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  • REPORT TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS – February 2026

REPORT TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS – February 2026

Mitchell H. Katz, MD
NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
REPORT TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
February 26, 2026

NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS ALUMNA ALINA MORAN, MPA, FACHE, FAB, APPOINTED CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF ELMHURST HOSPITAL

Alina Moran, MPA, FACHE, FAB has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst. For Moran, this appointment marks a homecoming, both to the hospital where she once served as Chief Financial Officer and to the City where her story began. The daughter of Puerto Rican parents, she was born at NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan, the very hospital she would later lead as CEO. Her career with the health care system has spanned over two decades, including roles as Assistant Vice President for Managed Care and Chief Patient Growth Officer. Most recently, Moran worked in California as a strategist at Samaritan, a digital health service for people experiencing homelessness, and as CEO of Dignity Health – California Hospital Medical Center. She started at Elmhurst Hospital on Monday, February 16.

SVETLANA LIPYANSKAYA, MPA, FACHE TO BE APPOINTED CEO OF MAIMONIDES HEALTH, PENDING FINAL APPROVAL OF PARTNERSHIP; MANJINDER KAUR, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE WILL BECOME THE CEO OF NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS/ SOUTH BROOKYLN HEALTH

Svetlana Lipyanskaya, MPA, FACHE will be appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Maimonides Health, pending the formal approval of the partnership of the two health care systems. Lipyanskaya is currently the CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/South Brooklyn Health, a position she has held since 2020, and she serves on the leadership team charged with bringing the two health care systems together. Moving forward, she will spend more time at Maimonides to best understand the needs of patients, staff, and the community.

In addition, Manjinder Kaur, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE, would become CEO at South Brooklyn Health. Dr. Kaur currently serves as the hospital’s Chief Operating Officer and was previously Chief Nursing Officer. She has been at NYC Health + Hospitals since 2006. In her new role, Dr. Kaur will be the first nurse CEO of an NYC Health + Hospitals facility in recent history.

NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS NAMED ONE OF THE TOP PLACES TO WORK IN HEALTHCARE BY BECKER’S HEALTHCARE

Becker’s Healthcare recognized NYC Health + Hospitals as one of the 2026 Top Places to Work in Healthcare, underscoring the health care System’s commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace culture, investing in its workforce, and delivering high-quality care to more than one million New Yorkers annually. The list features 165 health care organizations across the country with outstanding performance in employee engagement, professional development, workplace culture, and innovation in care delivery. The designation reflects NYC Health + Hospitals’ ongoing efforts to foster a supportive environment in which clinicians, administrators, and frontline staff are empowered to thrive and grow.

In recent years, the health care System has expanded employee training programs, strengthened pipeline partnerships, and enhanced workplace supports to recruit and retain top talent across clinical and non-clinical roles. These efforts have been critical in addressing healthcare national workforce shortages while maintaining high standards of care. The System has made significant investments in career pathways, leadership development, competitive benefits, and initiatives to support employee wellness and advancement.

NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS LEADERS FEATURED IN HIGH-PROFILE PUBLICATIONS

Over the past couple of months, NYC Health + Hospital physicians and leaders have been quoted in leading national publications, including the New York Times, USA Today, and CNN. This is part of an effort of the Communications and Marketing Department to get health care System experts in the national dialogue. Recently, nutritionists from NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue and Woodhull were quoted in separate stories in the New York Times in its Wellness section talking about the value of fiber and other various foods. Dr. Rosy Thachil from NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull was on WPIX speaking about heart health for American Health Month. And just before the Olympics started, a dietitian at NYC Health + Hospitals/South Brooklyn Health was quoted in a story about athlete diets and food preparation.

KEEPING PATIENTS WARM DURING THE BLIZZARD OF 2026

Over the course of this historic Code Blue weather emergency and the late February blizzard, NYC Health + Hospitals activated warming centers at its hospital facilities and several community health centers across the five boroughs to ensure patients have a warm place to stay and are not discharged into unsafe conditions. Warming centers — most of which have provided overnight services from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. — are open to New Yorkers in need and offer heated space, food and water, overnight staffing, social work support, and proactive connections to our Safety Net Clinics and long-term placements at Department of Homeless Services.

