Radiothon for Kids is today and tomorrow

Radiothon for Kids takes place today and tomorrow in the lobby of Upstate University Hospital. Funds raised benefit the patients and families of Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. Call 315-464-5500 or text UPSTATEKIDS to 51555 to make a pledge. Tune in to NewsRadio 570 WSYR and Y94 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day to hear incredible patient and family stories. For more information about Radiothon for Kids, visit: https://www.upstatefoundation.org/GCHRadiothon. Questions? Email Cynthia Rotella at [email protected].

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Submit a photo for Upstate’s celebration of National Hospital Week

In preparation for Upstate’s celebration of National Hospital Week May 12 to 16, individual photos are sought for an online gallery and printed materials. Selfies and images showcasing Upstate pride are welcome. Email photos to [email protected] by March 10. For more information, email Megan Chase at [email protected].

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Seminar on managing heart failure and blood pressure is Feb. 11

Kristin Ramella, NP, will discuss managing heart failure and blood pressure today, Feb. 11 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. Ramella will discuss managing blood pressure, medications, lowering risk of heart failure, minimizing symptoms, and how to successfully manage the condition. With the right treatment and lifestyle choices, heart failure can be managed effectively, improving quality of life and reducing hospital visits. Register here: https://upstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMrcOiupzMqE93IMXNRV0QV1VgyZG2YwD1k. For more information, email Amy Allen at [email protected].

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Active Shooter Training session is Feb. 12

University Police will host an Active Shooter Training session Wednesday, Feb. 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in room 5143 Nappi Wellness Institute, with a remote option. To join remotely, click: Join the meeting now and use Meeting ID: 256 382 405 141 and Passcode: 7uZ6jC78. The next available session will be held March 5.

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Parent resource seminar on trauma informed yoga is Feb. 12

A parent resource seminar on feeling safe with trauma informed yoga will be held Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. Karen Dygert, MSN, PPCNP-BC, and Nayla Khoury, MD, will present. Register here: https://upstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJApcOmuqzsiHdKUzERYGAtgywFNyPI0w-fh. For more information, email Amy Allen at [email protected].

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SNMA and MiM events are Feb. 12, 17, 22, 25

Upstate’s Student National Medicine Association and Melanin in Medicine offer events in celebration of Black History Month. Questions on any of these offerings? Email: [email protected], [email protected], or [email protected].

• Married to Medicine will be held Feb. 12 at 5 p.m. in 1508 Setnor. A panel discussion will focus on navigating platonic, romantic, and family relationships while working in medicine. Panelists including attending physicians, residents, and students. Register here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1r3bk2rxr7f-nQU6pB8GHYzXTaQL0GUNRsadV3Ekgao0/edit.
• Cupid will deliver a note to a friend or peer who brightens your day. Deliveries will be made Feb. 14. To participate, visit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc9dlcfPZAHgCrl8-kqSLB-iqI7pAYPKuXHU9QtIsn1y2akTw/viewform.
• Family Feud will be held Feb. 17 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in 1507 Setnor. To sign up for a team, visit: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1iyG039EU0yHJdqGk6DKHN1lMHoEgV-PPI0ffxLZPN0M/edit?usp=sharing. All are welcome to attend the event to watch.
• The Glam, Lights, and Revolution gala will be held Feb. 22 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Sky Armory. Tickets will be sold Feb. 12 and 14 from noon to 2 p.m. on the first floor of the Academic Building. To reserve a table for a party of 8 or for questions or concerns, please email [email protected].
• Yoga led by Syracuse Yoga Collective will be held Feb. 25 at 5 p.m. in 1508 Setnor. The aim is to recenter and honor the richness of Black history through the lens of self-care and community connection. Bring a yoga mat. Space is limited to 20 participants. Register here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qV9PZF2RICwUf3_MQztw9U19Vo6aZlvbiKZX1MUXigI/edit?gid=0#gid=0.
• Book drive for Van Duyn Elementary School students ends Feb. 25. To donate a book, visit the wish list: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1TAFK5CFRIUEH?type=wishlist. List the shipping address as: "SNMA Book Drive—Care of MASI Office SUNY Upstate Medical University Health Science Library, Suite 125 766 Irving Avenue, Weiskotten Hall Syracuse, NY 13210.”

