I-81 Construction update

Construction related to the I-81 viaduct project has begun around the Upstate campus near the CNY Biotechnology Accelerator. Entrances and access to parking lots in that area are subject to change in the near future. When advised of any changes, campus announcements will be provided. Individuals who park in this area at Upstate-designated lots should have already received communications from the Upstate Parking office about any immediate changes to shuttle or parking access. Please use caution when traveling in this area as there may be last-minute traffic reconfigurations and construction equipment in operation.

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March is Child Life Month

Upstate’s Child Life Department focuses on making hospitalizations manageable for patients and their families and employs 19 staff members, including: 16 child life specialists, a music therapist, an art therapist, and a gaming specialist. Upstate’s Child Life Department supports inpatient and outpatient pediatrics throughout the institution. From preparing children for a variety of surgeries and procedures, offering targeted therapeutic care for burn patients, opportunities for developmentally appropriate play, and providing emotional support for psychiatric patients, child life specialists are an integral part of the patient experience at Upstate. Celebrate Upstate’s team by thanking a child life professional this month.

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March is Social Work Month

The Social Work profession is an essential piece of the Upstate community and supports the diverse psychosocial needs of patients across the healthcare continuum. Upstate employs over 80 licensed mastered social workers at Upstate University Hospital, Upstate Community Hospital, Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital, and multiple ambulatory and specialty clinics. The 2025 National Social Work Month theme is Compassion + Action. Social workers are uniquely qualified and enter the profession because they truly want to help others, care about people and are often called on to turn their compassion into action to address the variety of barriers and challenges that are faced by people in our community. Help celebrate the profession by thanking an Upstate Social Worker in March.

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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 today, 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 [email protected]. 

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Charles Ross Memorial Student Research Day is March 12

The Charles Ross Memorial Student Research Day will be held Wednesday, March 12. Oral presentations will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. and Lynne Maquat, PhD, will deliver the keynote presentation from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. in 2231 Weiskotten Hall. Poster presentations will run from 4:15 to 6:30 p.m. in 4414 A/B/C Academic Building. Questions? Email [email protected]. For a full schedule, visit: Student Research Day.

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Parent Resources Seminar on childhood sleep hygiene is March 12

Zafer Soultan, MD, will present Sleep Hygiene through Childhood Wednesday, March 12 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. Dr. Soultan will discuss development of sleep in the first year, facilitating good sleep habits across all age groups, and common sleep problems in all age groups. Registration is required, here: https://upstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJApcOmuqzsiHdKUzERYGAtgywFNyPI0w-fh. Questions? Email Amy Allen at [email protected].

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Volunteer Programs downtown office to relocate March 14

The downtown Volunteer Programs office will relocate to 1402 Upstate University Hospital. The space is in the Nursing Recruitment hallway.

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Cardiology Grand Rounds is March 14

Linda Gillam, MD, will present Mitral Regurgitation: What You Need to Know in 2025 Friday, March 14 at 7:30 a.m. in 2231 Weiskotten Hall and via WebEx. To join virtually, visit: https://upstate.webex.com/upstate/j.php?MTID=mda3eef0fe3d766d8501961c99c595679. (Meeting number/access code: 2312 707 1152

meeting password: Cardiology1.) Participants will review the increased survival and growth of ACHD patients, gain a better understanding of complications related to long term survival of ACHD patients, and recognize pregnancy complications in ACHD patients. CME is available for this session. For more information, email Lisa Carroll at [email protected].

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Vote for Hero the Wolf in SUNY Mascot contest by March 14

Voting is now open for the SUNY Mascot contest, including Upstate’s Hero the Wolf. The deadline to vote in the first round is Friday, March 14. The annual contest pairs mascots from SUNY campuses in a single-elimination tournament format. The mascot with the most online votes moves onto the next round. To vote for Upstate’s mascot, Hero the Wolf, visit: https://www.suny.edu/mascotmadness/.

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A Tiny Home for Good founder to address Learning from our Neighbors’ series March 17

Andrew Lunetta, founder of A Tiny Home for Good, will speak about his agency’s work to address homelessness, at the Learning from our Neighbors’ session March 17 from noon to 1 p.m. in the Performance Center on the 11^th floor of Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. Stemming from volunteer experiences as a student, Lunetta founded A Tiny Home for Good, an organization dedicated to providing safe, affordable, and dignified housing. The organization builds homes and rents them to individuals facing homelessness, connects them with case management and provides additional personalized support to encourage long-term stability. Learning from Our Neighbors is presented by Upstate’s Spiritual Care and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Refreshments will be available.

