Contact:

Amy Massimo

Director, Public Affairs

(845) 348-2773

massimoa@nyackhospital.org

Nyack, NY – October 26, 2011 – The Nyack Hospital Foundation will hold its annual run/walk event on Saturday, November 19, 2011, celebrating the Hospital’s Community Health Education Team and the Lose to Win Program.

2011 marks the event’s 21st year, and Nyack Hospital has made several exciting changes to the popular race.  Formerly a tough 10K running race (6.2 miles), it’s now a 5K (3.1 mile) run and a 5K walk for those interested in slowing down and taking in the scenery.  Both runners and walkers will enjoy a certified scenic course that will begin at Nyack Hospital at 9:00am sharp.  Runners and walkers alike will head north on Midland Avenue into Upper Nyack, and return by the same route to the Hospital.  For the first time ever, the event will utilize electronic timing, and same day computerized race results will be available on the internet.  Water stations and spotters will be stationed throughout the course.  Pre- and post-race refreshments have been donated by David’s Bagels, Sysco, and Abbey & Ice Spring Water.   It’s anticipated that this year’s event will appeal to seasoned runners & walkers and newbies alike.  All participants are encouraged to seek “sponsors” for their athletic efforts and those collecting $500 or more by November 4, 2011, will have their names printed on the race T-shirt.

Contact:

Amy Massimo

Director, Public Affairs

(845) 348-2773

massimoa@nyackhospital.org

Nyack, NY – October 25, 2011 – Who better to give a child a little bit of comfort than a Teddy Bear?  Nyack Hospital is pleased to announce that it is a recipient of the Freemason’s Teddies Love Children Program.  Under this program, all children requiring hospitalization or emergency services at Nyack Hospital are given a plush teddy bear to help comfort these special patients.

Pictured, left to right: Bruce McQuade, Hudson River Lodge #309; Dan Elliott, Master of Hudson River Lodge #309; Louis Irizarry, District Deputy Grand Master; Jordan Griffen with his new bear; Colin Oakenfull, Master of Walkill Lodge #627; and Brother Thomas Nervenga, President, Orange Rockland District Masonic Association

Bears will be distributed to these children by a team of dedicated volunteers at Nyack Hospital.  “We are delighted to work with the Freemasons on this project,” stated Helen Hayes-Perkins, Director of Volunteers Services.  She added, “Our volunteers are thrilled to provide comfort to children and families coping with their hospitalization.  It is a good feeling when you can help reduce a child’s anxiety in the hospital and the bears are a reassuring and familiar toy.”    

To date, the Freemasons have donated over 800,000 teddy bears, bringing joy and smiles to children worldwide. 

For further information, please contact Helen Hayes-Perkins, Director, Volunteer Services, at 845.348.2204.

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:

Cynthia Bacon

Public Affairs and Marketing

(718) 670-2515

crm9002@nyp.org

Flushing, NY – October 21, 2011 – A report released this week by HealthGrades, an independent source of physician information and hospital quality ratings, gives New York Hospital Queens high ratings for Orthopaedic and Maternity Care Services.

NYHQ is the recipient of the Joint Replacement Excellence Award for the second year in a row (2011-2012) and the Maternity Care Excellence Award for five years in a row (2007/2008-2010/2011 & 2011).

“Today, information about health care quality is readily available on the Internet for patients and potential patients who are in the process of selecting hospital-based services,” said Stephen S. Mills, President and Chief Executive Officer. “A number of our services are rated among the best in the nation including Orthopaedics and Maternity Care, and we are committed to make that the case in all areas of care. Consistent, high quality care is what our patients can expect from New York Hospital Queens.”  

Holy Name Medical Center’s Annual Founders Ball, presented by the Holy Name Health Care Foundation, will take place on Saturday, November 12 at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York City. This year’s Founders Ball will honor Lucia Palestroni (right) and The Alfiero & Lucia Palestroni Foundation, Inc. with the Spirit of Healing Award for their longtime dedication and continued support of Holy Name Medical Center.

“We are proud to honor Mrs. Palestroni and the Palestroni Foundation at Holy Name’s most prestigious fundraising event—our Annual Founders Ball,” said Michael Maron, President/CEO of Holy Name Medical Center (left). “The Palestroni Foundation’s generosity over the years has been paramount to sustaining and growing our facility and services. Their most recent support of Villa Marie Claire Hospice is a great example of their commitment and compassion to our community’s health and well-being. In addition, The Palestroni Foundation provided the funding needed to expand the services of Holy Name’s Dialysis Unit. We are happy to have this opportunity to show our appreciation to them at our annual gala.”

 “This year’s Founders Ball is already slated to be an extraordinary evening,” said Joseph Parisi, Jr. Chairman of the Holy Name Health Care Foundation. “Holy Name Medical Center will be presenting the Spirit of Healing Award to Lucia Palestroni and The Alfiero & Lucia Palestroni Foundation at The MoMA where guests will have an exclusive opportunity for private viewings of major museum exhibitions.”

To purchase tickets, reserve a table, or become a sponsor of the 2011 Founders Ball, please contact the Holy Name Health Care Foundation at 201.833.7143 or visit ww.holyname.org.