Since late January through February, the public health care System’s warming centers have provided New Yorkers over 4,000 overnight stays, ensuring our most vulnerable neighbors can stay out of the cold in a warm, safe haven.

At the end of January, in response to the prolonged life-threatening cold temperatures, NYC Health + Hospitals also launched the Winter Access Relief & Medical (WARM) mobile outreach initiative to meet New Yorkers in need where they are with life-saving care. WARM teams deployed in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens have gone out in the field overnight to engage those in need and provide clinical care, cold weather supplies, warming resources on our vehicles, and transport to warming centers, hospitals, and shelter intake centers. This is the city’s first emergency outreach initiative in response to extreme cold weather.

Since the initiative began, WARM teams have provided over 7,700 engagements to vulnerable New Yorkers, including over 4,800 clinical discussions, and distributed valuable supplies to nearly 90% of those engaged, including blankets, warm clothing, socks, warm meals, and water. Every night our teams have encountered individuals in urgent medical distress — including severe hypothermia, asthma, and conditions related to cold weather exposure — and provided immediate care, preventing medical emergencies and deaths from dangerous winter conditions.

NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS EMPLOYEE AND FACILITY RECOGNITIONS

MITCHELL KATZ, MD NAMED A FIFTY OVER FIFTY ICON BY CITY & STATE AND AARP NEW YORK

NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO Mitchell Katz, MD was named a Fifty Over Fifty Icon by City & State and AARP New York. The awards honor leaders who have broken barriers, set the stage for future generations, and serve as an inspiration to anyone who wants to make a difference in the State. In an interview for City & State’s magazine, Dr. Katz discussed why he entered health care administration and leading New York City’s public health care System through the COVID19 crisis. City & State is a media organization dedicated to covering New York’s local and state politics and policy, and AARP New York is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that empowers people to choose how they live as they age.

MODERN HEALTHCARE NAMES TWO NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS LEADERS TO PRESTIGIOUS “40 UNDER 40” LIST

NYC Care Executive Director and Physician Dr. Jonathan Jiménez and NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Director Dr. Rosy Thachil have been named to Modern Healthcare’s 2026 “40 Under 40” list.

Dr. Jiménez was born at NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst and has dedicated his career to dismantling the barriers to high-quality health care access that immigrant New Yorkers face. He is recognized for his measurable, equity-driven impact at NYC Health + Hospitals and across the public health landscape, helping to grow the NYC Care program to over 130,000 members and supporting over one million primary care visits, a transformative milestone that has strengthened access to primary and preventive care for undocumented and low-income New Yorkers.

Dr. Thachil decided to pursue cardiology in part because of her family’s experience with heart attacks. Serving as Director of the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) at NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, Dr. Thachil leads a multidisciplinary team in providing life-saving care to the most critically ill cardiac patients. Dr. Thachil is recognized for her commitment to excellence in clinical care, advocacy for gender equity in medicine, and advancing health care delivery through innovation. Established in 1976, Modern Healthcare is a prominent publication focused on health care business and policy news, research and information.

CHRISTOPHER WILSON, MSN, RN, CNML, CENP, NEA-BC, APPOINTED CHIEF NURSING OFFICER NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS/BELLEVUE

On Tuesday, February 24, NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue appointed Christopher G. Wilson, MSN, RN, CNML, CENP, NEA-BC, FACHE as Chief Nursing Officer. In his new position, Wilson will be responsible for the strategic, operational, and professional oversight of nursing practice across the hospital, ensuring the delivery of safe, high-quality, and equitable patient care. He joins Bellevue Hospital after his distinguished service as Chief Nursing Officer at NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan, where he led transformative improvements in nursing practice, patient outcomes, and hospital operations.

NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS/ELMHURST APPOINTS DEVON BENNETT AS CHIEF NURSING OFFICER

NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst announced the appointment of Devon A. Bennett, MSN, RN, CENP, LSSGB as Chief Nursing Officer. In his new position at Elmhurst Hospital, one of the city’s largest public hospitals, Bennet will oversee a staff of over 1,800 people, including Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, and ancillary staff. Bennett previously served as Associate Chief Nursing Officer at SUNY Downstate Medical Center. In this capacity, he optimized patient throughput and revitalized staff engagement through a culture of transparency and shared purpose. He introduced the “START with HEART” initiative, a signature program that significantly enhanced patient experience and strengthened team cohesion. Bennett also served as Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center. During his tenure, he guided more than 750 nursing professionals through the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic. His role at Elmhurst Hospital began on February 2.

FOUR NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS CEOS NAMED TO 2026 “BROOKLYN POWER 100” LIST

NYC Health + Hospitals/McKinney CEO Daveth Forbes-Thomas, NYC Health + Hospitals/South Brooklyn Health CEO Svetlana Lipyanskaya, NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County CEO Sheldon McLeod, and NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull CEO Sandra Sneed were recognized by City & State New York in their “Brooklyn Power 100” list for 2026. The annual recognition list highlights accomplished leaders across a range of industries with significant political influence who have shaped the lives of New Yorkers in Brooklyn and beyond. Forbes-Thomas, Sneed, Lipyanskaya, and McLeod are celebrated as trailblazers who led their respective facilities through multiple crises, all while continuing to deliver quality health care and acting as trusted messengers for their community members. City & State is the premier media organization dedicated to covering New York’s local and state politics and policy.

CITY & STATE NEW YORK RECOGNIZES LEADERS FROM NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS AND METROPLUSHEALTH ON ITS 2026 “TRAILBLAZERS” LISTS

NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue Chief of Orthopedics Dr. Toni M. McLaurin and MetroPlusHealth Chief Growth Officer Roger Milliner are recognized on the list of distinguished individuals who have been named to City & State New York’s annual “Black Trailblazers” list for 2026. This honor celebrates outstanding contributions to healthcare business, real estate, labor, social services, and advocacy. City & State New York is a media organization dedicated to covering New York’s local and state politics and policy through in-depth, non-partisan coverage.

Additionally, NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst Director of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Dr. Maryam Akbari and MetroPlusHealth Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sanjiv S. Shah have been named to City & State New York’s annual “Trailblazers in Health Care” list for 2026. City & State New York annual Trailblazers list puts a spotlight on key figures in New York, including high-ranking elected officials, high-powered health care executives and effective advocates. City & State New York is a media organization dedicated to covering New York’s local and state politics and policy through in-depth, non-partisan coverage.

NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS/JACOBI | NORTH CENTRAL BRONX APPOINTS GRACE HYUN, MD AS CHIEF OF UROLOGY AND NASSIR MANSOUR, MD AS CHIEF OF NEUROSURGERY

NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi | North Central Bronx announced the appointments of Grace Hyun, MD as Chief of Urology and Nassir Mansour, MD as Chief of Neurosurgery. Dr. Hyun succeeds Dr. Judy Siegel, and Dr. Mansour enters the role after Dr. Nrupen Baxi’s service as Acting Director of Neurosurgery. Both appointments became effective on January 1.

Dr. Hyun joins Jacobi and North Central Bronx Hospitals from NYU Langone, where she served as the Director of Pediatric Urology and held the academic rank of Associate Professor. A graduate of Cornell University Medical College, Dr. Hyun completed her Urology residency at Columbia University, followed by a fellowship in Pediatric Urology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. In addition to her publications in both pediatric and general urology, she is an acclaimed educator who has received multiple teaching awards. Dr. Hyun is nationally recognized as a leader in her field, serving on numerous regional and national committees, in addition to being named “Top Doctor” by Castle Connolly and “Best Doctor” by New York Magazine consistently for over a decade.