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Workshop on wheelchair service provision theory and practice is March 17 and 18

Local / Global Perspectives on Wheelchair Service Provision Theory and Practice will be held March 17 and 18 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in 4414 B/C Academic Building. The presentation is geared toward physical and occupational therapists, and any clinician with an interest in global health. Presenting the two-day workshop is Silvana Contepomi, PT-MS ATE, president of the Argentine Assistive Technology Association, advisor to the World Health Organization Global Cooperation on Assistive Technology, and chair for the International Society of Wheelchair Professionals. ISWP Certification and Continuing Education credits are available. To Register, call 315-464-7577 or email [email protected]. The workshop is sponsored by the Upstate Foundation, the Spina Bifida Center of Central New York, and the Spina Bifida Association of New York State. 

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Poison Prevention Week events are March 17 and 20

Upstate New York Poison Center will host two events in celebration of National Poison Prevention Week, March 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. inside and outside the cafeteria at Community and March 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside Café 750 on the second floor of Upstate University Hospital. Stop by to learn more, pick up resources, and receive poison prevention giveaways. Upstate staff can get involved by sharing poison prevention tips with patients and encouraging everyone to save 1-800-222-1222 in their phones for quick access to the Upstate New York Poison Center experts.

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Schwartz Rounds is March 18

Schwartz Rounds will be held March 18 from noon to 1 p.m. in 8405 A/B Upstate University Hospital. In recognition of National Health Workforce Well-Being Day (March 18), rounds will focus on I am Human: Stories of Strength, Fear, and Hope. March 18 marks the anniversary of the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act signed into law. The act aims to reduce and prevent suicide, burnout, and mental and behavioral health conditions among health professionals.   

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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 Upstate employees 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. There is no Zoom option. Topics will vary in future presentations. To register, click on this link: https://igfn.us/form/cAdEHg Questions? Email Carolyn Hendrickson at [email protected].

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Volunteers sought for breakfast service at Samaritan Center March 19

Join members of Upstate Emerging Leaders United at the Samaritan Center (215 N. State St.), as the group helps with breakfast service Wednesday, March 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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Patient Experience/Patient Relations Facts and Snacks is March 19

Facts and Snacks will be held March 19 from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Patient Relations conference room, 1502 Upstate University Hospital. The session will focus on changes to the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS). Snacks will be provided. Register ahead, as space is limited: https://www.upstate.edu/pdl/intra/register/. To attend remotely, email Cassandra Cleary for a Teams link.  

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Active Shooter Training session with UPD is March 19

University Police will host an Active Shooter Training session 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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Autism-focused shirt sale open now through March 19

Upstate’s Golisano Center for Special Needs will sell shirts dedicated to autism and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) awareness now through March 19. Funds raised support the center’s Patient Assistance Fund, which helps purchase gas and meals cards for families with financial constraints. To order a shirt, visit: https://golisanoscn.myshopify.com/. Questions? Email Amanda Kirby at [email protected].

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Managing diabetes with the help of PT is March 20

Steven Lounsbury, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, CAFS, and Jason O’Neill, PTA, will present Diabetes Management with Rehab Providers Thursday, March 20 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. The experts will discuss equipment, appropriate footwear, self-management strategies and safe and effective tips for managing diabetes with activity. Registration is required, here: https://upstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYrcOqgqjIvGdytIpk2fZYKDYqsv3ypmdy5. Questions? Email Amy Allen at [email protected].

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Schwartz Rounds is March 25

Schwartz Rounds will be held Tuesday, March 25 at noon in 8405 A/B Upstate University Hospital. I Am Human: The Silent Battle of Healthcare Workers will explore the emotional, mental, physical challenges faced by health professionals. While on the front lines of patient care, the stress, burnout, trauma, and emotional toll experienced by healthcare workers frequently goes unnoticed. This topic sheds light on personal struggles, including the impact of long hours, high-pressure environments, emotional exhaustion, and a lack of adequate support systems. It emphasizes the need for greater recognition of their humanity and calls for better mental health resources, work-life balance, and systemic changes to support healthcare workers in their vital roles. Schwartz Rounds is open to staff of all departments and is intended to support staff by offering a compassionate listening environment. One CE hour is available for participants. All staff in any role are welcome. Questions about Schwartz Rounds? Email Chaplain Zeynab Mancini at [email protected].

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Stop the Bleed offers free public courses March 26 and April 30

Upstate Trauma will offer free Stop the Bleed courses Wednesday, March 26 from 10 to 11 a.m. and Wednesday, April 30 from 5 to 6 p.m. at Upstate HealthLink/Oasis, 6333 NY-298, E. Syracuse. To register for the March 26 course, visit: March's Stop the Bleed Course Sign-Up. To register for the April 30 course, visit: April's Stop the Bleed Sign-Up. Licensed staff interested in becoming instructors can email [email protected] to begin the process. Interested staff must have attended and completed a Stop the Bleed course to instruct. Questions? Email [email protected]. 

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College of Health Professions to host ISMRT event March 29

Upstate’s College of Health Professions will host the International Society for MR Radiographers and Technologists (ISMRT) 4th New York Division hybrid meeting March 29 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in 4414 B/C Academic Building with a Web Ex option. The event is free for Upstate staff and 8 Category A ARRT CE credits will be available to participants. To register, email Mark Spooner at [email protected]. For those outside of Upstate, register here: https://www.ismrm.org/smrt/chapters-divisions/new-York/. 

