone therapy. Today, our Pride Health Center is a dedicated, safe space in the facility – staffed with providers who are trained in compassionate, inclusive care – where LGBTQ+ and TGNC patients can access individual and family-based care with empathy, dignity and respect. We’re also honored that Lincoln has been consistently recognized as an LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader by the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer civil rights organization. Health care is a human right, and during Pride Month and every month, we will continue working to ensure everyone can access the quality health care they need, including gender-affirming care, without fear of discrimination. We are committed to improving the health of all individuals we serve and we are proud to be part of an organization that believes in ongoing efforts to build an ever-more inclusive community. People don’t seek care if they don’t feel safe and welcome, and this barrier impacts health outcomes. Therefore, culturally-competent healthcare, especially for historically underserved communities, can make significant differences in health outcomes. Together, we can continue to break barriers, challenge norms, and foster a future where everyone can be their authentic selves.
We’re honored that Lincoln has been consistently recognized as an LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader by the Human Rights Campaign
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DOCTORS DAY PHYSICIAN OF THE YEAR
SPOTLIGHTS
Dimitris Giannaris, MD Chief of Anesthesiology On Doctors’ Day, we proudly honor Dr. Dimitris Giannaris, Chair of Anesthesiology at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln. Inspired by his father’s career in the city’s public hospital system, Dr. Giannaris’s motivation has always been simple: “I want to help people.” Since joining Lincoln in 2009, he has found his greatest pride in training the next generation of physicians, ensuring the profession is left “better and brighter.” He champions humility as a key to excellence, wisely noting, “I will one day be the patient in someone else’s hands, so we must work together to keep on improving.” Congratulations, Dr. Giannaris, on this well-deserved recognition. Thank you for your service to our patients, community, and the future of medicine.
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LEADERSHIP APPOINTMENTS
Monique Collier Nickles, MD Deputy Chief, Ambulatory Care Monique Collier Nickles, MD, is a board- certified adolescent medicine specialist and Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medical College. She is Chief of Pediatric and Adolescent Ambulatory Care at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln (Bronx). A Benjamin Banneker Scholar at the University of Maryland (Phi Beta Kappa), she earned her MD from Rutgers Medical School, completed pediatric residency at NY Presbyterian/Columbia, and an adolescent medicine fellowship at Children’s Hospital at Montefiore/Albert Einstein. Dr. Nickles oversees pediatric and adolescent care at Lincoln, providing primary care, reproductive, and consultative services. Her academic interests include patient-physician relationships, immunizations, quality improvement, and health technology. She is active in community outreach (Bronx Teen Connection, Reach Out and Read, etc.) and serves on the Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey Board. Her work has earned recognition from numerous organizations, including NYC H+H/Lincoln and the Bronx Medical Society. Dr. Nickles is married with three children and enjoys reading, exercise, travel, and time with loved ones.
I started my career with H+H on 3/2005 in Central Office. During my time at Central Office I was working with our Revenue Management Group leading many projects that are still being utilized throughout the Corporation such as 3M. From there, we were task with identifying a new integration engine to replace OPENLink; ENSMBLE was the new engine and I project managed that installation. While I continued working from Central Office supporting all Facilities, our Revenue Management Group, on 1/2016 I became a Site Director at North Central Bronx. I worked there with Cristina throughout COVID and was reassigned to two (2) Post- Acute Facilities, Henry J. Carter and Coler, on 9/2020. I headed our EITS there for 2 (two) years and Metropolitan was added to my portfolio on 3/2022. I supported Coler, Carter and Met for approximately 3 (three) years and on June of this year, I was asked to lead Lincoln Hospital’s EITS. Marvin Picon Senior Director, IT Network Infrastructure
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Lincoln Hospital Celebrates Father’s Day
Honoring The Men At Lincoln In a heartfelt tribute to its dedicated male workforce, NYC Health + Hospitals/ Lincoln hosted a special Father’s Day celebration this month, recognizing the vital role these men play both within the hospital and in their communities. The event served as a thank you, offering a well-deserved break with an afternoon of food, music, and relaxation. Attendees were treated to a variety of amenities designed to help them unwind, including professional chair massages and manicures—a unique and welcome offering. The festive atmosphere underscored the hospital’s appreciation for its male staff members, celebrating their hard work and commitment to patient care. The keynote address was delivered by Assembly Member Landon Dais, who represents the 77th District in the Bronx. He spoke passionately about the importance of fatherhood and the critical need for positive male role models within families and the broader community. “The presence of strong, supportive men shapes the future,” Dais stated, “and the men working here at Lincoln are not only caregivers but also powerful examples of compassion and responsibility.”
