Black Maternal Health Week: ElevateHer, Centering Pregnancy, and Heartwise

Posted on April 17, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Black Maternal Health Week takes place annually from April 11th to April 17th.

Founded and led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, this week-long campaign aims to build awareness, activism, and community-building to amplify the voices, perspectives, and lived experiences of Black mothers and birthing people.

Black Maternal Health Week highlights the importance of addressing the inequities of maternal and infant health.

According to data from the New York City Health Department, Black non-Hispanic women are about five times more likely to die from a pregnancy-associated cause than white non-Hispanic women.

This is due to the unfortunate number of disparities and challenges women in minority populations, such as Black women, may face pertaining to accessing prenatal care, including transportation issues, low socioeconomic status, lack of insurance, low education levels, and disparities in rural and urban healthcare access.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center has three services to address these disparities: ElevateHer, Centering Pregnancy, and Heartwise.

ElevateHer is a comprehensive pregnancy program designed to support women throughout their pregnancy and postpartum journey. By taking a “whole person” approach, the program ensures that the health and well-being of the mother and baby are addressed. The program focuses on the health literacy of expectant and postpartum mothers by providing comprehensive, integrative healthcare education.

Heartwise care is an example of comprehensive integrative care, as it is designed to raise awareness of the heightened risks of cardiovascular disease related to pregnancy complications.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women in the U.S. It is also the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S., which accounts for about 26.5% of such deaths. Approximately 1 in 3 pregnancy-related deaths are due to cardiovascular problems, with higher risks observed in Black women compared to their Hispanic or White counterparts.

Conditions, such as preterm delivery, hypertension, diabetes, etc., can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease by two to four times later in life. To combat this, the ElevateHer program partners with Jamaica Hospital’s award-winning cardiology department for patients to have the appropriate follow-ups in group settings.

In addition to ElevateHer and Heartwise, the Centering Pregnancy program, an innovative prenatal model, is designed to promote the overall health and well-being of mother and baby.

Unlike traditional one-on-one prenatal visits, this approach incorporates small group sessions to receive medical care, education, and emotional support, to foster meaningful relationships between participants and clinicians.

After an initial private visit with a provider, participants in the centering pregnancy program, all of whom are in similar stages of their pregnancy, meet in a small group setting for their prenatal appointments, where participants share with and learn from each other during their pregnancy. Each of the ten-centering prenatal care group sessions is approximately 90 minutes long. This group dynamic gives each of the participants the advantage of having more time with their provider.

At the beginning of the session, our facilitator will guide each patient to get weighed, have their blood pressure checked, and record their values for the provider to review. The provider will listen to the baby’s heartbeat and review the pertinent patient-specific information. After this information is collected, the 8-12 participants will form a circle and begin the fun and interactive educational session.

If you would like to learn more about these services, you can schedule an appointment with an OB/GYN at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Women’s Health Center. To learn more, please call (718) 291-3276.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

First Patient Treated at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center with New, Minimally Invasive Technology to Help Control High Blood Pressure

Posted on February 9, 2026 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

February 2026 – Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is pleased to announce that it is the first hospital in Queens to offer a new renal denervation (RDN) procedure to treat certain patients with high blood pressure. The hospital’s cardiology team recently and successfully completed its first case.

Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in November 2023, the Symplicity Spyral™ renal denervation (RDN) system involves a minimally invasive procedure that targets nerves near the kidneys that can become overactive, causing high blood pressure. The procedure – also known as the Symplicity™ blood pressure procedure – is approved for use as an adjunctive treatment in patients with high blood pressure (or hypertension) when lifestyle changes and antihypertensive medications do not adequately control blood pressure.

Hypertension is the single largest contributor to death, and affects about 50% of U.S. adults. Of the U.S. adults who are aware of their hypertension, about 80% do not have it under control.

The Symplicity blood pressure procedure is clinically proven to help reduce high blood pressure, which can lower serious health risks. After mild sedation, the doctor inserts a very thin tube into the artery leading to the kidney. The doctor then administers energy to calm the excessive activity of the nerves connected to the kidney. The tube is removed, leaving no implant behind.

