September 2023 Announcements
By Office of Communications & Marketing | Sep 1, 2023
State Policy for Snow Emergencies
Only the Governor has the authority to close state agencies, which includes SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University. Local governmental officials, police, radio, and television stations do not have the authority to close State offices and facilities. Likewise, neither declarations of a state of emergency nor road closures are equivalent to the closure of State facilities.
In the rare occasion when the Governor issues an order of closure, you will be notified. When an announcement is made that only essential service employees are expected to report to work, those employees should make every effort to report. Presidents are authorized to cancel classes even when the Governor has not closed facilities. Presidents may also excuse non-essential employees from work where appropriate accruals may be charged.
Campus administration has the ability to exercise discretion to determine who is essential and must report to work based on specifics of an emergency or extraordinary circumstance. In general, essential employees shall be those whose duties include continuing care and/or safety of patients, students, property, or animals; maintaining mission critical systems; or emergency response, relief and recovery. Please note that all University Hospital-based employees are designated as essential.
This notification shall be sent to all employees, including those within the academic enterprise, at the start of the academic year. Supervisors may use the attached Essential Employee Notification form for this purpose. Once signed by the employee, the department should forward a copy to the Office of Employee & Labor Relations.
The Governor and the Civil Service Commission may retroactively excuse absences related to extreme weather by suspending the time and attendance rules. This determination is communicated to SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University following any weather emergency. Only when the Governor/Civil Service makes this determination may employees’ absences be “excused”. You will be advised of credits charged to cover related absences at that time.
State Policy for Snow Emergencies
The Passing of John Zubrovich
With heavy hearts, we share the news that our friend and colleague John Zubrovich,
Director of New Media Services in the Office of Communications & Marketing, died suddenly
over the weekend.
John was a loyal and proud Downstate employee for more than 35 years. His work touched every aspect of our educational, research, and clinical enterprises, as well as thousands of employees and students. John’s impact can be felt throughout our institution, from graphic and web design services, campus and event photography, official portraits, logo approvals, and, in recent years, media and press projects.
John brought energy, enthusiasm, professionalism, expertise, and laughter to the workplace, which was infectious, providing solid leadership, guidance, and friendship to all he encountered. His kindness and willingness to go the extra mile and find solutions for impossible tasks endeared him to everyone.
Over the years, John’s leadership guided the success of numerous projects, including, most recently, the complete overhaul of the Downstate website, which we know was his baby. John’s absence will leave a void that will be impossible to fill.
We join Elise, John’s wife, daughter Julia, and son Alex, in mourning his loss.
Please see the funeral services information below:
Viewing/Funeral Service will be held at:
Marine Park Funeral Home
3024 Quentin Road, Brooklyn, NY
Thursday, September 14th
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Mass:
Good Shepherd Catholic Church
2992 Ave. S
Brooklyn, NY 11229
Friday, September 15th at 11:00 AM.
Service to follow at Green-Wood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Heart Association or any charity of your choice in John’s honor.
New IT Service Ticket System Go!
Department of Information Services and Technology is pleased to announce that a new IT ticket system, TeamDynamix (TDX) will be in service starting August 29, 2023.
TDX is an award-winning cloud solution for IT Service Management (ITSM) and Portfolio and Project Management (PPM). It has been selected by a multi-department committee at Downstate, and also used by many other SUNY campuses.
What does this mean to you?
Starting on August 29, 2023, tickets for all new IT service requests will be created and managed in the new TDX ticket system. You can continue to create new service tickets by sending emails to help@downstate.edu or by calling IT Customer Services Center at (718) 270-4357. Updates regarding these tickets will now be communicated through a new email address ITHelpReply@downstate.edu. You can view an example HERE. Please bear in mind that while this email address is dedicated to updating existing tickets, it should not be used for initiating new ones.
We are also pleased to introduce a new client portal accessible at https://services.downstate.edu, offering you the convenience of creating and tracking tickets online. This portal requires authentication using your Downstate email address and password.
