A Tribute to Downstate’s 24-Hour Caregivers
By Office of the President | Mar 3, 2026
The Downstate community recently gathered to mark our First Annual Caregivers Recognition Day in observance of National Caregivers Day. Patricia Winston, DNP, MS, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE, Interim CEO of University Hospital at Downstate, prepared remarks for the occasion, which Dawn Walker shared on her behalf.
Her message centered on the caregivers who are part of our Downstate family. Across the country, more than 53 million adults provide unpaid care to a loved one. Nearly one in five Americans serves as a caregiver, and many balance that responsibility with full-time work. Many of those caregivers are right here at Downstate.
Dr. Winston spoke personally about how caregiving shaped her path and led her to nursing, following in her mother’s footsteps. That experience formed her understanding of patience, presence, and compassion, and it continues to influence how she approaches her work and leadership.
Every day, Downstate faculty and staff care for patients, teach students, support research, and keep this academic health center running. After work, many return home to care for aging parents, children, spouses, siblings, and loved ones facing illness or disability. For them, caregiving does not end when the workday does.
We established Caregivers Recognition Day as an annual tradition to honor those dual responsibilities. As part of the celebration, we introduced the 24-Hour Downstate Caregiver Pin. Its circular design reflects the ongoing nature of care. The interlocking elements represent the connection between caring at work and caring at home. At the center is compassion, the foundation of our mission.
At Downstate, #KeepCareClose reflects how we show up for our patients and for Central Brooklyn. The care many of our colleagues provide at home strengthens the care we provide here. It shapes how we listen, teach, and serve.
The message closed with a simple affirmation: “We see you. We value you. We honor the care you give.”
To every caregiver in our Downstate community, thank you for the commitment you carry each day and for helping us keep care close in every sense of the word.
National Caregivers Day
