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Yearly Archives: 2025

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Huntington Hospital. Photo courtesy Northwell Health
Two men in white coats discuss something one man holds on a clipboard. Scans on the wall to the left show the interior anatomy of a femur.

The facilities are among the top 5% of hospitals nationwide for preventing harm in patients

Northwell Health hospitals have been recognized once again by Healthgrades as 2025 Patient Safety Excellence Awards™ recipients. Huntington Hospital received the award for the seventh consecutive year (2019-2025) and named among the top 5% of short-term acute-care hospitals nationwide for patient safety for the sixth straight year (2020-2025). Long Island Jewish Medical Center, which includes Long Island Jewish Valley Stream and Long Island Jewish Forest Hills, earned the award for the second consecutive year (2024-2025) and was also named among the top 5% of hospitals for patient safety for both years.

The Healthgrades recognition underscores a culture of excellence that permeates these Northwell Health hospitals, evident in their numerous other achievements.

Huntington Hospital is the only hospital on Long Island, and one of only 33 in the country, to achieve Magnet designation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center for nursing excellence four consecutive times. Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park was recognized by Healthgrades in 2025 as fourth in New York State for stroke care and joint replacement. Long Island Jewish Valley Stream is a designated stroke center certified by the American Heart Association. It is also recognized as a Network of Excellence in hernia surgery by Surgical Review Corporation. Long Island Jewish Forest Hills is designated a Level II Perinatal Center and is an American College of Radiology-designated Lung Cancer ScreeningCenter.

Plainview Hospital, an acute care community hospital, was also a recipient of the Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Awards™. As a New York State Department of Health Primary Stroke Center, Plainview Hospital is a recipient of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With the Guidelines®-Stroke Quality Achievement Award.

“I continue to be proud of these hospitals who do so much to serve our communities,” said Peter Silver, MD, MBA, senior vice president and chief quality officer at Northwell. “These awards reflect our unwavering dedication to providing the highest quality and safest care possible to our patients. Our commitment to continuous improvement and a culture of safety is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire health care team.”

A male and female doctor both wearing white lab coats speak with a female patient while all three are seated in an office.
Healthgrades’ analysis* evaluated 4,500 hospitals nationwide from 2021-2023. The results indicated that 173,280 preventable safety events occurred among Medicare patients.

Patients treated in hospitals that received the 2025 Patient Safety Excellence Award have a significantly lower chance of experiencing one of the four leading safety indicators:

  • 54% less likely to experience in-hospital falls resulting in fracture than patients treated at non-recipient hospitals;
  • 55% less likely to experience a collapsed lung due to a procedure or surgery in or around the chest than patients treated at non-recipient hospitals;
  • 69% less likely to experience pressure sores or bed sores acquired in the hospital than patients treated at non-recipient hospitals;
  • 72% less likely to experience catheter-related bloodstream infections acquired in the hospital than patients treated at non-recipient hospitals.

“These impressive statistics underscore the real-world impact of our commitment to patient safety,” said Dr. Silver. “By minimizing preventable harm, we are not only improving patient outcomes but also enhancing their overall experience of care.”

*Statistics are calculated from Healthgrades Patient Safety Ratings and Excellence Award methodology, which is based primarily on AHRQ technical specifications (Version 2024.0.1) to MedPAR data from approximately 4,500 hospitals for years 2021 through 2023 and represent three-year estimates for Medicare patients only.

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Do you recognize this man? Photo from SCPD
Do you recognize this man? Photo from SCPD

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man who allegedly stole merchandise from a Port Jefferson Station store this month.

The man pictured allegedly stole tools from Ace Hardware, located at 1106 Route 112, on February 13 at approximately 10:50 a.m.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, utilizing a mobile app which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips, or online at www.P3Tips.com. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential.

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Honoree Leslie Bellissimo weith Leg. Rebecca Sanin. Photo courtesy of Leg. Sanin's office

Suffolk County Legislator Rebecca Sanin proudly recognized Leslie Bellissimo as District 16’s Woman of Distinction at the annual Suffolk County Women of Distinction Luncheon, celebrating her lifelong dedication to empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and driving meaningful change.

For over 35 years, Leslie has been a champion for families across Long Island and the New York Metro region, currently serving as the Long Island-New York Metro Regional Director at Friends of Karen. In this role, she leads efforts to support families facing the unimaginable challenge of a child’s life-threatening illness, ensuring they receive financial assistance, emotional support, and advocacy throughout their journey.