Navigate through the client portal is straightforward. Please view this knowledge base article for a quick guide.
We are diligently constructing a knowledge base accessible from the client portal that will soon provide a comprehensive self-service portal, catering to the diverse needs of Downstate users.
Furthermore, please note that tickets created prior to August 29, 2023 will continue to be managed in the legacy ticket system until their resolution. They will not be shown in the new client portal.
Need more information?
To learn more details or need assistance, please visit the new client portal, or email the IT Customer Services Center at Help@Downstate.edu.
Register Today For An Upcoming AVERT Active Shooter Training
AVERT, short for Active Violence Emergency Response Training goes beyond active shooter training by teaching emergency bleeding control techniques, warning signs of a potential aggressor, quick response in a violent situation, escape, evade, or attack in critical seconds during an event, and staff confidence needed to respond. University Hospital at Downstate is now a training center with 14 certified instructors that includes staff from Emergency Management, University Police, the HAZMAT team, and the ED.
Please RSVP by using the link below to register for an upcoming Active Shooter Training:
- Event Address: University Hospital at Downstate
- Exact location will be emailed after registration is complete
- For more information, contact Jennifer Guzman at Jennifer.Guzman@downstate.edu
- Register for an upcoming event here: https://downstate.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3Da7gRVrzTWnjzU
UPD Announce Evolv Weapons Detection System (Evolv)
In response to the seemingly endless tragic mass shootings nationwide, the President’s Office has instructed University Police Department (UPD) to impose greater rigor in screenings at the various entrances to our campus, including enhancing technology to improve safety for all constituent groups. As such, UPD is proud to announce the deployment of the Evolv Weapons Detection System (Evolv) throughout the campus.
Evolv is a non-intrusive system that balances a new approach in technology with the community's needs and understanding the role that security measures play in reducing anxiety and improving safety on campus. The system incorporates state-of-the-art weapons detection that identifies weapons while ignoring harmless personal items as students, staff, patients, and visitors enter at a natural pace. This technology has been employed around the state, including at other SUNY campuses. We want to ensure that we are doing everything possible to keep each member of the Downstate community safe.
Regardless of these new measures, always remember that safety is a shared responsibility. If you hear, see, or have an alarming or unusual experience on or near the campus, it is vital that you immediately contact UPD at X-2626 or from a non-campus phone at (718) 270-2626. If you are off campus, dial 911 for emergency assistance. Timely reporting can help prevent crimes or other incidents.
UPDATE: Wearing Masks in the Hospital and Clinical Areas
As of now, we will not screen staff or visitors at the entrance utilizing WellScreen or with hand-held devices. If any employee has any symptoms related to COVID-19, please report to Employee Health Service.
Masks are to be worn on all inpatient nursing units, the Emergency Department, procedure areas, diagnostic testing areas, Student Health Center, Employee Health Service, and all outpatient clinics.
Masking will no longer be required in first-floor corridors, lobbies, the cafeteria, break rooms, conference rooms, and offices.
Staff who elect to wear face masks should continue to feel comfortable doing so.
It is strongly recommended that staff, patients, and visitors with respiratory symptoms wear a face mask and practice respiratory etiquette.
The Infection Control Office actively monitors the situation and will adjust the hospital masking policy accordingly. Our paramount concern remains with the safety of our patients, visitors, and staff.
We thank everyone for their continued dedication and cooperation.
Upcoming Events
September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month
Sickle Cell Awareness Month allows us to share information about a condition affecting
millions worldwide. Raising awareness about sickle cell disease can foster understanding,
support, and research efforts to improve the lives of those living with this condition.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and its partners support projects to learn about the number of people living with SCD to understand better how the disease impacts their health. It is estimated that number of people living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) in the U.S. are as follows:
- SCD affects approximately 100,000 Americans.
- SCD occurs among about 1 out of every 365 Black or African-American births.
- SCD occurs among about 1 out of every 16,300 Hispanic-American births.
- About 1 in 13 Black or African-American babies is born with sickle cell trait (SCT).
Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder that can cause severe pain, organ damage, and complications throughout a person’s life. Increased awareness helps promote early detection, better access to healthcare, and the development of new treatments and therapies.
SUNY Downstate of Hematology/Oncology division chief Kevin Becker, M.D., explains sickle cell disease, treatment, preventive measures, and therapies in this message
National Sickle Cell Awareness Month
#SickleCellAwarenessMonth #SupportSickleCellWarriors
Community Healthy Lifestyle Fair
Saturday, September 9, 2023
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
445 Lenox Road (at Brooklyn Ave.)
Green Belt Poster Fair
September 15, 2023
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Black and Latino Male Initiative Networking Event
Friday, September 15, 2023
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
395 Lenox Road, Brooklyn, NY, 11203
Rosh Hashanah Shofar Blowing
Sunday September 17, 2023
12:00 PM
Phab Hall 450 Clarkson (1st Floor)
“Addressing Suicidal Ideation: Best Practices and Ethical Considerations”
Date: September 19, 2023
Time: 12 Noon (ET)
Duration: 1 hour
This session will be recorded and available to those who register.
Click here for FREE registration
Rebuilding Trust in Healthcare Delivery
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Alumni Auditorium
Prostate Cancer Screening and Care
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
New York Academy of Medicine 1216, Fifth Avenue at 103rd Street
School of Health Professions Dean's Lecture Series - 4th Edition 2023-2024 "Telehealth"
September 27, 2023
5:00 PM
Latino Voces Series and Platica Invitations
Wednseday, September 27, 2023
10:20 AM - 11:15 AM
SUNY System Administration
Hola Familia!
The State University of New York and the Hispanic Leadership Institute invite you to attend the “Latino Voces Series” (see attached) as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage month. Each week will feature live streams of HLI fellows with special guests visiting their classrooms to discuss Latino cultural expression. The first live stream is scheduled for Monday, September 18 at 11:00am. Please pass along to anyone who might be interested.
The grand finale will be held on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 3:00pm at SUNY System Administration, where we will host an in person event with a plática between Drs. Nazario y Colón, Falcón, and Hurtado. Reception to follow. Please let me know by October 5 if you are able to join us.
We look forward to celebrating with you.
Zulaika R. Rodriguez-Awoliyi
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Presidential Recruitment,
Evaluation, and Development
Executive Director, SUNY Hispanic Leadership Institute
The State University of New York
Voces Transcending: Latino Literary Expression Now
Thursday, October 12, 2023
SUNY System Administration,
353 Broadway, Albany, New York
Emerging Trends in Dialysis Care:
Economics Driving Prices of Medicines
October 13th, 2023
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Downstate Alumni Auditorium
Join us for the 2023 Walk to End Alzheimer's on 10/29/2023
Saturday, October 29, 2023
10:00 AM
Korean War Veterans Park
(Cadman Plaza E., Cadman Plaza W, Brooklyn, NY 11201)
Past Events
The Joel S. Levine Memorial Lectureship
On September 20, 2023, the Office of the President hosted the 2nd Annual Joel S. Levine, M.D. Memorial Lectureship Rebuilding Trust in Healthcare Delivery with keynote speaker Toyin Ajayi, M.D., MPhil, Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer, Cityblock and special guest, Mandy K. Cohen, M.D., MPH, Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Administrator, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Former Secretary, North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services, and Inaugural Lecturer, The Joel M. Levine, M.D. Lectureship.
About the Joel S. Levine, M.D. Memorial Lectureship
The Joel S. Levine, M.D. Memorial Lectureship was created in 2021 to honor Dr. Levine’s memory. He had a diverse medical career, including clinical practice, health policy, advocacy, and improving healthcare access. Dr. Levine graduated from Stuyvesant High School and earned his medical degree from the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, College of Medicine. Dr. Levine completed his medical training at various institutions, including Tufts New England Medical Center and the University of Colorado School of Medicine.
