GOALS Employee Resource Group Explores Environmental Racism and How It May Appear In a Work Atmosphere

The Growth in Operations, Administration, and Leadership Society (GOALS) employee resource group hosted its quarterly meeting, bringing together about 20 Black men from across the Mount Sinai community to discuss environmental and systematic racism and how it affects the work atmosphere.

The session was held Wednesday, December 6, at the Annenberg Building on the campus of The Mount Sinai Hospital. Anthony Smalls, MBA, Financial Analyst and Program Manager at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, organized the event.

The GOALS employee resource group aims to address issues that can affect change and meets quarterly to discuss various topics and provide networking opportunities for its members. Members have the opportunity to meet with those with experience and longevity at Mount Sinai Health System, which is vital to fostering mentorship.

Christopher W. Bland, MPH, AE-C, was the keynote speaker and led the discussion. He presented at Mount Sinai Health System’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Summit in October 2023 on climate change and environmental racism.

Christopher W. Bland, MPH, AE-C, talks at a meeting of the Growth in Operations, Administration, and Leadership Society (GOALS) employee resource group.

“The word ‘system’ derives from the idea of placing together in an organized and arranged form,” he said.  “Thus, a system isn’t something that occurs but is a well-thought process to achieve a specific outcome. Unfortunately, the communities that house the Black and Latino populations are affected worst by some systems that are in place.”

Mr. Bland discussed the effects of health insurance and health care, food deserts, pollution, and trash pickups in Black and Brown communities.  He said that Mount Sinai has continued to serve the community with the highest form of medical care and fosters community relationships with organizations like One Hundred Black Men Inc.

Still, more work needs to occur to end these systematic cycles, he said, adding a quote from Martin Luther King, Jr.: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

Added Mr. Smalls: “From redlining to income gaps to predatory lending to home loan discrimination to the racial wealth gap, our communities have had so many obstructions in our paths that if they were ever to be removed permanently from our course, we might hit levels that most could not fathom.”

Retention of staff of color is essential to diversity. With GOALS, members get an opportunity see others from our communities at different levels within Mount Sinai. A motto of One Hundred Black Men is “They will be what they see.”

To learn more about the GOALS ERG, email GOALS@mssm.edu or visit the website GOALS (Growth in Operations, Administrations and Leadership Society).

A Simple Guide to Better Heart Health

Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, MBA

Heart disease is one of the most significant public health concerns in the United States, affecting men, women, and all racial and ethnic groups, with some populations disproportionally affected.

There’s really no secret to better heart health. If you’re wondering what steps you can take to improve your heart health, here are six simple tips from one of the leading experts, Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, MBA, the Director of the Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital, who leads the educational, research, and clinical cardiovascular work of the Icahn School of  Medicine at Mount Sinai and the Mount Sinai Health System.

“A healthy lifestyle goes a long way to reducing the risk of heart disease and, as it turns out, also reduces the risk of things like diabetes and cancer,” Dr. Bhatt says.

Here are Dr. Bhatt’s suggestions for improving your heart health.

Eat Better

The best thing to do to improve heart health is to maintain a good diet. I endorse a plant-based diet, which means one that has lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and whole grains. It doesn’t have to be vegetarian, but it can be. You should avoid red meat if you can, or at least limit how much red meat you eat.

Work Up a Sweat

Daily exercise is important. You don’t need a rigorous exercise routine at the gym. For people who don’t really like to exercise, I’m talking about any vigorous physical activity. It can be 30 minutes of brisk walking—ideally something where you work up a sweat. Or it can be something you really enjoy, like gardening. Any physical activity is better than none, even if it’s just a matter of parking your car further from the store or your office and walking a bit more, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Those little doses of exercise can add up over a lifetime.

Eat Well, But Not Too Much

Maintaining a good weight is important. The natural tendency is to put on weight. Even an extra five or 10 pounds can increase your risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, which in turn increase the risk of heart disease and other medical problems. And taking off even small amounts of weight can make a difference.