Prior to her work with Friends of Karen, Leslie played a pivotal role at the American Heart Association, where she helped secure major funding for lifesaving initiatives and spearheaded key Long Island fundraising events. A lifelong resident of Huntington, Leslie’s dedication to service extends beyond her professional career—she has volunteered tirelessly for local charities, organized community drives, and educated others in lifesaving skills like hands-only CPR.

“Leslie Bellissimo embodies the very essence of this recognition,” said Legislator Sanin. “Her commitment to uplifting others, whether through her work, her advocacy, or her community engagement, is truly extraordinary. Suffolk County is a better place because of leaders like her.”

The annual Suffolk County Women of Distinction Luncheon recognizes women across the county who have demonstrated leadership, service, and a commitment to making a difference in their communities.

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Pictured from left,Twila Silverman, Chair of Suffolk County Women’s Advisory Commission; Stacey Ann Caggiano, Director of Suffolk County Department of Women’s Services; Fifth Legislative District Woman of Distinction Johanna Kosak; Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright; and Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. Photo courtesy of Leg. Englebright's office

At a luncheon held at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge on March 4, all 18 Suffolk County Legislators honored the county’s Women of Distinction for 2025. The county’s Department of Women’s Services asked each legislator to choose an impressive female constituent from their district who volunteers their time to make their community a better place. Legislator Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) named nonprofit founder Johanna Kosak as the Fifth Legislative District’s Woman of Distinction.

Kosak founded the Comsewogue Music and Arts Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, in September 2023 after her daughter noticed a lack of music and arts scholarships in the Comsewogue School District. The nonprofit organization assists students pursuing creative paths.

“It’s impressive that Ms. Kosak found a need in her children’s school district and took matters in her own hands to do something about it,” Englebright said. “Music and other creative pursuits are vital for the collective good of our society.”

Kosak works alongside school district mothers Secretary Michele Provenzale and Treasurer Yoon Choi-Perrone, as well as the nonprofit’s student volunteers, her daughter, Annmarie; Perrone’s son, James; and Provenzale’s son, Michael.

The volunteers organize and host 20 to 30 fundraisers annually and have raised $12,000 since September 2023. The nonprofit is present at every school concert and drama production to sell flowers and snacks, hold raffles and request donations.

The nonprofit raises funds for scholarships for Comsewogue High School seniors who plan to enroll in college music, arts, marketing, business and architecture programs. CMAC also provides opportunities for art students to promote their artwork at the nonprofit’s craft fair. Last year, the sale of artwork supplied funds for CMAC and the Arts Honor Society.

Additionally, the CMAC supports teachers by providing grants for educators to invite professional musicians and artists for workshops and career development sessions. CMAC also raises funds to reduce costs for families in financial need who wish to send younger children to music or drama programs during the summer vacation.

The nonprofit’s work includes supporting the Comsewogue High School Business Department by providing learning and collaboration opportunities for students interested in digital art marketing.

In addition to her volunteer work with CMAC, the mother of four works fulltime and volunteers with her husband at Infant Jesus Roman Catholic Church. Her husband serves as the organist, while she plays keyboard. A former instructor at Suffolk County Community College, Kosak also volunteered with the Suffolk Piano Teachers Foundation, serving in roles such as president, vice-president and competition coordinator.

Kosak said she was honored and humbled to be honored and credited her fellow volunteers and the community for making CMAC a success.

“This recognition was not only for me but for our entire community and a great encouragement to continue,” Kosak said.

 

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Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. Photo from Tierney's office

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on March 11 that Jeffrey Sloan, 62, and Rashad Sloan, 33, both of Central Islip, were indicted for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, and other related charges, for selling narcotics after an investigation into the fatal overdose of a 25-year-old Brentwood resident.

“I have said it time and time again: we will not tolerate the sale of these poisons in Suffolk County,” said District Attorney Tierney. “My office will prosecute those responsible for selling deadly drugs and causing fatal overdoses to the fullest extent possible. Furthermore, I will continue to push for the passing of the ‘Death by Dealer’ statute to ensure that all dealers are charged with homicide for the fatal overdoses that they cause.”

According to the investigation, on February 6, 2025, members of the Suffolk County Police Department responded to a residence in Brentwood in response to a fatal drug overdose. While at the location, law enforcement recovered nine glassine envelopes containing residue from a mixture of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and ketamine. Additionally, a pill containing Xanax and the victim’s cellular telephone were also recovered from the scene.

A review of the victim’s cellular telephone revealed communication between him and an individual now known to investigators as Jeffrey Sloan. Text messages revealed that the victim ordered narcotics from Jeffrey Sloan, namely 13 bags of heroin and one Xanax pill, in exchange for the negotiated price of $140. The two men arranged to meet at the 7-Eleven convenience store located at Crooked Hill Road in Brentwood on February 4, 2025.

