Message From the Executive Director, Winter 2025-26

Dear 1199SEIU Members,

Happy New Year! As we begin this exciting new chapter together, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on everything we accomplished this past year. I am grateful for every step we took, every challenge we met and every new idea we embraced on our health journeys.

As I’ve listened to your stories, I continue to be inspired by your dedication and determination. In this issue, we highlight 1199er Merlene Hardy, a Registration Associate at Northwell Health, who received a wake-up call when she was diagnosed with prediabetes. You can read about her transformative journey by visiting her member profile page.

Stories like Merlene’s remind me how often a diagnosis becomes the catalyst for meaningful change. Whether it’s hypertension, diabetes or any other diagnoses, 1199ers are taking charge and turning their health around. At the same time, your health benefits are here to support you well before any issues arise. That is why Preventive Care is at the heart of our journey together—and why it serves as the foundation of our emerging theme and philosophy for 2026: Healthy Now, Healthy Later. This approach is about taking simple, achievable steps today that will help protect your health for years to come. With care and intention, the Benefit Funds have added resources and programs to support you and make it easier for you to continue living your healthiest life. I hope you’ll take a moment to learn more in this edition of For Your Benefit.

You’ll also find information about The Choice Is Yours—a new web page that brings together details and links to our healthy living partner programs such as Ochsner Digital Medicine, WeightWatchers®, FlyteHealth and Virta.

I’m also pleased to share that Season Three of our Health Is the Key podcast is officially live! This year, we’re leveling up with more video episodes, an exciting mix of guests and even a few surprise giveaways along the way—so you won’t want to miss a moment. If you want to catch up on any earlier episodes, you can find them at Health Is The Key or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

And don’t forget that our 2026 calendar is now available. You can request a copy or download it by visiting our Member Calendar page. This year’s calendar continues our Members’ Voices series—monthly videos that celebrate your stories and keep us inspired throughout the year.

To help us keep you informed, please verify your contact information. Visit www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/member-contact-form to ensure we can reach you with news about the latest programs and resources.

As we move into the new year, let’s carry this momentum forward by continuing to learn, grow and believe in the power of our health journeys. Together, we’ve got this, and the Benefit Funds will be here every step of the way!

In good health,

Donna Rey, EdD

Executive Director, 1199SEIU Benefit and Pension Funds

CEO, 1199SEIU Funds Administrative Operations