City & State NY Recognizes 4 H+H Hospital Leaders, Annual Back To School Requirements, Stable Affordable Housing For Formerly Homeless,
CITY & STATE NEW YORK RECOGNIZES FOUR NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS LEADERS ON ITS 2025 “MANHATTAN POWER 100” LIST
NYC Health + Hospitals Chief Nursing Officer Natalia Cineas, NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan CEO Julian John, NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem CEO Georges Leconte, and NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue CEO Dr. Eric Wei are recognized for supporting New York City’s most vulnerable residents
Editor’s note: We previously reported on awards and recognitions this hospital has earned in recent months, including from US News and World Report and the American Heart Association. As the City’s hospital network, they are able to offer quality care at low or no cost for residents of New York City. Unfortunately, Staten Island is the only borough without such a city hospital, and as many residents have learned, the number of hospitals on Staten Island is insufficient for the population, leading to excessively long wait times and possible delay of lifesaving care. This network runs farmers’ markets throughout the five boroughs, with one on Staten Island. They also promoted immigrant inclusion with a recent art exhibit titled ‘We Belong Here.’
Doctors recognized by City & State New York. Image Credit – NYC H+H
(NEW YORK, NY – August 12, 2025) – NYC Health + Hospitals today announced that NYC Health + Hospitals Chief Nursing Officer Natalia Cineas, NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan CEO Julian John, NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem CEO Georges Leconte, and NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue CEO Dr. Eric Wei were recognized by City & State New York in their “Manhattan Power 100” list for 2025. From government appointees to business executives to advocates, the annual recognition list highlights leaders in Manhattan who affect the lives of New Yorkers. City & State is the premier media organization dedicated to covering New York’s local and state politics and policy.
Natalia Cineas is Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive at NYC Health + Hospitals. She holds a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare from Northern Arizona University’s W.A. Franke College of Business, a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from George Washington University, a Master of Science in Management and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from New York University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Stony Brook University. Cineas serves as adjunct faculty at Columbia University School of Nursing. In 2021, she was named a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, one of the most significant milestones in a nurse leader’s career, in which their accomplishments are honored by colleagues within and outside the profession; she currently serves on the Academy’s Fellow Selection Committee and previously served on the Health Equity Panel. In 2024, she was named an Inaugural Distinguished Fellow of the Academy of Diversity Leaders in Nursing, a new fellowship program to recognize, support, and promote the astounding work that has been done to diversify the nursing profession by advancing health equity, creating anti-racism policies, and strengthening antiracism healthcare practices in an intentional way.
Julian John is the Chief Executive Officer of Metropolitan Hospital. In his role as CEO, he oversees the hospital’s strategic and operational initiatives, with a deep commitment to addressing the unique healthcare needs of the East Harlem community it serves. With over 20 years of executive leadership experience and more than 30 years in hospital administration, John has built an extensive career spanning financial management, operations, and corporate strategy. Prior to his current position, he served as Deputy Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer at NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan from 2021 to 2024. His prior roles include Chief Financial Officer at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln, Senior Vice President/Chief Financial Officer at Interfaith Medical Center, Corporate Comptroller for the NYC Health + Hospitals System, and Chief Financial Officer at NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County. He holds a Master of Public Administration from the New York University Wagner School of Public Service and a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the City University of New York, Brooklyn College.
With over twenty years of progressive leadership experience, Georges Leconte is a seasoned health care professional dedicated to improving the health and well-being of communities across New York. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem. Leconte has launched a state-of-the-art eye surgery service to help people with retina complications and continued programs to diagnose and treat gun violence. He also managed protracted labor negotiations with physicians, who accepted the terms of a deal and ratified it in March. Leconte holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Hunter College, and a Master of Public Administration degree from Alfred University, in addition to being a licensed Registered Respiratory Therapist. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Leconte put his Respiratory Therapy skills to use, joining clinical staff on the frontline to provide care to those affected by the virus. He also furthered that work through donations of PPE and supplies to organizations like Vin Gopal Civic Association to help combat COVID-19 in India, and the Association Medicale Haitienne A l’Entranger (AMHE) to assist with medical care for the Haiti earthquake victims of 2021.
Dr. Eric Wei serves as Chief Executive Officer for NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, the oldest hospital in the United States dating back to 1736. He also serves as Senior Vice President for NYC Health + Hospitals, the nation’s largest municipal safety-net health system, serving over 1.3 million New Yorkers every year. He is a Professor of Emergency Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai and a practicing Emergency Medicine physician who has rotated through all 11 Emergency Departments in the system. Dr. Wei serves as faculty for the NYC Health + Hospitals Clinical Leadership Fellowship, the Greater New York Hospital Association/United Hospital Fund Clinical Quality Fellowship Program, and Ariadne Labs. He is also on the Advisory Committee for the UHF Health Equity Fellowship. Dr. Wei previously served as System Chief Quality Officer, Interim Chief Executive Officer of NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, Harlem, and Lincoln, and Fellowship Director for the NYC H+H Clinical Leadership Fellowship. He also previously served on the Board of MetroPlusHealth and as an Adjunct Professor through the NYU School of Global Public Health. He was named in Modern Healthcare’s 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives and in the Becker’s Hospital Review Top 50 Patient Safety Experts.
