1199SEIU Funds

Blog

  • 1199SEIU Retirees Count on Their Defined Benefit Pension

    1199SEIU Retirees Count on Their Defined Benefit Pension

    1199SEIU Retirees Count on Their Defined Benefit Pension

    A defined benefit pension is a rare benefit for most workers today. But for eligible 1199SEIU members, your monthly pension offers additional financial security and peace of mind in your retirement. But don’t just take it from us—hear what 1199SEIU retirees have to say about their pension benefit.

    Your Virtual Pension Counselor

    If you’re thinking of retiring soon, it’s important that you understand your pension benefit and know what you need to do to apply for it. To help, we’ve created this video series that will take you through the application process. Watch all seven episodes, or click on any one that interests you. We hope you enjoying meeting your Virtual Pension Counselor!

    Pension Counselors

    We also encourage you and your spouse to schedule an appointment with one of our Pension Counselors. Our pension experts will explain your benefits and help you understand all your options so that you can make the choices that are right for you. Call us at (646) 473-8666 or contact us online.

    For a full description of your Pension Plan, check your Summary Plan Description.

  • Q&A with Dr. Van Dunn: Why It’s Important to Have a Primary Care Physician

    Q&A with Dr. Van Dunn: Why It’s Important to Have a Primary Care Physician

    fyb-qa-stock

    Q&A with Dr. Van Dunn:

    Choosing a primary care physician (PCP)—and scheduling regular visits—is one of the best things you can do to protect your health. As reported in the journal Health Affairs, researchers found that patients who have a PCP can better manage chronic diseases, have lower overall healthcare costs and report greater satisfaction with their care. We asked our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Van H. Dunn, to share his views on why it’s important to have a PCP.

    Q: Why not just see a doctor at an urgent care center?
    A: We encourage you to visit an urgent care center or retail clinic instead of an emergency room when your doctor is unavailable, but it is not a substitute for regular medical care. The providers there will treat you for whatever issue you are currently experiencing, but by choosing a PCP, you’ll receive treatment from someone who knows you, such as whether you have a family history of heart disease or if you smoke or exercise. The more your PCP knows about you, the easier it is for him or her to spot warning signs that an urgent care provider might miss, and to better treat you when you’re sick and help you make healthy lifestyle changes.

    Q: What’s the benefit of having a PCP?
    A: Putting the focus on prevention is important, so finding a PCP who will help you stay ahead of any medical issues is critical to maintaining good health. A study in Health Affairs reported that patients who have a PCP reported higher levels of satisfaction with their care than patients who didn’t have one.

    Q: So having a PCP can actually improve your health?
    A: Yes. Your PCP can provide one-stop preventive care, through screenings for conditions such as diabetes and cancer, to help you avoid health issues down the road. In fact, according to a study in the International Journal of Health Services, patients who live in states with a larger number of PCPs display better health outcomes and experience fewer deaths from cancer, heart disease and stroke.

    Sources: Dr. Van H. Dunn; National Institutes of Health; Health Affairs; International Journal of Health Services

  • New York City Honors Teacher from the 1199SEIU Future of America Learning Center

    New York City Honors Teacher from the 1199SEIU Future of America Learning Center

    On June 6, the New York City Department of Education honored Nila Johnson, a Pre-Kindergarten lead teacher at the 1199SEIU Future of America Learning Center (FALC), with a 2016 Big Apple Award. The Big Apple Awards program celebrates New York City educators who inspire students, model effective teaching and improve their school communities.

    The 2016 Big Apple Award recipients were chosen from a pool of more than 4,600 nominations that represent a diversity of grade levels, subject areas and each of the five New York City boroughs. In addition to continuing their work in the classroom, these educators will serve as Big Apple Fellows during the 2016-17 school year. They will also serve on the New York City Schools Chancellor’s Teacher Advisory Group, which meets monthly to discuss citywide education policy, share teaching practices and receive training in leadership development.

    Presenting Johnson with the award at FALC, New York City Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña said, “I am happy to congratulate Nila Johnson because she is making an impact at FALC, and I celebrate her with this well-deserved recognition.” 1199SEIU Child Care Funds (CCF) Executive Director Vivian Fox, CCF Chief of Staff Rossmery Dais and FALC’s Chief Operating Officer Bonnie Lou Mallonga were also on hand to celebrate Johnson’s achievement. Mallonga, who nominated Johnson for the award, said, “Nila has shown major prowess as a leader and facilitator of meaningful learning experiences. She has shown leadership and commitment to the Center, to the children and to the families served.”

    For more information on FALC or any of the programs offered by the 1199SEIU/Employer Child Care Corporation and the 1199SEIU Child Care Funds, visit our Child Care Fund pages or call (212) 564-2220.

