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Upstate Announcements for February 18, 2025

Nominations sought for President's Employee Recognition Awards

Nominations are now being accepted for the President’s Employee Recognition Awards for individuals and teams that have gone above and beyond. Nominations are due by April 1. For more information and the online nomination form, visit: www.upstate.edu/pera. For more information, email ChaseM@Upstate.edu.

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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 hw@upstate.edu by March 10. For more information, email Megan Chase at ChaseM@Upstate.edu.

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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 today, 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 AllenAm@Upstate.edu.

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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 neals@upstate.edu or ELU@upstate.edu.

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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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SNMA and MiM events are Feb. 21 and 25

Upstate’s Student National Medicine Association and Melanin in Medicine offer yoga and a book drive in celebration of Black History Month. Questions on any of these offerings? Email: Upstate[email protected], nealt@upstate.edu, or tchakots@upstate.edu.

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Housecalls for the Homeless is focus of Learning from our Neighbors series Feb. 24

Housecalls for the Homeless will be the focus of the Learning from our Neighbors, to be held Feb. 24 at noon in the Performance Center on the 11th floor of UpstateGolisano Children’s Hospital. David Lehmann, MD, PharmD, Mia Ruiz-Salvador and John Tumino will discuss Housecalls for the Homeless. Created in 2018, Housecalls for the Homeless is a street medicine program that provides medical, psychiatric, and addiction care services for men and women experiencing homelessness in Syracuse and Onondaga County. Funding for the program is supported in part by the Upstate Foundation. Refreshments will be provided.

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College student volunteer application process opens Feb. 24

Upstate’s Volunteer Program will accept applications from college students for the summer session from Feb. 24 to March 7. To apply, visit: https://www.upstate.edu/volunteers/college-application-all.php. Questions? Email volunteer@upstate.edu or call 315 464 5180.

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Schwartz Rounds is Feb. 25

Help: The System is on Overload will be held Tuesday, Feb. 25 at noon in 8405 A/B Upstate University Hospital. Schwartz Rounds panelists will discuss demand for medical services exceeding the system's capacity to effectively respond. The discussion may include issues of crowded emergency departments, staff burnout, staff shortages, resource strains, administrative bottlenecks, and delayed or compromised care. Schwartz Rounds is open to staff of all departments and is intended to offer compassionate listening environment. 1 continuing education hour will be provided for participants. All staff regardless of role are welcome. Questions? Email Chaplain Zeynab Mancini at manciniZ@upstate.edu.

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Apparel sales are Feb. 25 and 26

  • Joey’s Wish will sell shirts Feb. 25 from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. or until sold out. Shirts are $20 for short-sleeved and $25 for long-sleeved. To pre-order, email Antoinette Morrell at MorrellA@Upstate.edu. Proceeds from the sale benefit Joey’s Wish to help aid in ending the addiction crisis. The fund is held at the Upstate Foundation.
  • 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 UpstateUniversity 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 FlynnJe@Upstate.edu.

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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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Rare disease lunch and learn panel is Feb. 28

A lunch and learn panel on Rare Disease Day will be held Feb. 28 at noon in 9295 Weiskotten Hall. Rare Disease Day is a globally coordinated movement on rare diseases, working towards equity in social opportunity, healthcare, and access to diagnosis and therapies for people living with a rare disease. The event will feature a diverse panel of speakers, including physicians, researchers, patients, and caregivers. The event is hosted by Upstate Student Government and the GENEius Club. R.S.V.P. here: https://campuslife.upstate.edu/event/10993429. Questions? Email KemrajA@Upstate.edu.

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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 advocates@upstate.edu.

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Active Shooter Training sessions with UPD are March 5 and 19

University Police will host Active Shooter Training sessions March 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in 5143 Nappi Wellness Institute and March 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in 5002 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.

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Pet a Pooch staff wellness event is March 6

The Pet a Pooch staff wellness event will be held Thursday, March 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in 2151 Nappi Wellness Institute. The event is open to all Upstatestaff and hosted by the Nappi Wellness Committee, in partnership with Upstate’s Pathway to Wellness program and Pet Partners of CNY. Questions? Email Bethany Sullivan at sullivab@upstate.edu.

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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 FuertesE@Upstate.edu. To register, visit: https://walkwithadoc.org/join-a-walk/locations/syracuse-new-york/.