BACK TO SCHOOL REMINDER: PHYSICALS, FLU SHOTS AND OTHER VACCINATIONS HELP KEEP STUDENTS HEALTHY ALL YEAR
NYC Health + Hospitals offers comprehensive pediatric and adolescent health services
Appointments are available citywide at little or no cost by calling 844-NYC-4NYC or going here to make an appointment online
(New York, NY) NYC Health + Hospitals today reminded parents and guardians to schedule appointments for annual physicals, immunizations, vision and hearing, and other regular checkups. Public school starts on Thursday, September 4th. Appointments for pediatric and adolescent services are available at NYC Health + Hospitals locations citywide at little or no cost by calling 844-NYC-4NYC (844-692-4692) or by making an appointment online here. NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln’s Chief of Adolescent Medicine Dr. Julie Nagpal offers back-to-school tips for parents here.
“A great school year starts with making sure your child sees their pediatrician,” said Katherine Piwnica-Worms, MD, MHS, Assistant Vice President of Pediatrics at NYC Health + Hospitals. “Regular visits at the start of the school year and throughout are key to staying on top of your child’s health. They give parents the chance to ask questions, get expert advice, and address any physical or mental health concerns early. Parents can call 844-NYC-4NYC to schedule their child’s appointment with a pediatrician.”
NYC Health + Hospitals offers comprehensive pediatric and adolescent health services at little or no cost. Pediatric services include: immunizations and annual flu shots, physicals, asthma and diabetes screenings, obesity prevention, nutrition counseling, dental services, mental health screenings, and counseling. Adolescent services for those aged 12 and older include, primary care, sexual and reproductive health services, LGBTQIA+ care, mental health and depression help, and sport physical and sports injury care.
As children return back to school in September, below are essential tips for keeping kids healthy this school year and beyond:
· Annual Physicals – Yearly physicals are important to ensure children are growing and developing properly.
· Vaccinations – Vaccines are necessary to help protect children and others against disease. In New York City, all students must get their age-appropriate vaccinations in order to attend child care or school.
· Flu Shots – Every child six months or older should get their annual flu shot.
· COVID-19 Readiness – Talk to your doctor about the COVID-19 vaccinations. Children aged 6 months and older should ideally get their first vaccine dose and be fully vaccinated before school or daycare starts.
· Mental Health. Social media, screen time, and school stress can be a lot for children and teens. Consider limiting screen time for young children, and set aside time to discuss and establish privacy boundaries for social media use.
o New York City teens who are aged 13 to 17 can also access a Talkspace online therapist at no cost.
o VirtualExpressCare can also connect teens to a behavioral health doctor or provider. This is a low to no-cost service.
· Vision and Hearing Tests – Children should have their hearing and vision routinely tested with their doctor from infancy through high school. Watch for signs of hearing or vision loss, and talk to your child’s doctor if you notice any changes.
· Nutrition – Parents can help kids make healthy food choices – even at school. Encourage them to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. When eating bread or pasta, choose 100% whole grain products. Encourage them to choose water, not juice or soda.
· Routines – Consistent routines help keep children alert and productive during the school year and can be a life-saver when it comes to avoiding problems at bedtime. Afterschool routines should include consistent after school activity and homework schedules, TV time, dinner schedules, and bedtime routines.
· Sleep – Adequate sleep helps keep kids focused each day at school and is important for their health. Adequate sleep can range from 8-12 hours depending on the age of your child or teenager.
Several NYC Health + Hospitals facilities will participate in upcoming back-to-school events:
Saturday, August 16
10am – 2pm
NYC Health + Hospitals/South Brooklyn Health
Asser Levy Park, Surf Avenue at West 5th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11224
Friday, August 22
11am – 3pm
NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi
1400 Pelham Parkway South, Bronx, NY 10461
Friday, August 22
12pm – 1pm
NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst
79-01 Broadway, 4th Floor Room D4-17A, Elmhurst, NY 11373
Wednesday, August 27
11am – 2pm
NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln
234 East, 149th Street, Bronx, NY, 10451
Friday, August 29
10am – 3pm
NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx
3424 Kossuth Avenue, Bronx, NY 10467
AS PART OF HOUSING FOR HEALTH INITIATIVE, NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS ANNOUNCES MAJOR STEP FORWARD WITH MORRISANIA RIVER COMMONS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
The project would include 328 units of affordable and supportive housing and an expanded Gotham Health clinic
Developing housing on hospital land is a key piece of Housing for Health — NYC Health + Hospitals’ initiative to connect patients experiencing homelessness to stable, affordable housing
A rendering of the proposed Morrisania River Commons building. Image Credit – NYC H+H
(New York, NY) – As part of its Housing for Health initiative, NYC Health + Hospitals today announced that its Board of Directors has approved the next step in advancing the proposed Morrisania River Commons project, which will bring 328 units of affordable and supportive housing and a new community clinic to the Bronx. The proposed apartment building would be located at 1225 Gerard Avenue in the Bronx, on the campus of NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Morrisania. The project’s footprint is currently the facility’s parking lot and annex, and patient care at the Morrisania clinic would be uninterrupted during construction. The proposed project now requires a vote in the City Council and Mayoral approval in order to move forward with construction.
