Susan B. McKinney Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, named for the first black doctor in New York State, was bestowed with the prestigious title of “Best Nursing Homes” ratings by U.S. News & World News and issued a plaque on Feb. 28, during an outstanding Black History month celebration of music, poetry, and tributes, at its Albany Avenue, Brooklyn facility.
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso who was on hand to present staff with the plaque, spoke of black excellence, noting that Dr. McKinney made history as the first black doctor and one of three of the first black doctors in the United States of America.
“When we talk about black excellence there is arguably no one better to talk about than Dr. McKinney. She did not only become a doctor, she wanted to take time to see what her firsts could do for her, and to see what legacy she can leave. This is where she wanted to leave it, taking care of the elderly, the vulnerable population, she used it for her greatness,” said Reynoso.
He noted that the Center won a prize as one of the greatest in all of the country and said “Dr. McKinney would be proud, because that is the legacy that she should be left with.”
BP Reynoso noted the importance of excellence being attached to names such as Dr. McKinney, Martin Luther King, and Malcolm X, insisting, the respect these fine Americans should be given for their contributions.
“I don’t think there is any other place in all of Brooklyn that has done justice to the name than this institution McKinney.”
“To the folks receiving care here. We love you. I hope the service that you are getting obviously is top-notch. I hope you are enjoying your time here, and the staff is doing the work to show you dignity and respect, to make sure you continue to enjoy your lives,” said the Brooklyn Borough president.
“We stand on your shoulders. It is time for you to relax, have a good time, take it easy, ask for an extra glass of water, be selfish, that’s your job,” quipped BP Reynoso.
The politician thanked the executive team, managers, staff, CEOs, and supervisors at the leadership level, for their vision, commitment, and excellence in running the institution, adding that the award plaque belongs to the staff of McKinney.
Chief Executive Officer, David Weinstein, noted it was poignant to celebrate yet another milestone, sharing that the facility ranked #36, and that the number may not sound like a super score, but it’s significant, considering “there are approximately 625 nursing homes in New York State. That puts us in the top 5 percent of all facilities.”
Weinstein praised the dedicated and skilled staff who breathe life into the facility and has set upon a course to separate “us from the rest of Brooklyn nursing homes by providing excellent clinical and quality of life programs.”
“Today CMS ranks five stars in staff and five stars in our quality measures and four stars overall. We are making history every day. Our common bond today and throughout our history is resilience,” said Weinstein.
He also noted that the now, NYS Health + Hospitals McKinney, made history in 1997 when the facility was named after the first black woman to earn a medical degree in NY and only the third in the nation.
“How fitting that we celebrate our US News Ranking along with Black History Month as proven examples of fortitude,” he concluded.
Everyone commended the superlative, professional, work of the staff of the years-old institution. Remarks came from David Forbes, DED, Ann Marie Whyte Akinyooye, CNO, and M.D., Senior VP, Chief Medical Officer Machelle Allen.
Thanks to the exceptional production put on by Trinidad-American, Angela Cooper, communications director, who served as emcee, and against paintings curated by Pierre Chauvel, COTA, the institution was also presented with a Proclamation by Chief of Staff, Anita Taylor, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke’s office, a Citation from Malcolm McDonald director constituent services, Office of Mayor Eric Adams, and a Citation by Anderson Fils Aime & Freda Zurita, Sen. Zellnor Myrie’s Office.
The colorfully dressed residents enjoyed the inspiring celebration highlighted with a ‘Drumology’ by Earl & Friends. A libation and musical rendition of Miriam Makeba’s hit song by Angela Cooper, and a spoken word poet titled: ‘I Dream A world’ by April Ann James, Dir. Rehab Services, were lustily applauded.
Additionally, gripping performances of “Black Is” by Valerie McLeod Katz, ‘Stand Up’ from “Harriet by Kendia Maisonneurve, RN, and a Black History Tribute in song by Samuel Clark, director, Training, & Dev., all made the celebratory event a total success.
