A Message from President Riley

By Office of the President | Sep 17, 2024

Dear Downstate Community,

As we observe National Hispanic-American Heritage Month, we honor the rich legacy, dynamic contributions, and vibrant traditions that Hispanic and Latino communities bring to our nation. At Downstate, we take great pride in encouraging an inclusive environment that reflects the diverse tapestry of Brooklyn and the broader community.

We extend our profound appreciation to our Hispanic and Latino students, faculty, and staff, who embody the values of hard work and pride. We also celebrate their indispensable contributions to the strength and success of this great institution.

One of our distinguished Hispanic leaders is Hermann Mendez, M.D., whose groundbreaking work in the fight against HIV/AIDS, especially among infants and children, has made a lasting and profound impact. As one of the first pediatricians to recognize and address perinatal HIV transmission in the U.S., Dr. Mendez’s pioneering efforts have shaped the care systems for HIV-affected families throughout Brooklyn.

Through his establishment of the Brooklyn Pediatric AIDS Network (BPAN) and impactful research collaborations, Dr. Mendez helped transform HIV from a once-fatal disease to a manageable condition. His passion for mentorship and education inspires the next generation of healthcare providers. During Hispanic-American Heritage Month, we proudly recognize Dr. Mendez’s contributions, highlighting Latino professionals’ critical role in addressing health disparities in underserved communities. Read more about Dr. Mendez.

This month also marks Sickle Cell Awareness Month, drawing attention to this pressing public health issue, particularly in underserved areas like Central Brooklyn, where sickle cell disease disproportionately affects African and Hispanic populations. Brooklyn, home to New York City’s largest African-American population and a growing Hispanic community, is responsible for addressing these disparities. Learn more about sickle cell disease in this informative video. 

In Central Brooklyn, sickle cell disease remains a challenge, affecting nearly 1 in 365 African-American births and 1 in 16,300 Hispanic-American births. We dedicate ourselves to expanding resources, education, and services to support individuals and families facing this disease.

And finally, I look forward to celebrating our upcoming White Coat Ceremony—a defining moment for our new medical students. This ceremony represents their dedication to serving our diverse communities and focusing on health disparities in particularly the most vulnerable populations who rely on us for equitable healthcare.

I still remember receiving my own White Coat more than 30 years ago, and every year, I am filled with that nostalgia and pride as our future physicians commemorate this milestone, surrounded by family, friends, and faculty.

Let us take this time to reflect, celebrate, and continue our noble mission of service.