Contact:

Nicole Russell
Public Relations Coordinator
(201) 833-3284
n-russell@mail.holyname.org

Teaneck, NJ – July 29, 2011 – Holy Name Medical Center (HNMC) has received the 2011 Maternity Care Specialty Excellence Award™ from HealthGrades, which ranks the Medical Center among the top 5% in the nation for maternity care outcomes. Holy Name also received HealthGrades’ 5-Star rating for gynecological surgery for 2011. HNMC is one of only three hospitals in New Jersey to receive these citations from HealthGrades, an independent source of physician information and hospital quality outcomes.

Gynecological surgery rankings are based on a HealthGrades report that finds women who undergo gyn surgery at 5-Star rated hospitals experience 35% fewer complications. A five-star ranking indicates that a hospital’s actual performance was “better than predicted and the difference was statistically significant.”

“Delivering high-performance, comprehensive care is all about offering the full continuum of services within a framework that emphasizes quality and safety,” says Michael Maron, President/CEO of Holy Name Medical Center. “In maternity, that starts during the pre-conception period and carries through post-delivery. In gynecologic surgery, it begins with the goal of prevention and, when that’s not possible, early diagnosis, timely treatment and regular follow-up monitoring. We’ve made exciting progress in women’s health over the last year, offering new and enhanced services, and it’s gratifying to see those efforts recognized.”

Contact:
Maureen Curran Kleinman
Marketing and Communications
(201) 291-6310
mcurran@valleyhealth.com

The Valley Hospital is proud to announce that 114 members of the hospital’s Medical Staff have been named on the first "Top Doctors" list issued by U.S. News & World Report.

U.S. News Media Group today announced U.S. News Top Doctors, a free searchable directory available at www.usnews.com/top-doctors that lists nearly 30,000 peer-nominated physicians across the country.

The U.S. News list was developed in collaboration with Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., the publisher of America's Top Doctors and other guides. The list draws from Castle Connolly’s database of Top Doctors, all recommended for their clinical skills by other doctors and reviewed by Castle Connolly's physician-led research team.

Celebrate National Health Center Week with CHN
August 7 - 13, 2011

Federally Qualified Health Centers, such as CHN, have a 45-year record of health centers in providing affordable, high quality, cost-effective health care to all people, regardless of ability to pay.

Helen B. Atkinson Health Center
August 6 - Healthy Harlem Summer Sizzler '11
8 am - 6 pm
81 W. 115th Street, Harlem

Queens Health Center
August 8 - Community Health Fair
11 am - 3 pm
97-04 Sutphin Blvd, Queens

Dr. Betty Shabazz Health Center
August 9 - Fifth Annual Street Fair
10 am - 2 pm
999 Blake Ave., Brooklyn
CABS Health Center
August 10 - Health Fair
10 am - 1:30 pm
94-98 Manhattan Ave., Brooklyn

Downtown Health Center Events
August 11 - Third Annual Health Awareness Block Party
1 pm - 4 pm
150 Essex Street, Manhattan

CBO's interested in tabling, contact Denise Ortiz at dortiz@chnnyc.org

Caribbean House Health Center
August 11 - Health Fair with Affinity Health Plan
10 am - 3 pm
1167 Nostrand Ave., Brooklyn

Long Island City Health Plan
August 11 - Community Health Fair
1 pm - 4 pm
36-11 21st Street, Long Island City

Bronx Health Center Events
August 12 - Fourth Annual Bronx Health Fair
10 am - 3 pm
975 Westchester Ave., Bronx

Community League Health Center
August 12 - Health Fair with Project Renewal
11 am - 3 pm
1996 Amsterdam Ave., Washington Heights

Contact:
Maureen Curran Kleinman
Marketing and Communications
(201) 291-6310
mcurran@valleyhealth.com

Ridgewood, NJ – July 27, 2011 – Two individuals from The Valley Hospital are among the nearly 30 clinical and administrative leaders from across the country who have been selected to participate in the 10th class of the American Hospital Association-National Patient Safety Foundation Comprehensive Patient Safety Leadership Fellowship. Mitchell Rubinstein, M.D., Vice President of Medical Affairs, and Daniel Brancato, Radiation Oncology Supervisor at The Valley Hospital, were selected as Comprehensive Patient Safety Leadership Fellows for 2011-2012.

The Fellowship is an intensive, year-long professional development program for senior practitioners looking to increase their capacity to lead patient safety improvement initiatives and accelrate positive change in their organizations.  The program is one of the nation's foremost leadership development programs in patient safety.

Contact:
Maureen Curran Kleinman
Marketing and Communications
(201) 291-6310
mcurran@valleyhealth.com

Ridgewood, NJ – July 27, 2011 – Three oral and maxillofacial surgeons on The Valley Hospital's Medical Staff were included in New Jersey Monthly magazine's list of "Top Dentists."  This year's list, which was published in the July 2011 issue of the magazine, represents 323 dental practitioners in nine specialities.

Every year, New Jersey Monthly surveys the state's dentists to learn which of their peers they would recommend to treat a family member.  For this year's list of Top Dentists, New Jersey Monthly commissioned an independent survey of the state's dentists by Leflein Associates Inc., a Ringwood-based research firm.

Contact:

Sonia Nayak

Public Affairs

(718) 780-5367

sdn9002@nyp.org

Brooklyn, NY – July 27, 2011 – Edmund Giegerich, M.D., joined NYM as chief of endocrinology and vice chairman of medicine on July 1st.