Dr. Levine held significant roles in the medical community, including Chair Emeritus of the Board of Regents of the American College of Physicians (ACP). He played a crucial part in making colorectal cancer screening a Medicare benefit. Dr. Levine was a Professor of Medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs for nearly two decades. Additionally, he led the Division of Digestive and Liver Health for a decade at Denver Health, Colorado’s primary safety-net healthcare system.
View Dr. Ajayi’s lecture in its entirety here.
Holidays / Observances
Days:
Sept 4: Labor Day
September 17: Rosh Hashanah
Days
9/8: Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses’ Day
9/15: National Neonatal Nurses Day
9/19: National IT Professionals Day
9/25: National Research Administrator Day
Weeks
9/1-7: National Clinical Nurse Specialist Recognition Week
9/10-16: Vascular Nurses Week
9/10-16: National Health Care Environmental Services Week
9/10-16: Nursing Professional Development Week
9/10-16: Vascular Nurses Week
9/11-17: Neonatal Nurses Week
9/17-23: National Surgical Technologists Week
9/18-22: National Postdoc/Fellows Appreciation Week
9/18-24: National Rehabilitation Awareness Week
Days
9/4: World Sexual Health Day
9/10: World Suicide Prevention Day
9/13: World Sepsis Day
9/13: Celiac Disease Awareness Day
9/17: National Physician Suicide Awareness Day
9/18: National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day
9/19: Get Ready for Flu Day
9/20: National School Backpack Awareness Day
9/ 21: World Alzheimer’s Day
9/25: World Lung Day
9/26: Mesothelioma Awareness Day
9/27: National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
9/27: National Women’s Health and Fitness Day
9/28: World Rabies Day
9/29: Sport Purple for Platelets Day
9/29: World Heart Day
Weeks
9/10-16: National Folic Awareness Week
9/10-16: National Suicide Prevention Week
9/17-23: Telehealth Awareness Week
9/18-22: Falls Prevention Awareness Week
9/18-22: Fungal Disease Awareness Week
9/18-22: Malnutrition Awareness Week
9/18-24: National Rehabilitation Awareness Week
9/25-29: Global ITP Awareness Week
Month:
Baby Safety Month
Blood Cancer Awareness Month
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Drug-Free Pain Management Awareness Month
Food Safety Education Month
Gene Therapy and Specialty Pharmacy Awareness Month
Global Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month
Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month
Healthy Aging Month
National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month (American Heart Association)
National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month
National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
National Cholesterol Education Month
National ITP Awareness Month (Platelet Disorder)
National Pediculosis Prevention Month
National Recovery Month
National Sickle Cell Awareness Month
National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Newborn Screening Awareness Month
Ovrian Cancer Awareness Month
Pain Awareness Month
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Month
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Prostate Health Month
Reye’s Syndrome Awareness Month
Sepsis Awareness Month
Sexual Health Awareness Month
Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month
World Alzheimer’s Month
Days
9/4: J’Ouvert
9/4: West Indian American Day Carnival/Parade
9/5-6: Arba’een (Islam)
9/6-7: Krishna Janmashtami (Hindu; birth anniversary of Lord Krishna)
9/11: Annual 9/11 Commemoration (also known as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance)
9/11: Coptic New Year (Coptic Orthodox Christianity)
9/5-19: 78th Session of the UN General Assembly
9/15-17: Rosh Hashanah (sundown to sundown) (Judaism)
9/17: Constitution/Citizenship Day
9/18: Tzom Gedaliah (Judaism)
9/19: Ganesh Chaturthi (Hindu)
9/19: National Voter Registration Day
9/21: International Day of Peace
9/21-29: Mabon (Pagan and Wiccan)
Sept. 23: Autumnal Equinox (2:49 A.M.
9/24-25: Yom Kippur (Judaism)
9/26-27: Mawlid (Islam)
9/28: Anant Chaturdashi (Hindu)
9/29-10/6: Sukkot (Judaism)
(9/29-10/14: Pitru Paksha (Hindu)
Check back for regular updates to this page!
* New information highlighted in yellow *