When seconds count, WMCHealth delivers. Westchester Medical Center and Maria Fareri Children's Hospital have once again earned the highest possible trauma designation (Level I) from the American College of Surgeons for both adult AND pediatric care. With this elite trauma care status our exceptional programs continue to serve as vital lifelines for patients throughout eastern New York State north of NYC, standing ready when minutes matter most. Please join us in congratulating our trauma care team (led on the adult side by Dr. Kartik Prabhakaran, center) for this recognition and if you have a trauma care story to tell, share your positive comments below. Serving families throughout eastern New York State, we're THE destination for the highest level of trauma care. #Trauma American College of Surgeons (fb)

🚨ALARMING TREND: Pediatric drowning emergencies more than TRIPLED in our region, with 23 cases treated at Maria Fareri Children's Hospital in 2024. This trend is concerning, but one that can be reversed as most drownings can be prevented. Today at Glen Island Beach, WMCHealth President and CEO Dr. David Lubarsky and trauma care specialists Drs. Dylan Stewart and Kartik Prabhakaran joined Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins and Kim & Stew Leonard Jr., from the Stew Leonard III Water Safety Foundation to underscore the importance of water safety education, early swim instruction, and vigilant supervision during the summer season. Key prevention strategies shared during the press conference included: ✅ Enrolling children in certified swim programs ✅ Using barriers like pool fences and covers ✅ Designating undistracted adult “Water Watchers” ✅ Educating children early using tools like the "Stewie the Duck Learns to Swim" book and app 📣 At the event, Kim and Stew Leonard, Jr., announced a $400,000 funding initiative in partnership with Step into Swim to offer free or low-cost swim lessons for underserved children at greater risk of drowning. These lessons will be provided through certified programs that meet American Red Cross safety standards. Swim lesson providers seeking funding should apply at StepIntoSwim.org. Maria Fareri Children's Hospital and emergency teams across WMCHealth are committed to both treatment and prevention, reinforcing their leadership in pediatric safety and public health education. Westchester County Government Westchester County Parks Stewie The Duck (fb)