A Message from President Riley

By Office of the President | Feb 11, 2025

Celebrating Black History, Advancing Wellness, Investing in Tomorrow

We honor Black History Month by celebrating the profound contributions of African and Black Americans in medicine, science, and society. At SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University (Downstate), we are proud to continue this legacy by educating a diverse healthcare workforce and addressing health disparities in our communities. Our commitment to advancing equity through education, research, and clinical care remains strong.

February also marks American Heart Month, a critical time to focus on cardiovascular health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States—responsible for one in every five deaths. Women, in particular, face significant risks—over 60 million women (44 percent) in the U.S. are living with some form of heart disease. In 2021, heart disease was responsible for one in every five female deaths.

In recognition of National Wear Red Day^® on February 7, I was pleased to join our community in our annual Go Red for Women photo shoot, symbolizing our collective commitment to women’s heart health. The Go Red for Women campaign is a powerful reminder of awareness, prevention, and early detection. I encourage everyone—faculty, staff, students, and patients—to prioritize heart health by scheduling regular screenings, maintaining an active lifestyle, and using the services available at our Family Health Center at 253 Empire Boulevard.

We continue to make meaningful strides in strengthening our campus and infrastructure. Ongoing capital improvements reflect our commitment to providing a state-of-the-art environment for patient care, medical education, and research. These enhancements support our long-term vision of excellence and innovation, ensuring that we remain a leader in healthcare for the communities we serve.

Let us use this month to honor our shared history, promote wellness, and strengthen our commitment to progress. I appreciate your dedication to Downstate and the unique communities we serve.