The field of endocrinology—the care of hormone disorders, including type 1 and type 2 diabetes, thyroid diseases, and pituitary gland dysfunction—has, in recent years, gained prominence because of the increasing obesity problem in America.  Obesity is directly linked with a rise in type II diabetes.

Dr. Giegerich, who specializes in the care of diabetes, has himself, had type1 diabetes since he was 17 and is devoted to delivering both medical assistance and education about the disease. “Learning about the disease you have is one of the most important steps to recovery,” he said. 

Contact:

Amy Massimo

Director, Public Affairs

(845) 348-2773

massimoa@nyackhospital.org

Nyack, NY – July 25, 2011 – Nyack Hospital and the Nyack Hospital Medical Staff honored two of its prestigious physicians with its annual Physician of the Year award at a recent celebration event held at The Bowery Hotel in New York City.  Paul Walker, M.D., F.A.C.P., and Michael Rader, M.D., were honored amongst a crowd of nearly 200 friends, family and colleagues who recognized their important contributions to Nyack Hospital and their commitment to caring for the community.

Captions:  

(Photo, left) Roger Raichelson, MD, President of the Nyack Hospital Medical Staff, Honoree Michael Radar, MD, and David Freed, DHA, President & CEO, Nyack Hospital

(Photo, right) Roger Raichelson, MD, President of the Nyack Hospital Medical Staff, Honoree Paul Walker, MD, and David Freed, DHA, President & CEO, Nyack Hospital

Contact:

Maureen Curran Kleinman

Marketing and Communications

(201) 291-6310

mcurran@valleyhealth.com

Ridgewood, NJ – July 25, 2011 – Thoracic surgeons at The Valley Hospital Lung Cancer Center now offer a new minimally invasive procedure for the detection and diagnosis of early-stage lung cancer. The superDimension® lung navigation system enables surgeons to reach previously inaccessible lesions deep in the lungs without the need for high-risk invasive procedures.

“Lung cancer can be difficult to treat because it is often not detected until it has reached an advanced stage,” says Robert J. Korst, M.D., Medical Director of the Daniel and Gloria Blumenthal Cancer Center and Director of Thoracic Surgery at Valley. “The superDimension procedure provides us with an additional tool to diagnose lung cancer at an early stage, when treatment is most likely to be successful.”

The superDimension® electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy procedure uses GPS-like technology to enable surgeons to steer a small catheter through the mouth, down the trachea and into the deepest are areas of the lungs. Replacing the need for high-risk invasive procedures, such as chest needle biopsies and open surgeries, superDimension revolutionizes the treatment of lung cancer, enabling earlier lung cancer diagnosis, which increases the chance of survival.  It also eliminated the need for the lengthy (and stressful) “watchful waiting” approach traditionally taken after finding a small spot deep in the lung on a thoracic CAT (CT) scan.

“This is a significant advance in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer,” said thoracic surgeon Benjamin Lee, M.D.  “It is particularly significant for patients who have a lung lesion that is hard to reach, or who cannot tolerate a more invasive procedure.”

The Lung Cancer Center at The Valley Hospital provides the most up-to-date and comprehensive program for patients with lung cancer, and even for those who are at risk for the disease. Many of our services are based at the outpatient Daniel & Gloria Blumenthal Cancer Center, located at Valley’s Robert & Audrey Luckow Pavilion in Paramus. For more information about the superDimension technology or the programs and services available at The Valley Hospital Lung Cancer Center, please call 201-634-5538.

Contact:

Alisa White Holland

Communications

(914) 787-5004

aholland@lawrencehealth.org

Bronxville, NY – July 21, 2011 – Lawrence Medical Associates (LMA), a new multi-specialty physician practice affiliated with Lawrence Hospital Center in Bronxville, is expanding. According to Gerald A. Ridge, MD, Medical Director of LMA, the original group of board certified physicians in Internal and Geriatric medicine, has grown to include other specialists who are board certified in Internal Medicine, Oncology, and Cardiology. Joining the practice are Valneo Buttari, MD: Debabrata Dutta, MD; Braulio Flores, MD; Anthony Provenzano, MD; and Susan Santry, MD. The physician practice has three locations: 685 White Plains Road, Eastchester (tel. 787.4100); 77 Pondfield Road, Bronxville (tel. 337.4986); and One Pondfield Road West, Bronxville (tel. 961.3421).  In addition to offering patients the highest quality medical care in friendly, modern, and professional settings, the practice includes services inside the recently renovated Eastchester offices which are conveniently located with plenty of free parking. To learn more about Lawrence Medical Associates, visit lawrencemed.com.

Caption:

(Back Row) Gerald A. Ridge, MD; Braulio Flores, MD; Anthony Provenzano, MD; and Louis P. Caragine, MD.

(Front Row) Kerrianne P. Page, MD; Debabrata Dutta, MD; D. Anne Galloway, MD; Oana P. Hantar, MD; and Angel Rodriguez, MD. Not pictured Valneo Buttari, MD and Susan Santry, MD.