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Getting the most out of medical appointments is Feb. 13

A HealthLink seminar focused on how to get the most out of medical appointments will be held Thursday, Feb. 13 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. Survivorship navigator Susan Tiffany, BSN, RN, OCN, and patient navigator Maureen Garvey, BSN, RNC, will share strategies for receiving the best care, collaborating effectively with the healthcare team, seeking second opinions, and using Open Notes to enhance communication and care. Survivorship will also be discussed, as it relates to cancer and other medical conditions. Register here: https://upstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYodu-prz8vHtICHO4hqK5cok6m13XUnThP. For more information, email Amy Allen at [email protected].

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Self-Care Extravaganza is Feb. 14

Be Your Own Valentine: Self-Care Extravaganza will be held Friday, Feb. 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in rooms 5001/5007 at Nappi Wellness Institute. Staff will have a chance to explore wellness tools, relax with a chair massage, write a love letter to themselves, experience reiki, and savor chocolate meditation. Lauren Angelone, staff wellness support social worker, will also share information about the importance of self-care. The event is open to all Upstate staff who are welcome to drop in anytime during open hours. Questions can be directed to Bethany Sullivan [email protected] 

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HealthLink on heart and heart surgery is Feb. 18

Callistus Ditah, MD, will present All About the Heart and Heart Surgery: From CABG to Valve Repair Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. Ditah will discuss the heart, the aorta as the highway to all blood vessels, conditions that can cause ruptures or aneurysms, and how the heart can be repaired. Register here: https://upstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIkduuvqDgvGdCnGZtjjRaqsFsIAWKHPcQM. For more information, email Amy Allen at [email protected].

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Volunteers sought for breakfast service at the Samaritan Center Feb. 19

Join members of Upstate Emerging Leaders United at the Samaritan Center (215 N. State St.), as the group helps with breakfast service Wednesday, Feb. 19 from 6:15 to 9 a.m. The Samaritan Center mission is No One Goes Hungry. To participate, or for more information, email [email protected] or [email protected].

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Tax efficient retirement income discussion is Feb. 19

NYS Deferred Comp and Timothy Omara from Nationwide will host a conversation about retirement considerations Wednesday, Feb. 19 from noon to 1 p.m. via Microsoft Teams. The event is an offering of Upstate’s HR-Benefits Office. Participants will learn strategies to implement while accumulating future sources of tax-deferred, tax-free and taxable retirement income. For those ready to retire, learn withdrawal sequencing strategies to help optimize Social Security benefits, lower taxes, extend the longevity of a retirement portfolio and improve tax impacts on widows and heirs. All are welcome join. To register, visit: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/61455714-6a1a-49b6-baad-7a78547115bb@22140e4c-d390-45c2-b297-a26c516dc461.

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Black History Month Gala is Feb. 22

Upstate’s Black History Month Gala will be held Feb. 22 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Sky Armory, downtown Syracuse. Black Hollywood Glam: Lights, Camera, Revolution will feature Samantha Williams, MD, an Upstate graduate, as keynote speaker. Tickets are $75 general admission, $50 for students and trainees, and $40 for members of Upstate’s Student National Medical Association. Tickets include cocktail hour, dinner, awards, entertainment. Proceeds from ticket sales will fund student scholarships. Tickets will be sold Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays from noon to 2 p.m. on the first floor of the Academic Building. To reserve a table for eight, email [email protected] with the names of all attendees after purchasing tickets. Formal attire is requested. Questions about the event? Email [email protected].

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Blood drive is Feb. 26

A blood drive will be held Wednesday, Feb. 26 from noon to 5 p.m. in the lobby of Setnor. To schedule an appointment, visit: www.upstate.edu/blood.

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Advocates seek applications for grant awards by Feb. 28

Applications for the Advocates for Upstate’s Grant Funding Program are due Feb. 28 at noon. Awards will be announced in May and funds disbursed between June 1, 2025 and May 31, 2026. Applications for grants are accepted from departments across Upstate Medical University and must be used for items and/or services not funded through department budgets. Review guidelines and find application form, here: https://www.upstate.edu/advocates/grants-scholarships/grant-application.php. All applications must be submitted via email, along with any questions, to [email protected].

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Walk with a Doc is March 8

Tim Creamer, MD, clinical assistant professor of medicine, will lead Upstate’s Walk with a Doc event Saturday, March 8 at 9 a.m. on the upstairs indoor track at the Baldwinsville YMCA, 8040 River Rd., Baldwinsville. Dr. Creamer will present What to Do in an Emergency and then lead participants on a walk. Participants can walk at their own pace and distance. The event is free and open to the public. Doctors interested in leading a walk and all other questions, email [email protected]. To register, visit: https://walkwithadoc.org/join-a-walk/locations/syracuse-new-york/.

