COVID-19 vaccine clinics announced

Employee/Student Health will offer Moderna’s 23/24 Spikevax Covid-19 vaccine Friday, Dec. 1 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Community Room at Community and Friday, Dec. 8 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Performance Center on the 11^th floor of Upstate Golisano. Vaccine will be available by appointment and walk-ins. To schedule an appointment via the Employee/Student Health portal, visit: http://eshportal.nhfilmexpo.com/. Covid vaccines from alternate manufacturers are available at outpatient pharmacies. Once vaccinated, send proof of vaccine documentation to Employee/Student Health from the Upstate iPage and click on Upload Vaccine Information.

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Nominations sought for the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service

Nominations are sought for the 2023-2024 Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Classified Service. The award recognizes state-classified service employees represented by CSEA, PEF and PBA of NYS for excellence and superior service. Nominations are due Feb. 1 and may be emailed to Megan Chase, Human Resources, at [email protected]. For additional information and nomination form visit: http://lxxm.nhfilmexpo.com/pdl/intra/services/upstate_stars/chancellor-award.php.

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Social Work shirt and sweatshirt sale is open now online

Upstate Social Work is selling short-sleeve and long-sleeve T-shirts, crewneck sweatshirts, and hoodies now through Dec. 15. Items may be picked up at Upstate or delivered to a home address. To order, visit: http://upstatesw.markproductstore.com/. Proceeds will be held in a fund at the Upstate Foundation. For more information, email Melisa Trabert at [email protected].

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Pet A Pooch information sessions are Nov. 28 and 30

Pet A Pooch information sessions will be held Tuesday, Nov. 28 from noon to 1 p.m. in C1076 A/B/C at Upstate Cancer Center and Thursday, Nov. 30 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Upstate Foundation, in the second-floor conference room, 5784 Widewaters Parkway, Syracuse. Lunch/dinner will be provided. Please do not bring pets to the information sessions. Sessions are open to Upstate employees or retirees who have a dog they feel would make a wonderful addition to Pet A Pooch. Pre-registration is required and there is a limit of 25 people per session. Pre-register here: http://forms.gle/tAAvBRi3ckppxgARA. For more information, email Debra Emerson at [email protected]. Pet a Pooch, a program that helps de-stress Upstate staff, is offered by Upstate’s Wellness Program, the Upstate Foundation, and Pet Partners CNY.

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Voya retirement workshop is Nov. 29

Voya will host a retirement workshop Nov. 29 from noon to 1 p.m. in the Community Room at Upstate Community Hospital. One of the best ways to navigate swings in the financial markets is to have a plan that meets personalized goals, time horizon, and investment style. It is crucial to have sound strategies in place to prepare for retirement. Refreshments will be provided. Register here http://boblaferriere.timetap.com/#/ and select SUNY Upstate—Community Campus Room CC00256.

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Native American Heritage Month events are Nov. 29 and 30

In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion presents the following events: Native American meal offerings at lunch in campus cafeterias Nov. 29 and Boarding School Experience Presentation Nov. 30 from noon to 1:30 p.m. in 4414 A, Academic Building. Pete Hill will provide insights into the boarding school experience.

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HealthLink seminar on prostate cancer drugs is Nov. 30

Upstate’s Andrew Burgdorf, PharmD, will present Ask Your Pharmacist about Prostate Cancer Drugs Nov. 30 from 5 to 6 p.m. via Zoom. Burgdorf will discuss a pharmacist’s role in developing ideal treatment plans, managing side effects, and more. This HealthLink Seminar is free and open to the public, and presented in partnership with Upstate Men to Men Prostate Cancer Support Group. To register for the Zoom event, visit: http://upstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIrcumorjMjHdd9iJgo_py_H57-OHGbsAMU.

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Applications for 2024 Your Cause charity due Nov. 30

Team Upstate seeks applications from the Upstate community for a CNY agency to be the featured Your Cause charity in 2024. The Your Cause sponsorship offers Upstate employees an opportunity to nominate a charity that will be the focus of Upstate volunteer outreach through the year. This year’s Your Cause agency was Francis House. To nominate an agency for the Your Cause sponsorship, complete and submit an application by Nov. 30. Team Upstate committee will review applications and announce the winning organization in December. The application is available here: http://lxxm.nhfilmexpo.com/teamupstate/your-cause/index.php. Email completed applications to Nancy Prott at [email protected]. Questions? Email Becca Pesci at [email protected].