Members of law enforcement then responded to the 7-Eleven to investigate and were able to obtain surveillance footage. The video depicted the victim utilizing the ATM machine to withdraw cash. Jeffrey Sloan is observed in the surveillance video arriving at the 7-Eleven location and allegedly engages in what appears to be a hand-to-hand narcotics transaction with the victim.

An autopsy performed by the Suffolk County Medical Examiner found fentanyl, cocaine, ketamine, morphine, and fentanyl analogues in the victim’s body and determined the death to be caused by a mixed drug intoxication.

On February 19, 2025, members of the Suffolk County Police Department searched Sloan’s residence, his camper, and three vehicles pursuant to a court-authorized search warrant. They allegedly found over 16 ounces of a mixture of fentanyl and heroin, over half an ounce of cocaine, over 100 assorted pills, including Xanax and oxycodone, numerous cellular telephones, a ledger detailing narcotics transactions, and drug paraphernalia, including digital scales, glassine envelopes, cutting agents, gloves and masks.

Also present at the residence was Rashad Sloan. When they searched Rashad Sloan’s bedroom, police recovered a pistol, a high-capacity magazine, a quantity of cocaine, a digital scale, drug packaging material, and cash.

On March 10, 2025, Jeffrey Sloan was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard I. Horowitz, for the following charges contained in the indictment:

• One count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A-1 felony;

• One count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, a Class A-2 felony;

• One count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a Class B felony;

• Thirteen counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, Class B felonies;

• One count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree, a Class C felony;

• One count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree, a Class D felony; • Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree, Class D felonies;

• Six counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, Class A misdemeanors; and
• Five counts of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree, Class A misdemeanors.

Justice Horowitz ordered Jeffrey Sloan remanded during the pendency of the case. He is due back in court on March 27, 2025, and faces 24 years in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by Adeline Arvelo, Esq.

On March 10, 2025, Rashad Sloan was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Horowitz for the following charges contained in the indictment:

  • Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, Class B felonies;
  • One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, a Class D felony;
  • One count of Criminal Possession of a Firearm, a Class E felony; and
  • Two counts of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree, Class A

    misdemeanors.

    Justice Horowitz ordered Rashad Sloan held on $100,000 cash, $200,000 bond, or $500,000 partially secured bond. He is due back in court on April 3, 2025, and faces 9 years in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by Raymond Perini, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Dana Gremaux of the Narcotics Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by members of the Suffolk County Narcotics Section.

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Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. Photo from Tierney's office

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on March 11 that Cristian Mendoza-Baquiax, 37, of Riverhead, pleaded guilty to three counts of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, and other related charges, following a multi-vehicle crash on County Road 105 in Riverhead, killing his own passenger, Nelson Reyes-Muxin, 33, of Riverhead, and injuring several others.

“This defendant’s fateful decision to drive while under the influence of alcohol caused the tragic death of Nelson Reyes-Muxin and severe injuries to several other individuals,” said District Attorney Tierney. “This conviction is a reminder to all that drunk driving kills.”

According to court documents and the defendant’s admissions during his guilty plea allocution, on August 7, 2024, at approximately 6:15 p.m., the defendant was operating a white 2010 Acura MDX northbound on County Road 105 in Riverhead. Mendoza-Baquiax drove around a northbound car at a high rate of speed and into the opposite lane of travel, where he struck several vehicles. In total, seven cars were involved in the crash. A passenger in the defendant’s vehicle, Nelson Reyes- Muxin, died as a result of injuries he sustained. Another passenger also in the defendant’s vehicle sustained multiple fractures to his arm, a dislocated shoulder, and was treated at Peconic Bay Medical Center.

The driver of another vehicle involved in the crash sustained two fractured legs, a dislocated ankle, and was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital for medical treatment. In addition, two other individuals were transported to local hospitals for injuries they sustained as a result of the crash.

Mendoza-Baquiax exhibited signs of intoxication and stated that he had six beers. He was subsequently placed under arrest and consented to a blood draw upon request by police. Toxicology tested of his blood revealed a blood alcohol concentration of .21%. The defendant was taken to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment of injuries he sustained from the crash. A sample of the defendant’s blood taken by hospital staff upon his admission was also seized pursuant to a search warrant. Subsequent toxicology testing of that sample, taken at an earlier time than the sample taken by police, revealed that he had a .25% blood alcohol content.

On March 11, 2025, Mendoza-Baquiax pleaded guilty before Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski to the following charges:

  • Three counts of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, Class B felonies;
  • One count of Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class C felony;
  • Two counts of Assault in the Second Degree, Class D felonies;
  • One count of Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated, a Class E felony; and
  • Two counts of Assault in the Third Degree, Class A misdemeanors.

