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 12th, 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:
The New York City Department of Health’s Community Cares Project (CCP) presented Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center with the Shining Star Award. The hospital was recognized for implementing measures to improve screening rates among uninsured patients and reduce disparities.
In March, Jamaica and Flushing Hospital Medical Center celebrated Social Work Month by hosting a series of events that included bake sales, yoga sessions and educational demonstrations.
Social workers play a vital role in delivering quality health care to patients at Jamaica and Flushing Hospital. They monitor our patients’ stay from admission to discharge. Upon admission, social workers help patients to avoid prolonged hospital stays by working with physicians to expedite tests or treatments. They provide counseling services for patients and families to help them adjust to changes and challenges they may face during hospitalization. Before patients are discharged, social workers assess their needs to determine a plan for support services or follow up care.
In 1991, President George H.W. Bush signed a proclamation that recognized physicians for the work that they do. This day, now known as National Doctors’ Day, is celebrated on March 30th and was created to thank physicians for their tireless contributions to our well-being as a society.
On Friday, March 22nd, a special flag raising ceremony was held at MediSys Clocktower in honor of the men and women who served bravely in the Vietnam War.
Dr. Cara James, Director of Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) Office of Minority Health as well as the co-chair of the CMS Rural Health Council shared a very valuable presentation entitled “Achieving Health Equity through Increased Understanding, Sustainable Solutions, and Collective Action.” The purpose of the presentation was to educate the audience that healthcare disparities can occur due to many different factors including race, ethnicity, age, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, or disability.
At Flushing Hospital, outpatient dietitian, Laura Wang presented the importance of reading nutrition labels at two senior centers. She also hosted a healthy snack workshop at a local elementary school.
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.
In an effort to improve the overall wellness of our surrounding community and employees, Flushing Hospital Medical Center has partnered with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation’s, Shape Up NYC, to offer free core strengthening and circulation classes to everyone.