The Morrisania River Commons project is expected to create approximately 328 affordable units, including housing for patients of NYC Health + Hospitals experiencing homelessnesss and a unit for the building’s superintendent. The building would include a mix of studios, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom apartments. Tenants would also have access to amenities including a fitness center, playroom, community room, 15th-floor community terrace, 24/7 security, and onsite offices for management and supportive services. In addition, the mixed-use project envisions 6,000 square feet for African Resource Center and Bronx Works Empowerment Center; 7,500 square feet of public green space; 43,000 square foot modern and expanded clinical space for NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health Morrisania; and a 75-car parking facility. Once complete, the building’s proximity to NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Morrisania will give its residents easy access to health care.
“As a doctor, I know there isn’t always a treatment for every illness, but the prescription for homelessness is clear,” said NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO Mitchell Katz, MD. “Housing has an outsized benefit in helping patients experiencing homelessness improve their health. The Morrisania River Commons project will impact the lives and health of hundreds of New Yorkers.”
“NYC Health + Hospitals is proud to do its part to address the housing crisis in New York City,” said Leora Jontef, NYC Health + Hospitals Senior Assistant Vice President of Housing and Real Estate. “Building new quality supportive and affordable housing on our land is a core component of Housing for Health. River Commons uses public land for a public good, bringing more housing for our patients and their families, as well as the Morrisania community at large.”
“We know that smart housing policy is smart health policy. We’ve seen how closely they’re tied—when people have a stable home, they’re more likely to stay well, get care when they need it, and be part of a stronger, safer community. That’s why our partnership with NYC Health + Hospitals matters so much. At River Commons, we’re celebrating another important step forward turning what used to be a hospital parking lot into something powerful: over 300 affordable homes, a state-of-the-art health clinic, and real opportunity for New Yorkers who’ve deserve the best of both. This project isn’t just about solving a crisis—it’s about preventing the next one. It’s about building a healthier, more supportive future for everyone,” said Acting HPD Commissioner Ahmed Tigani.
“The Housing for Health initiative recognizes the fundamental connection between a person’s physical and mental wellbeing and housing security,” said HDC President Eric Enderlin. “HDC looks forward to partnering with NYC Health + Hospitals on projects like Morrisania River Commons that simultaneously address the housing and healthcare needs of some of our most vulnerable New Yorkers.”
“River Commons embodies a core belief of our woman-led development team: that access to safe, high-quality, and inspiring affordable housing is the essential foundation for New Yorkers to lead productive, healthy, and joyful lives,” said Annie Tirschwell of Type A Projects. “Partnering with NYC Health + Hospitals and its Housing for Health initiative allows us to deliver a unique housing program for medically vulnerable New Yorkers, along with an expansion of a critical Gotham Health clinic. This innovative public-private collaboration offers a model for advancing holistic, community-embedded systems of health and wellness.”
A rendering of the Morrisania River Commons project. Image Credit – NYC H+H
The development team River Commons Owners LLC, a partnership between Type A Projects, a women-owned affordable housing developer; BronxWorks, a leading community-based non-profit serving the Bronx for over 50 years; and L & M, an impact-driven developer, builder, and manager of affordable housing, will sign a 99-year ground lease concurrent with future financing from the City. This project is a result of the 2018 Jerome Avenue Neighborhood Plan and Rezoning.
A current photo of the clinic parking lot facing River Avenue in the Bronx. Image Credit – NYC H+H
In 2024, the NYC Health + Hospitals system provided care for over 80,000 patients experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, including over 17,000 children. Adults experiencing homelessness have three times more hospital and emergency department visits than the general population. In addition to improving participants’ lives by finding them housing, the program is expected to reduce hospitalizations and emergency room visits and improve health care outcomes. NYC Health + Hospitals recognizes that chronic health issues of unhoused patients cannot be treated without stable housing. Its Housing for Health initiative connects patients experiencing homelessness to housing supports and opportunities. Through the end of June 2025, over 3,000 patients and their families have benefited from Housing for Health housing navigation and medical respite programming, and nearly 1,500 patient households have been stably housed.
Developing housing on hospital land is a key piece of Housing for Health — NYC Health + Hospitals’ initiative to connect patients experiencing homelessness to stable, affordable housing — as well as a strategy outlined in Mayor Adams’ housing plan — “Housing Our Neighbors: A Blueprint for Housing and Homelessness.” Morrisania River Commons is one of several projects that will contribute to Housing for Health’s commitment to create nearly 650 new affordable homes in the next five years. Additional developments are expected to break ground in the next year, including Just Home in the Bronx on the campus of NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi. In March, the health system celebrated the opening of Woodhull Phase II in Brooklyn on the campus of NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull.
Banner Image: A rendering of the proposed Morrisania River Commons building. Image Credit – NYC H+H
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