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GME Residency Graduation The Next Chapter
A powerful sense of accomplishment and community filled the air as NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln celebrated its Graduate Medical Education (GME) commencement, honoring over 100 resident physicians who successfully completed their intensive training programs. The graduation ceremony brought the new physicians and their proud families together to mark the pivotal transition from resident to attending physician, celebrating years of tireless work and dedication.
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Residency programs are the bedrock of the medical profession, providing the critical, hands-on training that shapes skilled and compassionate doctors. Residents are often the frontline of patient care, working long hours to diagnose, treat, and comfort patients. At a safety- net institution like Lincoln Hospital, which serves as a vital healthcare anchor for the Bronx, the role of these physicians is even more profound. They are the engine of the hospital, delivering essential care to a diverse and often underserved population, and their commitment is fundamental to the hospital’s ability to fulfill its community- focused mission. The Lincoln Hospital residency program is renowned for preparing physicians to excel in
their professional pursuits, acknowledging the rigorous journey they had just completed. Dr. Katz also imparted a vital message for their futures. He reminded the new physicians of their profound responsibility to remain pillars of healing and hope for the communities they will serve. He urged them to carry the mission of public service forward, ensuring that everyone, especially the most vulnerable, has access to quality care. As the graduates now embark on the next chapter of their careers, they do so with a celebrated past and a mission-driven purpose.
expertise and empathy.
The ceremony was made especially memorable by the attendance of Dr. Mitchell Katz, President and CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals. In his keynote address, Dr. Katz lauded the graduates for their perseverance and the immense value of their work. He offered heartfelt congratulations on
demanding, high-volume environments, equipping
them with the skills to address complex health challenges with
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A Place to Recharge
New Spaces for Staff Wellness
Lincoln Hospital celebrated the grand opening of a new employee lounge, physician lounge, and expanded gym. A major step in an ongoing initiative to enhance the staff experience. The newly constructed spaces are designed to provide hospital employees with a dedicated place to recharge, connect, and focus on their well-being during demanding workdays. The multi-faceted spaces are tailored to staff needs. The modern employee gym is fully equipped with new cardio and strength-training equipment, allowing staff to maintain their physical health. Adjacent to the gym is a private doctors’ lounge, offering physicians a quiet area to decompress. The project also includes a spacious and comfortable eating area for all general staff, providing a proper place to break away from clinical settings. This project is a cornerstone of the new administration’s commitment to investing directly in its workforce. Recognizing the pressures faced by healthcare professionals, leadership has championed a series of projects aimed at improving the daily work environment. By providing tangible resources that support both physical and mental health, working to boost morale, reduce burnout, and show appreciation for the team’s relentless dedication. The opening of these new lounges and gym is more than an upgrade in amenities; it’s a clear message that the well-being of every Lincoln employee is a top priority, ensuring they have the support needed to continue providing excellent care to the Bronx community.