High blood pressure is a significant issue for patients worldwide. For people with hypertension, medication and/or lifestyle changes can help reduce blood pressure, but studies have shown that many people still don’t have control over their condition. The Symplicity blood pressure procedure can provide patients with a blood pressure reduction benefit that is ‘always on’ and doesn’t require a permanent implant – it can also help patients regain their peace of mind. We are pleased to have treated our first patient with this new technology, and we look forward to the future of hypertension care by offering innovative solutions to the people of Jamaica, Queens.

Jamaica Hospital’s Hypertension Center provides the highest quality, patient-centered hypertension care. The Hypertension Center was created to treat patients who do not respond well to traditional hypertension medication treatments. The American Heart Association has recognized our Hypertension Practice Center as meeting or exceeding standards for hypertension treatment.

If you or someone you know is experiencing high blood pressure or difficulty controlling it, talk to your doctor to see if the Symplicity blood pressure procedure is a possible treatment option: visit this link to learn more.

Jamaica Hospital’s New Ambulatory Surgery Unit

Posted on December 5, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center recently opened its new Ambulatory Surgical Unit (ASU).

The expanded ASU enables the hospital to enhance its surgical services by increasing volume and provides a more efficient and enhanced layout, with a dedicated space for the timely service of elective and same-day procedures. “The new ASU will allow us to increase our volume and accommodate our growing surgical services to meet the needs of our community”, said Dr. Antonietta Morisco, Chairperson of Anesthesiology.

Jamaica Hospital’s ASU features four state-of-the-art operating rooms, a spacious admitting and recovery area for patients, and a comfortable waiting area for family members. Patients who have been to the ASU are amazed at how beautiful and modern the facility is and have said they have had a wonderful experience there.

The ASU has the latest technology to support minimally invasive surgical procedures, highlighted by a da Vinci robot. A few of the surgical subspecialties provided at the ASU include general surgery, ENT, urology, orthopedics, podiatry, gynecology, pain management, and pediatrics. Jamaica Hospital’s new ASU has a dedicated team of doctors, nurses, anesthesiologists, and support staff.

With the new amenities at the Ambulatory Surgery Unit, the team at the ASU looks forward to continuing to provide the community with high-quality care, building on its commitment to giving patients the best and most stress-free experience possible before, during, and after their surgical procedures.

Meet Our Doctors: Dr. Dawodu

Posted on October 28, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

We are pleased to introduce Dr. Olanrewaju (Lanre) Dawodu, the newest member of the obstetrics and gynecology team at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.

Dr. Dawodu is an attending physician, specializing in minimally invasive gynecological surgery (MIGS). She chose minimally invasive gynecological surgery as a specialty because it allows her to treat complex conditions, such as fibroids, endometriosis, infertility, and chronic pelvic pain. “I am passionate about using advanced surgical techniques that not only relieve symptoms, but also speed recovery and restore function, allowing those affected to reclaim their health and quality of life”, she said. Dr. Dawodu was drawn to medicine because it allows her to combine science, hands-on skills, and patient advocacy. “Over time, I became especially motivated by the need to improve care for women whose health concerns are often minimized or overlooked,” she explained.

Dr. Dawodu attended Wayne State University for her undergraduate degree and Meharry Medical College for medical school. She completed her residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and a fellowship at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, and is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology. Dr. Dawodu treats patients with fibroids, menstrual disorders, endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, ovarian cysts, and other benign but complex gynecologic conditions. She specializes in both uterine-preserving procedures and definitive treatments such as hysterectomy. “I offer the full spectrum of minimally invasive surgical options, including hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, and robotic surgery, tailoring each approach to a patient’s individual needs and goals”, says Dr. Dawodu.