Dr. Mansour most recently served as Chief of Neurosurgery at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center and previously served as Director of Neurosurgery at Mount Carmel Healthcare in Columbus, Ohio. He earned his medical degree from Omdurman Islamic University in Sudan and completed a General Surgery residency at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland before his Neurological residency at the University of Chicago. He further specialized by completing a Skull Base Fellowship at Indiana University, and as a dedicated researcher, Dr. Mansour has published and presented extensive research studying gliomas. Dr. Mansour’s philosophy is to “always put my patients first and treat them the same way I want my family to be treated,” bringing a patient-centered approach to the surgical team.

HEALTH CARE SYSTEM AND FACILITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

MAYOR MAMDANI JOINS NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS TO PROMOTE FREE TAX PREPARATION SERVICES FOR NEW YORKERS

Mayor Mamdani joined the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), NYC Health + Hospitals, and MetroPlusHealth to kick off the 2026 tax season by announcing free, in-person and virtual tax preparation services for New Yorkers as part of DCWP’s NYC Free Tax Prep initiative. Last year 110,000 returns were completed through NYC Free Tax Prep, saving New Yorkers an average of $346 in tax preparation fees per return and approximately $38.2 million citywide. This year, the administration is focused on pairing the free tax preparation program with compliance in the paid tax preparer industry to protect all New Yorkers from unfair fees, sketchy loan products, and other deceptive corporate activity. This will include a citywide sweep of paid tax preparer locations to ensure they are following the law, as well as compliance notices warning paid tax preparers of the City’s ban on illegal overcharging and hidden fees. 

NYC’S AWARD-WINNING NURSING HOMES FEATURED IN NEW EPISODE OF NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS PODCAST THE REMEDY

NYC Health + Hospitals released a new episode of its podcast, The Remedy, featuring leaders and health care providers from the nation’s largest municipal health care system. Season 3 Episode 2: Inside NYC’s Award-Winning Nursing Homes covers the often-overlooked world of post-acute care. In this episode, host Dr. Michael Shen sits down with leaders Dr. Khoi Luong, Marian McNamara, and Marisol Arroyo to explore how dedicated nursing, quality improvements, and an unwavering commitment to personalized care transformed five facilities — NYC Health + Hospitals/Carter, Coler, Gouverneur, McKinney and Sea View. The five facilities all consistently earn four- and five-star ratings from the US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and have been ranked as New York’s best nursing homes by US News & World Report and Newsweek. From advanced dementia programs and traumatic brain injury rehab to environmental sustainability and culturally diverse cuisine, this episode spotlights the people and programs behind New York’s best nursing homes. Season 3 Episode 2: Inside NYC’s Award-Winning Nursing Homes is available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio and other podcast platforms

NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS/HARLEM OPENS $10 MILLION STATE-OF-THE-ART ORTHOPEDIC AND PODIATRY CLINIC

NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem opened a new $10 million Orthopedic and Podiatry Clinic, designed specifically to meet the complex needs of orthopedic and podiatry patients, expanding access to coordinated, high-quality musculoskeletal care in the Harlem community. Located at 506 Lenox Avenue, the redesigned space was thoughtfully built with patient mobility, safety, and comfort at the forefront. Features include 9 all-new exam rooms equipped with high-low exam tables, including bariatric exam tables, ergonomic provider workstations within exam rooms, and a waiting area with higher-seated chairs to allow patients to sit and stand comfortably.

The clinic also includes a dedicated cast room, medication room, and a centralized triage area with outfitting space and stools to enhance patient flow and care coordination. A provider documentation center supports real-time clinical collaboration while maintaining focus on patient interaction. To enhance convenience and continuity of care, the new clinic offers co-located onsite radiology services, reducing the need for patients to travel for imaging. The clinic also partners with an onsite prosthetics and orthotics vendor, allowing patients to receive evaluation, fitting, and support in one location.

NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS/JACOBI | NORTH CENTRAL BRONX UNVEILS $2 MILLION UPGRADED MRI SUITE AT NORTH CENTRAL BRONX CAMPUS

NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi | North Central Bronx unveiled a new $2 million MRI suite at the North Central Bronx campus with renovated rooms and upgraded MRI machines. The new Canon Vantage Orian Encore MRI machines offer faster scan times while delivering clearer, more distinct images, which will boost diagnostic functions and reduce wait time for patients. To improve the patient’s comfort, the system uses a video projection to help relax patients with a calming, virtual experience as well as technology that reduces scanner noise to improve the patient experience. The upgrade is funded with support from Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson.

NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS/BELLEVUE HOSTS JAPAN INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH SECURITY FOR GLOBAL SPECIAL PATHOGEN PREPAREDNESS TRAINING EXCHANGE

NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue welcomed three delegates from the Disease Control and Prevention Center (DCC), National Center for Global Health and Medicine (NCGM), part of the Japan Institute for Health Security (JIHS) for an immersive special pathogens training exchange. The visit builds on a Memorandum of Understanding and the shared commitment between the institutions to strengthen global readiness for high-consequence infectious disease (HCID) outbreaks through coordinated trainings, best practices, and global collaboration.

During the visit, the delegation participated in immersive training sessions and discussions with Bellevue’s Special Pathogens Program team focused on special pathogen patient care, high-level isolation unit operations, and personal protective equipment protocols. The delegation also visited NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln to observe a training led by the NYC Health + Hospitals Systemwide Special Pathogen Program.

NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS STUDY SHOWS ELECONTRIC MEDICAL RECORD-BASED TOOLS AND PROVIDER TRAINING EXPANDED ACCESS TO HIV PREVENTION MEDICATION

The health care System announced the results of a study conducted by its Population Health team that highlights how leveraging electronic medical record (EMR) tools, clinical decision supports, provider training, and patient education has helped expand the access to and use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication for HIV prevention for patients across the city’s public health care system. The study demonstrates how the development and implementation of new EMR tools and provider training helped eliminate barriers to patient access and streamlined the identification, discussion, and prescription of PrEP. As a result, NYC Health + Hospitals observed a three-fold increase in patients’ uptake of PrEP medication. This progress builds on the public health care System’s proud legacy of leadership in HIV prevention, care, and treatment and efforts to address health inequities that have historically limited access to PrEP, including for populations most impacted by the HIV epidemic.

NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS/CARTER OFFERS NEW TEST TO DIAGNOSE SWALLOWING DISORDER

NYC Health + Hospitals/Carter announced it will offer Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) to diagnose dysphagia, a swallowing disorder affecting 1 in 25 adults in the United States, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. In 2025, over 300 patients in Carter’s Long-Term Acute Care Hospital and another 100 patients across the System’s Post-Acute Care facilities had a dysphagia diagnosis. Dysphagia can be a symptom of several conditions, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease, stroke, head and neck cancer, traumatic brain injury, and respiratory failure. For patients who require a tracheostomy and a ventilator, safe initiation of an oral diet is not possible without a swallowing test given the high risk for silent aspiration, when food or drink enters the airway without triggering any symptoms such as a cough. Access to in-house FEES testing in the Skilled Nursing Facility and Long-Term Acute Care Hospital settings is important for resident and patient quality of life, safety, and improving clinical outcomes. Carter administers the test onsite at the patient’s bedside which allows the assessment of swallowing without the use X-rays making it more convenient and efficient. The bedside evaluation also avoids unnecessary transport to the hospital and reduces the risk of infection.

NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS/BELLEVUE AWARDED $100,000 TO STRENGTHEN REGIONAL EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS THROUGH VIRTUAL LEARNING NETWORKS

NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue announced it was awarded $100,000 to support the development and implementation of an Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) program for emergency preparedness. The funding is provided by the University of New Mexico, which received a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to build regional, case-based virtual learning networks that strengthen infectious disease and all-hazards emergency preparedness and response across the region. The award for Bellevue Hospital will provide support for training across U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Region 2, which includes New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS/KINGS COUNTY OPENS NEW ADVOCACY, CARE, AND ENGAGEMENT (ACE) CENTER TO PROVIDE SPECIALIZED, TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE FOR CHILDREN AT RISK OF ABUSE AND NEGLECT

NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County opened an Advocacy, Care, and Engagement (ACE) Center, a new clinical practice dedicated to the evaluation, treatment, prevention, and education surrounding child abuse and neglect.