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Our Community Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade
S ounds of bomba and plena filled the air as NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln proudly marched in the annual Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade. A sea of red, white, and blue accompanied the hospital’s float, which celebrated the profound connection between the medical center and the borough’s vibrant Puerto Rican community. Decked out in festive colors, a large and energetic contingent from Lincoln Hospital marched alongside
the parade route. The hospital’s participation was more than just a celebration; it was a visible representation of its long-standing commitment to the health and well-being of the Bronx’s Puerto Rican population. For generations, Lincoln Hospital has been a pillar of health in the Bronx, serving as a trusted healthcare provider for countless Puerto Rican families. The parade provided a unique opportunity for hospital personnel to engage with residents outside of a clinical setting, sharing smiles, waving flags, and distributing health and wellness information. The hospital’s presence
underscored the deep cultural significance of the parade, honoring the community’s rich heritage, resilience, and spirit. This participation served as a joyful affirmation of the hospital’s role not just as a healthcare provider, but as a deeply integrated community partner. The event successfully highlighted Lincoln’s dual identity as both a vital health institution and a dedicated neighbor.
their custom float down the Grand Concourse. They were greeted with
enthusiastic cheers from the thousands of spectators lining
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Recognizing Lincoln’s vital roles in the community A Shared Commitment To The South Bronx
Reinforcing a vital partnership, Congressman Ritchie Torres met with NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln CEO Cristina Contreras and the hospital’s leadership team. The meeting focused on identifying key areas where the Congressman can support the essential work Lincoln performs for the South Bronx community. Hospital leadership presented the critical healthcare needs of the diverse communities that make up the 15th Congressional District. The discussion underscored Lincoln’s multifaceted role in the region: not only as a major Level 1 Trauma Center providing life-saving care, but also as a primary provider of comprehensive health services
and a powerful economic engine for the borough.
The Lincoln team expressed sincere gratitude for the Congressman’s attentiveness and his long-standing support for the hospital’s mission. This collaborative dialogue highlights a shared commitment to improving health outcomes and addressing disparities in the South Bronx. Congressman Torres’s recognition of Lincoln’s indispensable role was deeply appreciated and marks another positive step in a crucial community partnership dedicated to the well-being of borough residents.
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Treating Violence as a Disease
A UNIFIED FRONT AGAINST VIOLENCE
In recognition of Gun Violence Awareness Month, NYC Health + Hospitals is unifying its Hospital-based Violence Interruption Programs (HVIPs) to create a standardized, multidisciplinary approach to treating victims of violent trauma. The initiative, in partnership with city agencies like the DYCD, aims to break cycles of violence by treating it as a public health crisis. The unified model utilizes a three-pronged approach. It begins with interruption at the patient’s bedside, where violence interruption experts work to prevent retaliation. The second phase focuses on long-term prevention through mentorship, job programs, and educational opportunities for at-risk youth. Finally, community engagement builds trust and fosters peace through grassroots outreach and events. This comprehensive strategy provides a continuum of care that extends far beyond the
hospital walls.
to commemorate victims and promote healing.
Currently active at five city hospitals—including Lincoln, Kings County, and Harlem— the HVIP network will expand to Bellevue and Elmhurst, covering all six of the system’s Level 1 trauma centers. This summer, the programs will also launch a collaborative mural project with artists Sheena Vaughn and William Bentley
NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO, Dr. Mitchell Katz, emphasized that this is a holistic public health response. “This effort is about more than stopping violence,” he stated. “It’s about building healthier communities, restoring trust, and ensuring every New Yorker has the opportunity to thrive.”
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SERVING HOPE
Guns Down Life Up (GDLU) hosted a spirited BBQ at Lincoln Hospital to mark Gun Violence Awareness Month. Community members and hospital staff gathered for food and celebration. The afternoon was a powerful testament to GDLU’s vital work in the Bronx, offering young people positive outlets and alternatives to street violence. Youth from the GDLU program took center stage, showcasing their talents through inspiring performances that captivated the crowd. They were joined by other invited guests who shared messages of peace and perseverance. Adding to the event’s significance, local leaders including Assembly Member Amanda Septimo, Harlem Hospital CEO George Leconte, and Jackie Rowe Adams, co-founder of Harlem Mothers S.A.V.E., were in attendance. All praised GDLU for its dedicated and successful work in the community, highlighting the program’s critical role in creating positive change and South Bronx’s youth.
