In April, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center celebrated National Donate Life Month. The hospital participated in a public education campaign to raise awareness about the importance of registering to become an organ donor.

Community outreach efforts included collaborating with LiveOnNY and Queens Borough President Melinda Katz to promote the initiative and encourage New Yorkers to sign up for the organ donor registry.

To mark the end of the month-long campaign, Jamaica Hospital hosted a special flag raising ceremony to pay tribute to organ donor families and recipients. LiveOnNY President Helen Irving joined hospital leadership and staff as well as Borough President Katz and organ donation advocate Jimmy Nolan, in raising the nationally recognized Donate Life flag in honor of Michael Nolan -Jimmy’s brother.

Michael Nolan who tragically passed away a few years ago was on his way to becoming a professional baseball player when his life was taken. He was a registered organ donor and by giving the gift of life he saved the lives of six people. While the loss of their loved one has been difficult, the Nolan family takes pride in knowing that Michael’s legacy continues.

In addition to hosting the flag raising ceremony, Jamaica Hospital was selected by the Hospital Association of New York (HANYS) as one of two hospitals to participate in a video advocating organ donation.  In the video the hospital’s President and CEO Bruce J. Flanz, Chairman of Family Medicine and Palliative Care Alan Roth and Medical Director of Long Term Care Anthony DiMaria each shared their thoughts on why more New Yorkers should enroll as organ donors.

To see the full video, click here https://hanys.wistia.com/medias/b8prgr1yxt

Congratulations to the MediSys Health Network for achieving one of the highest levels of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society’s (HIMSS) Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model, also known as EMRAM.

The Network received a certificate of achievement and recognition from the HIMSS Analytics Healthcare Advisory Services Group for successfully completing all the requirements needed to secure a Level 6 status.

Jamaica and Flushing Hospital Medical Center are two of few hospitals in New York State to earn this high-level ranking and join an elite group of health care providers who best use information technology (IT) to provide quality health care services to patients.

HIMSS, globally renowned for transforming health and healthcare by way of information technology, works with 640 corporate members and 450 nonprofit organizations in North America to “improve the quality, cost-effectiveness, access, and value of healthcare.”

The organization created EMRAM to “score hospitals around the world” on their EMR (electronic media record) and data analysis capabilities.  There are stages in which hospitals need to satisfy strict requirements that demonstrate their ability to “harness technology to support optimized patient care.” Only 30% of healthcare institutions nationwide boast level 6 accreditation.

While earning a level 6 EMRAM status is a significant accomplishment for the MediSys Network, there are also several advantages for patients.   A level 6 designation indicates that Jamaica and Flushing Hospital have established stringent processes to provide safeguards to reduce medical errors and inefficiencies such as duplicate or unnecessary testing.

The Information Technology Department of the MediSys Health Network works diligently to keep Jamaica and Flushing Hospital at the forefront of technological innovations that improve staff functionality and patient experience.  We look forward to future projects and celebrating the department’s accomplishments as they continue to strive toward the Network’s overall goal of providing quality health care in all facets.

Each year the Creative Arts Therapy Division at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center hosts a series of events, which includes an art exhibition in observance of Creative Arts Therapy Week.

The purpose of these events is to demonstrate the benefits of utilizing creative arts such as painting, music and dance as a form of therapy for patients receiving treatment for mental illnesses.

Over the last few years, the hospital’s therapists have transformed the main lobby into a beautiful art gallery enjoyed by patients, guests and staff during Creative Arts Therapy Week.   The gallery typically showcases the work of patients participating in the program; however, this year, hospital employees from several departments were invited to a workshop where they created their very own works of art for the exhibition.  Each piece was vibrant and relayed messages of encouragement and positivity.

The contribution of art from hospital staff was not the only new component to this year’s exhibition, as a nod to the theme for 2017, “Seen and Heard,” live musicians including an acoustic guitarist serenaded guests while they browsed and socialized.

The Creative Arts Therapy Division’s, art exhibit was well-received by the community and hospital staff. Not only was the exhibit a success at Jamaica Hospital it also received positive acclaim at the Queens Museum, where the pieces were later placed on display.

