Providing the community with resources to improve health and wellness has always been a priority at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.  “Our commitment to the health of the community isn’t limited just to treating people when they get sick, but it also includes offering prevention and wellness initiatives to keep them healthy,” shared  Ann Corrigan, Director of Planning in a Patch News interview. https://patch.com/new-york/jamaica/queens-farm-launches-produce-market-jamaica-hospital.

This commitment to improving community health prompted the hospital to partner with the Queens County Farm Museum to bring a farmers’ market to the area.  “Our focus was to bring fresh fruits and vegetables to our neighborhood because research indicates there are a limited supply and access to these healthy foods,” said Corrigan.

A recent report released by New York City’s Public Health Solutions revealed, “there is a major gap in access to healthy food across three Queens neighborhoods.”  These areas include Jackson Heights, Corona and Jamaica. “We have a lot of fast foods. We have a lot of bodegas that don’t have fresh produce but very few supermarkets with fresh produce so it’s critical for the health of this community,” Corrigan shared in a statement to NY1 News. https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2019/06/21/farmer-s-market-hosted-at-jamaica-hospital-medical-center#

Bringing a farmers’ market to the community allows Jamaica Hospital to help bridge that gap.  To further increase accessibility, the hospital ensured that the locally- grown produce was affordable for all.  The market accepts several nutrition assistance programs including WIC, SNAP/EBT, and Fresh Connect Checks.

In addition to providing fresh produce,  Jamaica Hospital’s Farmers’ Market offers live cooking demonstrations to show shoppers how they can prepare healthy meals using fruits and vegetables. The demonstrations are facilitated by the Cornell University Cooperative Extension.

To further promote overall wellness, shoppers are also provided smoking cessation education, blood pressure and dental screenings from the hospital’s Dental, Patient Navigation and EMS departments.

“We will be operating the market now through November 14^th and we encourage everyone to attend,” said Corrigan. Jamaica Hospital’s Farmers’ Market is open to the community every Thursday, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at 134-20 Jamaica Avenue.

Beautiful sunny skies, warm weather and the smell of freshly cut grass greeted guests as they arrived at the 2019 MediSys Golf Classic.  All signs pointing to the perfect day that lay ahead.

Friends and supporters of Jamaica and Flushing Hospital Medical Center gathered on the morning of May 21st at the Old Westbury Country Club to enjoy a full day of activities.  Participants played hours of golf or tennis, while others took advantage of the luxurious amenities provided by the club’s full-service spa.

After hours of play and relaxation, guests transformed into dinner attire and convened in the main dining area for the cocktail hour and dinner.  Diners were served an array of delectable dishes and desserts.

During dinner, Bruce Flanz, President and CEO of the MediSys Health Network warmly welcomed everyone and thanked them for supporting the network.  He also introduced the event’s honorary chairman; Dr. Cono Grasso, who announced the highlights and wins of the golfers and tennis players.

The winners’ streak for the evening did not end there; raffle prizes were later presented to lucky guests. This year’s prizes included a trip to the Berkshires, sports tickets, Amazon Alexa electronics and the grand prize of $2,000 in gift cards to be used for a travel adventure.

Overall the 2019, MediSys Golf Classic was a great success. One hundred and thirty-seven golfers played the course and a record number of dinner guests were in attendance.  We thank everyone for their support.

An average day for Michelle Stoddart, Director of  PR and Community Relations; May Uri, Vice President of Human Resources; Joe DeVito, Director of Player Development at Resorts World Casino New York City involves long hours filled with planning and executing business objectives. Due to their hectic schedules, time is extremely valuable and scarce.

However, on April 12^th, in celebration of National Drop Everything and Read Day (D.E A.R. Day) the executives dropped everything on their busy schedules to join Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s leadership in dedicating their time to read books to children staying in the hospital’s Pediatric Unit.  Also joining the group were reporters from NY1 News, the Queens Chronicle and Queens Courier newspapers.

National Drop Everything and Read Day is an observance devoted to events and activities that encourage the love of reading among children.  Adults and children participating in D.E.A.R. Day are asked to take at least 30 minutes out of their routines to dive into a good book.

“We know firsthand how important story time and other fun activities are to children admitted to our hospital.  Our Pediatric team aims to create an environment that makes children feel at home. A Child Life Specialist is on staff to ensure a positive experience by facilitating recreational and educational activities.” stated Bruce J. Flanz, President and CEO of Jamaica Hospital.

“Drop Everything and Read Day shines a spotlight on the importance of reading and we were excited to put down our work for a day, pick up some great books and share the experience with these inspirational children,” said Scott Molina, President of Resorts World.

In addition to reading stories on D.E.A.R Day, executives from Resorts World toured Jamaica Hospital’s Pediatric Unit and Emergency Department to view newly installed wall mounted, activity centers donated by the casino.   The pediatric activity centers are designed to help develop children’s motor and sensory systems.

