NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst Global Health Institute Leadership Update

NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst Welcomes Dr. Maria Elena Reyes as New global Health Institute Director

NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Maria Elena Reyes as the new Director of its Global Health Institute. Dr. reyes brings a wealth of experience in international health initiatives and a deep commitment to addressing health disparities worldwide.

With a distinguished career focused on improving health outcomes in underserved communities, Dr. Reyes has previously contributed to critical public health programs in countries including Bangladesh and Mexico. Her expertise is further strengthened by her medical degree from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and a Master of Public Health from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Dr. Reyes’ leadership is expected to further enhance the Global Health Institute’s mission to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and implement sustainable health solutions in partnership with communities around the globe.

MEDIA CONTACT
Atiya Butler, NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst
[phone]
[email protected]

About New York City Health + hospitals/Elmhurst
NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, a vital part of the NYC Health + Hospitals system, serves as the primary tertiary care provider for Queens. This 545-bed facility is a designated Level 1 trauma Center and offers specialized care as an Emergency Heart Care Station, a Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Receiving Center, and a Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) Center of Excellence. It is indeed also a 911-Receiving Hospital. Renowned for its excellence in surgery, cardiology, women’s health, pediatrics, rehabilitation medicine, renal services, and mental health services, Elmhurst Hospital has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a “Best Regional Hospital.” The hospital manages nearly 700,000 ambulatory care visits and over 130,000 emergency room visits annually, demonstrating its significant role in community health, particularly in key areas such as heart failure, heart attack, stroke, hip fracture, maternity care, kidney failure, orthopedics, pneumonia, and COPD. Connect with Elmhurst Hospital on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ElmhurstHosp.

About NYC Health + hospitals*
As the nation’s largest public health care system, NYC Health + hospitals provides essential healthcare services to over one million New Yorkers annually across more than 70 patient care locations throughout the city’s five boroughs. The system comprises a comprehensive network of outpatient, neighborhood-based primary and specialty care centers that work in tandem with its trauma centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, home care agency, and the MetroPlus health plan. Supported by 11 hospitals, NYC Health + Hospitals is dedicated to empowering all New Yorkers to achieve their healthiest lives possible through its diverse workforce of over 43,000 employees. For more information,visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org or engage with the system on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

How will Dr. Monette’s experience in infectious disease control shape the GHI’s response to emerging health threats?

Recent Appointments & Key personnel Changes

NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst’s global Health Institute (GHI) has seen significant leadership transitions in recent months, impacting its strategic direction and community outreach programs. These changes reflect a commitment to bolstering global health initiatives within the diverse landscape of New York City. Understanding these updates is crucial for healthcare professionals, community partners, and residents seeking details on accessible healthcare and global health research.

Dr. Jasmin Monette – New Director of the Global Health Institute

Effective July 1st, 2025, Dr. Jasmin Monette officially assumed the role of Director of the GHI. Dr. Monette brings over 15 years of experience in public health, specializing in infectious disease control and health equity. Her previous role was as the lead epidemiologist at the Boston Public Health Commission.

Focus Areas: Dr. Monette’s initial priorities include expanding the GHI’s reach within immigrant and refugee communities in Queens, strengthening partnerships with international health organizations, and increasing research funding for projects addressing chronic disease disparities.

Educational Background: MPH from Harvard University, MD from Columbia University.

Publications: Dr. Monette has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles on topics such as tuberculosis prevention and the impact of social determinants of health.

Dr. Rohan Sharma – Deputy Director & Research Lead

Alongside Dr. Monette’s appointment, Dr. Rohan Sharma has been named Deputy Director and will lead the Institute’s research efforts. Dr. Sharma previously served as the Principal Investigator for several NIH-funded studies focused on cardiovascular health in underserved populations.

Research Expertise: Cardiovascular disease, health disparities, clinical trials, data analysis.

Key Initiatives: Dr. Sharma will oversee the expansion of the GHI’s research portfolio, with a particular emphasis on leveraging data science to improve health outcomes.

Grant Funding: Successfully secured over $5 million in research grants over the past five years.

Impact on Existing Programs: Community Health & Global Initiatives

the leadership changes are expected to enhance the GHI’s existing programs, notably those focused on community health and international collaborations.

Community Health Worker (CHW) Program Expansion

A key initiative under the new leadership is a significant expansion of the Community Health Worker (CHW) program. This program provides culturally sensitive health education and navigation services to residents of Elmhurst and surrounding neighborhoods.

1. Increased Staffing: The CHW team will grow by 25% by the end of 2025.
2. Language Access: Expanded language capabilities to include Mandarin, bengali, and Nepali, reflecting the linguistic diversity of the community.
3. Focus Areas: Chronic disease management (diabetes,hypertension),maternal and child health,mental health support.

Strengthening International Partnerships

The GHI maintains active collaborations with health organizations in several countries, including:

Dominican Republic: Ongoing partnership with the Ministry of Health to improve maternal and child health services.

Bangladesh: Collaborative research project on the impact of climate change on infectious disease transmission.

Ghana: Training program for healthcare professionals on emergency preparedness and response.

Dr. Monette has expressed a commitment to deepening these partnerships and exploring new opportunities for collaboration, particularly in areas such as pandemic preparedness and global health security.

focus on Health Equity & Social Determinants of Health

A central theme of the GHI’s strategic plan under the new leadership is a renewed focus on addressing health equity and the social determinants of health. This involves recognizing that factors such as poverty, housing instability, and food insecurity significantly impact health outcomes.

Addressing Food Insecurity

The GHI is partnering with local food banks and community organizations to address food insecurity among vulnerable populations. This includes:

Mobile Food Pantry: A mobile food pantry that delivers fresh produce and healthy food options to underserved neighborhoods.

Nutrition Education Workshops: Workshops on healthy eating and cooking on a budget.

SNAP Enrollment Assistance: Assistance with applying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Housing & Health Collaboration

Recognizing the link between housing and health, the GHI is collaborating with housing advocacy groups to address housing instability. This includes:

Referral Services: Referrals to housing assistance programs and legal aid services.

Health Screenings: Health screenings at homeless shelters and transitional housing facilities.

Advocacy: Advocacy for policies that promote affordable housing.

Future Directions & Research Priorities

The NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst Global Health Institute is poised for continued growth and innovation under its new leadership. Key research priorities include:

Climate Change & Health: Investigating the impact of climate change on respiratory illnesses and vector-borne diseases.

Digital Health Technologies: Exploring the use of telehealth and mobile health apps to improve access to care.

Mental Health Integration: Integrating mental health services into primary care settings.

* Pandemic Preparedness: Developing strategies to prevent and respond to future pandemics.