By: Robert Remler
More than 60 school administrators, teachers, students and parents from throughout Long Island and Queens recently joined Senator Hannon and North Shore-LIJ representatives in announcing the next phase of the health system's Bully Reduction/Anti-Violence Education (BRAVE) Program.North Shore-LIJ's School Mental Health Alliance launched the BRAVE Program in 2000 with the support of a $450,000 state grant obtained by Senator Hannon. The $200,000 in new funding this year will help expand the program to other area schools. "Thanks to Senator Hannon's support and commitment to New York's youngsters, North Shore-LIJ will be able to step up its efforts with local schools to reduce incidents of bullying and harassment, and create safe school environments for our children," said Michael J. Dowling, president and CEO of the North Shore-LIJ Health System. More than 1,200 local students have participated in the BRAVE program, which uses entertaining and engaging materials to present concepts and provide opportunities for learning and rehearsing skills. Class exercises and discussions allow all students to experience their power in battling bullies and creating an atmosphere where everyone is safe and respected. BRAVE goes beyond the classroom, providing workshops for parents, administrators, teachers and other school professionals. "Since 85 percent of all bullying happens in the presence of peers, work with student 'bystanders' is considered key," said Rona M. Novick, PhD, director of clinical programs for the North Shore-LIJ School Mental Health Alliance. "Incidents of student harassment can be cut in half when bullying intervention is combined with teacher and parent education, and establishment of student conduct policies."The creation of a BRAVE League of Schools will provide opportunities for sharing program ideas and exchanging effective strategies and resources, Dr. Novick said. It will offer schools the tools and techniques they need to integrate bully prevention into the curriculum, as well as existing anti-violence and safe schools initiatives.
Mercy Medical Lights Tree of Love
The Council of Leagues of Mercy Medical Center invites the community to join in the annual Tree of Lights celebration on Tuesday, Dec. 10. On this special occasion, we remember our need to grow stronger together in our search for peace, with the Tree of Lights representing a beacon of hope and unity in our fragmented world. The blessing and lighting of the tree will take place at 7:00 p.m. in front of the hospital followed by refreshments served in Mercy's Main Lobby. This year's proceeds from the Tree of Lights will be allocated to the renovation and upgrade of our Mother/Baby Unit, enriching the atmosphere into which new life is welcomed. Lights may be purchased for the tree in memory of a loved one, in celebration of a special event, or in honor of a special person. Symbolic lights on the star that adorns the top of the tree are also available. Lights may be purchased until Dec. 20, one light is $5; a light on the star is $10. The Tree of Lights book will be on display in the Main Lobby during the holiday season. A special Mass will be held at noon in the hospital chapel on Tuesday, January 14, 2003 for all those remembered on the Tree of Lights. For more information regarding the Mass or to purchase a light, please call the Community Relations Department at (516) 705-1021.
St. Francis Leads NYS in Bypass Surgery
The New York State Department of Health has released the risk-adjusted morality rates for all patients undergoing coronary bypass in the thirty-three hospitals in New York performing the procedure in 1999. St. Francis Hospital, The Heart Center in Roslyn, Long Island is identified as one of only two hospitals in the entire state and the only hospital on Long Island with a risk-adjusted mortality rate that is significantly lower than the statewide average. The coronary bypass surgery data is used to ensure that hospitals provide quality care and service for patients with heart disease. Since the Department of Health began compiling mortality data in 1995, St. Francis Hospital has performed more coronary artery bypass surgery cases each year than any other hospital in New York State. In 1999, the most recent year analyzed, the Hospital performed a total of 1,804 bypass procedures. The risk adjusted mortality rate for patients who underwent bypass surgery at St. Francis Hospital was 1.29 percent compared to a statewide average of 2.25 percent. Bypass surgery is often required when coronary arteries become progressively blocked and begin to starve the heart of oxygen, which may eventually cause a heart attack. Bypass surgery reroutes the blood around a coronary artery blockage, creating an alternative pathway for the blood to deliver important nutrients and oxygen to the heart. "As the only hospital on Long Island with risk adjusted mortality rates for both coronary artery bypass surgery and angioplasty significantly below the statewide average, we are pleased to be recognized as a leading heart center," said Alan D. Guerci, M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer.