Contact:

Alisa White Holland

Communications

(914) 787-5004

aholland@lawrencehealth.org

Bronxville, NY – July 21, 2011 – Lawrence Hospital Center has been designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology (ACR). It is now one of only a handful of Centers of Excellence in women’s imaging in all of Westchester County. By awarding facilities the status of a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, the ACR recognizes breast imaging centers that have earned accreditation in mammography, stereotactic breast biopsy, and breast ultrasound (including ultrasound-guided breast biopsy). Peer-review evaluations, conducted in each breast imaging modality by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field, have determined that Lawrence’s Women’s Imaging Center has achieved high practice standards in image quality, personnel qualifications, facility equipment, quality control procedures, and quality assurance programs. The ACR is a national professional organization serving more than 34,000 diagnostic/interventional radiologists, radiation oncologists, nuclear medicine physicians, and medical physicists with programs focusing on the practice.

Caption: Clinicians performing a test on a patient inside Lawrence Hospital’s Women’s Imaging Center.

Contact:

Alisa White Holland

Communications

(914) 787-5004

aholland@lawrencehealth.org

Bronxville, NY – July 21, 2011 – Shirley Stagner, MSN, ONP, AOCNP has been appointed to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) Technical Expert Panel (TEP) for Prospective Payment System (PPS)-Exempt Cancer Hospitals Quality Measures Development. Yes, it’s a long title and a prestigious assignment to boot. Shirley, who is the Director of the Cancer Survivorship Program at LHC, has joined 11 others from around the country to develop a new set of quality measures for 11 top cancer hospitals in the U.S. The team has already developed its first set of measures that have been submitted to CMS for review. They will also be posted for public comment on its website. The goal is to have the measures finalized and disseminated to the cancer hospitals by October 2012. According to Shirley, the CMS wants to establish a certain threshold for cancer hospitals to meet to assure quality as well as advance cancer care. This is just the first step for Shirley’s team. They are expected to identify additional measures and continue their work for three to five years. In case you didn’t know, this is an important body of work that will have repercussions on cancer care at hospitals around the nation - including Lawrence Hospital Center.

Contact:
Cynthia Bacon
(718) 670-2515
crm9002@nyp.org

Flushing, NY – July 21, 2011 – Physicians at New York Hospital Queens have begun using a new minimally invasive, incisionless procedure, to treat patients diagnosed with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), the most common cause of "heartburn."

The new procedure, called Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF), can be a more permanent solution to treating GERD.

GERD, also known as acid reflux, occurs when stomach acids flow up from the stomach into the esophagus. A dysfunctional valve between the stomach and esophagus is often the cause of the problem. Valve dysfunction can develop for any number of reasons, most common is the natural aging process.

According to a recent Gallup survey, heartburn affects about 40 percent of all adults in the U.S. (more than 100 million). Medications may be an effective treatment for some individuals, but not all.

Using the TIF procedure, a surgical device is inserted into the body from the mouth and is threaded down the throat to the point where the stomach and esophagus meet. No incisions are necessary. The device pulls and fastens a tissue fold, repeatedly, to reconstruct a tight, anti-reflux valve.

Contact:

Amy Massimo

Director, Public Affairs

(845) 348-2773

massimoa@nyackhospital.org

Nyack, NY – July 20, 2011 – The Maternity Department at Nyack Hospital received a Certificate of Excellence from the New York State Department of Health for achieving 100% compliance with the New York State Public Health Law and Regulations for mandated hepatitis B documentation in all maternal and infant medical records.   

Caption:
Members of the Maternity Department team are shown with the Certificate of Excellence presented by Anne Friedman, Immunization Program, New York State Department of Health, and Tatiana Dolinsky, Immunization Program, Rockland County Department of Health.

The goals for this law are to ensure that all pregnant women are screened during each pregnancy, all infants born to Hepatitis B positive women are treated, Stat Testing is provided to women with unknown status and treatment for their infants, and all required reports are submitted to the Rockland County Department of Health.

In addition, Nyack Hospital achieved excellent compliance in meeting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee of Immunization Practices, recommendation that a birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine be administered universally to all infants. 

Nyack Hospital is a 375-bed community acute care medical and surgical hospital located in Rockland County, NY.  Founded in 1895, it is a member of the NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare System. For additional information, please visit our web site at www.nyackhospital.org.

Contact:

Maureen Curran Kleinman

Marketing and Communications

(201) 291-6310

mcurran@valleyhealth.com

Ridgewood, NJ.  – July 19, 2011 – A report released today by HealthGrades, the nation’s most trusted, independent source of physician information and hospital quality outcomes, named The Valley Hospital 5-star rated in gynecologic surgery.  HealthGrades’ report found that women who undergo gynecological surgery at 5-Star rated hospitals experience 35 percent fewer complications.  The Valley Hospital is committed to providing women with the highest possible quality care.   Earlier this year, HealthGrades also ranked Valley among the top five percent in the nation for women’s health for the 5^th consecutive year.

“We are very pleased to receive this recognition,” said Audrey Meyers, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Valley Hospital.  “It’s a wonderful reflection of the standard of care we provide to all our patients and a testament to the priority Valley staff and physicians place on achieving the highest-quality clinical outcomes, while delivering the most compassionate care.”

Contacts:

Bryan Dotson
(212) 305-5587
brd9005@nyp.org   

Kathleen Robinson
(212) 821-0560
krobinso@med.cornell.edu

New York, NY – July 19, 2011 – NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital ranks #1 in New York  and among the top six in the U.S. out of the nearly 5,000 hospitals evaluated by U.S. News Media & World Report for their 2011-12 Best Hospitals rankings.