Sleep Right

This one may surprise you. Sleep is very important. It can be hard to get a good night’s sleep these days. Everyone’s got a busy chaotic lifestyle, it seems. Proper sleep can help you maintain a normal weight and reduce mental stress. A recent study showed that people who slept less than the recommended amount had higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Insufficient sleep doesn’t get the respect it deserves as a cardiovascular risk factor.

No Smoking

I encourage you not to start smoking, and to stop if you are smoking. Smoking raises the risk of heart disease and cancer probably more than any other single factor. It’s not just cigarettes and cigars. It includes vaping, which is really catching on among young people, and marijuana. Some may not be happy to hear that. But the reality is that all these forms of smoking raise the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Know What to Do if You Suspect a Heart Attack

If you think you or someone else may be having a heart attack, call 911 immediately. You should call if you are having significant chest discomfort. Don’t tough it out at home. Don’t decide you’re going to drive yourself to the hospital. Don’t ask your spouse to drive you. If your heart should stop beating, blood will stop flowing to the brain, and in just a few minutes the lack of oxygen can cause significant damage. You should also consider taking a basic CPR course. These simple chest compressions can keep the blood flowing from the heart. You might also want to take notice of where you could find an automated external defibrillator (AED), say in your office, at school, or when you are traveling. These simple devices can determine if someone has an abnormal heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock to restore the rhythm to normal. The devices have very simple instructions and can talk you through what to do.

Ask the Doc: What Is Cervical Cancer and What Is the Connection to HPV?

Cervical cancer is a malignancy that originates in the lower part of the uterus, the part that dilates when you are having a baby. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the primary cause of cervical cancer. Common symptoms of cervical cancer include abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain or discomfort, and pain during sexual activity.  HPV infection usually has no symptoms but is picked up on cervical cancer screening.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cervical cancer occurs most often in people over age 30. When cervical cancer is detected early, it is highly treatable.

Connect With Our Gynecologic Cancer Experts: Our caring staff sets Mount Sinai’s services apart, as our interdisciplinary teams of specialists dedicate themselves to the treatment of gynecologic cancer. New and current patients can get information and make appointments by calling 1-844-MD-CANCER. Or click here.

In this Q&A, Stephanie V. Blank, MD, Director of Gynecologic Oncology at Mount Sinai Health System, answers frequently asked questions about cervical cancer, including risk factors, its connection to HPV, prevention, and treatment options.

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

The main symptom of cervical cancer is abnormal bleeding—spotting that has nothing to do with your period or bleeding after sex.

Are there any risk factors?

Some of the risk factors for cervical cancer include smoking, having multiple sexual partners, and being immunocompromised, which means having  a weakened immunity system, such as those who may have advanced or untreated HIV infection.

What is the connection between HPV and cervical cancer?

HPV, which is sexually transmitted, causes most cervical cancer. When somebody gets HPV, many times the body’s immune system makes it go away. But sometimes it persists. When it persists, it can get into cells and cause cells to undergo changes, which eventually can turn into cancer.

Can cervical cancer be prevented?

Cervical cancer can be prevented. We have a wonderful tool to prevent cervical cancer, the HPV vaccine. Getting the HPV vaccine before you ever have sex can prevent cervical cancer. We also have great screening for cervical cancer, which also is a form of prevention. The CDC recommends the HPV vaccination for children 11 to 12 years old.

What screenings are needed for cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer screening now consists of both a Pap smear and HPV testing. In the future, it may consist of HPV testing alone. But when we use these two tests, we screen at different intervals, often depending on age and results of your screening. The important thing about screening is not only to get the screening tests, but also to follow up appropriately.

How often do you need to be screened?

How often you need to be screened depends on your age and the results of your screening test. Most people do not need to be screened every year. You should discuss this with your doctor.

What are the treatment options?