The ACE Center provides specialized, evidence-based medical evaluations and a coordinated systems response for children who are suspected victims of physical abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect. By integrating medical, behavioral health, and social services, the Center aims to identify child maltreatment early, diagnose it accurately, and deliver compassionate, trauma-informed care to children and families during highly stressful situations.

In addition to direct patient care, the ACE Center is committed to education and prevention. The team will work closely with families, medical providers, and community organizations to strengthen understanding of how to recognize, respond to, and prevent child abuse and neglect. This approach aligns with New York State’s evolving culture around mandated reporting, including the New York State Office of Children and Family Services’ updated guidance emphasizing that families can be supported without automatically resorting to reporting.

FROM SILENCE TO SUCCESS: BRONX FAMILIES OVERCOME BARRIERS WITH SUPPORT FROM COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS

Two Bronx families — one from Ecuador and one from Togo — found life-changing support for their young children with speech and developmental delays, thanks to the persistence of NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx Community Health Workers (CHWs).

Four-year-old Mateo arrived from Ecuador, unable to speak, relying only on gestures. The CHWs spent seven months navigating obstacles until he began receiving speech and occupational therapy twice a week. Today, Mateo is happy, verbal, and thriving in preschool. His mother showed appreciation.

Similarly, Koffi, a five-year-old boy from Togo, could not hold a spoon or pencil and struggled to speak after his family entered the shelter system. Over three years, the CHWs, escorted the family to appointments, and overcame missed evaluations and language barriers. A turning point happened when one of the CHWs who was fluent in French, began accompanying the family to visits that finally led to consistent speech therapy and special education support. The child now attends kindergarten and after-school programs while his family lives stably in the Bronx.

NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS/JACOBI CELEBRATES 100TH CASE USING ION ROBOTIC-ASSISTED BRONCHOSCOPY

NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi announced its 100th case using Ion robotic-assisted bronchoscopy to identify early-stage lung cancer. This technology gives doctors faster, more precise results so a treatment plan can begin as soon as possible. A typical biopsy can take up to 4 months, while the Ion robotic system can diagnose in as little as one month. The minimally invasive procedure allows doctors to access small or hard-to-reach nodules in the lungs by navigating a natural airway with a flexible catheter. Jacobi Hospital is one of the few centers in the region using the Ion robotic bronchoscopy platform for biopsies and diagnosis. Patients who receive a lung cancer diagnosis after their biopsy may undergo minimally invasive surgery using the Da Vinci robot to remove small nodules with minimal complications.

NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS/KINGS COUNTY LAUNCHES KINGS CARES PROGRAM FOR SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC AND GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County launched the Kings CARES program for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence. Patients who arrive at the hospital with trauma from sexual assault and domestic violence are already treated by a dedicated team in the emergency department, called the Sexual Assault Response Team. For the first time, the Kings CARES practice will ensure all of their follow-up care is centralized in one place, overseen by a dedicated team who has received specialized training for serving this population through the hospital’s Clinical Forensic Medicine Fellowship.

Follow-up care for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence can include obstetric and gynecologic care, behavioral health care, and neurologic care for patients who experienced traumatic brain injuries. In addition to clinical care, the Kings CARES team provides survivors with comprehensive forensic and social support, including injury documentation and direct connections to financial assistance, insurance, and housing resources, including the City’s domestic violence shelters. Through partnerships with New York City’s five District Attorney’s offices and the NYC Family Justice Centers, survivors are seamlessly connected to free, confidential services for victims of domestic and gender-based violence.

NYC’s Award-Winning Nursing Homes Featured in New Episode of NYC Health + Hospitals Podcast The Remedy

NYC Health + Hospitals released a new episode of its podcast, The Remedy, featuring leaders and health care providers from the nation’s largest municipal health care system. Season 3 Episode 2: Inside NYC’s Award-Winning Nursing Homes covers the often-overlooked world of post-acute care. In this episode, host Dr. Michael Shen sits down with leaders Dr. Khoi Luong, Marian McNamara, and Marisol Arroyo to explore how dedicated nursing, quality improvements, and an unwavering commitment to personalized care transformed five facilities — NYC Health + Hospitals/Carter, Coler, Gouverneur, McKinney and Sea View.