One of the largest and most comprehensive medical centers in the nation, NewYork-Presbyterian is also listed on U.S. News' prestigious Honor Roll, which highlights medical centers that rank at or near the top in at least six specialties based on reputation, volume and other patient-care factors. It is the 11th consecutive year the Hospital has earned this distinction.

NewYork-Presbyterian is nationally ranked in Cancer; Cardiology & Heart Surgery; Diabetes & Endocrinology; Ear, Nose & Throat; Gastroenterology; Geriatrics; Gynecology; Nephrology; Neurology & Neurosurgery; Ophthalmology; Orthopedics; Psychiatry; Pulmonology; Rheumatology; and Urology. The Hospital is also ranked as high-performing in Rehabilitation.

"We are pleased to once again be ranked among the nation's best hospitals," says Dr. Herbert Pardes, President and CEO of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. "Patients at our Hospital are cared for by some of the world's leading physicians and surgeons who are dedicated to offering the most advanced treatment options in a compassionate and caring environment. Through our partnership with two of the nation's leading Ivy League medical schools -- Weill Cornell Medical College and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons -- our medical team is continually developing cutting-edge technologies and potentially life-saving therapies."

"Our patients and their families are our number one priority," says Dr. Steven J. Corwin, Executive Vice President and COO. "This special recognition from U.S. News reflects the steadfast commitment of our physicians, nurses and our entire staff to support patients as they face their biggest medical challenges."

Contact:

Nicole Russell
Public Relations Coordinator
(201) 833-3284
n-russell@mail.holyname.org

Teaneck, NJ – July 18, 2011 – Critical care and emergency medicine professionals have always celebrated “getting a patient back” from cardiac arrest. Unfortunately, that success sometimes brings with it lifelong deficits, as people deprived of oxygen can suffer brain damage with catastrophic results. But a technique that involves cooling the body temperature to the point of hypothermia can reduce the incidence of brain damage, increasing the chance for a normal quality of life for cardiac arrest patients whose lives would otherwise have been forever altered.

This month, Holy Name Medical Center (HNMC) established its new Hypothermic Therapy Program, which will be administered exclusively to eligible patients admitted through its Emergency Care Center. According to Holy Name’s Joe Giles, RN, MSN, CNE-BC, Administrative Director of Critical Care and Emergency Services, there are a variety of therapeutic hypothermia methods, but Holy Name will use the ThermoSuit® System, which involves placing the patient in an inflatable tub-like vessel (the ThermoSuit®), into which cold water and cubed ice are introduced. An esophageal probe monitors the patient’s core temperature, which is lowered to 93ºF for 30 minutes.

Contact:

Amy Massimo

Director, Public Affairs

(845) 348-2773

massimoa@nyackhospital.org

Nyack, NY – July 13, 2011 – Congratulations to Rachel Broudy of West Nyack, a member of Pearl River Troop 40578 Girl Scouts Heart of Hudson, who recently completed the requirements to receive the Girl Scout Gold Award.

Rachel’s project, “Pillows for Pink,” involved raising funds for materials to create heart-shaped pillows for distribution to breast cancer patients.  “I wanted to help breast cancer patients feel more comfortable,” stated Rachel.  In addition to raising funds for this project, Rachel coordinated a group of volunteers to help make the multi-colored and decorated pillows.

Caption

Shown, left to right: Marianne Walsh, RN, Assistant Nurse Manager; Nicola Smith, NP, Patient Navigator, The Breast Center; Rachel Broudy; Shari Siegel-Goldman, MD, Breast Imaging Specialist, The Breast Center; and Helen Rock, Administrative Director, The Breast Center

The Girl Scout Gold Award honors scouts age 14- 18 who complete a project that encompasses organizational, leadership, and networking skills, and sets the foundation for a lifetime of active citizenship. The project fulfills a need within each girl's community (whether local or global), creates change, and is something that becomes ongoing. “Pillows for Pink” met these strict requirements and had the added benefit of bringing joy to women receiving care at Nyack Hospital.

Congratulations to Rachel on completing this project. Nyack Hospital is proud of your accomplishment!

Nyack Hospital is a 375-bed community acute care medical and surgical hospital located in Rockland County, NY.  Founded in 1895, it is a member of the NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare System. For additional information, please visit our web site at www.nyackhospital.org.

Contact:
Mary Creagh
(845) 786-4225
creaghm@helenhayeshospital.org

West Haverstraw, NY – July 13, 2011 – Helen Hayes Hospital will host a free SaeboFlex seminar and screening on Friday September 16, 2011 from 1:00 to 4:30 pm at the physical rehabilitation hospital in West Haverstraw.  The event provides stroke and brain injury survivors, as well as individuals with other neurological conditions, the opportunity to be evaluated by a specially trained occupational therapist to determine if this revolutionary technology would benefit them. 

The SaeboFlex is a mechanical, dynamic hand orthosis that is designed to help those with no hand function and limited arm movement. It functions on a spring release system that enables the user to squeeze and release an object. Repetition with the device helps to improve strength throughout the arm and generates more brain involvement, ultimately helping to restore functional use of the hand.

Contact: 

Mary Fran Thaler, M.H.A., P.T.