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2024 NYSHIP Health Insurance Option Transfer Period and Pre-Tax Contribution Program is open Nov. 30 to Dec. 29

The New York state option transfer period starts Nov. 30 and the deadline for state employees to make changes for their health insurance is Dec. 29. Please be advised that the 2024 rates have not yet been finalized. No action is required for those keeping their current health insurance option, if individuals still qualify for that plan. To make a change by Dec. 29, submit a signed health insurance transaction form PS-404 via email to [email protected], interoffice mail to the HR-Benefits Office, drop off at the 4^th floor of Jacobsen Hall, or fax the completed form to 315-464-4390. Community Campus employees may drop off their form with the HR office at Community. Selecting a health insurance plan is an important personal decision. Consider family lifestyle, health, budget and benefit preferences. Think about what health care might be required during the next year. The changes for 2024 will be effective Jan. 4, 2024. If changing to a new option, most deduction changes will be effective later in January 2024 and will include retroactive adjustments in a future paycheck. For more information, visit: http://lxxm.nhfilmexpo.com/hr/intra/benefits/changing_options_state.php.

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Open enrollment for Research Foundation employees ends Nov. 30

The health, dental, vision care plans, and Flex Spending Account open enrollment period for Research Foundation employees is open now through Nov. 30. The Benefits Bulletin (October 2023 edition) was mailed to the homes of all eligible staff. Review the Health Care Plan Comparison and Biweekly Rates online here: Open Enrollment: RF | Human Resources Intranet | SUNY Upstate Medical University. Important reminders listed below:

• Print confirmation statements after making any changes for open enrollment. 
• The Research Foundation Central Office benefits department will host office hours Nov. 3, 10, 17 and 24 from noon to 1 p.m. Call in to ask any open enrollment questions (Dial-in #: 877-853-5247 Meeting ID: 897 7134 2069).
• If employees would like to participate in flexible spending they must re-enroll in this benefit each year by going to www.rfsuny.org/selfservice
• Employees who participate in Dependent Care Spending must elect the subsidy if they wish to receive it.
• Text alerts are available. Employees can text RFBENEFITS to 24587 to receive RF benefits text alerts.  

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Advanced Practice Grand Rounds is Dec. 5

Ashley Volles, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, will present Vascular Surgery Overview Dec. 5 from noon to 1 p.m. To join, visit: http://upstate.webex.com/upstate/j.php?MTID=m6b43dcb7655b80b412a54a25dc12b964. For more information, email Tiffany Senke at [email protected]. CME credit will be available for participants.

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Lights on the Lake open to Upstate ID holders Dec. 6 and 12

As an official sponsor of this year’s Lights on the Lake, Upstate is providing complimentary entrance to Lights on the Lake Wednesday, Dec. 6 and Tuesday, Dec. 12 from 5 to 10 p.m. at Onondaga Lake Parkway, Liverpool. Dec. 6 and 12 entry is open to individuals with an Upstate ID. Only one vehicle entrance per Upstate ID. Lights on the Lake is a two-mile drive-thru show featuring towering holiday displays, larger-than life Land of Oz, a twinkling fantasy forest, colorful section arches, memorable animated scenes and a fairy tale magic grand finale. Please show an Upstate ID for entry; no ticket needed on these two evenings.

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Cardiology Grand Rounds is Dec. 8

Cardiology Grand Rounds will be held Friday, Dec. 8 from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. via WebEx. Stephen Little, MD, FRCPC, FASE, FACC, Houston Methodist and Weill Cornell Medicine, will present Echocardiography: At the Crossroads of Imaging and Intervention. Little will discuss echocardiographic features used in patient selection for transcatheter mitral and tricuspid valve intervention, the frontier and current limitations of structural heart intervention, and summary points of the new ASE training guidelines for interventional echocardiography. To join, visit: http://upstate.webex.com/upstate/j.php?MTID=ma6156849e524ef7c03f1b97ac6f3e1c5 (meeting number/access code: 2316 606 4628, meeting password: Cardiology1). One AMA PRA credit is available to participants. Presentation is open to MDs, residents, fellows, Pas, NPs, RNs, and the public. Questions? Email Lisa Carroll at [email protected].

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Joey’s Wish T-shirt sales are Dec. 8 and 14

Joey’s Wish T-shirt sales will be held Dec. 8 from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second floor of Upstate University Hospital and Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the cafeteria at Community. Shirts are teal and are $20 each. Cash, check and Venmo payments will be accepted. To pre-order shirts, email Ann Morrell at [email protected]. Proceeds help individuals fight addiction. To learn more about Joey’s Wish, visit: http://www.joeyswish.org/about-us. The fund is held at the Upstate Foundation.