Although Dr. Dawodu wasn’t born or raised in Queens, she has lived in New York City for the past four years and is proud to serve the Queens community through Jamaica Hospital. “I am excited to build a comprehensive program in complex benign gynecology here in Queens”, she said. She also noted that Jamaica Hospital wonderfully serves a diverse population and she is eager to provide advanced surgical options to patients who might not otherwise have access to them, stating, “I hope to bring compassionate care, surgical expertise, and a focus on patient-centered outcomes. My goal is to help my patients feel heard, validated, and empowered in their healthcare decisions, while ensuring they have access to the latest minimally invasive treatments.” Beyond surgery, Dr. Dawodu is committed to mentorship, education, and improving the efficiency of care. She is excited to grow with Jamaica Hospital as it expands access to minimally invasive gynecologic options in Queens.

We are proud to welcome Dr. Dawodu to our team and look forward to the work she and the rest of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology will do to provide high-quality care to our community.

Meet Our Doctors: Dr. Jevon Fragoso

Posted on April 18, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

We are pleased to introduce Dr. Jevon Fragoso, the newest member of the rheumatology team.

Dr. Jevon Fragoso was born and raised in Queens, New York. He graduated Magna cum Laude from Stony Brook University with a degree in Pharmacology and then received his medical degree at Temple University in Philadelphia. After medical school, Dr. Fragoso completed his Internal Medicine Residency and Rheumatology Fellowship at North Shore University Hospital/Long Island Jewish Medical Center with Northwell Health. Dr. Fragoso has extensive training in managing rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, myositis, and systemic sclerosis. Outside of the clinic, Dr. Fragoso enjoys cooking and martial arts.

We are proud to welcome Dr. Fragoso to our team and look forward to the work he and the rest of the Rheumatology Department will do to provide high-quality care to our community.

Meet Our Doctors: Dr. Michael Chang and Dr. Fausto Cabezas Bolanos

Posted on March 21, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

We are pleased to introduce Dr. Michael Chang and Dr. Fausto Cabezas Bolanos, the newest members of the nephrology team.

Dr. Michael Chang is an attending nephrologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. He earned his medical degree from Rush Medical College in Chicago and completed his internal medicine residency at Montefiore Moses-Weiler Campus in the Bronx, New York. He later completed a fellowship in nephrology at the Mount Sinai Hospital on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

Dr. Fausto Cabezas Bolanos, also known as Dr. Fausto by his patients, is a board-certified Nephrologist and Internist. He is incredibly passionate about helping people live healthier lives and believes that adopting a plant-based diet and lifestyle changes can significantly improve kidney health and overall well-being. After earning his medical degree from Universidad del Valle in Colombia, Dr. Bolanos completed a research fellowship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, focusing on artificial organ support and transplants. During this time, he realized that while medical technology is powerful, simple lifestyle interventions like healthy eating and exercise can lead to positive heart and kidney disease outcomes.

Dr. Chang is especially interested in providing high-quality, compassionate care to his patients. Many of his patients suffer from diabetic kidney disease and hypertension. Dr. Chang particularly enjoys bridging the knowledge gap for patients about their conditions, He spends considerable time counseling patients, so they understand their treatment plans. One of his favorite aspects of his work is getting to know patients personally. When prescribing medications for kidney disease, he is mindful of a patient’s values and lifestyle. He is also passionate about working with medical trainees and teaching them to become more curious and independent doctors.

Since making New York City his home, Dr. Bolanos is proud to have served several communities throughout Brooklyn and Queens. He completed his Internal Medicine residency training at Woodhull Medical Center/New York University Hospital and later completed a Nephrology Fellowship at SUNY Downstate/ Kings County Hospital Medical Center. He has an unwavering commitment to caring for vulnerable communities and forging long-standing relationships with patients afflicted with kidney disease. In his free time, Dr. Bolanos enjoys running and swimming to stay active and healthy.

We are proud to welcome Dr. Chang and Dr. Bolanos to our team and look forward to the work they and the rest of the Nephrology Department will do to provide high-quality care to our community.

Trauma Department- Pedestrian Safety

Posted on February 20, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Pedestrian safety is critical whether you are driving or walking on the sidewalk. We each have a responsibility to keep each other safe. Here are some safety tips for drivers that will keep themselves and pedestrians safe:

Look out for pedestrians everywhere at all times
Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or bad weather
Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk
Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the crosswalk to allow other vehicles to see the crossing pedestrians so they can stop too
Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing where you can’t see
Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street, in schools, and in neighborhoods where children are present
Be extra cautious when backing up and look for pedestrians

Here are some safety tips for pedestrians:

Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals
Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available
If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible
Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right
If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely and continue watching for traffic as you cross
Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways, or backing up in parking lots
Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking as they impair your abilities and your judgment

Taking the proper precautions whether you are a driver or pedestrian is for your safety and the safety of others.