    The defendant is due back in court for sentencing on April 15, 2025, where he is expected to be sentenced to five to 15 years imprisonment. He is being represented by the Suffolk County Legal Aid Society.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Alexander Bopp of the Vehicular Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Michael Carrieri of the Riverhead Town Police Department.

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METRO photo

Upon waking up in the morning, the first thing most of us do is open the weather app, reservedly hopeful. It feels as if winter should be over as we enter March, but as the weather for the day appears on our screens or televisions, we are greeted with a little cloud icon. Again. 

Despite lengthening daylight hours and sporadic days of sunshine, Long Island enters March under cold and cloudy conditions. The low temperatures keep many inside clutching a hot beverage. In the summer, there would still be plenty of daylight hours to still take advantage of: a comparison that we can’t help but indulge in.

There are some days where our only outdoor time involves walking from the car to the front door; this lack of exposure to the sun as well the inability to pursue hobbies such as hiking, playing sports, swimming or gardening can cause seasonal depression, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

SAD is characterized by oversleeping, overeating and social withdrawal in addition to decreased energy, loss of pleasure in hobbies and difficulty concentrating or making decisions, to name a few. 

While many don’t experience the impacts of the season drastically enough to have a SAD diagnosis, the lack of time outdoors and under the sun undoubtedly has an effect on our behavior and outlook. 

On a chemical level, researchers theorize that vitamin D, which we produce when we are exposed to sun, plays a role in the production of serotonin, otherwise known as the “happy chemical.” According to the National Institute of Mental Heath, the lower levels of vitamin D are common in people who suffer from SAD. 

Furthermore, fewer daylight hours can cause the body to begin producing melatonin earlier, leading to oversleeping. 

The uncomfortable weather understandably keeps us indoors, away from our hobbies, leaving us feeling unfulfilled. The days seem to pass faster without activities to break up the monotony of being indoors. 

Luckily, we can take vitamin D supplements to compensate for our lack of sunlight exposure. While this can abate the chemical impacts, it is important to pay attention to how the season changes our lifestyle choices and to try to mitigate that or supplement it with something else. 

Perhaps, instead of gardening outside, we decide to devote ourselves to a collection of houseplants. We can invest in some hand-warmers and warm weather clothing  to continue hiking and walking without becoming uncomfortably cold. Or, we can take up a new engaging hobby like painting, knitting, or rock-climbing. Moving our body in some capacity is also important to make sure we stay in shape and boost our endorphins, which can decrease symptoms of depression, stabilize our mood, and help us manage stress. 

As we enter the home-stretch of cold-weather, we should check in with our personal and physical needs.

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Photo courtesy of Northport Symphony Orchestra

The Northport Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Music Director Eric Mahl, will present the second concert of its 2024-2025 season at Northport High School, 154 Laurel Hill Road, Northport on Friday, March 14 at 8 p.m.

The concert will feature Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 3, composed in 1883, while Brahms was at his creative peak. The program also includes Jubilee, from the Symphonic Sketches by George Chadwick, the Montgomery Variations by Margaret Bonds, and the Egmont Overture by Ludwig van Beethoven. 

Join them for a repertoire of wonderful classical music! Tickets are $15 at the door.

These concerts are made possible by ticket sales and by donations from our generous advertisers, sponsors, donors, and audience members. For more information, visit www.northportsymphony.org.

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We dive into the latest updates from Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina as he shares new initiatives to enhance public safety. From tackling traffic accidents to addressing the opioid crisis, Catalina outlines his vision for a safer Suffolk.

Next, we discuss this month’s Three Village Civic Association meeting, where Town of Brookhaven Receiver of Taxes Louis Marcoccia addressed concerns about this year’s tax bills.

Finally, we turn our focus to the ongoing challenges facing the Port Jefferson School District after the Child Victims Act led to a significant financial burden. We’ll hear from Superintendent Jessica Schmettan as she explains the impact of the $16.5 million settlement and the district’s efforts to secure legislative relief.

Listen to this episode of the Pressroom Afterhour on Spotify.

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Police car stock photo

The Suffolk County Police Department released the following statement on March 10 on the brush fires in the pine barrens this past weekend:

“Following an investigation by Suffolk County Police Arson Section detectives, the cause of multiple
brush fires on March 8 has been preliminarily ruled accidental. Detectives believe the cause is related to
a fire that spread following an attempt to make s’mores at a home on North Cozine Road in Manorville.
It’s believed strong winds spurred additional fires from embers leading to the brush fires.
Police are continuing to speak with witnesses and investigate tips.”

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