One Brooklyn Health System Update: Enhancing Care and Community Wellness

Are you curious about the latest developments in healthcare right here in Brooklyn? Staying informed about your local health system is crucial for ensuring you and your loved ones receive the best possible care. One Brooklyn Health System (OBHS) is a cornerstone of our community's well-being, constantly evolving to meet the diverse needs of Brooklyn residents.

This comprehensive One Brooklyn Health System update will dive into the recent advancements, community initiatives, and ongoing commitment of OBHS to provide high-quality, accessible healthcare. What new services are available? How are facilities being improved? And what does this all mean for you and your family? Let's explore together.

Understanding One Brooklyn Health System: A Foundation of Care

One Brooklyn Health System was established in 2016 as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing healthcare services across Central Brooklyn. It's an integrated health system comprising three vital hospitals with deep historical ties to their communities: Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, Interfaith Medical Center, and Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, along with their affiliated facilities.

The core mission of OBHS is clear: to provide greater access to high-quality medical care, keep communities healthy through an integrated system that respects diversity, and address the unique health needs and factors that shape them. In 2018, OBHS received significant capital funding of $664 million from the New York State Department of Health's Health Care Facilities Transformation Program, as part of the "Vital Brooklyn" initiative. This funding was earmarked for developing an extensive ambulatory care network, critical infrastructure improvements, and a new Health Information Technology Platform, all aimed at transforming healthcare in the borough.

Recent Strides: Key One Brooklyn Health System Updates

One Brooklyn Health System is continually investing in its facilities, technology, and staff to improve patient outcomes and experiences. Here are some of the notable recent updates:

Advanced Technology for Better Diagnoses

A significant enhancement comes with the addition of a state-of-the-art GE NM 830 Nuclear Medicine Camera at OBH's Interfaith Medical Center. Funded by the Kings County Transformation Grant, this cutting-edge technology offers substantial advancements in the diagnosis and management of a wide range of conditions, including:

• Cardiovascular issues: Such as coronary artery disease and myocardial contractility.
• Oncologic (cancer) conditions.
• Renal (kidney) and Gastrointestinal issues.
• Pulmonary (lung) and Orthopedic conditions.

What does this mean for patients? It translates to enhanced diagnostic accuracy, more comprehensive imaging (including SPECT or tomographic images), greater patient comfort and convenience due to its non-invasive nature and increased weight limit, and significantly faster diagnosis and treatment times.

Recognized for Excellence in Patient Care

One Brooklyn Health System's commitment to high standards of care has earned it national recognition. OBHS received the prestigious 2025 Get With The Guidelines®-Heart Failure Award from the American Heart Association. Additionally, One Brooklyn Health @ Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center has been recognized with the American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke quality achievement award, underscoring its dedication to ensuring stroke patients receive appropriate, research-based treatment. These accolades reflect the system's focus on improving patient outcomes in critical areas.

Transforming Facilities for the Future

The evolution of One Brooklyn Health System also includes significant facility transformations. Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, for example, is undergoing a change to become the "KJMC Medical Village." This transformation is part of a broader vision to re-envision the future of healthcare in Brooklyn, ensuring modern and efficient environments for patient care.

Beyond the Walls: One Brooklyn Health System's Community Commitment

OBHS understands that health extends beyond hospital walls. The system is deeply involved in community health, actively working to address health disparities and promote wellness throughout Central and Northeast Brooklyn.

Empowering Health Through Community Initiatives

One Brooklyn Health System regularly hosts events aimed at directly engaging with and empowering the community:

• Annual One Brooklyn Health Fair: On June 22, 2024, Brookdale Hospital Medical Center hosted the annual health fair, providing free blood pressure checks, health assessments, and educational resources on topics like nutrition, mental health awareness, and preventive care strategies. These fairs serve as vital opportunities for staff to connect with residents and build trust.
• National Trauma Awareness Month Event: On May 16, 2025, OBH Brookdale Hospital held its 3rd Annual National Trauma Awareness Month event. This symposium, led by OBH's Violence Intervention Through Advocacy and Leadership (VITAL) program, brought together survivors, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to discuss trauma-informed recovery, community care, and systems change. The VITAL program also provides crucial bedside crisis support, case management, and access to mental health services.
• Root to Wellness Food Box Program: OBHS's Office of Community Health and Health Equity released an impact report in July 2025 for its 2023-2024 Root to Wellness Community Supported Agriculture Food Box Program, highlighting efforts to combat food insecurity.

Addressing Social Determinants of Health

Recognizing that factors like food security, housing, and safety significantly impact health, OBHS works collaboratively with community partners to address social determinants of health. This includes initiatives focused on food insecurity, violence prevention, youth mentorship, and affordable housing. By engaging in participatory action research with residents, OBHS aims to develop community-led solutions to improve overall health.

Navigating Your Health Journey with One Brooklyn Health System

Staying connected with One Brooklyn Health System is easier than ever. For general information, their website provides details on services, frequently asked questions, and ways to find a doctor within their network.

Regarding current health guidelines, mask use at OBH campuses and ambulatory sites is now optional, unless indicated for a specific communicable condition, recommended by Employee Health Services, or in designated areas such as patient rooms on inpatient clinical units.

Addressing Past Challenges and Moving Forward

Transparency is key in healthcare. It's important to acknowledge that One Brooklyn Health System experienced a cyberattack in late 2022, which affected the personal information of over 235,000 patients. This incident led to a class-action lawsuit, which received preliminary approval for a $1.5 million settlement in November 2024, with a final approval hearing scheduled for February 2025.

In response to the incident, OBHS stated it was reviewing existing data protection policies and training protocols, and implementing enhanced security measures and additional monitoring tools to reduce future risks. While such incidents are concerning, OBHS's ongoing commitment to strengthening its systems and resolving past issues demonstrates its dedication to patient safety and trust.

Conclusion

One Brooklyn Health System continues to be a vital healthcare provider for the Brooklyn community, demonstrating a strong commitment to enhancing patient care, embracing innovative technology, and deeply engaging with the community's health needs. From advanced diagnostic tools and national recognitions to impactful health fairs and programs addressing social determinants, OBHS is striving to create a healthier Brooklyn.

By staying informed about these One Brooklyn Health System updates, you empower yourself to make the best healthcare decisions for you and your family. Have you experienced the positive impact of OBHS firsthand? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is One Brooklyn Health System?

One Brooklyn Health System (OBHS) is a not-for-profit, integrated healthcare system established in 2016. It comprises Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, Interfaith Medical Center, and Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, along with their affiliated facilities, all working to enhance access to high-quality healthcare services in Central Brooklyn.

What services does One Brooklyn Health System offer?

OBHS offers a wide range of services, including primary care, behavioral health, cardiology, and a Diabetes Center of Excellence. They also provide advanced diagnostic imaging, substance use disorder treatment, and various community health initiatives focusing on preventive care and addressing health disparities.

How can I stay informed about One Brooklyn Health System's initiatives?

You can stay informed by visiting the official One Brooklyn Health System website for news and announcements. They also host regular community events like health fairs and trauma awareness symposiums, which are often publicized locally.

Has One Brooklyn Health System had any recent issues?

Yes, One Brooklyn Health System experienced a cyberattack in late 2022 that affected the personal information of over 235,000 patients. A class-action lawsuit related to this incident received preliminary settlement approval in November 2024, with a final hearing scheduled for February 2025. OBHS has stated they are implementing enhanced security measures to prevent similar incidents.