Nursing Professionals Across Five Skilled Nursing Facilities In NYC Honored With Daisy & BEE Award Celebration, Healthcare Access Public Awareness Campaign: NYC H+H

Nursing Professionals Across Five Skilled Nursing Facilities In NYC Honored With Daisy & BEE Award Celebration, Healthcare Access Public Awareness Campaign: NYC H+H

Editor’s note: See below for photos of DAISY and Bee Award winners, including Staten Island’s  own recipients of each award providing care at Sea View nursing home.  Regarding immigrant Healthcare and Healthcare as a human right, this city run hospital network hosted a roundtable on immigrants’ rights, as well as an art exhibition putting immigrant issues in the spotlight. 

NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS HONORS NURSING PROFESSIONALS ACROSS ITS FIVE SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES FOR THE DAISY AWARD & BEE AWARD CELEBRATION

NYC Health + Hospitals Post-Acute Care Chief Nursing Officer Marian McNamara received the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award

The DAISY Award recognizes nurses for their extraordinary patient and resident care; and the BEE Award recognizes ancillary nursing staff for their exceptional and essential role in care delivery

All award recipients were nominated and selected by patients, residents, families, and colleagues

NYC Health + Hospitals system leadership join skilled nursing facility chief executive officers and nursing leadership to recognize the 2025 Post-Acute Care DAISY Award & BEE Award Winners. Image Credit – NYC H+H

(New York, NY) – NYC Health + Hospitals celebrated its 4^th Annual Post-Acute Care Nursing Awards, honoring 10 nursing professionals who have a profound impact on the lives of patients and residents across its five long-term care facilities. With over 180 nominations across the post-acute care service line, five registered nurses were honored for the internationally recognized DAISY Award, and five ancillary nursing staff were honored for the in-house BEE (Being Exceptional Everyday) Award. The DAISY Award, sponsored by the DAISY Foundation, is the international leader in nurse recognition. This award recognizes nurses or nurse-led teams who are experts in person-centered care, demonstrate integrity and compassion, and work collaboratively with their peers to achieve the best health outcomes for patients and residents. The BEE Award was established to recognize exceptional caregivers in supportive nursing roles including Certified Nursing Assistants, Patient Care Technicians, Patient Care Associates, and Medical Surgical Technicians. These individuals play an integral role on resident care teams, providing care that includes feeding, bathing, grooming, and taking vital signs, such as blood pressure and temperature checks.

In addition, the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Marian McNamara, MSN, RN Chief Nursing Officer for NYC Health + Hospitals/Post-Acute Care. Recipients of this award are nominated for their dedication to nursing through active mentoring, role modeling, advocating for their patients and residents, and promoting the positive image of nursing. They serve as a beacon of inspiration to those at all stages of their careers and in various important nursing roles.

McNamara began her nursing journey in 1977, where she honed her skills in the Intensive Care and Critical Care Units at Doctors’ Hospital in Staten Island. She later advanced to management, becoming the Director of Ambulatory Surgery, where she oversaw pain management and endoscopy. In 2000, she joined NYC Health + Hospitals/Sea View, serving in various roles, including Clinical Risk Manager, Patient Safety Officer, and ultimately, Director of Nursing. Subsequently, she received her promotion to Chief Nursing Officer for the health system’s post-acute care service line. McNamara has spearheaded significant initiatives that have improved patient outcomes, from reducing antipsychotic use, polypharmacy, and falls to preventing pressure injuries and rehospitalizations. Today, McNamara oversees more than 1,600 nursing professionals caring for 1,500 patients and residents across five skilled nursing facilities and a Long-Term Acute Care Hospital.

“The DAISY and BEE awards recognize, not only technical expertise, but the natural quality of compassion that each of these extraordinary nurses possess. It can be difficult to truly quantify, but their impact has an immeasurable benefit and felt by our patients and residents,” said NYC Health + Hospitals Senior Vice President of Post-Acute Care Khoi Luong, DO, MBA. “I encourage each of our award recipients to continue inspiring our new and experienced nurses, and revitalize the importance of this essential care whenever possible.”

“It was an incredible honor to witness the outstanding dedication of our nurses and support staff being recognized with the DAISY and BEE Awards within our Post-Acute Care service line. These accolades reflect the compassion, commitment, and care that define our profession. I am particularly proud to present the Lifetime Achievement Award to CNO Marian McNamara, who has worked at NYC Health + Hospitals for over 25 years. Her leadership and unwavering passion have made an indelible impact on our Post-Acute Care service line.” said NYC Health + Hospitals Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive Natalia Cineas, MBA, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, FALDN.

“We are so proud of our partnership with NYC Health + Hospitals because of the extraordinary care they provide each and every day,” said DAISY Foundation Co-Founder Bonnie Barnes, FAAN. “On behalf of all of us at the Foundation, we congratulate these special nurses. They truly make a difference, and their work really matters to patients and their families.”