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Student Research Day is March 12

Student Research Day will be held March 12 and will spotlight student researchers in Upstate’s Colleges of Graduate Studies, Medicine, Health Professions, and Nursing. The event includes oral presentations, a keynote address, and a poster session. The deadline to submit an abstract to be considered for an oral presentation is Sunday, Jan. 12 by 11:59 p.m. Poster presentation submissions are due by Wednesday, Feb. 12 by 11:59 p.m. To register, visit: https://www.upstate.edu/grad/students/srday-form.php. Questions? Email [email protected].

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Patient Experience/Patient Relations HCAHPS education is March 19

Patient Experience/Patient Relations will host a Facts and Snacks education session on changes to the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) March 19 from 1 to 2 p.m. in 1502 Upstate University Hospital. Snacks will be provided. Registration is required, here: https://www.upstate.edu/pdl/intra/register/. For more information and to be sent a Teams link to attend the session virtually, email Cassandra Cleary at [email protected].

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Upstate PA night at Syracuse Crunch is April 4

Upstate’s physician assistant program night at the Syracuse Crunch game will be held April 4 at 7 p.m. in the Upstate Medical University Arena. Upstate’s physician assistant class of 2026 will share information on the program and sell pucks for the Chuck-a-Puck prior to the third period. Funds raised support the class. Tickets are $18 each and can be purchased online, here: www.syracusecrunch.com/UPSTATEPA using promo code UPSTATEPA. For any questions or ticket assistance, email Amber Butler at [email protected].

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Upstate Mental Health REACH workshop is April 10

Upstate Mental Health REACH workshop will be held April 10 beginning at 8:30 a.m. via Zoom. REACH aims to help primary and family medicine providers screen, identify, treat, and refer patients who need mental health care. The program is free, and 6 AMA PRA credits will be awarded to participants. Questions? Email Rosemarie Earle at [email protected]. Registration is required, here: https://upstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIqd--opzkrGNxF0dXaN72pvZgBNyLxUEPo.

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Upstate Well announcements

Tranquility Tuesday will be held Feb. 11, 18, 25 (and every Tuesday) from 12:30 to 12:45 p.m. on the second floor of Nappi Wellness Institute or virtually via WebEx. To join the virtual option, visit: https://upstate.webex.com/upstate/j.php?MTID=m4cf0ace0b87237183612a0b6496ca516 (Meeting ID: 2305 438 7566, Password: jyYW3FriJ74). Each session is a unique meditation, mindfulness, deep breathing, and relaxation practice experience. Questions? Email [email protected] or [email protected].

Pet a Pooch is Feb. 12, 18, 20. The events are for staff only. The schedule is as follows:

• Feb. 12 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the Community Room at Community
• Feb. 18 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in 8405A Upstate University Hospital
• Feb. 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside the cafeteria at Community

Yoga for All is open to all Upstate staff and no experience is necessary. For more information on yoga, email [email protected]. The schedule is as follows:

• Feb. 12 from 6:10 to 6:40 a.m. in Classroom A/B at Community
• Feb. 12 from 7:30 to 7:55 a.m. in Classroom A/B at Community
• Feb. 12 from 3:45 to 4:15 p.m. in C1076 A/B/C Upstate Cancer Center
• Feb. 14 from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. in 2151/2153 Nappi Wellness Institute
• Feb. 19 from 6:10 to 6:40 a.m. in Classroom A/B at Community
• Feb. 19 from 7:30 to 7:55 a.m. in Classroom A/B at Community
• Feb. 19 from 3:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. in 1076 A/B/C Upstate Cancer Center
• Feb. 20 from noon to 12:45 p.m. in 4507 Setnor (and via Teams Meeting ID: 235 863 538 811, Passcode: VL3YM9C9)
• Feb. 21 from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. in 2151/2153 Nappi Wellness Institute
• Feb. 26 from 6:10 to 6:40 a.m. in Classroom A/B at Community
• Feb. 26 from 7:30 to 7:55 a.m. in Classroom A/B at Community
• Feb. 28 from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. in 2151/2153 Nappi Wellness Institute

Wellness Speaks is Feb. 14 at 10 a.m. via WebEx. Lauren Angelone, staff wellness social worker, will speak about the importance of self-care. To register, visit: https://upstate.webex.com/weblink/register/r9120151257014f5d6603daf148113126.