     

    Carmen Fariña, New York City Schools Chancellor; Bonnie Mallonga, FALC Chief Operating Officer; Vivian Fox, CCF Executive Director; Nila Johnson, Pre-Kindergarten lead teacher at FALC; and Rossmery Dais, CCF Chief of Staff.
    Carmen Fariña, New York City Schools Chancellor; Bonnie Mallonga, FALC Chief Operating Officer; Vivian Fox, CCF Executive Director; Nila Johnson, Pre-Kindergarten lead teacher at FALC; and Rossmery Dais, CCF Chief of Staff.

  • Improving Cancer Patient Care

    Improving Cancer Patient Care

    fyb-improving-patient-cancer-care-featuredIf you or a loved one has been diagnosed with any type of cancer, you already know that hearing the news can be frightening. But your Benefit Fund wants to help you get the best, most appropriate care for your condition. Not every cancer requires chemotherapy, but some do. Similarly, some cancer diagnoses call for intensive interventions right away, including surgery, radiation and chemotherapy treatments. That’s why we’ve expanded our partnership with eviCore healthcare, a company that uses established, evidence-based processes to support your doctors in pursuing the most effective course of treatment for you. This helps maintain consistency in diagnoses and treatment plans, and also helps limit your exposure to unnecessary and potentially harmful treatments.

  • Pre-RN Lab Coat Ceremony Recognizes 12 Graduates

    Pre-RN Lab Coat Ceremony Recognizes 12 Graduates

    pre-rn-lab-coat-ceremony-2016-three-w-balloons-medThe annual Pre-RN Program Lab Coat Ceremony took place on May 23, 2016, and featured 12 graduating students. The students received official lab coats and were given Florence Nightingale pins to acknowledge their accomplishment. The ceremony showcased the students’ Capstone Project: a three month long assignment where they participated in a series of video production workshops and conducted interviews focusing on new and emerging diseases. At the ceremony, students presented their findings in three short videos.

    The graduates also spoke about how the Pre-RN program helped prepare them for college. Several credited the discipline, time management skills and self-confidence they developed in the program as keys to success in higher education. Kimberly Tolentino, R.N. , a 2008 Pre-RN alumna and an Oncology Nurse at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital, praised the program, saying “I was pushed beyond what I thought were my limits and reminded that I could do anything that I set my mind to.”

    The Pre-RN Program aims to increase both the availability and diversity of the New York City nursing workforce by preparing high school students to seriously consider nursing professions. As part of the program, teens are engaged in a rigorous Saturday academic schedule taught by Dr. Carmelita Blake. Topics as wide-ranging as anatomy, physiology, and public speaking are covered.

    All student internships are administered under the guidance of Carla Lowe, a Registered Nurse who gives students’ crucial on-the-job experience by taking them on site visits to various institutions. Students take tours of the hospital, meet nursing staff, and are trained on how to “scrub in.” Hospital tours are geared toward the student’s area of interest and concentration. By partnering with institutions like Montefiore Medical Center, Bellevue Hospital, Mt. Sinai Hospital and others, the Pre-RN program provides young people with the opportunity to explore nursing careers through fieldwork and hands-on experience.

    Photo Gallery

  • Support Educational Opportunities for NYC Home Care Workers

    Support Educational Opportunities for NYC Home Care Workers

    Support Educational Opportunities for NYC Home Care Workers

    Every day, 1199SEIU home care workers provide essential services to thousands of elderly, infirm and disabled New Yorkers. Their work allows home care clients to live independently in the comfort and safety of their own homes. The 1199SEIU Home Care Industry Education Fund (formerly the Bill Michelson Home Care Education Fund) helps workers obtain the education they need to improve their careers and to enhance the quality of services they provide to their clients.

     

  • Patricia Blount of Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital

    Patricia Blount of Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital

    Patricia Blount of Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital

    With a family history of diabetes and high blood pressure, Patricia Blount made changes to her lifestyle and lost almost 30 pounds before she developed a more serious health condition.

    As a Social Worker and certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital, Patricia Blount has dedicated her career to helping people get healthy before a chronic illness leads to serious—even life-threatening—consequences. But early last year, Patricia herself found that she was “at least” 20 pounds overweight. She also knew that her family history of high blood pressure and diabetes put her at an increased risk for health problems.

    Fortunately, Merle Warren, her friend, co-worker and fellow 1199SEIU member, was beginning to make healthy changes in her own life and had begun walking in the area around the hospital where they both work. “I wasn’t having health problems yet, but my clothes didn’t fit right and I felt tired and uncomfortable almost all the time,” Patricia said.

    “I started noticing Merle walking on her lunch break, and she would stop by my desk to talk about how it was making a difference.” (Merle was featured in our Fall 2014 edition of For Your Benefit.)

    “I am so happy with the changes I’ve been able to make and, of course, with the results and the way I feel. Now, I just want to pass these healthy habits on to others!”