The treatment options for cervical cancer have changed a lot over the past several years. If somebody has cervical cancer and it is early, in many cases they can be treated with a procedure called a cone biopsy that does not remove the whole cervix but just removes the cancer. If somebody has early cervical cancer, it often can be treated with surgery alone. If cancer is more advanced, there may be a need for radiation, or even more advanced chemotherapy or newer drugs.

Why is it important to be treated by a gynecologic oncologist?

With cervical cancer, there are often many different components to care. It is important to be treated by a gynecologic oncologist because you need somebody who understands cervical cancer, who can coordinate this care. It is crucial that a gynecologic oncologist takes on this role for you. Everyone with cancer is different and requires a different treatment plan. At Mount Sinai, we have experienced specialists and a multidisciplinary team who work together to provide the very best care for our patients.

Mount Sinai-Harlem Health Center: Elevating Health Care Through Comprehensive Services

The Mount Sinai-Harlem Health Center has officially opened its 12-story, 85,000-square-foot facility, symbolizing a transformative moment in the delivery of health care to the Harlem community.

The $80 million investment reaffirms Mount Sinai’s commitment to providing inclusive, equitable, and high-quality health care. Key figures, including Evan L. Flatow, MD, President of Mount Sinai Morningside and Mount Sinai West, Dennis S. Charney, MD, Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz Dean, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and Kelly Cassano, DO, Chief Executive Officer, Mount Sinai Doctors Faculty Practice, emphasized the significance of the state-of-the-art outpatient facility during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, December 12.

“In an era where accessibility and comprehensive care are paramount, Mount Sinai-Harlem Health Center will play a pivotal role in ensuring that community members, our neighbors, receive the care they deserve,” said Dr. Flatow. “The Center stands as a beacon of hope, embodying the spirit of inclusivity, innovation, and a commitment to the health and wellness of Central Harlem.”

Input from patients, families, care team members, local leaders, and community organizations was integral to the development of the Center, providing input to the design and care teams. The goal was to ensure the Center met the needs of the stakeholders. A video, with reflections from current patients, helps prospective patients learn more about the Mount Sinai-Harlem Health Center.

“In an era where accessibility and comprehensive care are paramount, Mount Sinai-Harlem Health Center will play a pivotal role in ensuring that community members, our neighbors, receive the care they deserve. The Center stands as a beacon of hope, embodying the spirit of inclusivity, innovation, and a commitment to the health and wellness of Central Harlem.” — Evan L. Flatow, MD, President of Mount Sinai Morningside and Mount Sinai West

The Center provides primary care, surgical specialties, mental health care, dentistry, imaging, and pharmacy services, and also houses the Institute for Advanced Medicine (IAM), known at this site as the Jack Martin Fund Center. This specialized center offers health care in a safe and welcoming environment, catering to individuals regardless of background, sexual orientation, or age.

The Jack Martin Fund Center within the Mount Sinai-Harlem Health Center goes beyond conventional health care, providing social and support services to ensure comprehensive well-being. IAM patients, from infants to older adults, have access to primary care, mental health care, in-house specialty services, radiology, laboratory, and pharmacy services—all seamlessly integrated to offer holistic care.

Other noteworthy services provided by the Institute include acupuncture and massage; dentistry; dermatology; gynecology; nutrition; nephrology; neurology; obstetrics/gynecology; pain management; and prevention of anogenital cancer, which includes cancers of the anus, penis, and vagina.

The Center also provides HIV/AIDS care, LGBTQ+ care, transgender care, social work guidance, and access to clinical trials.

“The Institute for Advanced Medicine has its roots in providing care for people with HIV/AIDS,” said Michael Mullen, MD, Director of the Institute. “We offer special programs specifically for this population, for example to help them adjust to their medications, to ensure HIV-negative patients take PrEP to keep them from becoming HIV positive, addressing uncontrolled viral load in patients, and coordinating care for patients who do not have enough, or any, insurance.”