Creative arts therapy encourages self- exploration, helps organize emotions and has a profoundly positive effect on mental well-being. Patients often begin therapy feeling unhappy, conflicted or isolated but by creating art they are able to share their feelings, engage with therapists and begin the process of recovery. It is for these reasons and others that this form of therapy has been an integral part of the Department of Psychiatry at Jamaica Hospital for nearly 20 years.

Jamaica and Flushing Hospital Medical Center celebrated National Nutrition Month in March by hosting a series of fun and educational activities for the community as well as staff members.

The theme for this year’s celebration was, “Put Your Best Fork Forward,” an educational campaign promoted by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The focus of the campaign was to inform the public about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle by including physical activities and well-balanced meals as part of a routine.

The Nutritional Services Department at Jamaica Hospital kicked off National Nutrition Month in the hospital’s cafeteria by interacting with guests at the Wellness Table and placing educational cards on meal trays. Each week, the department kept staff and visitors informed and engaged with activities such as contests and recipe tastings. Employees were also invited to “get moving” during ZUMBA and self-defense classes and de-stress at meditation sessions held at the hospital’s fitness center. The Nutritional Services Department also coordinated the JHMC Health Fair on March 24th which was highly successful and well received.

Throughout National Nutrition Month, Flushing Hospital’s Nutrition Department provided healthy alternative meals and recipes to cafeteria diners. The department also promoted the launch of the Walking Club; an initiative created to promote workplace wellness and encourage employees to exercise.

The highlight of the month came on National Registered Dietitian Day when New York City Councilman Peter Koo recognized Flushing Hospital dietitians for their community outreach initiatives. A representative from the Councilman’s office presented members of the Nutrition Department with a proclamation, commending them for their dedication to improving the health of the community.

Overall National Nutrition Month was a great success at Jamaica and Flushing Hospital Medical Center. Community outreach efforts were widely and positively received. The success of these events solidifies our relationship with our communities and reminds them that we are here to improve their overall health and wellness.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women who live in the MediSys Health Network’s service area.  In an effort to reduce the number of fatalities and lessen the negative impact the disease has on our communities, our network proudly supports the American Cancer Society’s, “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” initiative to provide breast health services and information to women.

Each year,  the MediSys Health Network’s, “Dream Believers Team,” consisting of Flushing and Jamaica Hospital Medical Center staff coordinates events to educate the community and raise funds to help the American Cancer Society fight the disease.  In addition to fundraising and educational efforts, team members further demonstrate advocacy by participating in the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.

Over the years, the team’s dedication to raising funds to fight breast cancer has been recognized by the American Cancer Society but special recognition was given several weeks ago when the MediSys Dream Believers was named a Pacesetter Team and the number one fundraising team in Queens. The team rose over $30,000 for the American Cancer Society during the 2016 calendar year.

Team co-leader, Arlette Cunningham credits this great achievement to the hard work and support of hospital staff.  Cunningham hopes that MediSys Dream Believers will once again raise more than $30,000 this year and receive even more participation. “We are anticipating an increase in our numbers of walkers and supporters,” she shared.

To learn more about the MediSys Dream Believers Team and how you can support their mission, please call 718-206-6003.

It came as no surprise when Jamaica Hospital Medical Center volunteer Marguerite Luizzo, fondly known as “Margo,” was selected as NY1 News’, Queens Person of the Week.  The TV segment highlights individuals who make a difference in their communities by volunteering and helping others.   Luizzo has served as a volunteer at the hospital since 2012; her kindheartedness and positive attitude are some of the qualities that patients and staff have enjoyed over the years.

Margo has had a knack for helping others for as long as she can remember.  “As a child, I was always the first to grab the mercurochrome bottle when my siblings got hurt and put the Band-Aids on,” Luizzo shared with reporters.  She would continue to provide that special care to others for nearly 45 years throughout her professional career as a nurse.

Luizzo retired from Jamaica Hospital in 2012 but she knew her duty to help others could not stop there. “I like being around people and I just feel that we are put here to help one another,” she explained.   Never one to sit around; Margo decided that she would pursue a personal mission to provide community service in and around her Queens neighborhood.

Currently, Margo devotes her time to the hospital by serving as a patient liaison for the Ambulatory Surgery Unit (ASU).  Her duties include providing a supportive and caring environment for patients and their families. Her dedication and compassion are appreciated by all who have the pleasure of meeting her. Luizzo also serves as a comfort captain; training other volunteers to carry out their work efficiently.