If you or anyone you know is injured due to a car accident, make sure to call 911 right away. Each day Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Level 1 Trauma Center treats a high volume of motor vehicle collision injuries in New York City. To learn more, please call (718) 206-6000.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center Now Offering Inspire® Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Posted on January 21, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Queens, NY— Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is the only hospital in Queens to offer Inspire therapy, a breakthrough treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) for those who cannot use Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy.

OSA affects 22 million Americans and when left untreated, it can cause vehicle and workplace accidents, worsening mood and memory, stroke, heart attack, and even death. It occurs when the airway collapses during sleep and blocks oxygen flow to the brain. The brain senses a lack of oxygen and wakes the body up just long enough to breathe, then falls asleep. This cycle repeats throughout the night and causes poor, disruptive sleep.

Inspire works inside the body with a patient’s natural breathing process to treat sleep apnea. Mild stimulation opens the airway during sleep, allowing oxygen to flow naturally. The patient uses a small handheld remote to turn Inspire on before bed and off when they wake up.

Inspire’s safety and efficacy were evaluated during the STAR clinical trial. Five-year STAR trial outcomes show that patients using Inspire experience significant reductions in sleep apnea events and significant improvements in quality-of-life measures. Over 150 peer-reviewed publications on Inspire show results consistent with those seen in the STAR trial.

“In our practice, we see many patients who have stopped using or are unable to tolerate CPAP,” said Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. “Inspire represents a significant advancement in treating sleep apnea. It is clinically proven to reduce sleep apnea events and has a high level of patient satisfaction and high therapy adherence. We are excited to offer this promising therapy to sleep apnea patients who struggle with CPAP.”

Our team of otolaryngologists offers effective treatment for many common conditions affecting the ears, nose, and throat. These conditions cover various levels of severity; some, such as certain allergies and hearing problems, may pose a distracting annoyance that makes your day-to-day activities more challenging, while others, such as sinus infections, ear infections, and sleep apnea, may develop more serious complications without prompt diagnosis and treatment.

To learn more about Inspire at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please visit Jamaicahospital.org or call 718-206-7110 to make an appointment with an ENT doctor.

Meet Our Doctors: Dr. Aldane R.K. Hoilett and Jonathan Macias

Posted on December 4, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

We are pleased to introduce Dr. Aldane R.K. Hoilett and Dr. Jonathan Macias, the new hematologists-oncologists at the MediSys Health Network Cancer Center located on the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center campus.

Dr. Hoilett obtained his medical degree at Loma Linda University School of Medicine in California. He then completed his residency in internal medicine and fellowship in hematology and oncology at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Health. As a general hematologist and medical oncologist at the MediSys Health Network Cancer Center, Dr. Hoilett treats a wide range of conditions, including various types of cancer (such as breast, lung, prostate, and colorectal cancers), hematological disorders (such as anemia, leukemias, and lymphomas), and complications related to these diseases. “My focus is on providing comprehensive care that addresses both the medical and emotional needs of my patients”, he said.

Dr. Macias is board-certified in internal medicine and received his medical degree at the Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine after obtaining his undergraduate degree at the University of Miami. He then completed his residency at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Residency Program in internal medicine at North Shore University Hospital and Long Island Jewish Medical Center. He also completed a fellowship in hospice and palliative medicine and a fellowship in hematology and oncology at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Health. Dr. Macias, says about his work as a hematologist-oncologist, “Cancer is complicated, but new treatments are always being discovered, which keeps my job exciting.” He also says that he loves getting to know his patients over time and being there for them, whether through tough times or celebrating with good news. “Being able to give my patients hope and improve their lives is why I chose this job. It’s hard work, but it’s worth it when I see the difference I can make in their life”, he said.