To view the list of speakers, visit: https://www.upstate.edu/chp/about/news/ismrt-conference-2025.php. Questions? Email Susan Wright at [email protected]. 

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Upstate Well events in March

Tranquility Tuesday will be held March 4 (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 for staff will be held in the Community Room at Community on the following dates: 

• March 12 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. 
• March 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Yoga for All is open to all Upstate staff and no experience is necessary. For more information on yoga and to receive the link for virtual-only yoga dates, email [email protected]. For Teams yoga options noted below, use Meeting ID: 235 863 538 811, Passcode: VL3YM9C9. The schedule is as follows: 

• March 6 from noon to 12:45 p.m. in 4507 Setnor and via Teams 
• March 7 from 8 to 8:45 a.m. Performance Center, 11th floor Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital 
• March 13 from noon to 12:45 p.m. in 4507 Setnor and via Teams
• March 14 from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. in 2151/2153 Nappi Wellness Institute
• March 17 from noon to 12:30 p.m., virtual only
• March 20 from noon to 12:45 p.m. in 4507 Setnor and via Teams
• March 27 from noon to 12:45 p.m. in 4507 Setnor and via Teams
• March 28 from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. in 2151/2153 Nappi Wellness Institute

Well NYS Everyday theme for March is nutrition. For more on Well NYS every day and the weekly challenges, visit: https://oer.ny.gov/wellnys-everyday. For more information, email Christine Cole at [email protected].

For more on Upstate Well resources, visit: https://www.upstate.edu/wellness/.  For information about 4-KARE, visit: https://www.upstate.edu/wellness/intra/4-kare/.

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April is Occupational Therapy Month

Upstate employs 83 occupational therapists who treat patients with a variety of issues and injuries, such as: cardiovascular, brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injury, amputation, orthopedic, trauma, cancer, and more. OTs work in acute care settings at all Upstate hospitals, rehab units, the transitional care unit, and outpatient clinics. Occupational therapy focuses on therapeutic use of everyday activities or occupations to help people participate in meaningful and purposeful activities. Thank an OT in April.

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Blood drives at Upstate are April 3, 4, 8

Blood drives will be held in three Upstate locations in the month of April. For more information and to schedule an appointment, visit: www.upstate.edu/blood. The schedule is as follows:

• April 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the conference rooms on the first floor of Upstate Cancer Center
• April 4 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Performance Center on the 11^th floor of Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital
• April 8 from noon to 5 p.m. in the cafeteria at Upstate Community Hospital

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Upstate to celebrate Public Health Week April 7, 8, 9, 10

Upstate Community Hospital will host information tables featuring a variety of topics and programs in celebration of Public Health Week April 7, 8, 9, and 10 from noon to 1:30 p.m. in and around the Cafeteria at Community. Experts will be available to discuss topics, such as: burns, cancer, tobacco cessation, CPR, EAP, EPIC, 4-Kare, Upstate Well, diabetes, sustainability, lead exposure prevention, domestic violence, parenting, child abuse, substance abuse, reiki, breast feeding, poison prevention, and more. Questions about the event? Email Beth Sellers at [email protected]. 

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Donations for Donate Life virtual silent auction due April 15

Upstate’s Organ Donor Council seeks donations for the Donate Life virtual silent auction, to be held April 18 to 25. Donations are due by April 15. Prizes will be awarded for the most creative, most lucrative, and best theme. Proceeds from the auction will be used to help promote organ donation and register new organ donors. For more information about the auction and to have your submission picked up, email Liz Keesler at [email protected].

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Upstate Health on social media

Consumer health information from Upstate is now available on Bluesky. Follow and share @UpstateHealth.bsky.social. Upstate Health features The Informed Patient podcasts, HealthLink events, HealthLink on Air radio segments, Upstate News stories, and other content. Upstate Health can also be found on Facebook @upstatehealthlink, Instagram @upstatehealth/, and X @UpstateHealth.

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The Informed Patient

The Informed Patient podcast recently featured interviews with Upstate experts about prebiotic drinks, healthy food labeling, and Schwartz Rounds.

• Are so-called “gut pops”—prebiotic drinks—good for you? Colorectal surgeon Kristina Go, MD, explains the possible benefits.
• New food labels have update which foods can call themselves healthy, and Kausahl Nanavati, MD, explains some of the concepts underlying the new labels. He is a doctor of family medicine, director of integrative medicine and assistant dean of wellness at Upstate.
• Schwartz Rounds offer a place for health care workers to share their experiences and feelings about their work. Discussing these sessions is chaplain Zeynab Mancini, who coordinates the program.

For more information on The Informed Podcast and HealthLink On Air, visit: https://www.upstate.edu/informed.