The Mayo Well-being Index is a self-assessment tool with resources directed at major sources of stress. To access or sign up, visit: https://app.mywellbeingindex.org/login (Invitation Code: Upstate). This tool, which is 100% anonymous, provides individualized feedback so you can assess your current level of well-being, track changes in your well-being over time, and gain access to resources to promote your well-being and address a variety of concerns.

Save the date for yoga for healthcare staff wellbeing, a two-day experiential workshop, to be held May 16 and 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Performance Center on the 11^th floor of Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. The workshop is free. A donation to the Upstate Well fund is welcome. Rebecca Alexander Carey, PT, DPT, and Nayla Khoury, MD, will offer wellness strategies to healthcare staff for personal self-care and to foster healthy interactions with patients and colleagues for improved wellbeing. For more information on the workshop and to register, email [email protected].

4-KARE provides access to wellness and mental health resources for the Upstate community: For help accessing free, confidential wellness and mental health resources, everyone with an Upstate ID is welcome to call 315-464-5273 (4-KARE). The 24-hour phone line is answered by experienced triage nurses who can provide callers with access to mental health resources, connect callers with the Connect Care Clinic to schedule same or next day appointments with Upstate providers, and activate the Critical Incident Stress Management team. 4-KARE can help callers access spiritual, medical, physical, safety, and professional well-being resources. To begin a live webchat with a triage nurse, visit: https://amtelcoweb1.upstate.edu/ISWeb/Chat504/Chat.html?account=504&dispatch=WebChatTriage. To reach 4-KARE via email, send a message to: [email protected]. For more resources, visit the Upstate Well website: https://www.upstate.edu/wellness/.

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Global Health seeks volunteers for RSV study

Global Health seeks volunteers 18 years of age and older who are currently experiencing cold symptoms—cough, wheezing, shortness of breath—for a Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) study. Participants will be monitored for about one month and could be reimbursed for time and travel. For more information on the following studies led by Upstate’s Global Health Institute, call 315-464-9869 or email [email protected].

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Apparel sale information

• Upstate’s Nursing Excellence Council will sell crewneck sweatshirts Feb. 26 from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. outside Café 750 on the second floor of Upstate University Hospital and Feb. 27 from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the staff entrance lobby at Community. Sweatshirts are $30 each and available in small to 4XL. Pre-orders for this sale have closed; no special accommodations will be made. Proceeds support the Nursing Recognition Fund. Questions? Email Jennifer Flynn at [email protected].
• Vascular Surgery is selling shirts online, here: https://www.bonfire.com/store/vascular-surgery/. Proceeds will be used for education and research. Questions? Email Courtney Martuscello at [email protected].
• 6H Shared Governance shirt sale closes orders Feb. 17. To order, visit: https://micustpattysday.myshopify.com/. Questions? Email Teira Hawkins [email protected].

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Team Upstate seeks St. Baldrick's Day participants

Team Upstate seeks participants willing to shave their heads to help raise money for the St. Baldrick's Foundation to fund pediatric oncology research. The event will be held March 23 at the Spinning Wheel (7384 Thompson Rd, North Syracuse). This is a family event and all are welcome, including: Upstate staff, students, children, spouses, friends, and family members. To join the team and/or donate, visit: https://www.stbaldricks.org/teams/TeamUpstate. Participants who join the team before March 7 will receive a Team Upstate shirt. Instructions on when to meet will be emailed to registered participants a week before the event. For more information, email Abigail Venskus at [email protected].

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The Informed Patient

The Informed Patient podcast recently featured interviews with Upstate experts about reducing back pain, brain connectivity, and the importance of environmental service workers.

• Physical therapist Ryan Martin, DPT, explains what to do, and what not to do, to maintain a healthy back over a lifetime, including how to reduce back pain.
• A neuroscientist, Christopher Gaiteri, PhD, describes research his team has been doing to show how specific proteins and molecular structures influence brain connectivity.
• The importance of environmental services workers is illustrated in a research project involving photos taken by the workers themselves. Discussing the project and the EVS work are janitor Anita Rouse, medical student and researcher Nick Allis and Telisa Stewart, DrPH, an associate professor of public health and preventive medicine.

For more information on The Informed Patient, visit: https://www.upstate.edu/informed.