    Patricia began walking on her lunch hour, often with Merle when their schedules would allow it, and said she started to notice a difference after only a few weeks. Encouraged by the good feeling that she couldn’t entirely explain and the support from her friends, she kept up her routine and also began to change her diet. She started to bring fresh fruit to work every day and replaced sugary beverages with water. For lunch these days, Patricia most often has a salad, and between meals—which was once her toughest time—she has given up sweets, substituting more nutritious options like almonds, carrot sticks, apples and oranges.

    After losing 28 pounds and going from a size 14 to a size 10, Patricia said she wants to share her secrets. “I am so happy with the changes I’ve been able to make and, of course, with the results and the way I feel,” she said. “Now, I just want to pass these healthy habits on to others!” And that includes her three grandchildren. “I make sure they eat healthier than they used to,” she said. “We still have ice cream or a brownie now and then, but mostly we stick to yogurt and low-fat smoothies.”

  • Take Charge of Your Health! Connect with a Health Coach Today

    Take Charge of Your Health! Connect with a Health Coach Today

    Banner image for Ochsner

    Take Charge of Your Health! Connect with a Health Coach Today

    health-coachDid you know that some people pay hundreds of dollars for a single session with a personal coach to help them lose weight or quit smoking? Fortunately for you as an 1199SEIU member, you can take advantage of the Benefit Fund’s free Health Coaching Program by calling (866) 935-1199, Option 2. If you’re trying to lose weight, your health coach will show you how to eat a healthier diet — and reduce your risk for Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. Want to kick the cigarette habit for good? Your coach will help you schedule a quit date and manage nicotine cravings.

    So don’t go it alone: Call now!

    Health Coaching for Diabetes and Heart Disease

    The 1199SEIU Health Coaching Program can also help you manage a chronic condition. If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes or heart disease, a health coach may contact you to help you with your
    condition and provide support. If you are contacted by the Health Coaching Program, we urge you to take advantage of this free and valuable resource.

  • Members Honored at Training Fund Graduation Ceremony

    Members Honored at Training Fund Graduation Ceremony

    TEF ceremony 2014-15 mediumMore than 900 1199SEIU members were recognized recently for upgrading their job skills as the healthcare industry undergoes broad and fast-paced changes. The annual 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds’ (TEF) graduation ceremony, which took place at the Sheraton Hotel in midtown Manhattan, was attended by about 600 of the graduates who completed a training program in 2014-2015 – another 400 family and friends packed the ballroom. Attendees also included Funds and Union leadership, executives from the League of Voluntary Hospitals and Homes of New York and from participating hospitals and public officials. New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, who served as keynote speaker, recognized the graduates and applauded the partnership efforts that further the education of New York healthcare workers, helping strengthen the industry’s workforce and improve the quality of care.

  • The Citizenship Program—a Benefit Provided by the 1199SEIU Benefit and Training Funds—Celebrates a Milestone and Honors Members Who Became U.S. Citizens in 2015

    The Citizenship Program—a Benefit Provided by the 1199SEIU Benefit and Training Funds—Celebrates a Milestone and Honors Members Who Became U.S. Citizens in 2015

    Gerry Hudson, Executive Vice President, Service Employees International Union (SEIU)
    Gerry Hudson, Executive Vice President, Service Employees International Union (SEIU)

    We’ve reached a milestone since the inception of our Citizenship Program in 2001, with a total of more than 10,000 1199SEIU members having become U.S. citizens. On Friday, January 29, about 200 of last year’s 739 new citizens attended the program’s 14th Annual “Celebration of Our New Citizens” at Fund Headquarters. The new citizens proudly showcased traditional clothing from their native countries, which included Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Honduras and dozens more.

    Deborah King, Executive Director of the Training and Employment Funds, welcomed the new citizens and their families before commending them for their perseverance to achieve such a meaningful goal. Later, Estela Vazquez, an Executive Vice President at the Union, led the new citizens in the Activist Pledge, which highlights the benefits and the responsibilities of citizenship. Mitra Behroozi, Executive Director of the Benefit and Pension Funds, also congratulated the new citizens on their achievement and encouraged them to be active participants in civic affairs. In the evening’s keynote address, Gerry Hudson, Executive Vice President of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), spoke of one of the SEIU’s core missions: to help defend immigrants’ rights and sow the threads of a multi-cultural nation. To hasten that goal, Gerry urged the new citizens to head to the polls and make their voices heard in the fall elections.

    Three of the celebrants — one from the National Benefit Fund, one from the Greater New York Benefit Fund and one from the Home Care Benefit Fund — also spoke about their personal journeys to become U.S. citizens. Suyapa Garcia Diaz, a home care worker originally from Honduras, told everyone in attendance that she fully intends to exercise her right to vote in the upcoming presidential election. “My vote will make a difference,” she said.

    Please join us in congratulating these 1199SEIU members on earning their U.S. citizenship!