In addition to volunteering in Jamaica Hospital’s ASU, Margo is also a co-leader for the hospital’s MediSys Dream Believers Cancer Walk team and has helped raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research and the American Cancer Society.

Congratulations Margo Luizzo for being featured as NY1 News,’ Queens Person of the Week. It is an honor that is well deserved.  Thank you for dedicating your time to the MediSys Health Network and in helping us to achieve our goal of providing quality care to the communities we serve.

WATCH news clip here:

The flu season began in October but many in our community still wonder, “Is it too late for me to get the flu shot?”  Jamaica Hospital Medical Center physician, Dr. Socorro De Jesus addressed this concern in a recent television interview by informing viewers that it is not too late and it is best to get vaccinated sooner rather than later.

Dr. De Jesus reminded everyone that receiving the flu shot can reduce the chances of becoming infected with the influenza virus by 50-60%.  She also discussed with reporters that receiving the flu shot not only protects the individual but it also protects the community, as the more people who are immunized in a vicinity the less likely the flu virus will spread in that environment.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that “All persons aged 6 months and older are recommended for annual vaccination, with rare exception.” Vaccinations are very important for people who are at high risk of becoming infected with the flu virus. This includes children ages six months through four years old, older adults, people who are immunosuppressed, pregnant women and health care professionals.

In an effort to protect staff, patients and members of the community, Jamaica Hospital and Flushing Hospital Medical Center encourages everyone to receive a flu shot each year.

WATCH here:

The Nutritional Services Department at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center participated in several successful community outreach events during this holiday season.

In November, the hospital’s registered dietitians, Lindsay Chetelat and Alessandra Venditto collaborated with the New York City Department of Health to host an event at the Jamaica Farmers Market.  The event promoted the health benefits of eating fresh, seasonal produce.

Chetelat and Venditto shared recipes with participants and demonstrated ways to prepare fruits and vegetables for a healthy meal. Health Bucks were distributed to guests as part of an initiative to increase access to fresh produce within the five boroughs. Health Bucks are paper vouchers created by the Health Department’s District Public Health Offices. The vouchers provide opportunities for residents to buy fresh and affordable fruits and vegetables while supporting regional farmers.

In December, the Nutritional Services Department’s Clinical Nutrition Manager, Nelly Katan, assisted in the coordination of a NY1 News segment about ‘Eating Healthy during the Holidays.’ Dietitian Lindsay Chetelat shared several healthy eating tips with viewers which included sticking to the Plate Method, eating slowly and allowing yourself one treat.  The segment was well-received by many in our community.

To view the news segment, please watch here:

https://youtu.be/DhuPFcwEwfw

Both initiatives were a great success and are examples of some of the community outreach efforts conducted by the Nutritional Services Department in an effort to increase public education by engaging with residents in our neighborhood.  Members of the department work continuously to assist our patients in growing their knowledge about nutrition, wellness and healthy eating.  We look forward to their advancements in the New Year.

Dr. Harrison Mu FACS, Director of Neurosurgery at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and Diplomate of the American Board of Neurological Surgery, was recently recognized as a Healthcare Hero by the Queens Tribune.  The momentous achievement came on the heels of the previous announcement that Mu has been chosen to serve as an Honorary Police Surgeon for the NYPD by police Commissioner James O’Neill.

Dr. Mu specializes in brain and spinal injuries. He is best known for treating and saving the life of NYPD Officer Kenneth Healey in the highly public incident in which Healey was attacked by an assailant with a hatchet.

The Health Care Heroes were carefully selected from medical institutions and programs in Queens and Long Island. Each honoree was nominated based on their contributions in helping to shape the future of healthcare and implementing innovations or philosophies that will ultimately improve and save the lives of patients.

Dr. Mu’s philosophy is, “Every person is unique and every patient should be treated as such,” he said. “My approach to every patient is individualistic. It is my feeling to help you understand your situation first. And with this understanding, we can discuss the management options and formulate a plan within the context of medicine and within your value and goals.”

Congratulations on your achievement Dr. Harrison Mu and thank you for all your contributions to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and the communities we serve.