Associate Administrator

(718) 581-1732

mthaler@hebrewhome.org

Riverdale, NY – July 12, 2011 – The Hebrew Home at Riverdale is the first long-term care facility in the United States to test a new technology called EverOn, an FDA-approved monitoring system, designed to alert on duty nurses to any negative health changes in a patient.

The device is a non-invasive sensor created by the Israeli technology company EarlySense that rests beneath residents’ mattresses and measures their heart rate, respiratory rate and body movement while they are in bed.  The device, which is flat and unobtrusive, is connected to a monitoring system that in turn connects to monitors strategically located throughout the patient unit.  Nursing staff receive audible and visual alerts when levels are above or below the physician defined range.

The technology is able to monitor:

Heart and Respiratory Rates—Individual thresholds are set depending upon the unique parameters of the patient.  If the rate goes above or below that set threshold, the device sends an alert to the on duty nurse through a pager.  The nurse immediately evaluates why the rate may have fluctuated and assesses whether medical intervention such as administering medication or taking an x-ray is needed. 

Body Movement—With motion, there is no threshold but staff sets sensitivity levels depending upon what is the norm for each individual.  If the patient is prone to falls, the threshold is set to low.  If the alert goes off, the on duty nurse and nursing assistant are notified immediately by pager and can address the situation.

EarlySense device helps to identify subtle signs of developing infection, reminds staff when a patient needs to be turned and positioned, alerts the staff when a patient is getting out of bed, helps assess pain in patients with dementia and overall, prevents avoidable hospitalizations and reduces associated healthcare costs.

The Hebrew Home is currently in the middle of a six month clinical trial ending in September.  In concert with many of the objectives of Health Care Reform and quality initiatives, the use of the EarlySense device is expected to result in a reduction in hospitalizations originating from the skilled nursing facility.

Contact:

Eric Sommer

(718) 250 8325

eds9032@nyp.org

Dr. Vasantha Kondamudi, Director of The Brooklyn Hospital Center’s Family Medicine Center, was among just 14 recipients statewide to receive a 2011 IPRO Quality Award.  The Quality Awards, given annually by IPRO, the Medicaid Quality Improvement Agent for New York State, recognize healthcare providers that demonstrate a commitment to improving healthcare services.

IPRO’s 2011 Quality Awards were announced at the organization’s 27th Annual Membership Meeting in East Elmhurst, NY.  Dr. Bradley noted that Dr. Kondamudi received the award because of her “dedication to quality improvement and leadership in transforming the Family Medicine Center of Brooklyn Hospital Center—as well as three satellite clinic sites—into National Committee on Quality Assurance-recognized Patient-Centered Medical Homes.”

Caption: Dr. Vasantha Kondamudi (center), Chair of the Brooklyn Hospital Center’s Family Medicine Center and members of her team receive the 2011 IPRO Quality Award. Representatives from IPRO include (far left) Alan Silver, MD, Medical Director and (far right) Veronica Pryor, Project Manager, Healthcare Quality Improvement, and Theodore O. Will, Chief Executive Officer.

 Contact:

Eric Sommer

(718) 250 8325

eds9032@nyp.org

Dr. Stephen Ajl , Director of the Children’s Health Center at The Brooklyn Hospital Center, received a Child Advocacy Award from John Mattingly, Commissioner of The New York City Administration for Children’s Services (ACS), on Thursday, April 28, 2011.  

Dr. Ajl, who is also Medical Director of the Brooklyn Child Advocacy Center, was among six individuals and organizations honored by ACS for outstanding contributions to keeping children safe and strengthening families.

Dr. Ajl works closely with ACS to provide training and education for Child Protective staff and other professionals regarding the evaluation of children who are believed to be the victims of abuse and neglect. He has convened a network of medical providers for children who have been abused, which meets regularly to discuss challenges and solutions related to child abuse.

Caption: Dr. Stephen Ajl is Director of TBHC’s Children’s Health Center Medical and Director of the Brooklyn Child Advocacy Center. He was awarded the Child Advocacy Award form the New York City Administration for Children’s Services on April 28, 2011.

Contact:

Eric Sommer

(718) 250 8325

eds9032@nyp.org

Sunset Park, Brooklyn, residents and community leaders celebrated the grand opening of the expanded 61st Street Family Health and WIC Centers on Thursday, May 26, 2011.  Multilingual family practice physicians, fluent in Spanish and Chinese, led tours of the center, which triples the size of its former location at Eighth Avenue. The 61st Street Family Health Center is one of four community health centers that bring the resources of TBHC directly to neighborhoods, and offer a full range of primary and specialty care services for adults and children.  The others include La Providencia Family Medicine Center at 1280 DeKalb Avenue; the Manhattan Avenue Health Center at 960 Manhattan Avenue; and the Williamsburg Family Health Center at 99 Division Avenue.

Caption: Ribbon cutting to celebrate Grand Opening of The Brooklyn Hospital Center’s 61^st Street Family Health and WIC Centers in Sunset Park, Brooklyn.

Contact:

Eric Sommer

(718) 250 8325

eds9032@nyp.org

On Thursday, June 2, 2011, The Brooklyn Hospital Center and The Brooklyn Hospital Foundation held its annual fundraising gala at Stage 6 at Steiner Studios in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. This year’s Founders Medal was awarded to immediate past chairman Jonathan Weld, Of Counsel, Sherman & Sterling, LLP. The Walter E. Reed Medal was presented this year to Shafiqur M. Rahman, MD, Division of Infectious Diseases and Sumatilal Shah, MD, Division of Cardiology.