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Clark Burn Center shirt sale is Dec. 11

Clark Burn Center will sell long-sleeve T-shirts Dec. 11 from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside Café 750 on the second floor of Upstate University Hospital. Shirts are $20 each or two for $35. Proceeds support patients and families with burn injuries. Questions? Email Tamara Roberts at [email protected].

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Productivity Enhancement Program for state employees is open now through Dec. 11

The Productivity Enhancement Program (PEP) is open Nov. 1 to Dec. 11 for eligible New York State Employees who are CSEA, PEF, UUP represented and M/C affiliated employees. PEP allows eligible employees to exchange previously accrued annual leave (vacation and/or personal leave) in return for a credit to be applied toward their employee share NYSHIP premiums on a biweekly basis for 2024. In no case can the credit available under the program be applied to the employer share of NYSHIP premiums. For more information, visit: http://lxxm.nhfilmexpo.com/hr/intra/benefits/pep.php. Enrollment closes Dec. 11, 2023. 

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Open enrollment for the Flex Spending Account Program for state employees is open now through Dec. 11

The 2024 Flex Spending Account (FSA) Program open enrollment period for New York state employees is open Nov. 1 to Dec. 11 at 11:59 pm. To be eligible to enroll in the Flexible Spending Account Program, state employees must be annual salaried, work at least half time, meet the eligibility criteria for enrollment in the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP), and be expected to be employed for the entire 2024 calendar year. Please note that if you wish to continue your current enrollment, you will need to re-enroll for the 2024 plan year. For more information and how to enroll, visit:  http://oer.ny.gov/how-to-enroll.

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Easy for You is Dec. 12

Easy for You, Upstate's tobacco treatment program, will be held Tuesday, Dec. 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Multi-D suite C3068 on the third floor of Upstate Cancer Center. Those with an Upstate ID are welcome to receive help quitting tobacco, chew, and vape. Free nicotine replacement therapy is available. For more information contact Theresa Hankin or Carolyn Walczyk at 315-464-3619 or [email protected].

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Advocates for Upstate hosts year-end raffle now through Dec. 15

The Advocates for Upstate will host a year-end raffle to support the grants program that assists Upstate departments in meeting important patient, staff, and volunteer needs. A gift package, worth almost $300, includes gift cards from: Lori's Gifts, Barnes and Noble, Starbucks, and Chocolate Pizza Company. The package also includes a five-piece spa set, a warm throw, moose munch, a handmade wooden bowl, mugs, hot chocolate mix, chocolate spoons, and gloves. Each $10 ticket provides three chances to win. The raffle is open now through Dec. 15 at 11 a.m. and the drawing will take place at Dec. 15 at noon. To purchase raffle tickets, visit:

http://advocates-for-upstate.square.site/product/baby-it-s-cold-outside-advocates-winter-raffle-/13?cs=true&cst=custom. Questions? Call Jonathan Adler at 315-464-5610.

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Retirement reception for Bonnie Seitz (Miner) is Dec. 15

A retirement reception for Bonnie Seitz (Miner), MS, RN, CNS, CPN, CNS, pediatric safety officer, will be held Dec. 15 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Performance Center on the 11^th floor of Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. Seitz retires after more than 30 years in pediatrics. For more information, email Mary Melice at [email protected].

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Salvation Army Christmas Bureau is Dec. 20

The Salvation Army Christmas Bureau distribution day will be held Dec. 20 at the OnCenter. To volunteer, complete the form here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F49ABAE2FA2FEC70-45295579-salvation. Due to space restrictions the Salvation Army cannot accept any last-minute volunteer requests. Spaces are filled on a first come, first serve basis. Questions about volunteering at this event? Email Becca Pesci at [email protected].

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Property Management warehouse closed Dec. 22

The Property Management Surplus Warehouse (1098 Erie Blvd E.) will be closed Dec. 22.