“Mount Sinai Health System has made an enormous commitment to equity in health care,” said Dr. Charney. “Not only is this Center home to a wide range of health care services, it also houses the Diversity and Innovation Hub, a unique community-driven incubator that tackles disparities resulting from social determinants of health.”

The commitment to mental health is further supported through the behavioral health services provided at the Mount Sinai-Harlem Health Center. A dedicated team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers offers a range of behavioral health programs, including the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Outpatient Program, the Adult Outpatient Service, the Partial Hospital Program, and the Center for Intensive Treatment of Personality Disorders.

“We’re reaffirming our commitment to providing accessible and evidence-based mental health services to those in need,” said Prameet Singh, MD, Director of Behavioral Health Services at Mount Sinai Health System. “Our team is experienced in caring for New York City’s diverse population.”

In addition to these groundbreaking initiatives, the Center is set to open a specialty pharmacy, open to the Center’s patients and members of the community, and a multispecialty practice in 2024. This practice will offer a diverse range of services, including care for digestive and kidney issues, eye care, orthopedics, and podiatry, enhancing the accessibility of specialized care within the community.

Unsung Security Officers Participate in Resilience Educational Program: For Some, a First Introduction to Helpful Strategies

Wayne Powell, Security Training Manager, and Reverend Zorina Costello, DMin, MDiv, MS, who helped create a resilience program specifically for security officers.

Hospital security officers are often our first human contact when we walk into a hospital. While they share the job description of “front-line worker,” along with doctors and nurses, they are both highly visible and yet “unsung” for all they do.

As the pandemic swept through New York City hospitals in 2020, their jobs transformed overnight as they became enforcers of new COVID-19 rules. One of the toughest rules: telling some visitors they could not come in. “Visitors to The Mount Sinai Hospital were not happy to hear about that. They wanted to see their loved ones, and we had to tell them ‘just one of you can go up,’” says Wayne Powell, Security Training Manager at The Mount Sinai Hospital.

One year into the pandemic, the faculty of Mount Sinai’s Center for Stress, Resilience, and Personal Growth took notice of the unique strain security officers were shouldering and created a resilience program, specifically tailored to officers like Mr. Powell. And more recently, they published a paper describing their approach and results.

“It was like a counseling session where you take a time out and reflect and think about the positive things and channel that to something great,” Wayne Powell, Security Training Manager, said of the program.

The Center opened in 2020 to serve as a resource for all Mount Sinai Health System staff and students. Staffed by social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and a healthcare chaplain, the Center provides educational workshops, confidential behavioral health care, and a resilience-building mobile app to faculty, staff, and trainees. Center faculty and staff also regularly publish peer-reviewed scientific articles about their findings, so that other health systems may benefit.

Reverend Zorina Costello, DMin, MDiv, MS, played a key role in creating the security officer program during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. In addition to her Doctorate of Ministry in Pastoral Counseling. Rev. Costello has training in counseling, providing the skills to develop workshops tailored to security personnel that would have an impact.

“They often work alone and have few opportunities to socialize with their colleagues. In addition, they face myriad physical hazards and long working hours, making them susceptible to psychological stress, fatigue, and occupational burnout,” says the Rev. Dr. Costello.

During her 10 years at Mount Sinai, she has had the opportunity to meet the security team beyond just “hello” or “good morning.”  During her lengthy tenure in Mount Sinai’s chaplaincy, she had become the main point of contact for staff when colleagues passed away, giving her an intimate connection with hospital staff, including the security team.

While facilitating services for security personnel over the years, she started to understand their unique culture. “I was beginning to see how their isolation was affecting them and how the services presented unique opportunities for isolated workers to come together,” says Rev. Dr. Costello.

Rev. Dr. Costello served as co-author of a paper titled “A Resilience Program for Hospital Security Officers During the COVID-19 Pandemic Using a Community Engagement Model,” published in the Journal of Community Health in September 2023.