The Brooklyn without Borders Award, which recognizes global humanitarianism beyond The Brooklyn Hospital Center Community, went to the Rev. Dr. Herbert D. Daughter, Presiding Minister of The House of the Lord Churches and President of the Downtown Brooklyn Neighborhood Alliance. The Partner in Health Award was presented to Charles R. Modica, JD, Chancellor of St. George’s University. This award recognizes those who have partnered with the hospital to provide outstanding service to our community.

Caption: The Brooklyn Hospital Center President and CEO Richard B. Becker, MD, on left, with Walter E. Reed medal winner Sumatilal Shah, MD, a physician serving in the Division of Cardiology.

Contact:

Nicole Russell
Public Relations Coordinator

(201) 833-3284
n-russell@mail.holyname.org

July 8, 2011 – Teaneck, NJ – Twenty volunteers recently delivered joy and encouragement in the form of hand-decorated quilts and pillows to patients in the pediatric and mother/baby units as well as the clinic of Holy Name Medical Center. Under the auspices of the non-profit organization Soaringwords, students from School 5 in Paterson and employee volunteers from the medical technology company BD teamed up to decorate SoaringQuilts® and SoaringPillows® with inspirational messages and artwork to donate to hospitalized patients.

The mission of Soaringwords (www.soaringwords.org) is to empower communities to support and inspire chronically ill children and encourage their families to “Never give up!”  Soaringwords embraces these children and families by providing fun, creative and educational activities both in person and online that cultivate joy, hope, laughter and healing.

Contact:
Ryan Mion
(201) 563-3819
rmion@bergenfamilycenter.org

Hackensack, NJ – July 8, 2011 – The Ryan White Program at Bergen Family Center located in Hackensack, NJ will be hosting two support groups, A Newly Diagnosed HIV/AIDS support group and A Post Traumatic Stress Disorder & Sexual Abuse support group. The Newly diagnosed support group will meet on Thursdays from 6pm-7:30pm and the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder & Sexual Abuse support group will meet on Monday afternoons from 12:30pm –2:00pm starting the week of July 18. All groups are facilitated by a licensed therapist. Registration is free and transportation will be provided upon request. Early registration is encouraged.

The Newly Diagnosed support group is for individuals recently diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, this psychotherapy support group will address topics such as self esteem, developing healthy coping strategies, fears, concerns and questions about disclosure, acceptance, relationship issues and HIV/AIDS in general. “Our outreach and early intervention efforts have resulted in a need for a group to address issues specific to those newly diagnosed,” said, Paula Tenebruso, supervisor of the Ryan White program at Bergen Family Center.

Contact:
Sonia Nayak
(718) 780-5367
sdn9002@nyp.org

Brooklyn, NY – June 8, 2011 – When it comes to treating Parkinson’s disease, deciding which of the many treatments to choose can be overwhelming for both patients and caregivers; the number of doctors, specialists and treatment options available are numerous. While there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s, treatment options include medications, surgical procedures and specialized therapies. Use of these treatments has been shown to improve the quality of life, but Parkinson’s is a very individualized disease, and personal assessment is necessary for successful treatment. However, a personalized approach to treatment could involve services at multiple locations from multiple physicians, therapists, and other specialists.

The New York Methodist Hospital Center for Parkinson’s Disease and Other Movement Disorders simplifies this process by consolidating all services related to the diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson’s disease. According to Miran Salgado, M.D., chairman of neurosciences at NYM, "What we have is an interdisciplinary approach to Parkinson’s disease." The Center is staffed by an expert specialty care team that includes neurologists specializing in movement disorders, neurosurgeons, neuropsychologists, psychologists, psychiatrists, physician assistants, speech-language therapists and nurses.

Contact
Phyllis Fisher
Director, Public Relations
(212) 606-1197
fisherp@hss.edu

New York, NY – July 5, 2011 – Hospital for Special Surgery announced that five noteworthy men and women have been named as members of the hospital’s Board of Trustees.

Bringing a wealth of experience to the Hospital for Special Surgery Board are the following:

• Daniel C. Benton, chief executive officer, Andor Capital Management, Inc., New York;

• Kathryn C. Chenault, civic leader, New York;

• Dr. Jonathan T. Deland, chief, Foot and Ankle Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York;

• Craig S. Ivey, president, Consolidated Edison Company of New York;

• Deirdre Stanley, executive vice president and general counsel, Thomson Reuters, New York

“All on the Board of Trustees are delighted to have individuals of the caliber of these community leaders to help guide the future of our institution as we continue to provide the nation with the best in orthopedics, rheumatology and their related disciplines,” said Aldo Papone, co-chair of the Board of Trustees at Hospital for Special Surgery.

Hospital Board Co-Chair Dean R. O’Hare added, “As patients continue to seek Hospital for Special Surgery’s world class services in record numbers, we are very pleased these new trustees have joined us to support this institution and the superb team of people who work here.”

Contact:

Maureen Curran Kleinman

Marketing and Communications

(201) 291-6310

mcurran@valleyhealth.com

Ridgewood, NJ – July 3, 2011 – The Valley Hospital Breast Center has been granted a full three-year accreditation designation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a program administered by the American College of Surgeons.  