SISTERS WELCOME BABIES HOURS APART AT NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS/NORTH CENTRAL BRONX

In a remarkable coincidence, sisters Jenny Aguilar and Wendy Aguilar gave birth to healthy babies just hours apart at NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx. Wendy Aguilar, a barista, discovered her pregnancy just two days after her sister Jenny shared the news. The sisters supported each other throughout their pregnancies, frequently visiting each other’s homes to talk and satisfy cravings together. Jenny was the first to arrive at the hospital for an induction, delivering her daughter, Leilani Celeste, at 1:41 a.m., weighing 8 pounds, 9 ounces, and measuring 20 inches. Just hours later, at 8:38 a.m., Wendy welcomed her son Nicholas Valentine, weighing 12 pounds, 13.7 ounces, and measuring 18.5 inches. North Central Bronx Hospital accommodated the sisters by placing them in adjacent rooms, making it easier for family members to visit both new mothers. The Aguilar sisters’ story reflects the hospital’s multigenerational legacy of care.

ARTS IN MEDICINE UPDATE

CREATIVE ARTS THERAPY AT RIKERS ISLAND FEATURED IN NEW EPISODE OF NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS PODCAST, THE REMEDY

NYC Health + Hospitals released a new episode of its podcast, The Remedy, featuring leaders and health care providers from the nation’s largest municipal health care system. Season 3 Episode 1: Healing Through Art: Creative Therapies at Rikers Island covers NYC Health + Hospitals/Correctional Health Services’ (CHS) Creative Arts Therapy program, the oldest and largest jail-based arts therapy program in the nation. In this episode of The Remedy, Dr. Michael Shen sits down with Dr. Barbara Bethea, the program’s director, and music therapist Jeff Angell to explore how poetry, music, dance, and drama are providing individuals detained at Rikers with new language for hope, self-discovery, and healing. They discuss how arts interventions engage CHS’ patients, recreate a music therapy session, and reflect on the program’s impact, from the dayrooms at Rikers Island to the stage at Carnegie Hall. 

VISUAL DIALOGUE: STORIES FROM PATIENTS, CAREGIVERS AND ARTMAKERS

A special gathering was held at the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund, which celebrated and featured voices of hospital patients, healthcare staff, and administrators who have participated in The Creative Center’s Hospital Artist-in-Residence Program.

ARTWORK INSTALLED AT NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS/HARLEM ORTHOPEDICS

Five works have been installed at NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem’s new Orthopedic Center, intentionally selected with care to enhance the environment and welcome patients. The selections include works by several renowned artists including; Dody Müller, Rolf Rafflewski, and Buruch Himmelstein – all a part of the Arts in Medicine visual collection. 

METROPLUSHEALTH UPDATE

INTEGRATED PARTNERSHIP ADVANCES BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ACCESS AND EQUITY

MetroPlusHealth’s close integration with NYC Health + Hospitals and the NYC Mayor’s office continues to drive meaningful improvements in behavioral health access for New Yorkers. Behavioral health remains a top priority for City leadership, NYC Health + Hospitals, and MetroPlusHealth alike. The shared commitment enables a unified public-sector strategy that expands access, strengthens continuity, and addresses entrenched inequities, particularly for vulnerable youth and young adults. This coordinated approach directly aligns with the City’s youth mental health agenda, including the administration’s focus on improving behavioral health access during the transition to adulthood and addressing disparities highlighted in the City’s 2024 State of Mental Health report.