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ProCure launches March 10

ProCure is a new website bringing together expertise from Upstate’s Accounts Payable, Contracts and Campus Purchasing, Hospital Purchasing, Supply Chain Analytics and Systems, and Travel. The integrated platform will launch March 10 and will function similar to the IMT Help Desk and AskHR ticketing sites by providing a centralized resource for procurement-related information and support. End users should continue to use Online Purchase Requisition and Lawson Web Requisition to place their orders, C-Tracks for multi-year agreements, and the accountspayable@upstate.edu email for invoice submission and payment inquires. ProCure will be accessible via the Upstate iPage and solutions.upstate.edu. Questions? Email Sarah McNall at McNallSa@upstate.edu.

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Teaching Kitchen event is March 11

Upstate’s Teaching Kitchen event on how to eat for colon health will be held Tuesday, March 11 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in room 2151/2153 Nappi Wellness Institute. The chef will discuss ingredients and cooking techniques for a plant-based recipe while the registered dietician discusses the nutritional benefits of the recipe ingredients. Each presenter will answer questions related to the recipe or any other food and nutrition queries. This event is free and open to the Upstate community and the public. Parking for this event will be validated. Space is limited. To register, call Upstate Connect at 315-464-8668. Questions? Email Christine Benton at bentonch@upstate.edu.

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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 ArnoldSh@Upstate.edu.

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Student Admissions hosts information sessions March 12 and April 1, 3, 9

Student Admissions will host virtual and on-campus information sessions for several bachelor’s degree programs. Prospective students are welcome. Questions about the sessions: email admiss@upstate.edu or call 315-464-4570. The schedule is as follows:

  • March 12 at 3:45 p.m. Respiratory Therapy session at Upstate
  • April 1 at 3:45 p.m. Radiography, Radiation Therapy, Ultrasound, BPS-CT and BPS-MRI session at Upstate
  • April 3 at 6:30 p.m. Radiography, Radiation Therapy, Ultrasound, BPS-CT and BPS-MRI virtual session
  • April 9 at 6:30 p.m. Respiratory Therapy virtual session

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Charting Your Course: A Woman’s Financial Guide is March 18

The first in a series of free quarterly financial educational presentations for Upstateemployees will be held Tuesday, March 18 from 5 to 6 p.m. in C1076 A/B/C at Upstate Cancer Center. The Upstate Foundation’s Carolyn Hendrickson, in partnership with TIAA representatives Reanna Wenham, Estella Taylor-Greene, and Sandra Bennet will launch the series designed to help employees prepare for retirement, estate planning and beyond. Light refreshments and snacks will be provided, all are welcome. Topics will vary in future presentations. To register, visit: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/cAdEHg?vid=1hu0dt. Questions? Email Carolyn Hendrickson at hendricC@upstate.edu.

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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 ClearyC@Upstate.edu.

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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 butleram@upstate.edu.

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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 EarleR@Upstate.edu. Registration is required, here: https://upstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIqd--opzkrGNxF0dXaN72pvZgBNyLxUEPo.

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Registration open for Upstate Cancer Research Week

Registration is open and abstracts welcome for Upstate Cancer Research Week. The annual Upstate Cancer Center retreat will be held May 16 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at CNY Biotech Accelerator. A trainee symposium will be held May 15 from 2 to 6 p.m. in 4414 B/C Academic Building. The events will bring together basic scientists, physician scientists, clinicians, and trainees to share the latest in cancer research advancements at Upstate. To register, visit: https://redcap.upstate.edu/surveys/?s=LJX7FW4KXRDN9DMF. To submit research abstracts for presentation at the retreat or trainee symposium by the April 1 deadline, visit: https://redcap.upstate.edu/surveys/?s=CL38CCTRPAM3HRP8. For more information on the events, agendas, and a list of speakers, visit: https://www.upstate.edu/cancer/research/retreat/index.php. Questions? Email CancerResearch@Upstate.edu.

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Upstate Well announcements

Tranquility Tuesday will be held Feb. 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 nanavatk@upstate.edu or colechr@upstate.edu.

Pet a Pooch is Feb. 18, 20, 26. The events are for staff only. The schedule is as follows:

  • 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
  • Feb. 26 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in 9405A Upstate University Hospital

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

  • 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

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% confidential, 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.

Sign up now 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 11th 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 KhouryN@Upstate.edu.

4-KARE provides access to wellness and mental health resources for the Upstatecommunity: For help accessing 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: 4kare@upstate.edu. For more resources, visit the Upstate Well website: https://www.upstate.edu/wellness/.

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The Informed Patient

The Informed Patient podcast recently featured an interview with Upstate experts about bird flu, a proposed weight-loss drug and Covid’s effect on mental health.

For more, visit: https://www.upstate.edu/informed/index.php.

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