This distinction is awarded only to those centers that have voluntarily committed to provide the highest level of quality breast care and that undergo a rigorous evaluation process and review of their performance. 

“We are pleased and proud to have received this designation, which serves as a benchmark to patients, identifying those facilities that provide the highest-quality care,” said breast surgeon Laura A. Klein, M.D., medical director of the Breast Center. 

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women, except for skin cancers. The American Cancer Society estimated that in 2010 approximately 207,090 women in the United States would be diagnosed with breast cancer.  Exceptional expert care is the key to overcoming this disease.

During the accreditation survey process, the center must demonstrate compliance with standards established by the NAPBC for treating women who are diagnosed with the full spectrum of breast disease.  The standards include proficiency in the areas of: center leadership, clinical management, research, community outreach, professional education, and quality improvement.  A breast center that achieves NAPBC accreditation has demonstrated a firm commitment to offer its patients every significant advantage in their battle against breast disease.

Receiving care at a NAPBC-accredited center ensures that a patient will have access to:

•           Comprehensive care, including a full range of state-of-the-art services;

•           A multidisciplinary team approach to coordinate the best treatment options;

•           Information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options; and, most importantly;

•           Quality breast care close to home.

Summerfest '11 at Community League Health Center

Friday, July 15 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 

1996 Amsterdam Avenue, Manhattan

Don't miss this annual community event featuring free health screenings for diabetes, blood pressure, pregnancy and HIV. Free mammography screenings by appointment only. Contact the center to register. Face painting and refreshments provided from 2-4 p.m.

Email info@chnnyc.org or call (212) 781-7979 for more details.

New Renaissance: An All-Boro Kids Event

Hosted by Community Healthcare Network and Fun*da*men*TOOLS Foundation

Saturday, July 16 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Morningside Park (117th-123rd Streets)

Join us for a day of fun for the whole family! Participate in a 3-on-3 hoop tournament, watch a fashion show, listen to celebrity performances and more.

Email info@chnnyc.org or call (212) 426-0088 for more details.

Mark your calendars for ...30th Anniversary Gala - October 19 

ONGOING PROGRAMS

Men's Health Clinic at Helen B. Atkinson Health Center 

When: The first and fourth Saturday of every month from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

What: Primary health care services for men in a male-centered environment.

Where: CHN's Helen B. Atkinson Health Center, 81 W. 115th Street, New York 10026

To Make An Appointment: Call (212) 426-0088\

Mammogram Mondays at Helen B. Atkinson Health Center

When: First Monday of each month from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

What: Mammograms for women ages 40 and older, with or without insurance who are New York City residents. Mobile mammogram unit provided by American Italian Cancer Foundation.

Where: In front of CHN's Helen B. Atkinson Health Center, 81 W. 115th Street, New York 10026

To Make An Appointment: Call (212) 426-0088

Mammogram Mondays at Downtown Health Center

When: Every second Monday of the month, every other month. Contact the center for next screening date. 

What: Mammograms for women ages 40 and older, with or without insurance who are New York City residents. If you have insurance, you must bring insurance card. Must not have had a mammogram in the past 12 months. Mobile mammogram unit provided by American Italian Cancer Foundation.

Where: In front of CHN's Downtown Health Center, 150 Essex Street, New York 10002

To Make An Appointment: Call (212) 477-1120

Homegrown, Staff-Driven Initiative Inspires Entire Organization

Contact:

Nicole Russell

Public Relations Coordinator

(201) 833-3284

n-russell@mail.holyname.org

Teaneck, NJ – July 2, 2011 – Picture this: Four registered nurses are inspired by their organization’s mission and the work of Villa Marie Claire, Holy Name Medical Center’s residential hospice facility in Saddle River. They want to raise money for the cause. But they have no budget and nothing more than church and school fundraising experience. How to raise a truckload of bucks with no resources while working full-time and managing their families?

Caption:  Holy Name Medical Center  nurses Mary Canciani, RN; Johanna Marto, RN,  Eileen Esposito, RN, and Linda Giordano, RN, inspired the Holy Name community to raise almost $69,000 for hospice care during a single tricky tray event.

Recalling the old adage, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” Holy Name Medical Center  nurses Linda Giordano, RN; Mary Canciani, RN; Eileen Esposito, RN, BSN, CEN; and Johanna Marto, RN, organized a tricky tray-style fundraiser called “Hope ‘N Healing for Hospice” that raised $68,983 for Villa Marie Claire using the time-honored techniques of cultivation, solicitation, marketing, and old-fashioned ingenuity.

“We can’t think of another hospital whose employees have undertaken this kind of project and achieved these kinds of results,” noted Ms. Giordano.

Contact:
Sonia Nayak
(718) 780-5367

Brookyln, NY – July 2, 2011 – Asthma is a serious health problem in the United States—it affects ten percent of American children. A chronic respiratory illness, asthma causes repeated episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and nighttime or early morning coughing. Prevention and long-term control is the key to keeping asthma attacks at bay.

According to Pramod Narula, M.D., chairman of pediatrics at New York Methodist Hospital, the severity of asthma attacks is often the result of inadequate patient education. "Fifty percent of children with asthma do not understand what triggers their asthmatic reactions," said Dr. Narula. Further, they don’t know how to use their nebulizers (devices that create a mist of the medicine solution to be inhaled) or spacers (long tubes that slow the delivery of medication from pressurized inhalers). This lack of education is dangerous: studies show that if asthma is not treated properly, it may get worse over time.

