Baystate Health

09/23/2025

Thank you, Hyundai Hope! 💙 We’re incredibly grateful for your generous donation to the Baystate Health Foundation and supporting pediatric programs throughout western Massachusetts.

This morning, we joined the Baystate Health Foundation to present a $25,000 donation from Hyundai Hope.

These funds will support pediatric programs that provide care, resources, and hope to children and families throughout Western Massachusetts.

We are grateful to partner with Baystate Health and Hyundai Hope in making a meaningful impact right here in our community. This is progress for humanity in action.

Brandon Ramirez, Dr. David Tashjian, MD, Grace Mariani Eurkus, Kathy Tobin, Heather Clark, Dr. Yolanda Marrow, DNP, RN, Diana Chung-Edwards, Brittany Zabielski, Lori Chatel, Gary Rome

09/20/2025

What a fun-filled day last weekend at the Springfield Puerto Rican Parade! 🇵🇷🎉

and Health New England were proud sponsors of this year’s event, which celebrated the Afro-Boricua influences that are deeply woven into Puerto Rican culture. Our small but mighty team — alongside the WOW Bus, a decorated truck, and Coquí 🐸 — loved marching and connecting with thousands of community members along the route from Main Street to downtown Springfield. 🏙️

We’re grateful for the opportunity to honor culture and community together. 💙

09/18/2025

Meet our next BusinessWest and Healthcare News Healthcare Hero ➡️ Christine Humason, nursing supervisor and stroke coordinator, at Baystate Noble Hospital. 🩺

From ski patrol to firefighting, to nursing leadership and stroke coordinator, Chrissy has always answered the call to serve and make a difference. Her leadership at has pioneered a community stroke education initiative, reaching more than 1,500 community members across rural Hampden and Hampshire counties. 🌟

"Christine has left a meaningful imprint on the communities served by Baystate Noble and offers a model for how localized, person-centric health education can save lives.” 🧠

Her work ensures that people recognize stroke symptoms faster, call 911 sooner, and ultimately receive lifesaving care. For her compassion, innovation, and dedication to closing healthcare gaps, Chrissy has been honored as the Emerging Leader Healthcare Hero! 👏💙

Learn more about the ways Chrissy is making an impact ⤵️
businesswest.com/blog/chrissy-humason/

09/17/2025

This week, we proudly recognize and celebrate the incredible dedication, hard work, and commitment of our Environmental Services team. Each and every day, our EVS staff go above and beyond to ensure our facilities are clean, safe, and welcoming for everyone who walks through our doors. 🏥

Their work is the foundation that allows to operate smoothly and safely. Whether it’s maintaining a sanitary environment, preventing the spread of infection, or creating a space that promotes healing and well-being, all efforts do not go unnoticed. 🧹

We are deeply grateful for our team members' professionalism, tireless work ethic, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Thank you for everything you do, today and every day! 💙

! ♻️

09/15/2025

This week, we are recognizing 2️⃣ exceptional members of our family who were honored with BusinessWest's and Healthcare News' Healthcare Hero Awards for their contributions to the health and well-being of our region.

“He’s accessible, and he’s dedicated; there’s nothing he won’t do to assist someone or support someone and provide needed guidance.”⚕️

First on the docket ➡️ we are proud to celebrate Dr. Thomas Lincoln, a physician at Brightwood Community Health Center and medical director of the Hampden County Sheriff's Office/Correctional Centers, as the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Healthcare Heroes Award. 👏💙

For more than 30 years, Dr. Lincoln has redefined what healthcare means for incarcerated and underserved communities with passion, empathy, and innovation. He has pioneered a nationally recognized model of care that not only improves health outcomes but also restores dignity and hope. Known as the Hampden County public health model for correctional healthcare, it provides continuity of care as patients transition back into the community after their release from prison. 🤝

As a physician, educator, and mentor, his legacy continues to shape the next generation of caregivers and removes barriers to reintegration. Stay tuned for our next healthcare hero highlight and in the meantime, dive deeper into Dr. Lincoln's journey 👉 businesswest.com/blog/dr-thomas-lincoln/. 💫