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“Nursing is more than a profession — it’s a calling. It’s the moments when you hold a resident’s hand, offering not just medical care, but a sense of calm, reassurance, and comfort.  Our esteemed DAISY and BEE award recipients represent the quiet strength in a world that needs more kindness, patience, and love, now more than ever,” said NYC Health + Hospitals/Post-Acute Care Chief Nursing Officer Marian McNamara, RN, MSN. “With deepest admiration, we celebrate their remarkable contributions and congratulate them on reaching this incredible milestone in their nursing careers. I’m also overjoyed to share this moment with them as a recipient of the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award 2025, an accolade I will cherish as a symbol of the love and compassion shared throughout my nursing career with those who needed it most.”

Honorees were nominated by residents, families, and staff who shared compelling stories about their day-to-day experiences with these compassionate care professionals. The 2025 DAISY Award & BEE Award honorees include:

• Clinton Gadson, RN – DAISY Award – NYC Health + Hospitals/Carter
• Charmaine Smith, PCT – BEE Award – NYC Health + Hospitals/Carter
• Dorothy Solomon, RN – DAISY Award – NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler
• Anjanie Singh, CNA – BEE Award – NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler
• Elvia De La Cruz, RN – DAISY Award – NYC Health + Hospitals/Gouverneur
• Myrlene Dorvilne, PCT – BEE Award – NYC Health + Hospitals/Gouverneur
• Rowena Macatangay, RN – DAISY Award – NYC Health + Hospitals/McKinney
• Holley Patterson, PCT – BEE Award – NYC Health + Hospitals/McKinney
• Amy Guarcello, RN – DAISY Award – NYC Health + Hospitals/Sea View
• Sharlene Sisodia, PCT – BEE Award – NYC Health + Hospitals/Sea View

“The DAISY and BEE awardees are one testament to our recent achievement in the Pathway to Excellence designation with distinction credential and signifies that our nursing staff continue to be committed to quality patient-centered care, working with passion, purpose, strength, and compassion in their approach to daily tasks,” said NYC Health + Hospitals/Carter Chief Nursing Officer Meriam Pineda, BSN, RN.

“The DAISY and BEE Awards are a testament to the outstanding contributions of Elvia De La Cruz, RN and Myrlene Dorvilne, PCT. We celebrate them both for their exceptional dedication, professionalism, and compassionate care that they provide to our Residents at Gouverneur each and every day,” said NYC Health + Hospitals/Gouverneur Chief Nursing Officer Charleen Clark, RN, MSN.

“Coler is proud to honor the recipients of the DAISY and BEE Award. The Nurses and CNAs work diligently on a daily basis to bring quality care to all our residents. This award exemplifies their compassionate care and unwavering dedication they perform to ensure that our residents feel safe and secure. Congratulation to all the honorees,” said NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler Chief Nursing Officer Yves-Rose Pascal, RN, MSN, RAC-CT.

“It’s an absolute privilege to celebrate these honorees who make such a difference in our patients’ lives,” said NYC Health + Hospitals/McKinney Chief Nursing Officer Ann Whyte-Akinyooye, MSN-PH, GRN, RN. “They bring not only their skills but their kindness, and we are so proud of them. They pour their hearts into everything they do – upholding the highest standards of integrity, advocating fiercely for their patients and bringing unmatched passion to every shift. They are the true heart of our facility.”

“To our DAISY and BEE award recipients – Amy Guarcillo, RN, and Sharlene Sisodia, PCT. We salute you for the extraordinary care you provide to our residents each and every day. Your kindness, compassion, and dedication have truly enriched the lives of those we serve. Together, you embody the very essence of what NYC Health + Hospitals represents. Thank you for who you are – and for representing Sea View with such excellence,” said NYC Health + Hospitals/Sea View Chief Nursing Officer Dorothy McIntosh-Waddy, RN, CRRN.

NYC Health + Hospitals Chief Nurse Executive Dr. Natalia Cineas and Senior Vice President for Post-Acute Care Dr. Khoi Luong honor DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Marian McNamara, Post-Acute Care Chief Nursing Officer. Image Credit – NYC H+H

Marian McNamara, Chief Nursing Officer, Post Acute Care, Marian was the recipient of the prestigious Daisy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Dorothy McIntosh Waddy, Director of Nursing Sharlene Sisodia, PCT and Matthew Levy CEO. Image Credit – NYC H+H

Dorothy McIntosh Waddy, Director of Nursing and Amy Guarcello, RN. Image Credit – NYC H+H

The nurses recognized are among the more than 9,600 nurses at NYC Health + Hospitals who provide care throughout the system’s hospitals, long-term care (skilled nursing) facilities, community health centers and neighborhood clinics, home care, and the correctional health system, throughout the five boroughs.

NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS’ NYC CARE PROGRAM LAUNCHES CITYWIDE PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN FOCUSED ON HEALTH CARE ACCESS  

The multilingual “Light the Way” campaign features new artwork and video content focused on highlighting the benefits of the program, particularly among immigrant communities

NYC Health + Hospitals’ NYC Care is a health care access program available to all New Yorkers regardless of one’s immigration status or ability to pay

The new campaign celebrates the diversity of NYC Care’s members and the range of care available. Image Credit – NYC H+H

NEW YORK, NY – September 24, 2025) – NYC Health + Hospitals’ NYC Care program today announced the launch of a citywide public awareness marketing campaign to encourage NYC Care-eligible New Yorkers to enroll in the program and encourage existing members to renew their membership. The campaign features vibrant artwork and video content matched with clear messaging asserting that all New Yorkers, regardless of their immigration status or ability to pay, have a right to health care through the NYC Care program. The campaign highlights the diversity of NYC Care’s members, new benefits including low- and no-cost durable medical equipment, and the level of access to high-quality primary, specialty, and preventive care one can attain by using the NYC Care membership card. Assets are available in English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Russian, Bengali, Haitian Creole, Korean, Arabic, Urdu, French, and Polish. Ad placements will be citywide across the five boroughs, including in print and digital newspapers, out-of-home (transit, billboards, posters in local businesses), TV, radio, and social media. The launch of the campaign continues NYC Care’s commitment to ensuring all New Yorkers understand the range of health care options they are entitled to.

The new video ad for the campaign is available here, and New Yorkers are encouraged to help spread the word about the campaign through a new social media toolkit, accessible here.

“NYC Care rests on the principle that health care is the right of every New Yorker,” said Jonathan Jiménez, MD, MPH, Executive Director of NYC Care from NYC Health + Hospitals. “This campaign reflects our deep pride in serving all communities across the five boroughs and ensuring every New Yorker knows that they can enroll in NYC Care for affordable, high-quality, and comprehensive care.”

“At a time when immigrant New Yorkers may feel the need to hide in the shadows, NYC Care’s ‘Light the Way’ reminds us all that health care is a right, no matter your immigration status. We hope every member of our communities continues to seek and receive health care in their preferred language – NYC Care makes this possible,” said Manuel Castro, Commissioner of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs.

“At South Asian Council for Social Services, we believe real stories create real impact,” said Sudha Acharya, Executive Director at South Asian Council for Social Services (SACSS). “Through the ‘Light the Way’ campaign’s powerful artwork and video content, NYC Care highlights the lived experiences of the communities we serve showing how access to health care can truly transform lives.”

“The launch of NYC Care’s new Light the Way campaign sends a powerful message to vulnerable immigrant and refugee communities that compassionate, affordable health care is available and safe to access. For too many New Yorkers, especially those who are undocumented, fear of immigration enforcement prevents them from seeking the care they need. By highlighting confidentiality and celebrating the diversity of its members, this campaign helps break down those barriers and reminds families that their health matters. At the Arab American Family Support Center, we see every day how NYC Care empowers our neighbors to receive primary care, mental health support, and preventive services in their own languages and without stigma. We are proud to partner with NYC Care and strongly support continued investment in this program that is lighting the way toward health equity for all New Yorkers,” said Hizam Wahib, Assistant Executive Director for the Arab American Family Support Center (AAFSC).

“Being an immigrant and living with hypertension, I was so worried I wouldn’t be able to maintain my health because I didn’t have any health insurance. But thanks to NYC care, I can see my primary care doctor to do my check-ups and get medication. I really appreciate the help from the NYC program,” said an NYC Care member.

NYC Care has more than 139,000 active members and has provided over one million primary care appointments. In fiscal year 2025 alone, NYC Care members completed 62,936 women’s health, 54,132 eye specialist, 39,667 behavioral health, 25,642 dermatology, 23,258 cardiology, and 19,725 cancer care appointments. A study published in 2024 in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that new NYC Care members had the same health care engagement and chronic disease control as new Medicaid enrollees- demonstrating the health equity achieved through the program. NYC Care’s community-based organization partners have reached over 1.4 million New Yorkers, scheduled over 62,000 enrollment appointments, and facilitated over 19,000 direct enrollments. From inaugurating a new durable medical equipment benefit to developing a multi-lingual video series about the program and deploying regular public awareness campaigns, NYC Care continues to champion health care for all New Yorkers.

Other ads in the campaign highlight benefits ranging from durable medical equipment to eye care. Image Credit – NYC H+H

Banner Image:  Marian McNamara, Chief Nursing Officer, Post Acute Care, Marian was the recipient of the prestigious Daisy Lifetime Achievement Award. Image Credit – NYC H+H