Dr. Hoilett’s journey into medicine was deeply influenced by his experiences with cancer in his community. He explains, “Growing up, I witnessed the profound impact of this disease on individuals and families, including my aunt who passed away from breast cancer.” These experiences helped spark his interest in oncology and the biology of cancer “compelling me to understand how such a devastating illness could affect lives.” He became increasingly aware of the disparities in healthcare access faced by those from less fortunate backgrounds, fueling his desire to specialize in oncology, where he could provide advanced medical care and advocate for health equity. He is passionate about bridging the gaps in care and building trust within the healthcare system to ensure that all patients receive the support they need during their treatment journeys.

Similarly, Dr. Macias was inspired to pursue medicine because he wanted to make a real difference in people’s lives. “I loved learning about how the human body works and how to treat illnesses”, he says. “My family also played a big part in my decision to go into medicine.” Dr. Macias wanted to help them through their recovery whenever they got sick. “The idea of being able to help my family when they are sick or injured motivated me to be able to do the same for my patients.”

For Dr. Hoilett and Dr. Macias, deciding to work at the MediSys Health Network Cancer Center comes down to wanting to serve the community. Dr. Hoilett is excited about joining the team and having the chance to collaborate with dedicated professionals who share the commitment to improving cancer care in the community. “The affiliation with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center enhances our capabilities, allowing us to offer cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials locally”, Dr. Hoilett says. He hopes to bring advanced medical treatments and a strong emphasis on health education and outreach by addressing the unique healthcare barriers faced by our diverse population. “I aim to empower patients with knowledge about their conditions and treatment options. I want to emphasize my commitment to health equity and community outreach initiatives.” Dr. Hoilett believes that by actively engaging with the community, we can improve access to care and ensure that all patients receive the support they need throughout their healthcare journeys.

Dr. Macias was drawn to the MediSys Health Network Cancer Center’s commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care in a diverse community. “Growing up in a Spanish-speaking household, I had to help my family find doctors and get them to appointments. I appreciate the collaborative environment at the MediSys Health Network Cancer Center, where multidisciplinary teams work together to address complex medical issues and provide culturally competent care.” The supportive atmosphere among staff and the emphasis on continuous learning and professional growth further solidified his decision to work at the hospital. He believes that working at the MediSys Health Network Cancer Center will enable him to contribute positively to the community while advancing his medical skills. “I hope to connect patients with the latest treatments and easy access to clinical trials when needed.”

We are proud to welcome Dr. Hoilett and Dr. Macias to our team. We look forward to the work they and the rest of the Oncology and Hematology Departments will do to provide high-quality care to our community.

Jamaica Hospital EMS Team Receives NAEMSP Quality and Safety Award

Posted on March 20, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s dedicated emergency medical services (EMS) team has received the Quality and Safety Award from the National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP). The Quality and Safety Award is given to participants in the NAEMSP’s year-long Quality and Safety course who demonstrate “outstanding contributions in quality improvement of prehospital emergency care,” bringing the fundamentals of quality improvement to their communities.

The award was presented to Joshua Kimbrell, Paramedic and Quality Improvement Coordinator for Jamaica Hospital’s Department of Prehospital Care, as well as paramedics Mikiel Lala and Dheuris Rodriguez at the NAEMSP Conference in Tampa, Florida. However, this award recognizes the efforts of our entire team of EMS personnel.

The NAEMSP counts over 2,000 physicians, paramedics, nurses, administrators, educators, researchers, and EMS personnel among its members. The organization hosts events, publicly advocates, and provides resources for education and networking among emergency medical personnel.

As part of the NAEMSP’s Quality and Safety course, members of Jamaica Hospital’s EMS staff completed a capstone project on improving cardiac arrest care and patient survival among patients in the local Queens community. This project involved developing a strategy to improve chest compression fraction, return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), and patient survival in advanced life support (ALS) cardiac arrest responses. The team presented their case at the conference with a published abstract in the Prehospital Emergency Care journal.

“The strategy our team developed resulted in significant improvements in patient outcomes,” said Joshua Kimbrell. “This award was an achievement for our entire department.

Congratulations to all members of our EMS staff!