Contact:

Nicole Russell

Public Relations Coordinator

(201) 833-3284

n-russell@mail.holyname.org

Teaneck, NJ – October 14, 2011 – Holy Name Medical Center’s foot and ankle surgeon, Nicholas Bevilacqua, DPM, FACFAS, is one of the few physicians in Bergen County who performs total ankle replacement surgery.  Dr. Bevilacqua is fellowship trained and board-certified in foot surgery and reconstructive ankle surgery by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery.

While replacement of other joints is common in the orthopedic world, ankle replacements are rare. “We are seeing more ankle replacements due to advancements in medical technology and design and a better understanding of how the ankle functions,” states Dr. Bevilacqua. “Total ankle replacements are extremely unique in that they can be customized for the individual patient.”  Dr. Bevilacqua explains that the modern day design advancements in the ankle replacements allow for more ankle mobility and do not just function like a hinge joint, moving your foot up and down.

Contact:

Sonia Nayak

Public Affairs

(718) 780-5367

sdn9002@nyp.org

Brooklyn, NY – October 12, 2011 – New York Methodist Hospital’s Comprehensive Lung Cancer Center (CLCC) now offers navigational bronchoscopy, a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure that provides new options for the diagnosis and treatment of lung disease.

Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, among both men and women. The disease claims more lives than colon, prostate and breast cancer combined. Smoking accounts for about 85 to 90 percent of lung cancer cases, with other causes relating to secondhand smoke, air pollution, and exposure to asbestos.

Contact:

Amy Massimo

Director, Public Affairs

(845) 348-2773

massimoa@nyackhospital.org

Nyack, NY – October 10, 2011 – Nyack Hospital announces the opening of the Weill Cornell Multiple Sclerosis Center at Nyack Hospital.  This Center is the result of a collaborative effort between the Judith Jaffe Multiple Sclerosis Center at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center and Nyack Hospital.

The Center offers comprehensive, high quality multiple sclerosis care to all residents in the Hudson Valley, northern New Jersey and beyond.  Patients no longer need to travel far distances to receive comprehensive care for their multiple sclerosis. 

At the Center’s Grand Opening, Nyack Hospital President & CEO David Freed, DHA, commented, “Community need is indeed the highest level organizing principle for everything Nyack Hospital does, and the minute the MS Society described its prevalence in our service area we wanted to become involved.” 

Caption

Shown left to right: David H. Freed, DHA, President & CEO, Nyack Hospital, Timothy Vartanian, MD, PhD, Director, Judith Jaffe Multiple Sclerosis Center at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, Jai Perumal, MD, Director, The Weill Cornell Multiple Sclerosis Center at Nyack Hospital, Matthew E. Fink, MD, Interim Chairman of the Department of Neurology and Neuroscience at Weill Cornell Medical College, and Michael Rader, MD, VP/Medical Director, Nyack Hospital

Contact:

Karen Huxtable

Manager, Public and Media Relations

(607) 547-4581

karen.huxtable@bassett.org

Cooperstown, N.Y. – October 10, 2011 - Dr. Joseph Dutkowsky, pediatric orthopedist at Bassett Medical Center, will take over as President of the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM) at the organization’s annual meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada October 12-15. Dutkowsky, who was elected second vice president in 2009, has been first vice president this past year and will lead AACPDM for a one-year term through the fall of 2012.

"The work as second vice president, first vice president and now president of the AACPDM is the high point of my professional career," said Dr. Dutkowsky. "I am honored beyond belief to have the opportunity to help change the way cerebral palsy is viewed in the world." Dutkowsky says his goal is to continue to elevate the discussion around cerebral palsy. "We need to take the dialogue beyond the child to the family and the community," continued Dutkowsky. "People need to look past the wheelchair and see the person, not their disability. These wonderful individuals are in your church, your child’s classroom, your business, your community and they enrich our lives."

Contact:

Karen Huxtable

Manager, Public and Media Relations

(607) 547-4581

karen.huxtable@bassett.org

Cooperstown, N.Y. – October 6, 2011 – Bassett Medical Center is the winner of the 2011 Magnet Prize awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and Cerner Corporation for its longstanding successful School-Based Health Program. The Magnet Prize is the highest honor ANCC bestows within Magnet-recognized organizations, which Bassett has been since 2004, and recognizes innovative nursing programs and practices. Cerner encourages cutting-edge nursing programs and practices by sponsoring the $25,000 purse attached to the Magnet Prize.

“The Magnet Prize identifies and recognizes one of the most creative programs that we have at Bassett,” said Bassett’s President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. William F. Streck. “In our school-based programs, it’s everything in a package that meets so many societal needs. It’s one of our greatest successes.”

Photo Caption:

Bassett Medical Center is the winner of the 2011 Magnet Prize awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and Cerner Corporation for its long-standing School-Based Health Program. The Magnet Prize is the highest honor ANCC bestows within Magnet-recognized organizations. (l. to r.) ANCC Executive Director Karen Drenkard, PhD, RN; SBH Program Director Dr. Chris Kjolhede; SBH practitioners Denise Dye, FNP, Barbara Casler Bachman, FNP; Bassett Healthcare Network Chief Nursing Officer Connie Jastremski, RN; SBH program manager Jane Hamilton, RN; Bassett Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Bertine C. McKenna, PhD.; ANCC President Michael Evans, PhD, RN.