09/11/2025

Today marks the 24th anniversary of September 11, 2001, and we are taking a moment to pause and reflect on the tragedy from that day—thinking of the heroes who, without hesitation, rushed forward to help, and the countless families forever changed.💙

As healthcare providers, we carry forward that same spirit of compassion and service every day, standing by our patients and communities in moments of vulnerability. We thank all of our team members for their dedication, which reminds us of the enduring power unity and hope bring, even in the face of tragedy.⚕️🩺

We must never forget. This September 11, we honor the lives lost, the courage of first responders, and the resilience of our nation. 🇺🇸

09/10/2025

We're proud to announce that our Nurse Residency Program has been awarded Accreditation with Distinction by the ANCC - American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Practice Transition Accreditation Program (PTAP)—the highest level of recognition available. 🎉

The ANCC PTAP sets the global standard for nurse residency programs, recognizing organizations that provide exceptional support to registered nurses with less than 12 months of experience as they transition into professional practice.

This honor affirms that Baystate Health’s Nurse Residency Program not only meets, but exceeds, the rigorous, evidence-based criteria required to guide new nurses toward long-term success in their careers. The program blends hands-on clinical training with monthly educational seminars, professional development pathways, and mentorship opportunities, preparing them to thrive as caregivers. 🩺

ANCC appraisers highlighted several exemplary components of the program, including:

🌟 Professional Development Pathways
🌟 Apprentice Nurse Program
🌟 Listening Circles
🌟 Focus on Health Equity

The accreditation is effective through October 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣9️⃣!

09/09/2025

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. 💛

Childhood cancers are rare and often difficult to recognize at first, but awareness can save lives. Dr. Amy Pelletier, DO, at Pediatrics, explains:

✅ 85% of children with cancer now survive five years or more, thanks to advances in treatment.
✅ Parents should talk with their pediatrician if their child has persistent symptoms like unexplained fevers, frequent headaches, weight loss, or unusual bruising.

Regular checkups and paying attention to changes can make all the difference. Learn more about the signs and what parents need to know ⤵️ baystatehealth.org/articles/childhood-cancer-signs-and-symptoms.

09/05/2025

Did you know that each year, 6–12 million school-aged children in the U.S. contract head lice? 🧢📚

With kids spending more time indoors during the coming months—sharing hats, hair accessories, and close spaces—lice can spread easily to anyone. 🪮

Dr. John O’Reilly, Chief of General Pediatrics at Baystate, shares how to:
✅ Spot the signs of .
✅ Prevent them from spreading.
✅ Treat them safely without harsh chemicals.

Learn more here ➡️ baystatehealth.org/articles/treatment-for-drug-resistant-head-lice!

09/04/2025

It only took a few years into her career for Elizabeth "Beth" Goncalves, MSN, RN, PED-BC, Manager, Nursing Education and Professional Development at Baystate Noble Hospital, to know that she wanted to become an educator. 🩺

She truly enjoys helping nurses learn new skills and believes that she has the best of both worlds, "...occasionally providing direct patient care while also improving outcomes indirectly through staff education and development."

Beth states that educators play a key role to ensure our nurses and ancillary staff are up to date with the latest evidence-based practices and are prepared to deliver safe, high-quality care. "By mentoring and shaping staff, we help shape a stronger, more confident clinical team." 💙

09/02/2025

As students head , more and more teens are being exposed to va**ng — often through devices disguised as pens, USB drives, or even key fobs.💨

While often marketed as “safer” than smoking, **ng exposes adolescents to harmful chemicals, risks of lung disease, and can disrupt brain development well into their mid-20's. 🫁 🧠

Parents, families, and educators play a key role in protecting our youth. Learn what va**ng really does to developing bodies and how you can help teens make healthier choices this school year. 🚭

Read more from experts 👉 baystatehealth.org/articles/what-does-va**ng-do-to-your-body.