“We are grateful for the donation of the pediatric activity centers.  Our team will utilize these tools to engage children in play and help ease their anxieties,” said Jamaica Hospital Child Life Specialist Tracey Kunj-Ramen.

To read more about our D.E.A.R. Day event at Jamaica Hospital, please click the following links:

https://qns.com/story/2019/04/15/jamaica-hospital-and-resorts-world-casino-executives-help-kids-drop-everything-and-read/

https://www.qchron.com/editions/queenswide/resorts-world-comes-up-aces-for-sick-kids/article_98f93701-883a-5139-a861-1aead0881e02.html

It is estimated that 40% of New Yorkers living with mental illnesses do not seek treatment because of the stigma attached.  Creative arts therapists at Jamaica and Flushing Hospital Medical Center brought light to this issue by hosting the “Drawing Bridges to Wellness” exhibit in March, in honor of Creative Arts Therapy Week.

The exhibit was held in each hospital’s main lobby and showcased over 70 pieces of art that illustrated the musings of patients and therapists participating in Jamaica and Flushing Hospital’s mental health programs.  The artists utilized a variety of mediums such as clay, oil paints, pastels and model magic to express their thoughts and chronicle their journeys to wellness.

Drawing Bridges to Wellness provided the community with a beautiful gallery to explore and served as a platform to raise awareness of mental health issues and destigmatize mental illness.   Many of the art pieces presented echoed the message that people should not feel ashamed about seeking help for mental health disorders.

The Department of Psychiatry further bolstered their efforts to raise awareness by showcasing the exhibit at the Queens Museum, after completing its run at Jamaica and Flushing Hospital. The artwork was displayed in the museum’s New York City building for thousands of guests to see.

Jamaica and Flushing Hospital have provided creative arts therapy to patients for close to 20 years.  This form of therapy encourages self- exploration and has a profoundly positive effect on mental and emotional well-being. Patients often begin therapy feeling unhappy, conflicted or isolated but by creating art they are able to engage with therapists and begin their journeys to wellness. Both hospitals are encouraging communities to take advantage of creative arts and other programs designed to treat mental health disorders.

A recent article published in the New York Times reported that one of the most frequent causes of death among older adults is complications from a fall.  The article revealed that “Every 19 minutes in this country an older person dies from a fall.”

On a local level, data collected by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Emergency Department supported these findings.  It was found that of the hospital’s 770 fall-related trauma cases recorded between January and November 2018; senior citizens accounted for 68% of incidents.

In an effort to address this critical issue, Jamaica Hospital’s Trauma Division launched a series of Fall Prevention Workshops in surrounding communities with the highest concentration of falls.

The workshops were held at senior centers and covered a wide range of topics from identifying fall risk factors to home safety strategies.   By utilizing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries falls risk self-assessment survey, Jamaica Hospital was able to identify seniors that were at a moderate to high risk of falling and make recommendations.  Program participants were also encouraged to speak with their physicians about better managing their risk of falling.

Jamaica Hospital’s Fall Prevention Workshops were well received by the community.  In total,  over 20 senior centers and 700 older adults participated in the program.  The Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS) highlighted the program as part of its Community Benefit Spotlight.   The hospital was recognized for facilitating this much-needed initiative and fostering a relationship with the community that will greatly benefit its senior population.

Click here to read more about HANYS’ Community Benefit Spotlight.https://www.hanys.org/community_benefit/?a=vs&s=Jamaica_Hospital_Medical_Center_prevents_falls

The opioid epidemic continues to plague New York City communities.  According to the City’s Department of Health, there were 694 confirmed overdose deaths from January to June 2018, and a fatal drug overdose reported every six hours.

More New Yorkers die as a result of a drug overdose than homicides, suicides and motor vehicle accidents combined.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center which operates one of the City’s busiest emergency departments has experienced firsthand the detriment the epidemic has caused.  Last year, the hospital’s emergency department treated over 200 patients for opioid drug overdoses.

“Over the years, we have seen the numbers continue to increase significantly. This epidemic has profoundly affected many individuals and families. Opioid addiction has impacted all genders, ages, ethnicities and those of all socioeconomic backgrounds,” explained Dr. Geoffrey Doughlin, Chairman of Emergency Medicine.  “No group is untouched.”

“At Jamaica Hospital our goal is to improve the health of our community in all aspects. We are committed to doing all that we can to combat the opioid crisis,” shared Dr. Shi-Wen Lee, Vice Chairman of Emergency Medicine.  In addition to providing life-saving treatments in the emergency department, the hospital is the first in Queens to participate in New York City’s Relay program.