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Team Upstate seeks 2024 Heart Walk Team Captains

Team Upstate seeks motivated individuals to serve as team captains for the 2024 American Heart Association Heart Walk, to be held Sunday, April 14 at OCC, 4585 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Team captains coordinate their department’s participation in the event. Team Upstate has been one of the top Heart Walk teams for the past 26 years due in large part to the efforts of its team captains. To become a team captain please complete this survey: http://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7592924/Heart-Walk-2024. Questions? Please contact: Becca Pesci at [email protected]

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IMT offers virtual support during Hyperdrive upgrade Nov. 28 to 30

Epic Systems will transition to using a web-based browser called Hyperdrive today, Nov. 28. During the transition, IMT will provide a virtual support platform Nov. 28, 29, and 30 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. To access virtual support, users will log into Epic PRD, click on the Epic button, type ‘Hyperdrive’ to search for Hyperdrive Support, and select the menu item for support, which initiates the opening of a one-on-one session with an Epic trainer. For more information on Hyperdrive, including tip sheets, videos, and application specific training slides, visit http://lxxm.nhfilmexpo.com/training/intra/epic/hyperdrive.php. For after-hours support, contact Clinical Support on Vocera, or enter a Heat Ticket at 315-464-4115.

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IMT announces Hyperdrive pilot phase conclusion and Epic icon update

Beginning today, Nov. 28, the Epic Hyperdrive pilot will conclude, ushering in the Hyperdrive Fall 2023 Epic Upgrade with improved features designed to enhance user experiences. Between now and November 28, selected Super Users and Upstate Community Hospital users are advised to continue to use the current black and white Hyperdrive - PRD icon and report on any questions or findings. Beginning Nov. 28, for the Hyperdrive Fall 2023 Upgrade, all Epic users will use the Epic PRD white and red icon. In the interim, all users may access the Hyperdrive Playground using the red PLY icon seen on Upstate managed devices. For more information on Hyperdrive, including tip sheets, training slides and system update bulletins visit http://lxxm.nhfilmexpo.com/training/intra/epic/hyperdrive.php. For questions regarding the project, contact Matt Hill at [email protected].

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Retirement reception for Richard Beers is Dec. 27

A retirement reception for Richard Beers, MD, will be held Wednesday, Dec. 27 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the 5E break room, E5507 Upstate University Hospital. Dr. Beers will retire after 31 years of service as professor of the department of Anesthesiology. The Upstate community is welcome.

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Friend in Deed funding applications due Jan. 12

The Upstate Foundation seeks applications from Upstate employees for Friend in Deed funding for projects that enhance the patient experience at Upstate University Hospital and Upstate Community Hospital. Friend in Deed is the annual fund for the hospitals and is largely supported through donations from grateful patients and their families, as well as members of the Upstate family and the community. Guidelines and applications are available on the Upstate Foundation website at http://www.upstatefoundation.org/friendindeed. The deadline to submit applications is Friday, Jan. 12 at noon. For more information, call the Upstate Foundation at 315-464-4416.

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Mindful Meditation is every Tuesday

Mindful Meditation is held every Tuesday from 11 to 11:15 a.m. via WebEx. Annemarie Cristino, LCSW, CEAP, coordinator of Upstate’s Employee Assistance Program, will offer 15 minutes of mindful meditation instruction and information. Mindfulness centers on fostering connections between the brain, mind, body, and behavior. To join the session, visit: http://upstate.webex.com/meet/cristina.

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The Informed Patient 

The Informed Patient podcast recently featured interviews with these specialists about brain aneurysms, behavior that resists change, and neurodegenerative diseases.

• Treating unruptured intracranial aneurysms – bulges or weaknesses in blood vessels of the brain, is discussed by Aravind Reddy, MD, and Hesham Masoud, MD. Both are members of the neurology faculty; Masoud is also part of the neurosurgery and radiology faculties.
• Resistance to change, and how that behavior can be treated, is explained by Andy Craig, PhD, an assistant professor of pediatrics and of  neuroscience and physiology who chairs behavior analysis studies at the Upstate Golisano Center for Special Needs. He also talks about behavior momentum theory.
• How neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s are diagnosed and treated is discussed by Tinatin Chabrashvili, MD, PhD, a professor of neurology and of neuroscience and physiology. She also directs Upstate’s Neurodegenerative Disorders Center.

The Informed Patient podcast and HealthLink on Air radio show are produced by Upstate Marketing and University Communications. The Informed Patient interviews are available through various podcast platforms, including YouTube. HealthLink on Air is broadcast on WRVO Public Media at 6 a.m. Sundays. Audio and transcripts of the podcasts and the radio shows are also available at nhfilmexpo.com/informed.

To suggest an Upstate expert or topic for a possible podcast, email Amber Smith at [email protected].