Recognizing the need for better patient education, New York Methodist now offers an asthma education program run by certified asthma educator and registered respiratory therapist, Kathy Garrett-Szymanski.

Contact:
Nicole Russell
Public Relations Coordinator
(201) 833-3284
n-russel@mail.holyname.org

Teaneck, NJ — July 2, 2011 — The Holy Name Health Care Foundation held its 17^th Annual Holy Name Classic Golf Tournament on Monday, June 6 at the Hackensack Golf Club in Oradell, NJ. The event raised close to $240,000 to benefit Holy Name Medical Center.

From left: Stuart Silberstein, MD; Randy Tartacoff, MD; Kathy Frascino; Vincent Rigolosi; Joseph Frascino, Holy Name Board of Trustees; Salvatore Laraia, MD, Holy Name Board of Trustees; Michael Maron, President /Chief Executive Officer, Holy Name Medical Center  

From left: Frank Melli; Mark Melli, Esq.; Michael Maron, President/Chief Executive Officer, Holy Name Medical Center

"The 17^th Annual Holy Name Classic Golf Tournament was a huge success,” said Kevin McCarthy, vice president of development and executive director of Holy Name Health Care Foundation. “Funds raised will support Holy Name Medical Center’s mission of providing vital programs, services and technology to our community.”

With both morning and afternoon shot-gun starts, 182 golfers enjoyed a day of golf and camaraderie at Hackensack Golf Club. Major sponsors included Melli, Guerin, Wall & Messineo, P.C., Sodexo, and QualCare, Inc.

Contact
Nicole Russell
Public Relations Coordinator
(201) 833-3284
n-russell@mail.holyname.org

Teaneck, NJ – July 1, 2011 – The Asian Liver Center at Holy Name Medical Center was recently awarded two grants in support of its Hepatitis B Awareness Campaign. The funds, which total $85,000, are from the Gilead Foundation ($75,000), a non-profit organization funded by Gilead Sciences, Inc., that provides monies to projects addressing health disparities and unmet needs; and Bristol-Myers Squibb ($10,000), the biopharmaceutical company. Holy Name’s Hepatitis B Awareness Campaign consists of education and prevention initiatives, screening, and disease surveillance for Asian-Americans, a population identified as one of the leading carriers of this serious and potentially deadly disease.

This is the second year in a row that the Asian Liver Center, which is under the auspices of Holy Name’s Korean Medical Program, has obtained support from the Gilead Foundation and Bristol-Myers Squibb. The 2011 grant from Gilead exceeds last year’s gift by 50 percent. According to Chul S. Hyun, MD, PhD, gastroenterologist and medical director of the Asian Liver Center, “these successive grants not only signify those organizations’ recognition of our achievements, but are also a testament to the Asian Liver Center’s passion and commitment to our community.” Dr. Hyun further notes that the Asian Liver Center at Holy Name is “the only such program in Bergen County to be awarded substantial grants by such highly respected biomedical and philanthropic organizations.”

Contact
Phyllis Fisher
Director, Public Relations
(212) 606-1197
fisherp@hss.edu

New York, NY – July 1, 2011 – Generally healthy patients who undergo total hip replacement (THR) can be fast tracked to be discharged in two days compared with the standard three to six days, according to a new study by researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York City. The study could help cut down on hospital-acquired infections, reduce hospital costs and improve patient satisfaction.

“Before this study, we were uncertain how safe it would be to discharge patients within two days after a total hip replacement, but based on this study, we now know that it is safe. This is evidenced by the fact that the patients who were discharged within two days did not have an increase in complications, readmissions or reoperations,” said Lawrence Gulotta, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at HSS and first author of the study. “This is something that can help improve health care costs and provide better care for our patients by keeping them out of the hospital.” Bryan Nestor, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon in Adult Reconstruction and Joint Replacement Service at HSS, was principal investigator of the study.

The prospective study that will be reported in an upcoming issue of Springer’s HSS Journal compared outcomes of patients undergoing THR at HSS between 2004 and 2008. One cohort of 149 patients underwent THR with a fast track protocol. The other cohort of 134 patients underwent THR followed by the hospital’s traditional clinical pathway, which aimed to discharge patients at four days at that time.
 

Contact:

Phyllis Fisher
Director, Public Relations
(212) 606-1197
fisherp@hss.edu

New York, NY – July 1, 2011 – Joseph M. Lane, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon nationally recognized for his work in metabolic bone disease, received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the hospital’s 28th Annual Tribute Dinner on Monday, June 20, for his innovative research on bone disease and the use of bisphosphonates in treating osteoporosis. Brian Williams, anchor of Nightly News on NBC, served as toastmaster.

Dr. Lane’s research helped identify the possible link between long-term use of osteoporosis medications and increased risk for certain types of bone fractures. His work received worldwide attention and contributed greatly to a national change in practice as well as a better understanding of the treatment of postmenopausal women.

Dr. Lane is currently chief of the Metabolic Bone Disease Service and medical director of the Osteoporosis Prevention Center at Hospital for Special Surgery. The center recently celebrated its 25th anniversary and was the first of its kind in the nation when it was established in 1985. He also holds the title of assistant dean.