The Relay program, which launched in 2017 under HealingNYC, targets survivors of opioid overdoses who are at high risk for a future, fatal overdose.  According to New York City’s Department of Health, “In the hours after someone survives an opioid overdose, a trained Relay “Wellness Advocate” meets with the survivor in the hospital emergency department to offer overdose risk reduction counseling, overdose rescue training, and an overdose prevention kit containing naloxone. Participating hospitals can contact Relay at any hour of the day or night, on every day of the year, and a Wellness Advocate aims to arrive within the hour. Wellness Advocates stay in contact with overdose survivors for up to 90 days and connect them to appropriate services”

“Jamaica Hospital is proud to work in collaboration with Relay. We have made over 50 patient referrals since the program’s inception at our facility in August 2018,” said Joshua Sclair, Emergency Medicine Administrator.  The hospital’s participation in the initiative offers the community resources that can potentially reduce the number of overdose deaths and provide access to supportive services.

Any person in need of treatment for their addiction can come to the emergency department at Jamaica Hospital and receive help. The hospital has designated detoxification beds and staff that are specially trained to help patients with their treatment.

On November 14^th, Jamaica Hospital’s Ferrara Family Center for Hospice Care hosted an art exhibit in observation of National Hospice and Palliative Care Month.

The pieces were created with the intention of providing hospice patients and their families with visual escapes to serene gardens, countrysides, beaches, and plains.

Over two dozen pieces of art were painted and donated by amateur artists from the Community Learning Center of the Clarkstown School District. The paintings took three to eight weeks to complete by students varying in ages from 18 to 92. All works of art were painted in either oil or acrylic.

“The students come from varying backgrounds in occupation, culture and family settings but all have this bond of commonality in art.  What is amazing is that they can use their love of art to help patients in need of comfort at a difficult time, at the end of life,” shared Marion Arbuco, Director of the Community Learning Center of the Clarkstown School District

There has always been a correlation between art and health care. Art can evoke positive emotions beneficial in helping patients during their healing process. It can also serve as a respite for those going through a difficult period toward the end of life.

Hospice care is a specialized kind of care provided to those who are facing the advanced stages of life-limiting illnesses.  This specialty focuses on making patients as comfortable as possible while receiving treatment and support from an integrative health care team.  At Jamaica Hospital’s Ferrara Family Center for Hospice Care, a high priority is placed on making sure that a person’s last days are spent in comfort and dignity.  Many amenities are provided to patients on the unit that promote serenity and allow them to feel more at home.

“Providing our patients and families with a sense of serenity during a difficult time is very important to our staff.  The art painted by the students from the Community Learning Center of the Clarkstown School District will help us to create a tranquil space. We are thankful to the students for dedicating their time and donating these beautiful paintings.” said Dr. Alan Roth, Chief of Palliative Care Medicine at Jamaica Hospital.

To read more about the art exhibit in the Queens Courier, please click https://qns.com/story/2018/11/15/jamaica-hospital-receives-artwork-renovated-hospice-care-center/

A characteristic that has become synonymous with Jamaica Hospital’s high level of service is our ability to promote a strong sense of community among our staff and patients.

Over the years, several initiatives have been implemented to ensure patient satisfaction and foster positive experiences.  One that continuously receives excellent feedback from our patients is the Happy Birthday Telegram program.

In 2016, Jamaica Hospital’s Central Transport Services division began the program as an effort to help patients admitted to our hospital feel special on their birthdays. “Being in a hospital during your birthday isn’t the most ideal situation, so we try to bring some light to the day,” explained Arleen Reinoso, Director of Central Transport.

“The patient experience is very important to our team; we believe that happiness and genuine acts of kindness help with the healing process, “shared Reinoso.  To cheer up patients on their special day, Central Transport delivers a personalized birthday card, along with a puzzle and a small gift.  The team also surprises patients by gathering together to sing the Happy Birthday song. “It is special to see the patients’ reaction when we sing to them; it’s even more amazing for me to see the staff so engaged and happy to do this for the patients. We even include the clinical staff on the unit in the celebration so the patient feels extra special,” said Reinoso.

Successfully running the program has been a collaborative effort between, Central Transport Services, the Epic Patient Access Team, and all clinical staff who join in during the celebrations.

A satisfied patient is our hospital’s greatest reward.  We thank everyone who participates in the Happy Birthday Telegram program and other initiatives created to improve patient satisfaction.

This week, a group of judges convened in the office of Jamaica Hospital’s Volunteer Department to determine the winner of the 2018 MediSys Thanksgiving Basket Contest.

In the spirit of goodwill and a little competition, many departments across the MediSys Health Network submitted a total of 55 beautifully decorated baskets filled with Thanksgiving food items.

The criteria for Best Basket included originality, thoughtfulness and design.  The judges were shown a variety of baskets and boxes that ranged in sizes and were adorned in festive colors.

Three finalists were selected based on overall appearance and the number of food items collected; they included Jamaica Hospital’s Quality Improvement Department, the Ambulatory Care Nursing Staff, as well as the hospital’s Epic Training Team.  The judges made a unanimous decision, and the Quality Improvement Department received first prize.

Although a winner was selected, the best prize received in this year’s competition was the collective generosity of all the departments that participated.  All Thanksgiving gift basket donated will be given to local families in need.  We are happy that we were able to do our part in bringing members of our community a Happy Thanksgiving.