The paper describes how she and colleagues at the Center first conducted a pilot program and then launched a second program based on feedback they received, the latter comprised of twelve short briefings in which faculty and staff at the Center provided education around psychological first aid (PFA). PFA is an evidence-based approach to providing emotional support and ensuring safety in the acute aftermath of a stressful event. The program was well attended, reaching 107 officers who identified mostly as male (86 percent) and people of color (95 percent).

Viewed as a success, and fully embraced by security personnel, the program will be replicated at Mount Sinai West and Mount Sinai Morningside, according to Rev. Dr. Costello.

Security officers participated in 20-minute briefings that included a visual presentation with discussion focused on acknowledging the officers’ contribution to workplace safety and their exposure to violence; educating officers about clinical services available to them through the Center; and, discussing basic psychological first aid and coping skills. In a follow-up survey, the team found that the majority of officers (71 percent) felt that the workshops gave them the tools to do their jobs well and that the skills they honed were relevant (72 percent) to their lives outside of work.

“An important aspect of the briefings was to share resources at Mount Sinai for additional support, due to the officers’ limited knowledge of how to access mental health supports. While little is known about these kinds of interventions for security personnel, we do know from studies of police officers that two key impediments to getting help include not knowing how to access help and concerns about the stigma,” said Rev. Dr. Costello.

This work was funded in part through the support of the Aronson Family Foundation and by grants from the Health Resources and Services Administration and the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.

Mr. Powell, who is looking forward to his 60th birthday in December, has served Mount Sinai for 27 years. Yet this was his first exposure to these beneficial mental health concepts.

“For me personally, it was very successful, especially coming off the COVID-19 pandemic. It was like a counseling session where you take a time out and reflect and think about the positive things and channel that to something great,” says Mr. Powell. As he onboards new security personnel, he has made it a priority to sign his employees up for this training program.

Patients Can Now Order Movies, Video Chat With Family, Access Translation Services, and More at Mount Sinai West

Mount Sinai West has launched an innovative, in-room patient digital experience called MyRoom Connect, which is now available on the postpartum units.

MyRoom Connect, the first of its kind at the Mount Sinai Health System, is an interactive system designed to enhance the patient experience, improve communication, and optimize care.

The system is seamlessly integrated with the patient’s in-room television and is operated by using the in-room pillow speaker/remote control. The program will be introduced on the recently renovated and expanded inpatient Rehabilitation Unit at Mount Sinai Morningside in early 2024.

With MyRoom Connect, patients can use the pillow speaker remote to: 

  • Order meals:Patients can choose their preferred options while ensuring dietary needs are met.
  • View education resources: Patients can view videos recommended by the care team on a diverse range of topics. New parents are asked to watch videos on preventing shaken baby syndrome, car seat safety, safe sleep for newborns, and feeding recommendations.
  • Access on-demand entertainment:Patients can select from a library of 40 on-demand movies including blockbusters like My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Top Gun: Maverick, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
  • Connect with family and friends:Patients can stay connected with loved ones through in-room video visits, which can offer comfort and emotional support when patients need it most.
  • Review language translation options:Patients can choose from multiple language translation options.
  • Use live interpretative services:Patients can access live interpretative services to bridge any language barriers and ensure clear communication with the care team.
  • Learn about the local area:Patients can learn more about the hospital and the surrounding area including parking options and nearby lodging.
  • Listen to audiobooks:Patients can access a variety of content, including relaxation options, like white noise and 360 degrees of relaxation, and audiobooks.

“We believe that MyRoom Connect will not only elevate the patient experience but also streamline the care delivery process,” said Robbie Freeman, MSN, RN, NE-BC, Vice President, Digital Experience, and Chief Nursing Informatics Officer, Mount Sinai Health System. “It empowers patients to actively engage in their health care journey while enabling our staff to deliver high-quality, coordinated, and compassionate services.”

“At Mount Sinai West, we are here to support your needs, choices, and preferences with skilled, compassionate care, and to ensure that you receive comprehensive services personalized to your goals,” said Holly Loudon, MD, MPH, Chair, Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Medicine at Mount Sinai West.

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