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Lincoln Hospital Honors Juneteenth Celebrating Freedom With Song
NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln honored Juneteenth with a powerful celebration featuring a live gospel choir. The event commemorated June 19, 1865, the historic day when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned of their emancipation. The inclusion of a gospel choir was a particularly poignant tribute to this history. Gospel music is deeply rooted in the spirituals sung by enslaved African Americans, which were more than just songs; they were expressions of faith, resilience, and a yearning
for liberation. They often contained coded messages for escape and survival. Today, gospel music remains a powerful art form that embodies the journey from bondage to freedom. The uplifting performance at Lincoln served as a vibrant reminder of the spirit of Juneteenth, celebrating not just the historical declaration of freedom but the enduring cultural expressions that have sustained and uplifted Black communities for centuries. The event was a testament to remembrance, resilience, and joy.
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Healing With Pride BEYOND A
CELEBRATION
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Lincoln Hospital hosted a community event showcasing extensive health services and reaffirming its commitment to providing equitable and compassionate care for all New Yorkers. The event, held in the hospital’s main lobby, featured various informational tables where the public could learn about the diverse medical services available, with a special focus on the resources offered to the LGBTQ+ community through its specialized Pride Health Center. As hospital staff engaged with community members, they provided health screenings, educational materials, and a welcoming space for dialogue. A central highlight of the event was the table for the Lincoln Pride Health Center. Underscoring the center’s vital importance, Lincoln Hospital was recently honored with a proclamation from Governor Kathy Hochul for the Pride Clinic’s dedicated service to the LGBTQ+ community. This dedicated space is designed to address the unique healthcare needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) individuals with dignity and respect, offering services like primary care, hormone therapy, gender-affirming surgery referrals, HIV/STD testing, and mental health support. its
This initiative is a cornerstone of Lincoln Hospital’s mission to serve all communities, particularly those who are historically
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underserved. The hospital’s dedication is crucial in light of the significant health disparities faced by the LGBTQ+ community. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), LGBTQ+ individuals often experience higher rates of mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, frequently linked to stigma and discrimination. Furthermore, research from organizations like The Trevor Project highlights alarming statistics, with a 2024 survey indicating that a significant percentage of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year. Barriers to healthcare are also a major concern. A
2024 report from the Center for American Progress found that many LGBTQ+ individuals have faced discrimination in healthcare settings, leading to delayed or avoided care. Our mission at Lincoln Hospital is to provide the highest quality of healthcare to everyone, without exception. The services provided by our Pride Health Center are a vital part of that mission. We are here to offer a safe, affirming, and supportive environment for every single member of our community. Taking tangible steps to bridge the gap in healthcare access and quality for the LGBTQ+ population is a step to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.
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Mobile Care for the Bronx Meeting Patients Where They Are
NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln is actively addressing the health needs of the South Bronx’s most vulnerable residents through its Street Health Outreach and Wellness (SHOW) mobile unit. This program brings crucial, free medical care and social support directly to community members experiencing homelessness, breaking down traditional barriers to healthcare access. Operating on a proactive, patient-centered model, the SHOW mobile unit meets people where they are, without the need for appointments, insurance, or payment. Onboard, individuals can access a range of immediate services, including wound care, urgent medical consultations, substance use treatment referrals, and essential hygiene supplies. The program is designed to be a safe and welcoming first point of contact for those disconnected from the healthcare system. The van is staffed by a dedicated, multidisciplinary team from Lincoln Hospital, including a nurse practitioner, a social worker, an addiction counselor, and a community health worker. Their primary goal extends beyond immediate care; they work to build trust with each individual, fostering a relationship that serves as a bridge
to comprehensive, long-term services within Lincoln Hospital’s network.
This initiative is a vital component of the city’s public health strategy to support unsheltered New Yorkers. By taking healthcare to the streets, the SHOW program aims to reverse the severe physical and mental health challenges faced by this population, helping them build a sustainable path toward recovery and overall well-being.
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We are thrilled to congratulate Cristina Contreras MPA, LMSW, FABC, CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln, on her inclusion in Becker’s Hospital Review’s list of top hospital leaders. This national recognition highlights her incredible impact on our city’s public health system and her profound commitment to serving the Bronx. Congratulations on this well-earned honor!
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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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