A powerful recent example of this integrated partnership is the launch of the Elevate You clinics at NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull and NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens. Designed collaboratively with NYC Health + Hospitals and supported through MetroPlusHealth investment, Elevate You represents a new model of care for adolescents and young adults transitioning from pediatric to adult behavioral health services—one of the system’s most critical gaps. MetroPlusHealth data show that nearly 90% of youth disengage from their mental health care provider after age 21, often resulting in increased emergency department use, escalation of untreated conditions, and a breakdown in continuity of care. Elevate You directly tackles this gap by providing age-appropriate, coordinated, and integrated services within trusted NYC Health + Hospitals care environments.

Beyond behavioral health treatment, the clinics provide a Whole Health Support model that includes coordination of physical health services, reproductive care, and preventive health services. They also offer Life Skills and Goals programming, vocational and educational support designed to help youth pursue college, careers, and independence. To maintain sustained engagement, the model incorporates Smart Outreach Tools, such as communication platforms tailored to teen and young adult preferences, helping them stay connected to their care teams.

This initiative clearly demonstrates how aligned priorities between the health plan, the delivery system, and City leadership can drive better outcomes. By embedding integrated behavioral health and primary care within NYC Health + Hospitals facilities, members experience more coordinated transitions, fewer handoffs, and more consistent engagement during a period of heightened vulnerability.

The Care Crunch Index shows that while many New Yorkers said that they understand how health insurance works, far fewer were confident about when they can change their coverage.

Open enrollment knowledge was lowest among younger, lower income and less educated New Yorkers.

EXTERNAL AFFAIRS UPDATE

City

On February 10, 2026 NYC Health + Hospitals was invited to participate in Q&A in the City Council Hearing “Protecting Lives in the Cold: Oversight of NYC’s Code Blue Operations.” Dr. Ted Long, SVP of Ambulatory Care and Population Health participated in Q&A.

The Mayor released the Preliminary Budget on February 17, 2026, totaling at $127 billion. This includes opportunities to enhance our mobile units and embark on capital projects. NYC Health + Hospitals will be testifying in its Preliminary Budget Hearing on March 20, 2026.

State

The Albany budget season is in full swing. Last week, the Governor proposed 30-day amendments to her a $260 billion all funds budget for State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2026-27, which begins April 1, 2026. Of note of the new funding added, the Governor announced an additional $1.5 billion for NYC over the next two years to help address the City’s deficit. Also, she added approximately $1 billion for the healthcare stability fund (HSF) to reflect the recent federal announcement that the NYS manage care organization (MCO) tax collection would be extended until December 2026. This Federal action provided an additional 3 quarters of collections to be deposited in the HSF. Further, the 30-day amendments provide additional funding for health centers, now totaling $120 million in all funds. We appreciate these opportunities.

As the budget process proceeds, we will continue advocating for support of NYC Health + Hospitals and the patients and communities we serve. We are grateful our partners in the State legislature who understand the critical role our safety net system plays. We also appreciate our Community Advisory Boards for their support in these important efforts.

Federal

After extensive Federal advocacy, we were relieved to see the 2 year DSH cut elimination and telehealth expansion in the Fiscal Year 2026 spending package signed into law last month. Our top advocacy priority now remains delaying the harmful changes to the Essential Plan and Premium Tax Credit eligibility changes enacted as part of HR1. Looking forward, we are focused on Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations, including Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending funding.

Community Affairs

The Council of CABs met on February 3, 2026, and discussed the activation of warming centers at NYC Health + Hospitals facilities in response to extreme cold temperatures. CAB Chairs discussed strategies to raise community awareness of the centers and ensure access for individuals in need.

The CABs also received a New York State budget briefing via Webex from Michelle DiBacco outlining NYC Health + Hospitals advocacy priorities. The CABs are convening advocacy meetings and legislative forums to communicate these priorities from their communities’ perspectives and engage elected officials.

The Community Affairs team continues to meet with both hospital staff and auxiliary boards to maintain compliance with NYC Health + Hospitals Operating Procedures and foster a positive relationship between facilities and auxiliaries. We’ve met with the board of Auxiliary to Bellevue and Children to Bellevue, and the leadership at NYC Health + Hospitals/Carter, NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan, and NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull. 

NEWS FROM AROUND THE SYSTEM

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